Cusco , Peru

1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco

Active

(161 reviews)

12h - 14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get to know the sanctuary of Machu Picchu on a 1-day tour from the city of Cusco. Designed for those who’s time in Peru is limited, your private tour will take you door to door to the Inca city and back to your hotel in Cusco in just 1 day.

Your private tour to Machu Picchu includes a round trip private car journey through the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo. Followed by a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Every step accompanied by your own personal tour guide and their local knowledge of the region and its history.

Your 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu will take you on a journey through the history of the Incas and the most important archaeological sites inside the citadel. These include the panoramic viewpoint, temple of the sun, central plaza, solar observatory (Intiwatana), palace of the Inca, temple of the condor and the iconic stepped terraces.

An unforgettable day packed full of bucket list moments that will surely leave you amazed!

Available options

Group Tour + Expedition Train

Group Guided Tour Duration: 10 hours Van: Group Between 10 to 15 people Train tickets: Expedition train round trip Pickup included

Private Tour + ExpeditionTrain

Customized Private Tour Duration: 10 hours Private Guided Tour Comfortable Private Van Train tickets: Expedition Train round trip Pickup included

Private Tour + Vistadome Train

Customized Private Tour Private Guided Tour Van: Group between 12 to 15 people Train: Vistadome Train round trip Pickup included

What's included

Round trip bus tickets : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Round trip train tickets : Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu citadel

Private and comfortable transportation - round trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Pick-up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco

Professional English and Spanish speaking tour guide

Detailed itinerary

5:30 AM Start the amazing tour of Machu Picchu with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco in our private transportation, to later be transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train to go to the town of Aguas Calientes.

7:45 AM Enjoy an exciting train ride to Aguas Calientes, the experience of the trip depends on the type of train you have chosen. Travelers can choose between the Expedition and Vistadome trains. On the way you will see beautiful natural landscapes with a duration of approximately 1h 50min. This is an unforgettable experience full of local charm.

Stop 3 Pass by

9:45 AM Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the small town located at the base of the famous Machu Picchu, your guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it at the Aguas Calientes train station. With him you will go to the bus station to ascend 400 m high, by a short road, for approx. 30 minutes to reach the incredible wonder of the world “The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu”, known as “The Lost City of the Incas”.

Stop 4

10:30 AM Upon arrival at the citadel of Machu Picchu we will pass a checkpoint where your guides will provide you with your entrance tickets, then follow your guide along the main roads to see the admirable ancient Inca engineering. You will be guided for 3 hours (approx.) by your expert guide, who will explain all the history, culture and designs of the entire sanctuary of Machu Picchu. You will get to know closely the most outstanding places of Machu Picchu, such as the sacred sundial, the Royal Quarters, the main square and the Temple of the Three Windows, among others. After your guided tour of Machu Picchu's most important sites, you will have free time to explore and enjoy this wonder of the world completely on your own. After the unique experience of visiting Machu Picchu we will take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Stop 5 Pass by

2:00 PM Once you arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes you will have free time to have lunch at one of the restaurants recommended by your guide or visit a bit of the town before going to the Aguas Calientes train station. At 3:48 PM we Board the train and relax after spending the whole day in Machu Picchu on the striking train ride to Ollantaytambo.

5:45 PM Upon arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo we will be waiting for you with a sign with your name to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private transportation in 1h 30min approx.

7:30 PM you arrive to Cusco city and you will be transfered to your hotel, (this is not a specific time, it varies depending on the different factors of the tour) leaving you at your hotel, so you can rest after the incredible tour of Machu Picchu and thus ends this magnificent experience.

What's not included

Drinking water and snacks

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

146 reviews

5★

138

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Our agency is distinguished for offering excellent tourist experiences, where quality is the central axis of each service. We strive to maintain the highest standards at every stage of the tour, ensuring that, even in the group tour, our passengers enjoy a carefully designed service, with touches of quality and personalized attention that exceed expectations.

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Raincoat (long poncho) during the rainy season

Sunscreen, brimmed hat for sunny days

Medicine and / or personal items (liquid for contact lenses).

A backpack or lightweight suitcase (no weight limit between 5-6 kilos maximum).

Have on hand checks in small denominations and coins in soles or dollars.

MANDATORY: The Machu Picchu authority requests: full name, passport number, date of birth and nationality, in order to issue the entrance ticket. If you do not send this information we will not be able to reserve and subsequently pay for your tickets to Machu Picchu.

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is *NOT REFUNDABLE*, so we kindly ask you to be 100% sure to take the tour. *DATE CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. If you need to change the date of your visit, you must purchase a new entrance ticket.

Due to the high demand and the limited number of entrances to the Inca citadel, our company will issue your entrance ticket in circuit 2 as a priority. If it is not available, circuit 3 or 1 will be assigned, prior coordination with the passenger before issuance.

The type of transportation you will receive from Cusco - Ollantaytambo and Ollantaytambo - Cusco, will depend on the option you have chosen when booking the tour (PRIVATE OR GROUP).

Round trip train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are included in the tour.

Machu Picchu has two seasons throughout the year: the rainy season from December to March, and the dry season during the rest of the year.

The day before the tour, your guide will come to your hotel or Airbnb to give you a briefing about the entire tour and answer any questions you may have.

To coordinate your briefing, our company staff will contact you weeks or days before the tour, to inform you about the briefing time, who is guiding, etc.

The start of the tour in GROUP is at 4:30 AM, it may vary depending on the location of the hotel or Airbnb or some other factor, that will be well coordinated in their respective briefing. In the PRIVATE tour the departure time is a little more flexible, at 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, that is coordinated before with the traveler in their respective briefing mentioned above.

The guided tour inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu lasts approximately “3 hours”, and it is always private (ONLY YOU AND YOUR COUPLE OR YOUR COMPANIONS) even if you have chosen to book the “Group Tour”.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Minimum age is 18 years

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions