Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Discover Machu Picchu in One day from Cusco
Machu Picchu One Day tour Itinerary
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Your Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco begins early in the morning with a convenient pickup from your Cusco hotel. We'll take you to Ollantaytambo via private transportation on a 1.5-hour journey through the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the Andean views along the way. Here, we'll board the train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the incredible views from your panoramic tourist train on a 1.5-hour journey.
Upon arriving at Aguas Clientes, we'll board an uphill bus that will take us directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You'll have a guided tour of the citadel for approximately 2.5 hours. You'll follow the tour you've booked (1, 2, or 3 hours depending on availability). You'll explore the most iconic areas of Machu Picchu. Your professional guide will take you to the best spots, such as the viewpoints, terraces, and temples, where you can take incredible photos. You'll also have some free time to explore on your own. You'll be incredibly moved by the Inca architecture and its innovation.
Optionally, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. To do this, you must notify us in advance if you wish to hike and reserve your tickets (not included in the tour price). It is definitely an experience we recommend because it will be absolutely worth it.
We'll descend back to Aguas Calientes, and you'll have some free time to explore and have a bite to eat at your own expense. Then, we'll wait for our return train to Ollantaytambo, which departs around 2:30 or 3:20 p.m., depending on availability. The trip will also take 1.5 hours along the same beautiful route. In Ollantaytambo, we'll board our private transport, which will return you to Cusco, and your trip will conclude.
What’s Included in Machu Picchu full day tour
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco (if you are in the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, or Calca, please inform in advance).
- Round-trip train tickets for the Expedition or Vistadome trains (subject to availability). If you prefer the Vistadome Observatory or Hiram Bingham trains, the cost is additional.
- Round-trip Conssetur bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu entrance.
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1, 2, or 3, depending on availability).
2.5-hour guided tour of the Inca citadels in English or Spanish. - Free time in Aguas Calientes after the tour.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank on board for altitude assistance.
- 24/7 customer service before and during the tour.
What’s not Included in Machu Picchu one day tour
- Meals do not include breakfast or lunch, however, you will have free time to eat in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (available at an additional cost and subject to availability).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff.
- Unexpected expenses due to weather.
What’s to bring on Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco
- Original passport or ID: Required for entry to Machu Picchu; it must match your ticket.
- Machu Picchu entrance: We will provide it for your entry.
- Backpack: Maximum 25L allowed for Machu Picchu entrance. Bring only the essentials. If you have a larger backpack, you will be asked to leave it at the entrance.
- Comfortable shoes: waterproof with good grip for uneven terrain.
- Layered clothing: The weather can change quickly, even during the dry season.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: the sun is strong.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture the best views and photos (drones are not allowed).
- Cash in soles: For lunch, some places only accept cash.
- Personal medication
What’s NOT bring to Machu Picchu
- Hiking boots or shoes: Wear comfortable footwear. The Machu Picchu one-day tour is not a complicated tour, so you should be comfortable.
- Pack plenty of clothing: Bring light clothing and something for rain; it’s not necessary to carry too much.
Suitcases or large bags: You must have your luggage and carry it. - Drones: Drones are not allowed in Machu Picchu and may be confiscated.
- Illegal substances: Bringing illegal substances into any tourist destination is not permitted.
- Trash: As we focus on sustainable tourism, it is recommended not to bring disposable items.
FAQs About Machu Picchu tour from Cusco
How do you get Machu Picchu?
There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
- The most popular way is to take the tour route: take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to Machu Picchu. It’s the most convenient way to get there.
- You can take a hike to Machu Picchu, such as the Inca Trail. Multi-day hikes are always challenging, but the experience is worth it. The trek lasts four days, and you’ll enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the original entrance to the citadel. You can also take other treks, such as the Salkantay, Lares Trek, or Inca Jungle.
What is the best time of year to do a Machu Picchu One day trip?
The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because it offers clear skies and incredible photos. However, it’s the busiest season, with large crowds and high prices. During the rainy season, there are fewer crowds and cheaper prices, but there are occasional downpours.
How far in advance do I need to book my tickets to Machu Picchu?
To take Circuit 2, which is the most popular route for taking the classic photo, it’s necessary to book two to three months in advance, especially during peak season. If you’d like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll also need to specify this when booking.
What are the best trains for a Machu Picchu day trip?
The best trains are Peru Rail Expedition and Vistadome, which are the best value options. There is also another company called Inca Rail, which has fewer trains than Peru Rail. There are also luxury options, such as Hiram Bingham and Vistadome Observatory, which include live shows, meals, and a completely different experience.
Are meals included on the Machu Picchu one-day tour?
No, but you’ll have time for lunch in Aguas Calientes and a local restaurant. Remember to bring cash; some places don’t accept credit cards. If you’d like us to reserve lunch in advance, please indicate this when booking your tour.
Can we pick you up from other place like Pisac, Sacred Valley, Calca?
Of course! We can pick you up anywhere other than Cusco, but you’ll need to let us know in advance. Just make sure you’re staying in a hotel with easy access. If you’re in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, staying near the train station is best.
Which circuit should I choose for my trip to Machu Picchu?
If you want a classic photo, you should choose tour 2. However, this tour is in high demand and sells out quickly. Tour 1 is another option for trekkers and will give you a panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. If it’s no longer available, you can opt for tour 3. Although you won’t get a main photo of Machu Picchu, you’ll get to see the fortress in detail. Consult with your agency before booking.
Travel info
Weather
Machu Picchu has a subtropical climate.
- The dry season, from April to October, is the best time for clear photos and cool nights.
Rainy season: - November to March, with a higher chance of precipitation, averages 59°F–72°F during the day.
Best places in Machu Picchu
- The Intihuatana Stone
- Sacred Rock
- Temple of the Sun
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Upper Terrace and
- Mountain Route to Machu Picchu
- Inti Punku
- Inca Bridge
- Residential Sector
- Machu Picchu Plaza
Reserve
Request a quote
Talk an Especialist
One of our specialists will respond to your travel request as soon as possible.
GALLERY
Recommended Tours
Here are other options that will better suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a long or short trip to Peru. Check out our itineraries and contact us to design one just for you.Here are other options that will better suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a long or short trip to Peru. Check out our itineraries and contact us to design one just for you.
Latest News
Also, check out our latest blog trends. We’ve compiled all the key information you need to stay informed and have a successful trip to Peru. Discover guides, places, routes, important dates, ticket information, and everything you need to know to have a successful trip tailored to your desired destination and date.