Machu Picchu Day Tour | Full Day Machu Picchu Tour

Duration
Full Day
Service
Group
Pickup
Hotel
Cancel
Non-refund
Guide
Difficulty
Easy

About this experience

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour, ideal for travelers short on time who still want to experience the magic of the Inca citadel in just one day. Beginning early in the morning from Cusco, this carefully designed Machu Picchu day tour includes comfortable train rides through the Sacred Valley, breathtaking Andean scenery, and a professionally guided exploration of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders.

 Your adventure starts with a scenic transfer to the train station, where you’ll board a panoramic train bound for Aguas Calientes, admiring stunning views of the Andes and the Urubamba River. After a short bus ride, you’ll reach the entrance of Machu Picchu, ready to explore with your pre-booked ticket. Since both train and entrance tickets sell out quickly, we handle every detail so you can fully enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco without stress.

Inside the citadel, your expert guide will take you through its most fascinating sectors, revealing the history, spirituality, and mysteries of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll walk along ancient terraces, sacred temples, and hidden viewpoints that capture the grandeur of the Inca civilization. For travelers seeking even more adventure, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offer unmatched panoramic views of the region. This Machu Picchu full day tour ensures a seamless and unforgettable journey from Cusco to the Lost City of the Incas and back, giving you the chance to connect deeply with Inca culture and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Full Day Machu Picchu Tours

Your Machu Picchu full-day tour begins in the early hours of the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 3:45 AM. After a comfortable transfer through the Sacred Valley, you’ll arrive at the train station in Ollantaytambo and board one of Peru’s scenic trains. The journey by rail lasts about one hour and forty-five minutes and is filled with extraordinary views of the Andean mountains, small villages, and the rushing Urubamba River. This part of the experience is often a highlight in itself, as the train ride builds anticipation for the moment you finally enter Machu Picchu.

 

Once you arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes, your tour guide will greet you at the main square and explain the next steps, including your bus tickets, entrance ticket, and guided tour of the Inca citadel. Before boarding the bus, you’ll have a little free time to enjoy breakfast or explore the town. A short but scenic 30–35 minute bus ride then takes you up the mountain road, delivering you to the entrance gate of the sanctuary.

 

Around 10:00 AM, it’s time for the long-awaited moment: you’ll step through the gates and enter Machu Picchu. With your professional tour guide, you’ll spend approximately two hours exploring the most iconic parts of Machu Picchu, such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Sundial, the ceremonial sectors, and the agricultural terraces. Your guide will bring to life the history, culture, and mysteries of the site, giving you a deeper understanding of why Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Throughout the guided tour, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, framed by dramatic peaks and lush valleys.

 

After completing the circuit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on the train schedule, you’ll have some free time to relax, shop for souvenirs, enjoy lunch, or even visit the thermal hot springs. In the late afternoon, you’ll board your return train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our driver will meet you and transfer you back to Cusco, arriving around 10:30–11:00 PM at Plaza San Francisco, just a few blocks from the main square.

 

This Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco is designed to make the most of your time, combining efficient logistics with a complete guided visit to the Inca citadel. Whether it’s your first time in Peru or the realization of a lifelong dream, the tour to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable journey filled with history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes—all in just one day.

Day Statistics:

  • Total distance covered: 220 km round trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
  • Maximum altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level at Machu Picchu.
  • Minimum altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level at Aguas Calientes.
  • Route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
  • Difficulty: Moderate, requires walking for 2 hours inside Machu Picchu.
Note: itineraries are subject to change.

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco (historic center) and return transfer
  • Tourist transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back
  • Round-trip train tickets (Expedition or Voyager service)
  • Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Pre-booked entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (subject to availability)
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English) inside Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour through the main parts of Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours)
  • Assistance from our team throughout the journey

What's not included

  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner not included unless specified)
  • Accommodation in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs or snacks
  • Tips for guide or driver
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional hikes to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu (additional cost, subject to availability)
  • Upgrades to luxury train services (Vistadome or Observatory) unless booked in advance

Frequently asked questions

We answer your questions about this tour

1 What type of train is included in this tour?

Our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour includes the Expedition Train by PeruRail or the Voyager Train by Inka Rail, both offering comfort and scenic views of the Sacred Valley during your journey to Aguas Calientes.

2 Can I choose a different train service for the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour?

Yes, you can upgrade to premium options such as the Vistadome Observatory Train, which offers panoramic windows and onboard cultural experiences, for an additional cost. Contact our travel agents via WhatsApp for a personalized quote.

3 When is the high season for visiting Machu Picchu?

Our peak seasons include major Peruvian festivities: Holy Week (April 7–11), Inti Raymi (June 20–25), National Holidays (July 28–31), All Saints’ Day (November 1–4), and Christmas & New Year (December 23–January 1).

4 Which circuit is included in the Machu Picchu Day Tour?

The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour includes Circuit 2, which covers the most iconic viewpoints and key Inca structures. However, availability is limited, so it’s essential to check with our team via WhatsApp or live chat before booking.

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$325
per person
WhatsApp
Traveler Experiences

What our travelers say about our Machu Picchu tours

Our reputation is built on the experiences of real travelers. With more than 1,200 verified reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, we are consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 — one of the top-rated Machu Picchu tour operators in Cusco.

4.9
out of 5 based on
PS
MR
DK
AC
SE
+1k
+1,200 reviews
See all on TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Google

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Google

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Google

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Google

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Google

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Google

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago