Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Overview:
The best day trips from Cusco: Cusco to Machu Picchu by train, where you can discover the wonders of the Machu Picchu ruins. This tour includes a ride from your hotel in Cusco. You will take a train through the beautiful Andes Mountains.
You will also have a guided tour of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. You will have ample time to explore the ruins, take photos, and delve into the Inca culture. The chance to see one of the world’s most famous landmarks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A RABBIT’S RECOMMENDATION: Why Not Take the One-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco? 🙁
A day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco sounds like a great idea. However, there are several travel options to think about for getting there. But here’s the reality: it’s a whirlwind experience with more time spent on transportation than on the site itself.
You’ll wake up before dawn, rush to the train station, and arrive at the citadel with hundreds of other visitors. This is a rare chance to truly explore, connect with the heart of the Andes, or fully absorb the timeless wonder of Machu Picchu.
If you’re seeking more than a brief glimpse, think about embarking on a longer journey. This way, you can connect with this sacred site.
Why Choose a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-Day Machu Picchu Tour Instead?
Multi-day Machu Picchu tours allow you to travel at a leisurely pace, providing ample time to explore the site. You can enjoy cultural and historical stops along the way. You will arrive at the citadel feeling calm, ready, and inspired. Here’s how each option enhances your experience:
2-Day Tour to Machu Picchu
- Ideal for travelers who want more time and less stress.
- Spend the night in Aguas Calientes and wake up early the next day to explore Machu Picchu in all its splendor for two hours.
- Before heading back to Cusco, take a leisurely sunrise tour of Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds.
3-Day Tour: Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu
- In Peru’s Sacred Valley, you can explore and hike. There are ruins of Pisac, the Ollantaytambo temple, and the Chinchero Inca site to see. These sites offer amazing views of the Andes.
- Learn the cultural significance of each site with a knowledgeable guide.
- Rest well before reaching Machu Picchu in a relaxed, meaningful way.
4-Day Tour with Rainbow Mountain of Peru
- Includes a hike and horseback experience along the scenic Rainbow Mountain Trail.
- Ideal for travelers seeking a light hike with a profound impact.
- Integrate nature, culture, and history into a seamless journey through Cusco and the Andes.
5-Day Cultural & Nature Journey
- Discover lesser-known gems like Moray, Maras’s salt mines, and Andean villages.
- Connect with local communities and ancient traditions.
- Slow travel combined with culture and history is ideal for exploring Machu Picchu.
6-Day Complete Andean Experience
- The best way to explore the fantastic sights of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru is with this complete tour package.
- Visit several Inca sites to deepen your spiritual and cultural journey before seeing Machu Picchu.
- Ideal for travelers seeking connection, reflection, and personal transformation.
Machu Picchu Tours
However, we recommend two or more days. We’d be happy to discuss which option you choose.
Is the Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour right for me?
The ins and outs of traveling to Machu Picchu Park from Cusco City
Quick itinerary for the Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
- Pick-up locations: Cusco Hotels or other sites.
- DOOR-TO-DOOR pickup AND RETURN
- CUSCO to OLLANTAYTAMBO train station private transportation at 5:10 a.m.”
- Voyager Train, Machu Picchu, round-trip, Inca Rail train type.
- We will board the train at the appointed time to get to Aguas Calientes.
- The Inca citadel can be visited during a guided tour that lasts two hours.
- No free time or return access to Machu Picchu is permitted. Visitors must purchase a new entrance ticket to re-enter or stay longer at Machu Picchu.
🙂 Please read the itinerary section for more information on the route to and from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo Train Station for the Day Trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Train service from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu Pueblo. Peru Rail offers Vistadome and Expedition classes. The departure times are 7:05, 7:45, 8:00, 8:29, 8:53, 9:15, and 10:32
Machu Picchu Train Station for the Day Trip Machu Picchu from Cusco
Return train from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo village. Peru Rail offers Vistadome or Expedition class train service. The return times are 14:55, 15:20, 15:48, 16:22, 16:43, 17:23, and 18:20.
Highlights of the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
- This guided tour allows you to experience the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu in just one day. You will get an insider’s look at mysterious ruins and take in the majestic views from the Andes Mountains.
- With this tour, you can have a one-of-a-kind and comprehensive experience at Machu Picchu. Visit it to see its top attractions and discover its fascinating Peruvian past.
Why choose Kondor Path Tours
- We are direct operators on this 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco; you will always travel with the Kondor Path Tour.
- We only go on small-group tours that are exclusively private service tours.
- We care about your well-being. That’s why we only hire qualified tour guides. They have degrees from the best colleges and universities in the area. On our Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour from Cusco, you will travel with specialists eager to impart their knowledge.
- Other travel companies do not transport our passengers.
- You can check TripAdvisor reviews for more assurance about our strict punctuality, respect, and tolerance.
Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour from Cusco ITINERARY
Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco: A Unique Way to See Peru’s Most Famous Site. This is a beautiful route to visit the famous Inca site in Peru
The perfect itinerary awaits! This step-by-step guide guarantees you will have an unforgettable time visiting Machu Picchu in just a day. Explore now!
DESCRIPTION OF TOURIST ACTIVITIES
At 5:10, we leave Cusco for the Ollantaytambo train station in our private vehicle. The trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. We board the train service to Machu Picchu Pueblo, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.” Then, we will board the bus service to reach the Machu Picchu Inca citadel.
Train schedule: Outbound Journey
Travel by train to a 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
- Train Company: INCA RAIL
- Travel route: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, Peru, train station
- Class: Voyager train Peru N° 61
- Ollantaytambo’s departure: 7:22
- Arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo: 8:48
Note: Our local guide will wait for you at the Machu Picchu train station
At 9:10 a.m., the bus service to Machu Picchu ruins departs from Machu Picchu Pueblo town. The guided tour to Machu Picchu will begin at approximately 10:00.
Explore the Inca city with our local expert tour guide for about 2 hours. In the afternoon, board the train service back to Ollantaytambo-Cusco.
Our local guide will discuss the history and special features of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. You will have time to ask questions and discuss the mystery of this Inca city. You can learn about unknown issues that you won’t find online about this marvelous wonder. You can also take pictures and enjoy exciting moments.
Activities: Machu Picchu Guided Tour, “2 hours.”
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
Join us for a one-day tour to Machu Picchu. Discover the history of Peru and explore the amazing site of Machu Picchu! Discover magnificent temples, captivating ruins, and a plethora of ancient sites sure to make your jaw drop.
INFORMATIVE NOTE about the Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour:
This year, 2025, there are 10 tourist circuits in Machu Picchu. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has created these circuits to improve visitor flow through the Inca ruins. Circuits 2: Route 2A and Route 2B are the best options for viewing the classic views of Machu Picchu. You can enjoy these views from the Inca Guardian’s house, just like in postcards.
If circuits 2a and 2b are sold out, you can choose other routes. These routes will still give you the classic view of Machu Picchu. This is what we all want on the day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu vacation.
Route 3D Huchuy Picchu Route plus route 1B
Route 3D Huchuy Picchu Route plus route 1D
Route 3A Waynapicchu Route plus Route 1B
Route 3D Waynapicchu Route Route plus Route 1D
Brief description of new circuits for the Day Trip Machu Picchu from Cusco
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu; Route 2 A: This route offers a classic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. You will see the Inca Guard House, Lower Platform, and Upper Platform. There is also a dry ditch and a viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun. Explore the granite chaos, Water Mirrors Set, and Pisonay Square. This area is part of the archaeological reserve.
Machu Picchu Circuit 2; Route 2 B: Lower platform, classic view of Machu Picchu from the Inca Guard House. Upper platform, dry ditch, and the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun. Granite chaos, Temple Square, and sacred rock. Twelve spans (trapezoidal windows), Eastern Barns, and Water Mirror Set. Plaza el Pisonay and Archaeological Reserve
Circuit 3: Machu Picchu or Royalty Circuit
Route 3D: Huchuy Picchu Route
This circuit includes:
- Main barns
- Agricultural area
- Waterway
- Dry ditch
- Temple of the Sun Set
- House of the Inca set
- Water sources
- Water mirrors set
- Pisonay Square
- Archaeological reserve
Machu Picchu Circuit 3: Route 3A Waynapicchu Route
- Main barns
- Agricultural area
- Waterway
- Dry ditch
- Temple of the Sun
- House of the Inca
- Water sources
- Sacred rock
- Twelve trapezoidal windows
- Eastern barns
- Water mirrors
- Pisonay Square
- Archaeological reserve
Detailed information on the new visiting circuits to Machu Picchu applied from January 20, 2025.
After the guided tour, at approximately 14:00, they return to Aguas Calientes on the bus.
- Between 13:00 and 15:42, there is free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch, take a walk, or engage in other activities.
Train schedules: Inbound Journey
Return by train to Cusco after the Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour
- Train Company: INCA-RAIL
- Service: From the Aguas Calientes, Peru, train station to Ollantaytambo
- Class: Voyager train Peru N° 0
- Departure from Aguas Calientes, Peru: 16:12
- Arrival at Ollantaytambo: 17:50
- Arrival in Cusco by transport: 19:40
When you get to the Ollantaytambo train station near Cusco, go to the waiting room. Our driver will be there to meet you. Look for a sign with his name on it.” Group Name: 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
Private transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco: “We will take the group to your hotel in Cusco.”
Walking Distance
Short walks
Hiking Time
2-hour guided tour
Starting Altitude
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Minimun Altitude
Machu Picchu: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Highest Altitude
Poroy Train Station: 3,570m (11,712 ft)
MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY TOUR FROM CUSCO INCLUSION
- Private and personalized tours
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
- Private tourist transport.
- Transfer: Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco.
- Train tickets by INCA RAIL
- Outbound Journey: OLLANTAYTAMBO to MACHU PICCHU—Voyager Train Peru N° 61 Departure at 07:22
- Inbound Journey: Voyager train in Peru from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo. Departure at 16:12
- Entrance tickets to the attractions: ticket to Machu Picchu 2025 – 2026 at 10:00 or 11:00
- Machu Picchu bus tickets (round trip)
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu (2 hours)
- Excellent English-speaking resident tour guide at Machu Picchu.
- All local taxes
There are no inclusions on the 1 day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco.
- Cusco Hotel or Airbnb
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Excess baggage fees: Peru Rail and Inca Rail have changed their luggage policies. One bag or backpack must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) in length, height, and width, or weigh more than 5 kg (11 pounds).
- Insurance of any kind.
- Tips: “guides, chauffeurs.”
1 DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR FROM CUSCO UPGRADE ITEMS
There are several optional upgrades. Here is a quick price list:
Peru Rail’s MACHU PICCHU TRAINS (Train upgrades)
“Enhance your travel with our three Vistadome train services on Peru Rail. These services are available for an extra cost per person.”
Hiram-Bingham train (round trip): $999 per person
ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
- Tourist guide from Cusco with a one-way train: $90
- A local guide from Cusco who travels with you round-trip on the same tourist train costs $140.
- For the “round-trip” transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a fluent English speaker pays $70.
Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour DISCOUNTS
This applies to the following services:
To Machu Picchu
- College students pay $20 per person
- Children from 4 to 17 years old: $20 per person
For train service in Peru, RAIL
- Children aged 3 to 11 years: $50 per person on the Vistadome service.
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour RECOMMENDATION
- Remember that starting on January 1, 2025 – 2026, the ticket has a set registration time:
- 6:00 a.m, 7:00 a.m, 8:00 a.m, 9:00 a.m, 10:00 a.m, 11:00 a.m, Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
- The entrance tickets are only usable once daily, starting at the chosen hour.
Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour from Cusco Cars
What should I pack for the Machu Picchu 1 day tour?
- Original passport!
- A comfortable 35-liter daypack with a belt for day trips and explorations that can hold all of your belongings
- If you want to keep your belongings dry, a rain cover for your backpack is necessary.
- Bring enough padlocks for each double zipper to lock your essentials.
- Bottle of water. We suggest buying large bottles and pouring the water into a reusable bottle. Using plastic bottles is not allowed in Machu Picchu.
- There are many steps and uneven cobblestone surfaces, and the rain can make the stones slick. Wear sturdy walking or hiking boots.
- Storm-proof coat. Here, time moves exceptionally quickly. The best course of action is to always have a high-quality poncho with you, especially during the rainy months of December through March.
- A warm coat. Between June and September, temperatures can drop significantly at night and in the morning. A good waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended.
- A lightweight, waterproof, windproof jacket layered under a warm fleece is a great alternative.
- Good sunscreen and a sun hat are essential in Peru. The country has a high altitude and is close to the equator. This means sunburns can be very uncomfortable. Beware; even if it’s cloudy here, you’ll get burned badly.
- Insect protection, especially for this outdoor activity
- You can buy small first aid kits at pharmacies in Cusco and other towns. These kits have supplies for cuts, bruises, and upset stomachs. However, please bring enough prescription medications, as Peru may not carry all brands and varieties of medicine.
- Sleeping on a bus, train, or in a noisy room requires the use of earplugs.
- A camera with ample memory and a long-lasting battery can capture all the lovely pictures!
- Cash in local currency to purchase items.
- You’ll need extra cash for drinks, souvenirs, and tipping your Kondor Path Tour staff.
Travel Facts about the 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco: Visit one of the most incredible places in South America, Machu Picchu. Spend the day exploring this fantastic site! This comprehensive one-day tour includes your ticket to see it all.
It is a stone structure that the Incas erected 2,400 meters above sea level in the mountains. It is now regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Until Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911, it was known as the Lost City of the Incas—the world’s most frequented location.
A Comprehensive Guide for Your Day Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Machu Picchu, the famous Lost City of the Incas, is a great place to visit all year round. However, some times of the year are better for travelers looking for the best experience. Understanding the seasonal variations can help you plan your visit to maximize enjoyment and minimize challenges.
Dry Season: April to October. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the months listed below. The weather is usually sunny and dry. Clear skies offer stunning views of the ruins and the surrounding mountains.
Shoulder Seasons: April and May, as well as September and October, are great times to visit. You can avoid the busy tourist crowds and enjoy the nice weather.
Wet Season: November to March: From November to March, the wet season brings regular rain. This makes the trails slippery and hard to navigate. However, this period also has advantages, providing a more intimate experience of Machu Picchu.
The rainy season (November–March) and the dry or sunny season (April–October) are consistent with our climate. Machu Picchu is in a tropical area. This means it has warm and humid weather. The temperatures range from 8 °C to 20 °C. The months from April to September have the busiest tourist activity.
The following are options for how to get to Machu Picchu:
By Train: You can arrive by Peru Rail and Inca Rail, which have different services and daily departures. There are two stations, which are the following:
- The car ride from Cusco to Poroy Station takes 25 minutes.
- Minimum cost: S/50.00, one way.
- By bus, Ollantaytambo Station is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cusco.
- Minimum Cost: S/80.00 to S/130.00 soles, one way. Daily bus departures (every 30 minutes).
By bus: The journey from Cusco to Hidroelectrica lasts roughly six hours.
You have two ways to get to Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) from Hidroelectrica. You can take a train or walk for two and a half hours along the railroad.
It is best to find a place to stay in Machu Picchu town upon arrival. This way, the next day, you can take a Consettur bus to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes to reach the main gate.
The alternate route is a one-day tour from Cusco (Aguas Calientes) to Machu Picchu. It takes one hour and thirty minutes to walk from the town.
The exact route is taken on the way back; buses to Cusco depart from Hydroelectrica at 14:00.
By trekking, reaching Machu Picchu may indicate the end of the walk.
Hiking routes include the Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N. There are other trails, such as the Salkantay Trek (5D/4N) and the Lares Trek (4D/3N). You can enjoy the Cocalmayo thermal baths during a 4D/3N Inca Jungle tour. All these trips end with a visit to the Machu Picchu Ruins. You can take a train and bus back to Cusco.
Documents: If you stay at least one night in Machupicchu Village, you need a passport, ID card, or student card. The student card can be international or national, but it must be valid. You also need the right migration card.
Dress for the weather. Wear long pants, long-sleeve polo shirts, a cap or hat, comfortable shoes, and a jacket.
Extras:
- Sunblock
- Mosquito repellent
- Personal medication
- Extra money in soles
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Walking sticks (if your knees hurt)
These are the locations where you can purchase them.
- Casa Garcilaso, Calle Garcilaso, Cusco.
- Opening hours: 07:00–20:00.
- Pachacuteq, Aguas Calientes, and Cusco
- Opening hours: from 05:20 to 20:30.
Regarding entrance tickets, there are limitations due to conservation reasons. These are detailed below:
- Two thousand five hundred daily spaces are available for online booking to access Machu Picchu.
- Access to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: The entrance to the mountain is limited. Only 400 spaces are available. Different groups or schedules can access it.
- Only 200 spaces are available for the first group from 7:00 to 8:00.
- Group 2: There are 200 spots available from 10:00 to 11:00.
- Access to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu: The entrance to the mountain is limited. Only 400 spaces are available. Different groups or schedules can access it.
- First Group: Access from 07:00 to 08:00 in only 200 spaces.
- Second Group: Access from 09:00 to 10:00 in 200 places only.
The Ministry of Culture oversees the entry rules.
Depending on the ticket’s availability, reservations can be made at your convenience or through Kondor Path Tours. If you choose to take this tour, you must purchase your entrance ticket to Huaynapicchu three months in advance.
Given the schedules above, it is possible to use one access ticket for both. This is because they are in the same city, Machu Picchu.
You can take luggage weighing no more than 11 pounds (5 kilograms). To check extra baggage, you will need to pay a separate fee. This is not a good idea if you plan to bring a lot of luggage.
Finding different tour guide services in Machu Picchu is simple. For example, shared services for 15 to 20 people cost $25 each. Other private services, available in various languages, cost $160.
You may enter as early as 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The first bus leaves from Machu Picchu Picchu Pueblo at 05:30 and runs every 10 minutes.
It is a 20-minute walk from the main square in Machu Picchu Pueblo. This square is at the end of Pachacuteq Avenue.
No, you can handle the paperwork, but it may be messy. You will face long waits, and if you get bad advice, you might buy the wrong tickets. If you book your tour through a company, they will handle all the necessary paperwork. Kondor Path Tours, a direct tour operator, takes this seriously.
A maximum age does not exist. Everyone is welcome.
You can send your travel messages to “Kondor Path Tours.” You can do this through our website, Facebook page, Skype, or WhatsApp. You can also email us at info@kondorpathtours.com.
Yes, a discount is available for students, and it applies to those aged 4 to 17 years old.
Children under 3 years old are exempt from payment.
You can buy train tickets to Machu Picchu online. Visit the Peru Rail or Inca Rail websites. You can use a credit or debit card, like Visa or Mastercard. The Peru Rail and Inca Rail offices are located in Cusco’s main square, where you can also purchase
In Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu Pueblo, many lodging options are available in different price ranges. For accommodations with top-notch amenities, it is recommended to reserve your lodging in advance.
While on excursions, you can leave your luggage at the hotel in Cusco.
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco Features:
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cusco
- Lovely train rides through the Andes Mountains
- Expert tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Inca and Machu Picchu history.
- For a more personalized experience, consider keeping the group size small.
Day Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco Advantages:
- A single day is enough to fully appreciate Machu Picchu’s wonders.
- A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights into the Incas’ history and culture.
- Take in the breathtaking views of the Andes and the surroundings.
- With all transportation and entrance fees covered, you can travel with ease and convenience.
- Take unforgettable pictures while visiting one of the most famous landmarks on Earth.
What’s it like?
- Enjoy your Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour from Cusco! See famous sites, explore old ruins, and enjoy stunning views all in one day.
- Unlock the mysteries of the Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour from Lima also with this comprehensive excursion! Take in stunning wildlife, learn about ancient Incan culture, and revel in breathtaking landscapes.
When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu? Between April and December.
* Travel Tour Operator: 100% for the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco COST
PRIVATE TOUR SERVICE
Season 2026
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| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
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| 8 | $ 303.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 298.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 294.00 USD | |
INQUIRE ABOUT THE MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY TOUR
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco: Have an amazing experience and see a lot of Machu Picchu in just one day! Discover this ancient city and admire its beauty alongside us.
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