Published on Feb, 2025
We chose CuscoPeru to organise our day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, and we couldn’t be happier with that decision. With limited time, we wanted to hike Huayna Picchu (an add-on to Circuit 3) and also complete Circuit 2. After far too much research, we found CuscoPeru’s online explanations of the different options and ticket combinations to be the clearest and most informative.
From start to finish, CuscoPeru proved to be a highly professional outfit. Eduardo responded promptly to our initial inquiry, ensuring all tickets were secured well in advance. The day before our tour, Efrain met us at our hotel to meticulously go over the itinerary, provide all necessary tickets, and give us thorough instructions, which he also sent via WhatsApp for easy reference—an incredibly helpful touch that put our minds at ease for the long day ahead.
At 4 AM, Angel picked us up and skillfully navigated the pre-dawn drizzle to Ollantaytambo Station, where we arrived right on schedule for our train to Aguas Calientes. We took the Voyager train up and the Vistadome back—the latter offering slightly more comfort, some sweet entertainment, and even a humorous fashion show! The journey itself was extraordinary, with the scenery shifting from farmland to lush jungle, soaring peaks flanking both sides, and the train appearing to hover over the rushing river in some sections.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a CuscoPeru representative met us and guided us to the bus station, ensuring we knew exactly where and when to board. With about an hour to spare, we grabbed a much-needed coffee and a light breakfast before catching the bus up to Machu Picchu—a breathtaking 30-minute ride with precipitous views along the way!
At the entrance, we met our guide, Jhon (Ian), who confidently introduced himself as “the number one guide.” At first, I thought he was joking, but after seeing him in action—his knowledge, passion, and the clear respect from other guides—I realised he wasn’t exaggerating!
Machu Picchu is breathtaking in photos, but nothing prepares you for its sheer magnificence in real life. Ian’s deep understanding and love for the site transformed our visit into something far beyond mere sightseeing. The steep climb up Huayna Picchu was challenging but absolutely worth it for the unparalleled perspective it offered. After returning to the ruins, we took a quick snack break before starting Circuit 2, where Ian continued to provide expert insights (and helped us capture plenty of great photos!).
By the end of the tour, we were more than ready for a celebratory beer back in town—perfectly timed with the start of heavy rainfall, which thankfully held off during our visit! Our train back to Ollantaytambo departed on schedule, and, as promised, Angel was waiting for us upon arrival to drive us back to Cusco.
This was a long day—starting at 4 AM and returning around 8 PM—but absolutely worth every moment. The CuscoPeru team should be incredibly proud of the seamless experience they provide. Highly recommended!
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