Machu Picchu Full Day
- Group Size
- 12 people
- Max Altitude
- 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Physical Level
- Easy
The Machu Picchu Full Day excursion offers an ideal option for travelers who want to visit one of the most amazing wonders of the world in one day. You will travel overland from Cusco, through the Sacred Valley, to get to Ollantaytambo, where you will ride on a tourist train which follows the river as it moves along the scenic experience of the Urubamba River.
The landscapes will change dramatically from majestic peaks of the Andes to lush green valleys to thick clouds, and in fact the journey will become part of your adventure.
When you arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), a short bus ride will take you to the entrance of the unrivaled citadel, and you will explore it completely with your expert guide. Your guide will take you to all the spectacular temples, ceremonial areas, agricultural terraces, and spectacular viewpoints that will show you the brilliance of Inca engineering and architecture. As you walk through this sacred site, you will fully appreciate the extraordinary beauty, and in fact be inspired by the unique energy that has pulled countless visitors to the sacred site for centuries. Your Machu Picchu Full Day excursion will provide history, culture, and a stunning experience into your day.
Important: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are subject to availability and government regulations. During the high season and holiday periods, tickets often sell out well in advance. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred travel date and the best available circuit.
US$ 350 US$ 310 / person
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Overview of the Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
The Full Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco is the best way to explore Peru’s most famous treasure in a day. First travel by bus through the Sacred Valley to the tourist train station in Ollantaytambo, then enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes and cloud forest along your entire journey.
Arrive at the legendary citadel, where you will have a guided tour of the site. All-inclusive means this tour incorporates comfort, history, and culture into a day trip where you can find yourself walking among temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces, which clearly show the brilliance of Inca engineering. The Machu Picchu Full Day tour is perfect for travelers without much time to spare, who do not want to miss this Wonder of the World.
What to Expect on a Machu Picchu Full Day Excursion
- Scenic transportation through and beyond the Sacred Valley, on the way to Ollantaytambo.
- Travel by tourist train along the Urubamba River, taking in incredible panoramic views.
- An escort who will guide you through the history of Machu Picchu: temples, terraces and ceremonial spaces.
- Incredible lookouts to take pictures, which could be framed as postcard quality.
- Merely stand in the history, culture and mystique, of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Machu Picchu in a single, well-organized day from Cusco.
- Travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo.
- Enjoy one of Peru’s most scenic train journeys along the Urubamba River.
- Explore Machu Picchu with an experienced professional guide.
- Discover the temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and panoramic viewpoints of the ancient citadel.
- Learn about the history, architecture, and engineering of the Inca civilization.
- Comfortable transportation and coordinated logistics throughout the entire journey.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Machu Picchu without staying overnight.
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Depart early from Cusco and travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes. Continue by shuttle bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient citadel before returning to Cusco later the same day.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions?
Visiting Machu Picchu in a single day requires careful planning, well-coordinated transportation, and perfect timing between trains, buses, and entrance schedules. Our experienced team manages every part of the journey, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience from the moment we pick you up in Cusco until you return in the evening. With professional guides, personalized assistance, and reliable service, you can simply focus on discovering one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket included.
- Round-trip tourist train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip Consettur shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Comfortable transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back.
- Professional English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of Machu Picchu.
- Small groups for a more enjoyable and personalized guided experience.
- Carefully coordinated schedules to maximize your time at Machu Picchu.
- Complete assistance before and during your tour.
- Experienced local team committed to providing a seamless travel experience.
- 24/7 customer support from booking until the end of your journey.
Additional Upgrades and Hiking Options After Machu Picchu
- Panoramic Trains (Vistadome):
- One Way Upgrade: $75 extra
- Roundtrip Upgrade: $120 extra
- Private Tour: Have your guide accompany you from Cusco and back! (inquire for more details)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 per person (2-hour roundtrip)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 per person (3-hour roundtrip)
Note: you can only hike one mountain with each visit. (Both mountains must be booked ahead of time and will be hiked after your guided tour)
Machu Full Day Itinerary
Machu Picchu Full Day
You start your day very early with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You will travel in private transport through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo station, where you’ll board a tourist train. The train ride, which follows the Urubamba River, will offer stunning views of the Andes and the vegetation changes as you enter the cloud forest. Upon reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) you will meet your expert guide and continue via bus along the winding mountain road to the entrance of the citadel.
Once inside the archaeological sanctuary, you will have a full guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting its temples, houses, storage buildings, and agricultural terraces as you listen to details about its history and spiritual significance. After your incredible tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes for some free time for lunch (not included). Then you will return by train to Ollantaytambo and then transfer by bus back to Cusco, arriving in the evening, after an epic day.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Round-trip tourist transport: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Voyager/Expedition service)
- Round-trip bus transfers: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Not Included
- Lunch
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (USD 70.00 per person)
- Travel insurance
Recommendations for the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
- Book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and train tickets in advance, especially if you travel between May and September.
- Arrive in Cusco at least one day before the tour to adapt better to the altitude.
- Bring your original passport, as it may be requested when boarding the train or entering Machu Picchu.
- Follow your guide’s instructions inside the citadel, since the visit depends on the assigned Machu Picchu circuit.
- Keep your daypack light, as large bags are not recommended during the visit.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, because the tour includes stone steps, terraces, and uneven paths.
- Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for lunch, drinks, restrooms, or small personal expenses.
- Be ready for an early departure and a full day of travel, train ride, guided visit, and return to Cusco.
- Check the weather before your tour, as conditions in Machu Picchu can change quickly between sun, mist, and light rain.
- Respect the site regulations and avoid bringing restricted items into Machu Picchu.
Packing List for Machu Picchu Full Day
- Original passport
- Small daypack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Light jacket or fleece
- Breathable clothing
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone
- Power bank
- Personal medication
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Snacks for the day
- Train and entrance tickets, printed or digital
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Prices
Visit Machu Picchu in a single day with a well-organized tour from Cusco. Travel through the Sacred Valley by train before exploring the Inca citadel with an experienced guide who will share the history, architecture, and significance of one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
This shared tour is a great option for travelers who want to make the most of their time while enjoying the company of a small group. Every part of the journey is carefully arranged, allowing you to relax and focus on your visit to Machu Picchu.
- 1 People 410 USD
- 2 People 335 USD
- 3 People 320 USD
- 4 or mor People BEST VALUE 310 USD
Enjoy a fully private journey to Machu Picchu with services reserved exclusively for you and your group. From transportation and train tickets to your guided visit, every part of the experience is planned around your comfort, with a private guide dedicated entirely to your party.
Explore Machu Picchu at a pace that suits you, spend more time at the viewpoints and areas that interest you most, and receive personalized explanations throughout the visit. This option is ideal for couples, families, and friends looking for greater privacy, flexibility, and a more personal experience at Peru’s most famous archaeological site.
Reservation Payment
- A deposit of 50% per person is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance can be paid online before your trip or in our Cusco office using a credit card, or bank transfer. If you require a different payment method, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
- To process permits and entrance tickets, we require the following information for each traveler: full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiration date. Please ensure all details are accurate, as changes may incur additional fees or affect permit availability.
Student & Child Discount
- A US$20 discount is available for children under 17 years old and students under 25 years old. Child discounts are applied automatically at the time of booking.
- Students must provide a valid university ID card showing:
- the student’s name
- photograph
- university name
- valid expiration date.
Expired student IDs and ISIC cards are not accepted. To receive the discount, please send a copy of your student ID when making your reservation.
If the document does not meet the requirements established by the Peruvian authorities, the standard adult rate will apply. For assistance, contact us at info@urosexpeditions.com
Travel Info - Machu Picchu Full day
Travel Information – Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Cusco
Experience the Machu Picchu full day tour from Cusco, a full day experience for travelers that immerse themselves into the Inca History in a single day. This Cusco to Machu Picchu full day tour departs early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco and travels through the Sacred Valley. You will travel by scenic train to Aguas Calientes and then take a brief bus trip upward to the archaeological sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Because this is a one day Machu Picchu tour cusco, timing is highly important , the train schedules, your bus transfer and entrance tickets must all coordinated ahead of time. The entire tour is about 14 hours long. After arrival, you will be taken through the sites temples, terraces, storage houses, viewpoints with a professional guide who will explain information about the Inca civilization, and point out architectural marvels.
For anyone booking this full day tour machu picchu cusco, you will want to book your entrance ticket ahead of time as well as your train ticket ahead of time. It is less important in the low season, but is still important. The high travel season is May through September. The dry season is better for skies to be clear and visibility to be high, while the rainy season (or wet season) is usually when mist and showers occur, although the travel season does have fewer tourists.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The climate of the site is subtropical; warm during the day and cooler at night. You can visit during the dry season (May-September) for sunny skies and the best views or the wet season (November-March) for more mist and grazing, along with fewer people to contend with. Both provide a unique experience, allowing the day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco to be available year-round.
Recommendations
- Plan to arrive in Cusco at least one day ahead of your tour date in order to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Plan to book your Machu Picchu full day tour Cusco and train tickets months in advance, especially if you are traveling during high season.
- Follow your guides recommendations and any regulations to keep this UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as your guides happy!
The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Cusco is the best balance of comfort and adventure so that travelers can experience the magic of the citadel, the history associated with it, and the beauty of the landscapes all in one great trip.
Frequently Asked Questions – Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Cusco
1. Is it sufficient to do all that Machu Picchu has to offer in a full day?
Yes, the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco is purposefully designed to give visitors time to enjoy the site without feeling rushed. After arriving in Machu Picchu, you will spend about 2–3 hours touring the main areas of the site with a professional guide, such as the Temple of the Sun, Sacred plaza, terraces, and ceremonial areas. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore and take pictures from other viewpoints. While I recommend spending the night at Aguas Calientes to experience a slower pace, the full day option is nice for travelers, while not overly rushed, who have limited time but want to experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
3. Should I secure my tickets ahead of time?
Definitely yes. The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Cusco tickets are limited and should be signed in advance, especially in high season (May to September). This includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, the train ticket and the bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to the citadel. As well if you would like to hill Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will need a separate ticket, and you should get that ticket several months in advance, as those tickets are very limited. It is recommended to book everything in advance to ensure availability and to select the best circuit of visit.
2. What is the best way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu on a full day trip?
Traveling to Machu Picchu on a full day trip from Cusco will involve multiple components. First, you will take a tourist bus from your accommodations in Cusco out to Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley. At Ollantaytambo you will then board a scenic train (Voyager or Expedition) that travels along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes, you will take a short bus ride up the mountain road to the front entrance for Machu Picchu. This whole route provides the fastest and most efficient way for a full day trip to Machu Picchu.