Machu Picchu full day trip from Cusco
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Journey from Cusco through the Andes and cloud forest to experience the history, beauty, and magic of Machu Picchu in one unforgettable day.
Cancellation policy
Review the supplier policy below before booking.
Duration 1 day
Duration supplied by the experience provider.
Languages
Spanish, English
Group size
1–16 travelers
Full description
Your Machu Picchu Day Adventure
Experience Machu Picchu in one unforgettable day from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Begin with hotel pickup and travel to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the Expedition Train for a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley and cloud forest to Aguas Calientes.
Meet your guide and take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. During a 2.5-hour guided tour, discover the terraces, temples, ceremonial spaces, and viewpoints included in your confirmed circuit.
We request Circuit 2 whenever available, as it provides one of the most complete classic Machu Picchu experiences. If it is sold out, we will book the best available option on Circuit 1 or Circuit 3 for your travel date and entrance time.
After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own. Later, take the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by vehicle to your Cusco hotel.
Tour Highlights
- Small-group experience with an English-speaking guide
- Round-trip Expedition Train through the Sacred Valley
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Machu Picchu entrance and shuttle buses included
- Approximately 2.5 hours inside Machu Picchu
Times depend on the confirmed train and entrance tickets.
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Begin with pickup from your Cusco hotel at approximately 4:00 a.m., depending on the train schedule. Travel to Ollantaytambo and board the Expedition Train for a scenic 1.5-hour journey beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.
Your guide will meet you upon arrival and accompany you on the 30-minute shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a fascinating 2.5-hour guided tour through the terraces, temples, ceremonial spaces, and viewpoints included in your confirmed circuit.
After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Lunch is not included. Later, board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by vehicle to your Cusco hotel, arriving at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Tour Details
- Duration: Approximately 16 hours
- Transportation: Round-trip Expedition Train, Machu Picchu buses, and Cusco–Ollantaytambo transfers.
- Machu Picchu tour: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu citadel)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths
What’s included
Included
- Guide
- Transfer
- Entrance fee
- Hotel Transfers: Pickup and drop-off in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
- Expedition Train: Round-trip journey between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu Buses: Round-trip shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes
- Entrance Ticket: Admission to Machu Picchu
- Professional Guide: Experienced English-speaking local guide
- All Transportation: Transfers throughout the tour
Not included
- Not IncludedMeals: Not provided during the tour.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended but not included.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña tickets
- Extra Upgrades:Panoramic Trains: Option to upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Panoramic trains.
- Private Tour: Upgrade to a private tour, in which the tour guide travels with you from and back to Cusco. Contact us for more details.
Important information
Meeting point
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Don’t forget
Book Early: Reserve your tickets and tour in advance, especially during peak season. Passport Details: Required for each traveler at the time of booking: Passport name Passport number Expiration date Country Pickup time: We also provide pickup from Airbnbs and other locations in Cusco’s Historic Center at around 4:00 a.m., and from Urubamba and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley at around 5:00 a.m. Acclimatize First: Spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your visit. Walking: Travelers should be comfortable with stairs and uneven stone paths at Machu Picchu. Children: Must be accompanied by an adult. Optional Mountains: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Montaña require separate tickets and advance booking. Daypack: Bring a small backpack of up to 25 liters for your essentials; larger backpacks must be stored in lockers. Passport or ID: Bring the original passport or ID used to make your booking; it is required to enter Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Ticket: Provided on the day of your tour. Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers for changing temperatures. Rain jacket or poncho: especially during the rainy season Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Insect Repellent: Recommended for mosquitoes and other insects. Water Bottle: Carry a refillable bottle to stay hydrated. Snacks: Bring light snacks or energy bars. Camera: Perfect for capturing the scenery and special moments. Cash: Carry some cash, as card payments may not always be available. Travel light and bring only what you need for the day. Weather around Machu Picchu can change quickly, so comfortable layers and rain protection are always recommended.
Cancellation policy
All sales final
Your host
VE
Verified Local Host
With GetExperience since 2026
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