Machu Picchu Full Day Trip from Cusco

Tour Highlights

• Book with Confidence & Flexibility –
  Reserve easily online with secure payments and flexible balance options.
• Door-to-Door Service –
  Start and finish your tour right at your Cusco hotel with all transfers included.
• New Wonder of the World –
  Visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, in a
  single, perfectly organized day.
• Scenic Train Journey –
  Travel by train from the high Andes into the cloud forest, following the
  Urubamba River through spectacular valleys and canyons.
• Expert Local Guides –
  Explore with professional native tour guides who share stories about the citadel’s
  architecture, history, and daily life.
• Stress-Free Logistics –
  We take care of train tickets, bus tickets, entrance fees, and transport so you can
  simply relax and enjoy the experience.

In just one day, travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back—with comfortable transport,
expert guiding, and zero hassle.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco •
Total Duration: Full day (approx. 16 h)

Your Machu Picchu experience begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in
Cusco (around 04:00, depending on train schedule). Travel by private transport through
the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the train to
Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).

The 1.5-hour train ride starts in the high Andes and gradually descends into the cloud
forest. Watch as the landscape transforms while the Urubamba River
winds its way toward the Amazon basin—it’s one of the most beautiful train routes in
Peru.

On arrival in Aguas Calientes, your tour guide will meet you at the
station, show you the main streets of town, and give you a little free time to explore
or grab a coffee. Then you’ll head to the bus terminal for a 30-minute scenic ride up
the mountain to Machu Picchu.

After passing the checkpoint, enjoy a 3–4-hour guided tour of
Machu Picchu. Your English-speaking guide will lead you through the
most important areas of the citadel—temples, palaces, terraces, plazas, and
viewpoints—explaining Inca engineering, daily life, and the latest theories about this
once-hidden city.

After the guided visit, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, take photos,
or simply sit and absorb the atmosphere. When you’re ready, take the bus back down to
Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon or evening (according to your train time), board the return train back
to Ollantaytambo. From there, a comfortable bus will bring you back to Cusco and drop
you off at your hotel. The estimated arrival time is around
20:30.

• Hotel pick-up: Around 04:00 (depends on train schedule)
• Train ride: ~1.5 hours each way (Expedition or Voyager)
• Bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu: ~30 minutes each way
• Guided tour: 3–4 hours in Machu Picchu
• Meals: Not included
• Hotel drop-off: Around 20:30 in Cusco

Everything That’s Covered

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco
• Round-trip transportation Cusco ↔ Ollantaytambo by bus or private vehicle
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition or Voyager)
• Train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo (Expedition or Voyager)
• Shuttle bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Professional, highly trained local tour guide (English-speaking)
• 3–4-hour guided tour inside the Machu Picchu citadel
• All necessary transfers, with the tour finishing back at your hotel

Price & Discounts

Special Day Trip Price

Special price per person: USD $299
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To book the Machu Picchu Day Trip, you need to make an initial payment of
USD $200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online, in
installments, or in Cusco with any credit card—no booking fees.

Student Discount

• All travelers under 17 receive a USD $30 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under at the time of travel can receive up to
  USD $40 off with a valid student ID. Please email us in advance so
  we can provide a discount code.

Deposit: $200 pp to secure your booking •
Balance: pay online or in Cusco •
Booking Fees: 0% when using our secure payment system.

Smart Packing Guide

This is a long but easy-going travel day. You don’t need big luggage—just bring a small
daypack with the essentials to stay comfortable from early morning to night.

Essentials

• Valid, original passport (photocopies are not accepted)
• Valid student card (if you booked with a student discount)
• Small, good-quality daypack (light and comfortable)
• Reusable water bottle

Clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• Light layers (T-shirt and long-sleeve top)
• Warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening
• Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Sun cream with high SPF and protective lip balm
• Bug spray / insect repellent
• Any personal medication you may need
• Hand sanitizer and tissues

Extras

• Camera or smartphone with extra battery or power bank
• Extra snacks: power bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit
• Cash (soles) for lunch, drinks, and souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Machu Picchu Day Trip last?

The tour usually runs from around 04:00 until approximately
20:30, depending on train availability. It is a full-day experience
with early departure and evening return.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves walking around Machu Picchu on uneven stone paths and some stairs,
but there is no long trekking. Most travelers with a moderate fitness level can
complete the visit comfortably at a relaxed pace.

Do I need to be acclimatized to the altitude?

Cusco stands at about 3,400 m (11,155 ft), while Machu Picchu is lower at
about 2,430 m (7,972 ft). We recommend spending at least one night in Cusco
or the Sacred Valley before the tour to help your body adapt to the altitude.

What train service is included, and can I upgrade?

The standard tour includes round-trip train tickets on Expedition or
Voyager services. Upgrades to panoramic or luxury trains are
available on request for an additional cost, subject to availability.

Are meals included?

No. Meals are not included in this tour. You can bring snacks with you
and choose your own restaurant in Aguas Calientes for lunch.

Can I upgrade to a private tour?

Yes. You can upgrade to a fully private guided experience at Machu Picchu and/or
private transport. Let us know when booking, and we’ll customize the tour to your
preferences.

What should I know about timing and tickets?

Exact departure and return times may vary depending on train schedules and ticket
availability. We always choose the best available option and will confirm your pick-up
time and train details in your final itinerary.

What Covid-19 measures are in place?

We follow local health and safety protocols, including temperature checks, use of
masks in public areas when required, frequent sanitizing of vehicles and shared
surfaces, reduced group sizes where necessary, and 100% online payments with flexible
booking policies during the COVID-19 period.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance—especially during high season
(May–September)—to secure the best train times and Machu Picchu entrance slots.

How to Book Your Machu Picchu Day Trip

1. Choose your date:
   Check availability on our website or contact us with your preferred travel date and
   number of travelers.
2. Confirm your preferences:
   Decide if you prefer standard or panoramic trains and whether you’d like a shared or
   private guided tour.
3. Pay your deposit:
   Make a USD $200 deposit per person via our secure online payment
   system. The remaining balance can be paid online in installments or in Cusco with a
   credit card—no booking fees.
4. Send your details:
   Complete the passenger form with passport information, student data (if applicable),
   and your hotel address in Cusco for pick-up.
5. Receive your confirmation:
   We’ll send you a detailed confirmation including your train times, pick-up hour,
   what to bring, and important tour information.
6. Enjoy your adventure:
   Be ready in your hotel lobby on the day of the tour—our team will handle all
   logistics while you enjoy an unforgettable day at Machu Picchu.

Reserve your Machu Picchu Day Trip today with a small deposit, and let us handle every
detail so you can focus on the journey.