+51 966 719 040 | 986 826 782 [email protected]
+51 966 719 040 | 986 826 782 [email protected]

Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip – Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour

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Expedition Train Round Trip
  • Expedition Train Round TripStart Time: 04:00Available: 10 seats
  • Vista Dome Train Way - Expedition Train ReturnStart Time: 04:00Available: 10 seats
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Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip Details
Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip - Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu with our carefully crafted Machu Picchu day trip. Experience one of the world’s most revered archaeological treasures firsthand. This is the highly recommended adventure you’ve been waiting for. This is a chance to step back in time and breathe in the mystery and magnificence of a long-vanished civilization.

Your journey starts from Cusco, a city nestled in the Peruvian Andes. Cusco brims with a rich tapestry of Inca and Spanish colonial history. From here, you’ll travel to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary relic of the Inca civilization perched high above the Urubamba River.

The adventure begins at the train station of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you’ll embark a comfortable train heading towards the small town of Aguas Calientes. Nestled in the deep valley beneath Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes serves as the gateway to our destination. 

As the train carves its way through the Sacred Valley, soak in the awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains. Simultaneously, lose yourself in the sights of lush, vibrant forests. You can also marvel at the majestic sight of the Urubamba River.

Once in Aguas Calientes, we provide you with bus tickets for the final steep ascent to Machu Picchu. The road snakes up the mountainside, revealing increasingly breathtaking views with every turn. This part of the journey, although short (around 8.7 miles or 14 kilometers), will be etched in your memory forever.

Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip:

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, you’ll be greeted by our expert tour guide. Together, you’ll uncover the secrets of the ancient citadel, including the mystical Temple of the Sun. You will also explore the heart-stopping terraces that gracefully line the hills. 

The guide will provide insights into the history, culture, and daily life of the Inca people. Their expert narration will transform your visit into an immersive experience.

Depending on the time and your preferences, you may choose to hike up to Huayna Picchu. Alternatively, you could visit the entrance of the renowned Inca Trail. Each offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities of the sprawling ruins below. 

Please note that entrance tickets to these areas are not included in the standard tour. You will need to book them in advance as access is limited to 500 people a day. 

No Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip would be complete without exploring the local cuisines, traditions, and markets of Aguas Calientes. After your Machu Picchu tour, we’ll return to this lively town to round off your day with some local experiences.

Besides this popular day trip, our Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour also include extended treks like the Salkantay treks. These tours offer multi-day hikes that take you on an adventure through the mountains. They also provide a deeper exploration of the region.

In short, our Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip provide an unforgettable experience, combining beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural immersion. Book your trip today, and take the first step towards the adventure of a lifetime.

Why experience your Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip with us?

Choosing to embark on a full-day Machu Picchu tour with the Cusco Travel agency promises an experience that’s as enriching as it is memorable. Here are a few compelling reasons to take this step:

  • Expertise and Local Knowledge:

Our guides are not only experts in their field but also locals with deep connections to the region. They’ll provide unique insights into the history, culture, and daily life of the Inca people that you won’t find elsewhere.

  • Comprehensive Planning:

We meticulously plan every detail of the tour, from transportation and meals to entry tickets and guide services, to ensure you have a hassle-free and memorable experience. We handle the logistics so you can immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu.

  • Variety of Experiences:

Our tour isn’t just about visiting an archaeological site; it’s a journey into the heart of an ancient civilization. From the Sacred Valley’s sweeping landscapes to the bustling market of Aguas Calientes, we ensure you get a diverse and authentic taste of the region.

  • Customized Options:

We understand that every traveler is different. That’s why we offer customizable options like additional hikes to Huayna Picchu or tours of the Inca Trail. We work to make your Machu Picchu experience exactly what you want it to be.

  • Responsible Tourism:

We’re committed to responsible tourism practices that respect the local community and environment. When you choose us, you’re choosing a company that cares about its impact.

  • High Customer Satisfaction:

With a long history of satisfied customers, you can trust in our commitment to providing excellent service. Our goal is to ensure every traveler has an unforgettable experience.

In short, choosing the Cusco Travel agency for your full-day Machu Picchu tour guarantees an adventure that’s well-planned, immersive, and respectful of local culture and environment. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Inca Empire.

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Tripadvisor.

Departure & Return Location

Pick up and drop off in your hotels

Time

Starts at 5:20 a.m.

Ends at 8:00 p.m.

Price Includes

  • Tourist transport Cusco-Ollantaytambo roundtrip
  • Train tickets round trip Expedition PeruRail
  • Tourist Bus Ticket (Consettur)
  • Bilingual professional guide Spanish-English
  • Entrance to Machupicchu circuit 2
  • 24 hour assistance

Price Excludes

  • Meals
  • Lodging in Aguas Calientes
  • Snacks and Tips
  • Vistadome train 65USD more for one way

Recommended to Carry

  • Original Passport (very important)
  • Use sneakers or hiking shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Long-sleeved shirts and Long pants
  • Some Peruvian Soles in cash
Itinerary

Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip - Tour in Machupicchu

The tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco kicks off at 5:20 AM. A tourist transport picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. You will start the journey to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive there at 7:15 AM. The distance covered is approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles). You will have a brief rest here. You can enjoy a light breakfast if you wish.

At 7:45 AM, you will be boarding the PeruRail expedition train (depends on schedule availability). This is the beginning of your scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. You will have sights of the beautiful views of the Sacred Valley from the train.

By 09:15 AM, you will reach Aguas Calientes. The town is nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu. You would have covered approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Cusco by now.

A staff of the agency will meet you at the train station. They will escort you to the bus station. From there, a 30 minute bus ride awaits.

At 10:00 AM, you will begin the bus ride. You will be climbing the zigzag road to Machu Picchu.

You will reach the entrance of Machu Picchu at 11:00 AM. where our guide will wait for you and the group. Machu Picchu nestles at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). This is the highest point of the trip.

Machu Picchu Tour:

From 11:00 AM to 13:30 PM, you will explore Machu Picchu. You will discover the ruins with the guide. You’re on a full-day tour of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

At 2:00 PM, you will start the journey back for the same route. You board the bus to Aguas Calientes where you will have time to lunch and walk aoud the square and visit the handicraft market

At 04:22 PM, you will board the expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (is very important will be 30 minutes before). The journey is calm and relaxing.

You will arrive at Ollantaytambo at 6:00 PM. A vehicle will be waiting with sign with your name to take you back to Cusco for 2 hours aproximatly and dropp you off at your hotel 20:00 pm

 

Here are the trip’s statistics:

  • Total distance covered: Approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles) round trip.
  • Highest altitude: 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) at Machu Picchu.
  • Lowest altitude: 2,040 meters (6,690 feet) at Aguas Calientes.
  • Level of difficulty: Moderate. There are many steps and uneven surfaces at Machu Picchu.
Photos
FAQs

How many people visit Machu Picchu a day?

Access to Machu Picchu Citadel is limited to 2500 people a day. However, local authorities are planning on accommodating 3500 visitors a day post-pandemic. 

Can you do Machu Picchu in one day?

Yes, you can do Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco. The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel at 0300 AM. You will be driven to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station for a train ride to Aguas Calientes. Then you will take a 25 minutes bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu sanctuary. You will then have two hours guided tour. After the tour, you will be taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes where you will be boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. You will then be transferred back to Cusco.

How many days to do Machu Picchu?

Ideally, Machu Picchu can be done on a full-day tour from Cusco. However, if you want to experience leisurely you can choose the two-day tour with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes town. If you are planning on hiking the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek then you will be able to do it in three to five days depending on the route you choose. 

Is Machu Picchu open every day?

Yes, Machu Picchu is open every day, including weekends and public holidays from 0600 AM to 0530 PM. 

How many days do you need in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu tour can be done in one day (three hours in the sanctuary). However, if you want to experience leisurely you can choose the two-day tour with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes town. If you are planning on hiking the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek then you will be able to do it in three to five days depending on the route you choose. 

How many days does it take to hike Machu Picchu?

It normally takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Machu Picchu citadel by hiking from Aguas Calientes town. If you are planning on hiking the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek then you will be able to do it in three to five days depending on the route you choose. 

1 Review
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Rachel

Couple Traveller

The full-day trip to Machu Picchu was amazing. The agency did really take care of everything. The 30 minutos bus ride from Aguas Calientes was an ideal choice instead of the hike. Totally recommended

February 7, 2019
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