Photo gallery
Machu Picchu day tour photos
Tour overview
Machu Picchu day tour at a glance
The Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco is the fastest way to see the citadel when you only have one free day. Your private driver picks you up at your Cusco hotel between 3:30 and 4:30 am, you take the train down the Urubamba canyon and spend about 2–2.5 hours inside Machu Picchu with your own bilingual guide, then return to Cusco around 8–10 pm. Train, bus, entry ticket and guide are all included, from US$ 349 per person.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Machu Picchu day tour
- Scenic train ride through the Urubamba River canyon
- About 2–2.5 hours with a bilingual guide in the citadel
- Official entrance ticket and round-trip shuttle bus included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
Interactive journey map
From Cusco to Machu Picchu
Follow the complete journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The line shows the transport sequence rather than turn-by-turn navigation.
Ready in Cusco
- 01CuscoHotel pickup
- 02OllantaytamboBoard the tourist train
- 03Machu Picchu PuebloAlso known as Aguas Calientes
- 04Machu Picchu entranceBegin your guided visit
By private carCusco to Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley.
By trainOllantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo beside the Urubamba River.
By shuttle busMachu Picchu Pueblo to the sanctuary entrance.
Return journeyReturn connections are confirmed in your quote.
Detailed itinerary
Machu Picchu day tour itinerary
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Pickup in Cusco
We collect you from your Cusco hotel and drive about two hours to Ollantaytambo station. Exact pickup depends on your confirmed train.
Train and shuttle
Travel beside the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, then take the shuttle bus up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
Guided citadel visit
Explore your confirmed circuit with your bilingual guide for about 2–2.5 hours.
Lunch time and return train
Take the shuttle down, enjoy free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes and board your return train.
Return to Cusco
Travel back from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco, usually arriving around 8–10 pm.
What's included
What's included in the Machu Picchu day tour
Included
- Hotel pickup and return transfer in Cusco
- Round-trip Expedition or Voyager tourist train
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the confirmed circuit
- Round-trip Consettur shuttle bus
- Professional bilingual guide
- Local assistance during your trip
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets unless added
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Compare your options
Day tour or 2 days: which Machu Picchu tour?
A day trip works, but it is long: around 14–16 hours door to door, with most of that time spent on the road and the train. Your entry time is set by the train schedule, usually late morning or midday, the busiest hours at the citadel. If you can spare one more day, the Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour splits the journey: you travel in the afternoon, sleep in Aguas Calientes and enter in the first slots the next morning. If you also want the Sacred Valley, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days visits Pisac and Ollantaytambo on the way. Read how many days you need for Machu Picchu.
| Day tour | 2 days | Sacred Valley & MP 2 days | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 14–16 h in one day | 2 days, 1 night | 2 days, 1 night | |
| Entry time | Late morning or midday (set by the train) | First morning slots | First morning slots | |
| Huayna Picchu / Mountain | Only if the times fit the train | Yes | Yes | |
| Sacred Valley | Passing through by car | Passing through by car | Pisac and Ollantaytambo | |
| From | US$ 349 | US$ 449 | US$ 489 |
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- Vistadome train +US$ 65 round trip
- Vistadome Observatory +US$ 145 round trip
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain +US$ 75
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses Circuit 2 (Classic) whenever available, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport used for booking, plus student ID if applicable
- Small daypack and refillable water bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho, sun hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Cash in soles for lunch and tips
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Machu Picchu day tour FAQs
Can Machu Picchu really be visited in one day from Cusco?
Yes. It is a long but popular day trip: pickup between 3:30 and 4:30 am, about 2 hours by road to Ollantaytambo, 1.5–2 hours by train, a 2–2.5 hour guided visit and the return to Cusco around 8–10 pm.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
We prioritize Circuit 2 when available. If it is sold out, we explain the best available route before confirming your booking.
How far in advance should I book a Machu Picchu day tour?
For May to September and holidays, book two to three months ahead, because Circuit 2 tickets and the most convenient train times sell out first. The rest of the year a few weeks is often enough. Last-minute requests depend on ticket and train availability.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Your guide and road transfers are private, from US$ 349 per person for two travelers. Train and shuttle services carry other travelers.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. Carry the original passport used for the reservation.
Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It can be, provided travelers are comfortable with a very early start, a long day, stairs and uneven stone paths. For a gentler pace, see our Machu Picchu tour for seniors or the 2-day tour.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Sometimes, for US$ 75 per person, if the entry times fit the train schedule. In most cases a night in Aguas Calientes makes it much easier; see the Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour.
Is lunch included?
No. You have free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch.
Which train do I take, and can I upgrade?
The tour includes the Expedition or Voyager tourist train. You can upgrade to Vistadome (+US$ 65 round trip), with panoramic windows, or to Vistadome Observatory (+US$ 145 round trip). See trains to Machu Picchu.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about the Machu Picchu day tour
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Excellent Traveleez experience
“A terrific day and we were in very good hands all the way through.”
★★★★★
A truly magical day!
“Edith was very friendly and super knowledgeable; we came away with a great understanding of the history of Machu Picchu.”
★★★★★
Machu Picchu, best time ever
“Traveleez helped me to make my dreams come true and have the awesome opportunity to be in Machu Picchu.”
