Inca Trail Reservations

Machu Picchu Day Tour

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Machu Picch Full Day

Machu Picchu Full Day

HomeToursMachu Picchu Full Day

Duration

1 Day

Difficulty

Easy

Group Size

15

Price From

$ 495 USD

per person

View Dates

4.8

From 6589 reviews

Year-round daily departures (subject to train availability)

Trek Highlights

Experience Peru’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site in one spectacular day. Journey through the Sacred Valley aboard a scenic train to explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with an expert guide. Perfect for travelers short on time who want maximum impact.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Comprehensive 2-hour expert-led exploration of the Lost City with visits to all major temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas

Scenic Train Journey

Panoramic railway ride through the Sacred Valley alongside the Urubamba River with dramatic Andean mountain views

Flexible Train Options

Choose from Expedition class, upgraded Vistadome with panoramic windows, or luxury Hiram Bingham service

Expert Bilingual Guide

Professional guide brings Inca history alive, explaining architecture, astronomy, and cultural significance of Machu Picchu

Free Time to Explore

Independent time after the tour to photograph, contemplate, or explore hidden corners of the citadel at your own pace

Committed to Conservation

5% of your trip cost is donated to the Himalayan Trust, supporting environmental conservation efforts and local community development in the Khumbu region.

Picture Your Adventure

Images for Machu Picchu Full Day

Explore breathtaking vistas, authentic cultural encounters, and unforgettable moments captured during our guided adventures around the world.

“Machu Picchu Day Tour”

Tour Highlights

Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Scenic Train Ride

  • Tour starts and ends in Cusco
  • Departs daily (year-round availability)
  • Round-trip train tickets included
  • 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Multiple train service options available

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

“Witness the breathtaking Lost City of the Incas in one spectacular day, traveling through the Sacred Valley on Peru’s most scenic railway…” BOOK NOW

Starting point : Cusco, Peru

Ending point : Cusco, Peru

Duration : 1 full day (approximately 14 hours)

Activities : Archaeological Tours, Scenic Train Journey, Cultural Exploration

Train Options : Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, or Hiram Bingham luxury train

Highlights : Machu Picchu UNESCO World Heritage Site, Urubamba Sacred Valley, Andean mountain scenery, Aguas Calientes

Trip Code : MP1D

Price includes all credit card transaction fees and taxes

Experience Peru’s most iconic archaeological wonder in one unforgettable day. Journey through the Sacred Valley aboard a scenic train to the cloud forest sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This expertly designed day tour maximizes your time at the ancient Inca citadel, perfect for travelers with limited schedules who refuse to miss Peru’s #1 attraction.

Machu Picchu Day Tour Itinerary
Full Day

(B)=Breakfast ; (L)=Lunch ; (D)=Dinner

Day 1 : Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

4:00–5:00 AM – Hotel Pickup & Transfer

Your Machu Picchu day tour begins with early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel. Our private vehicle transfers you through the Sacred Valley to your departure station:

  • Poroy Station: 25 minutes from Cusco
  • Ollantaytambo Station: 1.5 hours (scenic Sacred Valley route)

Morning – Scenic Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

Board Peru Rail’s renowned train service. Choose from Expedition, Vistadome, or the luxurious Hiram Bingham. The 1.5–2 hour journey follows the rushing Urubamba River through dramatic Andean landscapes.

Train highlights:

  • Panoramic windows framing snow-capped peaks
  • Views of ancient Inca terraces and ruins
  • Highland valleys transforming into cloud forest

Mid-Morning – Arrival & Ascent to Machu Picchu

Arrive at Aguas Calientes (2,040 m), the charming mountain village at the base of the citadel. Board the 30-minute zigzag bus ride up switchback roads to Machu Picchu entrance (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).

10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Guided Tour of the Lost City

Your expert bilingual guide leads a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of this 15th-century Inca masterpiece, believed built for Emperor Pachacuti around 1450.

Tour highlights include:

  • Temple of the Sun – Perfectly carved granite walls aligned with winter solstice
  • Intihuatana Stone – Sacred ritual stone, one of few not destroyed by conquistadors
  • Temple of Three Windows – Stunning plaza views
  • Royal Tomb – Carved beneath the Temple of the Sun
  • Agricultural Terraces – Engineering marvel still intact after 500 years
  • Water Channels – Intricate system still functioning today

Afternoon – Free Time at Machu Picchu

After the guided tour, enjoy 3–4 hours to explore independently:

  • Find the perfect angle for the classic postcard photo
  • Discover hidden corners and quiet viewpoints
  • Contemplate this extraordinary Inca achievement
  • Optional: Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (pre-booked permit required)

Late Afternoon – Aguas Calientes & Return Journey

Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included, $15–30 USD). Browse the artisan market for textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry, or relax with a pisco sour at a riverside café.

5:00–6:00 PM – Scenic Train Return

Board your return train as the setting sun paints the Andean peaks golden. Enjoy the journey back through the Sacred Valley.

8:00–9:00 PM – Arrival in Cusco

Our driver meets you at the station and transfers you back to your Cusco hotel. Overnight in Cusco.

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Inclusions

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to train station (Poroy or Ollantaytambo)
  • Round-trip train ticket Cusco area to Aguas Calientes (Expedition, Vistadome, or upgrade options)
  • Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu entrance
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Professional English/Spanish-speaking tour guide
  • Comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
  • Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
  • Private transfer from train station back to Cusco hotel
  • First aid kit and emergency support
  • 24/7 emergency contact during tour

Excluded in tour cost

  • Breakfast (available at hotel or train)
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes (budget $15-30 USD)
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($75 USD, must book in advance)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain ($75 USD, must book in advance)
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Snacks and beverages

Note: Train schedules vary by season. Expedition class offers comfortable seating with panoramic windows. Vistadome features larger windows, snacks, and onboard entertainment. Hiram Bingham luxury service includes gourmet meals, live music, and guided observatory car.

Group Service Price : Machu Picchu Full Day (1 days)

Starts from: Cusco | Deposit: $250
GENERAL Double/Triple Single
STANDARD: Machu Picchu Day Tour Premium $ 495.00 $ 495.00

NOTE: We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes of the same category. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.

*If any of the third party costs included on this package experiences an increment, we will immediately update the package price. Trekkers affected by the modification must pay the difference upon arrival in Cusco. If the price of the domestic flight included experiences a variation, the agent in charge of your account will inform you immediately in order to add or subtract the difference.

Please proceed to booking by clicking on the date you would like to start the tour.
The Inca Trail is closed in February for conservation projects.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage is strongly recommended. Machu Picchu entrance permits and train tickets are non-refundable once purchased.

Emergency Contact

24/7 Tour Support+51 984 765 43224/7 during your tourCusco Operations Office+51 84 234 567Daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Peru time

Age Restrictions

No age restrictions. Suitable for children 5+ and seniors. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Required Documents

Original PassportRequiredMUST bring physical passport. Required at train boarding and Machu Picchu entrance gates.Printed tour voucherRequiredShow to driver at hotel pickup and guide at meeting point.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities (US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) receive a free 183-day tourist stamp upon arrival in Peru. No visa required. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond travel date.

Deposit & Payment

$100 USD per person

Payment Methods

Credit CardVisa, Mastercard, American Express via secure payment portalNo additional feesPayPalSecure online payment in USD currencyNo additional feesBank TransferDirect transfer to US or Peru accountCustomer pays transfer fees

Booking Deadline

Book at least 2 weeks ahead. Peak season (June-August) requires 2-3 months advance booking.

Payment Schedule

Deposit$100 USD per person%At booking confirmationBalanceRemaining amount%7 days before tour date

Booking Terms

Advance Booking RequiredMachu Picchu entrance permits are limited. Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, or 2-3 months for peak season (June-August).Deposit Required$100 USD deposit per person to secure train tickets and entrance permits. Balance due 7 days before tour date.Passport RequiredOriginal passport mandatory for Machu Picchu entry. Name on booking must match passport exactly. No copies accepted.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations with 15+ days notice: full refund minus $50 admin fee. 8-14 days notice: 50% refund. 7 days or less: no refund as permits are non-refundable. Train tickets may have additional cancellation fees. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Safety Requirements

Original PassportRequiredValid passport required for Machu Picchu entry. Guards check passport against entry permit at entrance gates.Comfortable Walking ShoesRequiredMachu Picchu involves 2-3 hours of walking on uneven stone steps and paths. Hiking boots or trail shoes recommended.Sun ProtectionUV radiation intense at altitude. Bring hat, SPF 35+ sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Fitness Requirements

Level:LowRequirements:This tour requires only basic fitness. You'll walk for 2-3 hours on stone steps and paths with elevation changes, but at a relaxed pace. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Those with mobility concerns should inform us in advance.

Medical Requirements

No vaccinations required for Peru. Altitude at Machu Picchu (2,430m) is comfortable for most people. Those with heart conditions or severe altitude sensitivity should consult a physician. Bring any personal medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Expedition class offers excellent value with comfortable seats and panoramic windows. Vistadome provides an upgraded experience with larger observatory windows, complimentary snacks, and onboard cultural entertainment. The Hiram Bingham luxury train includes gourmet brunch, afternoon tea, live music, and guided observatory car—perfect for special occasions.

You’ll have approximately 5-6 hours total at the site: 2 hours for the guided tour plus 3-4 hours of free time to explore independently, take photos, or visit optional areas. This is sufficient to see all major areas and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Yes, but it requires advance booking of a separate entrance permit ($75 additional). Huayna Picchu allows 400 people daily in two time slots (7-8 AM or 10-11 AM entry). The climb takes 2-3 hours round trip and is steep with narrow steps. Machu Picchu Mountain is less crowded and takes 3-4 hours. Book these permits at least 2-3 months in advance.

Most travelers return to Cusco hotels between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, depending on train schedules. The Expedition train typically departs Aguas Calientes around 6:00-7:00 PM. Vistadome and Hiram Bingham have varied schedules. We’ll confirm exact times when you book.

Machu Picchu sits at a comfortable 2,430m (7,972 ft), significantly lower than Cusco at 3,400m. Most travelers actually feel better at Machu Picchu than in Cusco. However, we recommend spending 1-2 days in Cusco before your tour to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and consider coca tea.

Essential items: Original passport (required for entry), comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen SPF 35+, sunglasses), light rain jacket, water bottle, camera with extra batteries/memory cards, small daypack, and cash for lunch and souvenirs. Large backpacks over 25L are not permitted inside Machu Picchu.

Absolutely! If you’re staying in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we can arrange hotel pickup from the Sacred Valley. This actually shortens your travel time as you’ll board the train closer to Machu Picchu. Contact us for Sacred Valley pickup pricing and logistics.