- Tour
Machu Picchu One Day Trip From Cusco
- 1 day
- More time in Wonder
Maximum 8 persons
Eeasy
Tour
1 day
Start before sunrise in Cusco and delve even deeper into Machu Picchu during an extended full-day adventure. Designed to offer more than just a quick visit, this itinerary features a refined route, additional scenic stops and extra flexibility to explore hidden terraces or optional hikes. Ideal for travelers looking for a more enriching experience without an overnight stay. You will absorb more Inca history, enjoy a more relaxed pace and return to Cuzco by nightfall, balancing immersion, comfort and convenience.
Overview
Highlights
- Hotel pick-up around 4:00 a.m.
- Private minibus to Ollantaytambo
- Comfortable Expedition or Vistadome train ride
- Premium 2 to 2.5 hour guided tour of the Circuit 2
- Optional short excursions: Huchuy Picchu or Puerta del Sol
- 1-2 hours of independent exploration
- Train and transportation back to Cusco around 9:00 p.m.
Itemized itinerary
- Transportation: Minibus + train + shuttle bus.
- Guide: Certified bilingual guide in Machu Picchu.
- Route: Circuit 2.
- Â Flexibility: Optional excursion to a viewpoint.
- Â Meals: Optional lunch 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 soon clear, offering spectacular scenery and excellent lighting for photos. Avoid the rainy season, from December to March, for a safer and more pleasant trip. Read more: The best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Machu Picchu extended exploration
The day begins with a pre-dawn pick-up from your Cusco hotel, followed by a drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. From here, you will board a train offering panoramic views of the river and mountains en route to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a short bus ride will take you to the gates of Machu Picchu.
Your guide will lead you through a complete 2 to 2.5 hour tour of Circuit 2, which includes the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Main Plaza and much more.
After the guided portion, enjoy 1 to 2 hours of free time to revisit key sites, take photographs or relax at leisure. Those who choose to do so in advance can walk to viewpoints such as the Puerta del Sol. Return to Aguas Calientes for an optional lunch, before boarding your train and vehicle back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Inclusions
What is included
- Pick up and transfer to the hotel in Cusco.
- Round trip transfer by minibus to/from Ollantaytambo.
- Round trip tickets on the Expedition train.
- Round trip bus to/from Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2).
- Certified bilingual tour guide.
- Briefing prior to the tour.
What is not included
- Meals and beverages.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional upgrades in train class.
- Entrance permits for additional excursions.
- Gratuities.
Prices & Upgrades
Standard shared tours cost approximately $320 per person. Private tours, which offer exclusive service and flexible pacing, range from $450 to $550 per person, depending on the size of the group and the upgrades selected.
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
To travel
Pack light and smart for a long but comfortable day. Essentials include:
- Original passport (required to enter the country)
- Small backpack (maximum ~10 kg recommended)
- Reusable water bottle (at least 1 liter)
- Snacks or light breakfast (especially for the first few hours)
- Comfortable walking shoes (ideally with non-slip soles for stone steps)
- Â Sun protection: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Rain gear: light waterproof jacket or poncho
- Camera or smartphone + external battery
- Cash (for meals, tips or souvenirs)
- Personal medication (including altitude sickness pills or painkillers)
- Tissues or wet wipes
- Light fleece or jacket (in the mornings and on train rides it can get cold).
For your backpack
- Water and light snacks.
- Passport.
- Camera/phone.
- Compact waterproof clothing.
- Â Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Map or printed ticket (digital also works, but it is better to bring a backup copy).
- Light scarf or bandana for sun protection.
- Bandages or plasters for blisters.
- Tissues or wet wipes.
- Light fleece or jacket (mornings and train rides can be cold).
Travel Info
Briefings
Prior to departure, a full briefing will be sent to you by email or WhatsApp. This includes train tickets, schedules, entry slot, and what to pack.
Collections
Pick-ups begin at 4:00 AM. Be sure to be ready in the lobby of your hotel at the indicated time. Centralized pick-up may apply to accommodations outside the historic center of Cusco.
Return to Cusco
You will return to Cusco between 19:30 and 21:00, depending on your return train and traffic. Be prepared for a relaxed evening with no tight connections.
Machu Picchu Entrance Hours
Tickets are valid for specific time blocks. The full-day visit usually takes place between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and includes guided and independent exploration. Re-entry is not permitted.
Senderismo Huayna Picchu o montaña Machu Picchu
These are optional and should 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 Cuzco before the excursion to acclimatize. Walk at a slow pace, stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before your early start.
Group tours
Group sizes are limited 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 offers alternatives if necessary.
Lost and found
Take your valuables with you. Most train stations and vehicles do not have secure lost and found systems. Your guide can help you contact service providers if necessary.
Tips
Tipping is optional but customary. Tip: 5-10 $ for the guide and 3-5 $ for the driver.
Travel insurance
Highly recommended for this trip. Make sure it covers medical problems, travel delays and cancellations due to strikes or weather conditions.
Weather
Weather can vary significantly throughout the day. Mornings are cooler; midday can be hot. In the afternoon it may rain, so bring appropriate clothing.
Altitud
Machu Picchu is located 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 light meals before and during the excursion.
- If you are sensitive, take coca tea or medication.
How to get to Cusco?
Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), which is Cuzco’s main international and domestic airport. This airport is located a short drive from the city center, making arrival and transfer to the hotel easy. There are several daily direct flights from Lima, as well as regional flights from Arequipa and Juliaca. Several major airlines, such as LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSmart, operate these routes and offer flexible schedules and competitive prices. Most international travelers arrive first in Lima and then connect to Cuzco on a short one-hour domestic flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book this tour?
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Can I spend the night 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 is the difference between circuits 1, 2 and 3?
Can I get a passport stamp in 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.
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