Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

4.9 (389 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration16h
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience Machu Picchu on an unforgettable day trip from Cusco. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you during the main transfers to Ollantaytambo train station.

From there, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes and the Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, we’ll continue by bus to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

During your visit, you’ll be accompanied by a private, professional, certified guide who will introduce you to the history, architecture, and importance of Machu Picchu to the Inca civilization. After the tour, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and explore the town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival at the station, our team will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Options

Private tour +Expedition train

Private tour in Machu Picchu
Expedition train tickets: Expedition train tickets (Roundtrip)
Pick up & Drop off: Pick up & Drop off from hotel in Cusco
Pickup included

Private tour +Vistadome train

Private tour of Machu Picchu: Private tour of Machu Picchu
Vistadome train tickets: Vistadome train tickets (Roundtrip)
Pick up & Drop off: Pick up & Drop off from your hotel in Cusco
Pickup included

What's included

  • Professional, certified tour guide during your visit to Machu Picchu.
  • Starlink satellite internet connection available in our transportation.
  • 24-hour assistance in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu — Circuit 2, subject to availability.
  • Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • One bottle of water.
  • Pick-up and drop-off at hotels located in the central area of Cusco.
  • Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Personalized service throughout the experience.
  • Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, in Tourist Class.
  • If Circuit 2 is sold out, Circuit 3-B will be booked instead.
  • Round-trip transportation between Cusco and the Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station.
  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or any other mountain at Machu Picchu.
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned above.
  • Train category (Premium or any other category) not specified above.
  • Tips and gratuities, which are at each traveler’s discretion.
  • Services or expenses not specifically mentioned as included.
  • Travel insurance.

What to expect

  1. Centro Historico De Cusco
    1h
    The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM, depending on the time previously agreed upon with our team. Our driver will be waiting at the designated location to begin the journey to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes.
  2. 2h
    Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Train Station, we will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will be able to enjoy the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding Andes as we make our way to Aguas Calientes.
  3. Aguas Calientes
    1h
    Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our team will be waiting to accompany you to the bus boarding area for the journey up to Machu Picchu. At this point, you will receive the necessary instructions for proceeding to the entrance of the citadel.
  4. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
    2h
    Our main visit will be to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You will be accompanied by a private Portuguese-speaking guide, at the previously selected visiting time.

    During the tour, your guide will provide information about the history, architecture, organization, and culture of the Inca civilization, as well as explain the main areas and features of this impressive archaeological site.

    After the guided portion of the visit, you will have free time to continue exploring Machu Picchu, rest, admire the scenery, and enjoy the site at your own pace. Our guide will also advise you on the appropriate time to begin your descent back to the town of Aguas Calientes.

    Duration: approximately 1 hour with a guide + free time depending on the return schedule.
  5. Aguas Calientes
    2h
    After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the Expedition train, with bimodal service, bound for Ollantaytambo Train Station.
  6. 4h
    After visiting Machu Picchu, we will travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy Train Station. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting to welcome you and provide transportation to your hotel in Cusco.

    Important: Depending on availability, the return journey may be operated through Wanchaq Train Station instead of Poroy Train Station. In this case, upon arrival at Wanchaq Station, our team will be waiting to provide transportation to your hotel.

    Please check with our team to confirm which station will be used for the return journey from Aguas Calientes and whether the arrival transfer will be provided as a private service.
  7. Centro Historico De Cusco
    Pass by
    Important Information

    Tour times may vary depending on Machu Picchu ticket availability and train schedules. For this reason, please be prepared to start the tour very early, in some cases as early as 3:00 AM, and return to Cusco only in the evening, with arrival possible at around 11:00 PM.

    The exact schedule will be provided when your booking is confirmed. If you have any questions regarding the tour schedule or itinerary, please contact our team by phone.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

You can also meet the group at the door of the local office of Migraciones Cusco.

End point

You can also meet the group at the door of the local office of Migraciones Cusco.

Pickup details

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• After booking, we will request your passport information to issue your train and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
• You will need to present your original passport to board the train to Aguas Calientes.
• We offer pickup from hotels located in the city center or from our designated meeting point. Your confirmed pickup time will be provided at the time of booking.
• One of our representatives will meet you the evening before your tour to deliver your tickets and provide important information about the activities scheduled for the following day.
• Most travelers can participate in this experience.
• Children under 3 years old travel free as long as they do not occupy a separate seat.
• Train schedules and Machu Picchu entrance times are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Train seats are assigned automatically by the railway company, so specific seats cannot be guaranteed.
• The amount of luggage allowed on the train is limited. Please bring only a small backpack weighing up to 5 kg. If your luggage exceeds this limit, the railway company may charge an additional excess baggage fee for both the outbound and return journeys.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or other lightweight walking shoes.
• Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for sunny days.
• During the rainy season, we recommend bringing a raincoat or long poncho.
• The experience may be subject to changes due to weather or operational conditions.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children under 3 years of age are free of charge as long as they do not occupy a seat.
  • Please send your preferred pick up address in Cusco upon booking.
  • We will require your passport details in order to book your train and Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Please enter this information upon booking the tour.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.9 (389)
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