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Machu Picchu Full Day from Cusco

A world wonder in a single day

  • Cusco
  • 1 day
  • Group or private

Experience overview

Visit the world's most famous Inca citadel in one day: panoramic train, bus up to the site and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Discover Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a day trip from Cusco. You’ll travel by train through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River, ride the bus up to the citadel and explore its temples, plazas and terraces with a professional guide.

An experience designed for travelers who are short on time but don’t want to miss Peru’s greatest icon.

  • Duration1 day
  • DepartureCusco (hotel pickup)
  • RouteCusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
  • GroupGroup or private
  • DifficultyModerate
  • LanguagesSpanish, English

Highlights

  • Guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
  • Train ride through the Sacred Valley
  • Free time in Aguas Calientes

Itinerary

  1. Morning Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Transfer and train through the Sacred Valley

    Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo station (approx. 2 hours).

    Train ride through the Sacred Valley, with views of the Urubamba River and snow-capped peaks, to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1 h 30 min).

    Upon arrival, your guide will meet you to take the bus up to Machu Picchu (approx. 25 minutes).

  2. Midday Guided tour of Machu Picchu Inca citadel

    Guided tour of approx. 2 to 2 h 30 min through the citadel, following the assigned circuit:

    • Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Three Windows
    • Main Plaza and agricultural sector
    • Intihuatana and artisans' quarter
    • Panoramic views of Huayna Picchu

    Time for photos from the viewpoints.

  3. Afternoon Aguas Calientes – Cusco Return

    Bus ride down to Aguas Calientes and free time for lunch and to explore the town.

    Afternoon │ Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.

    Approximate arrival at your hotel. End of services.

What's included

Included services

Transportation

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
  • Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco transfer
  • Round-trip tourist train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes)
  • Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu

Entrance & Guide

  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Professional guide at the citadel
  • Assistance throughout the trip

Not included

Meals

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Drinks and snacks

Optional

  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Other

  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance or medical assistance
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Original passport or national ID (DNI) (required for the train and entry)
  • Small backpack (large backpacks are not allowed in the citadel)
  • Poncho or waterproof jacket
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent and a cap
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Comfortable sneakers
  • Cash for lunch and personal expenses

Entry to Machu Picchu is by circuits and time slots assigned by the Ministry of Culture, and spaces are limited: we recommend booking in advance. Times are approximate and may vary depending on the season, the weather and your hotel pickup time. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least one day early to acclimatize to the altitude.

Prices

Price per person based on number of travelers
No. of travelersPrice per person (USD)
Shared service (per person) USD 405 Best price

Approximate price per person for shared service. Ask us about group and private service rates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport?

Yes. The original document used to purchase the ticket is required to board the train and to enter Machu Picchu.

How far in advance should I book?

Entrance tickets have daily limits. In high season (May to September) we recommend booking several weeks in advance.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu?

Yes, as an optional add-on subject to availability. Spaces are very limited and there is an additional cost; let us know when you book.

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