- Tour
Machu Picchu Full Day Trip from Cusco
- 1 Day
- More time at the Wonder
Max 8 persons
Eeasy
Tour
1 Day
Start pre-dawn in Cusco and delve even deeper into Machu Picchu during an extended full-day adventure. Designed to offer more than just a quick tour, this itinerary features refined routing, additional scenic stops, and extra flexibility to explore hidden terraces or optional hikes. Ideal for travelers seeking a richer experience without overnight stays. You’ll absorb more Inca history, enjoy a more relaxed pace, and still return to Cusco by nightfall—balancing immersion, comfort, and convenience.
Overview
Highlights
Hotel pick-up around 4:00 AM
Private minivan to Ollantaytambo
Comfortable Expedition or Vistadome train ride
Premium 2–2½‑hour guided Circuit 2 tour
Optional short hikes: Huchuy Picchu or Sun Gate
1–2 hr independent exploration
Return train and shuttle, arriving Cusco ~21:00
Breakdown itinerary
Transportation: Minivan + train + shuttle bus
Guide: Certified bilingual guide at Machu Picchu
Route: Circuit 2
Flexibility: Optional vantage point hike
Meals: Lunch optional in Aguas Calientes
Best time to Visit Machu Picchu
April to November is the most suitable period, with dry weather and clearer views. Mornings are usually misty but quickly clear, offering dramatic landscapes and excellent lighting for photos. Avoid the rainy season from December through March for a safer and more pleasant trip.
Read more: Best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Extended Exploration of Machu Picchu
The day begins with a pre-dawn pickup at your Cusco hotel, followed by a drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From here, board a train offering panoramic views of the river and mountains en route to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a short bus ride takes you to the gates of Machu Picchu.
Your guide leads you through a comprehensive 2 to 2.5-hour Circuit 2 tour—covering the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, Main Plaza, and more.
After the guided portion, enjoy 1–2 hours of free time to revisit key sights, take photographs, or relax quietly. Those who opt in advance may hike to viewpoints such as the Sun Gate. Return to Aguas Calientes for an optional lunch, before boarding your train and vehicle back to Cusco in the evening.
Inclusions
What’s included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
Round-trip minivan transfer to/from Ollantaytambo
Round-trip Expedition train tickets
Round-trip shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2)
Certified bilingual tour guide
Pre-tour orientation briefing
What’s not included
Meals and drinks
Travel insurance
Optional train class upgrades
Entry permits for additional hikes
Gratuities
Prices & Upgrades
The standard shared tour starts at approximately $320 per person. Private tours, offering exclusive service and flexible pacing, range from $450–550 per person depending on group size and selected upgrades.
Additional items & upgrades
Vistadome train upgrade: +$60
Huayna Picchu hike permit: +$60
Machu Picchu Mountain permit: +$55
Huchuy Picchu or Sun Gate hike: +$35
Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes: +$25
Packing list
For Traveling
Pack light and smart for a long but comfortable day. Essentials include:
Original passport (required for entry)
Small daypack (max ~10 kg recommended)
Reusable water bottle (at least 1L)
Snacks or light breakfast (especially for early hours)
Comfortable walking shoes (ideally with grip for stone steps)
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Rain gear: lightweight rain jacket or poncho
Camera or smartphone + power bank
Cash (for meals, tips, or souvenirs)
Personal medications (including altitude pills or pain relievers)
Tissues or wipes
Light fleece or jacket (mornings and train rides can be chilly)
For Your Daypack
Water and light snacks
Passport
Camera/phone
Compact rain gear
Sunscreen and lip balm
Map or printed ticket (digital OK, but backup helps)
Lightweight scarf or neck cover for sun
Band-aids or blister pads
Travel Info
Briefings
A full briefing is given by Email or WhatsApp before your departure. This includes train tickets, schedules, entry slot, and what to pack.
Pick ups
Pick-ups begin at 4:00 AM. Make sure you’re ready in your hotel lobby at the designated time. Centralized pick-up may apply for accommodations outside Cusco’s historic center.
Returning To Cusco
You will return to Cusco between 7:30 and 9:00 PM, depending on your return train and traffic. Plan for a relaxed evening and no tight connections.
Machu Picchu Entrance Schedules
Entrance tickets are valid for specific time blocks. The full-day tour typically enters between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and includes guided and independent exploration. Re-entry is not allowed.
Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
These are optional and must be booked well in advance. Huayna Picchu is shorter and steeper; Machu Picchu Mountain offers longer views and fewer crowds. Availability is limited.
Health
Spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize. Walk at a slow pace, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals before your early start.
Group Tours
Group size is capped to ensure a quality experience. Private tours can be arranged for couples, families, or friends.
Strikes
Strikes or protests may cause logistical changes. The tour operator monitors local conditions and provides alternatives if necessary.
Lost Items
Keep valuables with you. Most train stations and vehicles do not have secure lost-and-found systems. Your guide can assist in contacting service providers if needed.
Tipping
Tipping is optional but customary. Suggested: $5–10 for your guide and $3–5 for your driver.
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended for this tour. Make sure it covers medical issues, trip delays, and cancellations due to strikes or weather.
Weather
Weather can vary significantly during the day. Mornings are cooler; midday can be warm. Afternoon rain is possible, so bring appropriate gear.
Altitude
Machu Picchu lies at 2,430 m (7,972 ft), which is lower than Cusco. Most travelers feel better at Machu Picchu compared to Cusco.
How to avoid Altitude sickness?
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol the night before
Eat lightly before and during the tour
Use coca tea or medication if sensitive
How to get to Cusco?
Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), which is Cusco’s main international and domestic airport. This airport is located just a short drive from the city center, making arrival and hotel transfers convenient. There are multiple direct flights daily from Lima, as well as regional flights from Arequipa and Juliaca. Several major airlines including LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart operate these routes, offering flexible schedules and competitive pricing. Most international travelers first arrive in Lima and then connect to Cusco with a short 1-hour domestic flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early do I need to book this tour?
Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Can I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes instead of returning the same day?
Will I get altitude sickness?
What if the weather is bad?
Are meals included?
Is there a bathroom inside Machu Picchu?
What’s the difference between Circuit 1, 2, and 3?
Can I get a passport stamp at Machu Picchu?
What if there are strikes or delays?
Why choose Visit Machu Picchu?
At Visit Machu Picchu (VMP), we take great pride in being a 100% local company, with a team of knowledgeable and experienced locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty of our country with visitors from all over the world. Our commitment to our community and the people who call it home is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose to travel with us, you’re not just experiencing the best of what our country has to offer, you’re also helping to support our local economy and provide job opportunities for the people in our community.
We believe that travel is about more than just sightseeing – it’s about creating meaningful connections with the places and people we encounter along the way. As a locally-owned and operated company, we have deep roots in our community and are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that gives back as much to our community as it does to our clients. By choosing to travel with Visit Machu Picchu, you’re not just getting a great travel experience – you’re also making a positive impact on the people and places you visit.
