Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco

What our customers ask about Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco

• How much time should I spend in Cusco before starting a trek to Machu Picchu?

  Plan to spend 2-3 days in Cusco to adjust to the 3450m elevation before starting your trek. This adjustment period lets travelers explore key sites like Sacsayhuaman the Cathedral and Plaza de Armas at a comfortable pace. One TourRadar traveler advised: "We spent two days exploring Cusco with our guide Efrain visiting the Sacred Valley and adjusting to the altitude which made a huge difference for the trek."

• What accommodation options are available for tours starting in Cusco?

  Cusco offers accommodations ranging from reliable 3-star properties like Hotel San Augustin in the city center to upscale mountain lodges such as Salkantay Lodge along trek routes. Most tours include a night in Aguas Calientes at properties like El Mapi or Casa Andina. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The Munay Wasi Inn in Cusco was super comfortable and perfectly located near Plaza de Armas making it easy to explore the city between tours."

• What's the average length of tours starting in Cusco to Machu Picchu?

  Tours typically run 2-7 days with most travelers choosing 4-5 day treks on routes like the Salkantay or Lares Trek. These paths take you through notable spots including Humantay Lake Salkantay Pass at 4630m and the Llactapata ruins. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "The journey was perfectly paced over 5 days giving us time to acclimate and enjoy incredible views from places like Salkantay Pass."

• What weather conditions should I prepare for when starting from Cusco?

  Cusco's weather shifts dramatically between seasons and elevations. The dry season from April through October brings clear skies and cold nights. The wet season running November to March sees afternoon rains with milder temperatures. At Cusco's elevation of 3399m temperatures range from 5-20°C. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We experienced everything from freezing temperatures at Salkantay Pass to warm humid conditions in the cloud forest on the same trek."

• What are the most common starting points for tours within Cusco?

  Tours typically depart from central locations like Plaza San Francisco Plaza de Armas or hotels in the historic district. Companies such as Kantu Peru Tours offer free pickup from central Cusco hotels usually between 4:00-6:00 AM for day trips. Multi-day treks often begin at the tour operator's office for equipment distribution. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide picked us up right from our hotel in Cusco's historic center making the early morning departure very convenient."

• How long is the typical travel time between Cusco and Machu Picchu?

  The full journey takes 3-4 hours: a 1.5-2 hour drive to Ollantaytambo followed by a 1.5-2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes then a 25-minute bus up to Machu Picchu. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The journey was very well organized with comfortable transportation - we took the early morning train from Ollantaytambo and arrived at Machu Picchu before the crowds."