Cusco Machu Picchu Express: Inca Wonder Day Trip Review

Thinking about seeing Machu Picchu, yet you are short on time? The ‘Cusco Machu Picchu Express’ might be something for you to consider, more or less. It packs the high points into a single day. Many wonder if you can really get a feel for the magic of Machu Picchu on such a speedy trip. So, I’m going to share what the trip’s really like, tell you what to look out for, that’s why you may see this as very helpful if you’re planning your own visit.

Why Choose a Day Trip to Machu Picchu?

Time, or lack thereof, seems to be what drives the demand for express tours. People often try to fit a Machu Picchu visit into a tight vacation schedule. Maybe you have only a week in Peru. It could be you also want to explore the Amazon or check out Lake Titicaca. A day trip makes Machu Picchu accessible. The downside could be that you get less time at the site, something you really want to consider, I guess.

Also, you want to factor in the altitude if coming straight from sea level. Cusco sits way up there. A quicker trip means you might not fully acclimatize, that’s quite serious. Then, of course, there is that cost thing. Believe it or not, a day trip is not always cheaper than a multi-day visit, when all is said and done.

What to Expect From the ‘Express’ Experience

The ‘Cusco Machu Picchu Express’ kicks off super early, seemingly at an ungodly hour. Most tours will pick you up between 3 AM and 4 AM. From there, you transfer to Ollantaytambo, to, hop on a train. This part is almost a two-hour train ride via beautiful scenery, so that is cool.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, you get on a bus that winds up to Machu Picchu itself. That’s probably around 30 minutes or so. The whole way takes a while, of course, so don’t go thinking that is going to be done fast. With most tours, you get about four hours to walk around the site. A guide walks with you so they can show all the key areas. Plus, they get the full history for you. By late afternoon, anyway, you head back to Aguas Calientes to catch the train and bus back to Cusco. This thing ends late, expect to reach Cusco past 9 PM, actually.

Highlighting the Pros

The intensity of seeing Machu Picchu in person stays in your memory forever. Getting this experience without eating up days of your travel schedule is just amazing, frankly. The tours are usually well-organized. They also deal with transport and tickets. The guides really know so much about the area, I would suggest listening to what they say. For many, it provides an easier route to check off that Inca site from their travel bucket list.

Acknowledging the Cons

You spend a lot of time traveling. Getting four hours at Machu Picchu might leave you thinking it’s all pretty fast. Plus, this speedy tour makes adjusting to the altitude way harder. It means you may well deal with dizziness or headaches. Also, you ought to prepare for larger crowds. Express tours sometimes line up with peak visiting times, you may find. This can make your tour somewhat less intimate. All that rushing might not allow you the chance to totally absorb the powerful atmosphere around you. That could really be a waste.

Making the Most of Your Day Trip

Book tickets well in advance to dodge possible let-downs, seemingly, very important. Dress so that you’re layering to deal with all types of temperature, because it is rather changeable there. Wear hiking boots because they really make the climbing bit far easier. Bring some water and small snacks with you, for sustenance. Keep your camera on the ready for the breathtaking stuff, to be fair. Try to stay relaxed, not running about constantly. Try to take breaks, too, and really absorb what is there, to be honest.

Essential Packing List for a Whirlwind Visit

• Passport: You will not be getting far without this, basically!
• Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Machu Picchu involves a whole load of walking on uneven ground.
• Layered Clothing: The weather changes, often! Think rain jacket, fleece, hat, the like.
• Sunscreen & Hat: The sun at high altitude will sneak up on you.
• Insect Repellent: Bugs can get rather annoying, quite so.
• Water & Snacks: Important for all energy levels during those hours walking, right?
• Camera: Just don’t forget to put your phone away to properly soak up the vistas.
• Cash: For buying souvenirs or those extra costs that always seem to pop up.

Is the ‘Cusco Machu Picchu Express’ Right for You?

This express tour is a fantastic choice if you find yourself pushed for time, actually. It makes a good fit if your health means that you are unable to do multi-day treks. But be aware that you can see some issues. You do not get lots of time to truly enjoy Machu Picchu and adjust properly to the height. Think really clearly if this suits you.

Other Options: Extending Your Machu Picchu Experience

Consider spending a night in Aguas Calientes. That’s how to extend your visit. This helps spread things out. You could get more than a view, or enjoy the sunrise at Machu Picchu. A stay really improves dealing with altitude changes. It means having some time to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If it fits into your plan, think hard about seeing what adding another day might gain, as you may feel rushed otherwise, alright.

Frequently Asked Questions