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The Apus Peru Machu Picchu Extension – add a visit to Machu Picchu onto just about any trek in Cusco!
Getting off the beaten path in Peru does not have to mean missing out on visiting one of the world’s greatest wonders of the world, Machu Picchu! Although the Inca Trail is the only trek that has you walk right into Machu Picchu on the last morning of the trek, you can easily combine a visit to Machu Picchu with any alternative trek in Peru.
Our one-day Machu Picchu Extension is the perfect way to see another side of Peru while also visiting the jewel of Cusco. For most treks, we pick you up in our private vehicle at the end of the trail and drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes. After spending the night in a Standard hotel in Aguas Calientes, you have the chance to visit Machu Picchu the next day, before heading back to Cusco.
The Machu Picchu Extension is available for the following treks:
High quality personalized experience
Unique, off-the-beaten track routes
Experienced staff
Verified sustainability practices
$20 of every trek donated to Threads of Peru
Cusco can experience every season in a single day, so you should be prepared for sun and rain, cold and hot weather! We recommend a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sweater, rain gear or plastic poncho, winter hat or toque and gloves. In addition, you should bring:
You can also see What To Bring for our comprehensive recommendations on what to pack for a trek in the Andes. For more great suggestions, check out our blog about How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru.
We offer you the opportunity to personalize your trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.
Important!
Remember that scans of the student card (for students) or passports (for children) need to accompany the booking in order to be eligible for the discount.
Want to join a trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!
Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!
The Machu Picchu Extension: For most routes, on the last day of your trek, you will be transferred to Ollantaytambo where you will catch the train to Aguas Calientes. The exact train time depends on your trekking route and the distance from Ollantaytambo, as well as train availability. You will be advised of your train schedule at your Pre-trek Briefing. Enjoy a celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a Standard hotel before tucking in for the night, in anticipation of the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
For the Choquequirao to Espiritu Pampa 15D and Vilcabamba to Espiritu Pampa 8D treks, you are transferred to Santa Teresa instead of Ollantaytambo, where you will catch the train from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes.
Before dawn, we will take a bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu for a chance to appreciate this famous city in the early morning light. Relax and take in the majestic feel of this ancient Incan construction, or get swept away gazing out over the surrounding verdant mountains. Your guide will give you a 2-3h walking tour of the historic citadel.
If you’re feeling adventurous you may wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, but take note: this requires an extra permit, and they can sell out well in advance! Be sure to tell us at booking if you would like to add one of these hikes. For more tips on what to see, check out our Visiting Machu Picchu page.
Want more time to explore? Consider our Extra Day Upgrades.
We return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon by the Expedition (tourist class) Train where we will be met by our private car who will take us the rest of the way to Cusco. You will arrive in Cusco approximately 4 hours after your train’s departure from Aguas Calientes.