Best Seller Experience

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
from Cusco by Train

A full-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco by scenic train to the legendary Inca citadel at 2,430 m — guided visit, round-trip train and bus, entrance ticket and expert local guide, all in one unforgettable day.

Full Day · 12 h
2,430 m
Easy
4.9 · 465 reviews
Max 14 travelers
Breakfast & Buffet Lunch
Meals
Up to 14 People
Group Size
2,430 m / 7,970 ft
Altitude
Easy
Difficulty
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About this tour

Our Machu Picchu Full Day tour from Cusco takes you to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, nestled at 2,430 m in the Andes of Peru. Your adventure begins with a scenic train ride gliding through charming Andean villages and the lush green valleys of the Sacred Valley. From Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride delivers you to this iconic World Wonder, wrapped in mystical cloud forest and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Wander through Machu Picchu's terraces, temples and plazas, where stunning views and a deep connection to Inca spirituality await. Your licensed local guide shares vivid stories of its history and cosmic ties, bringing the lost city to life. With an early start from Cusco, small groups of up to 14 and every ticket and transfer handled for you, it's the easiest and most rewarding way to experience the New Seven Wonders of the World in a single day.

12 h
Duration
2,430 m
Altitude
Easy
Difficulty
Max 14
Group size

Tour Highlights

Read our complete guide: Machu Picchu Day TourRoute, difficulty, best time and insider tips

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wonder

Stand before Machu Picchu, the fabled Inca city in the Andes — rich in mystery, history and breathtaking scenery, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Temples, Terraces & Sacred Areas

Explore the heart of Inca civilization — wander through finely cut stone temples, agricultural terraces and sacred plazas with your expert guide.

Magnificent Andean Vistas

Savour stunning views of rivers, mountains and cloud-wrapped peaks that make for unforgettable photographs at every turn.

Scenic Train Through the Sacred Valley

Glide along the Urubamba River on one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, through green valleys and charming Andean villages.

Expert Local Guides

Licensed bilingual guides share the legends, astronomy and engineering of Machu Picchu, plus a genuine cultural touch along the way.

Day-by-day itinerary

A typical full day to Machu Picchu — early start, scenic train through the Sacred Valley, guided citadel tour and return to Cusco by night.

FULL
DAY

Full Day · Machu Picchu

04:30 AMDeparture from Cusco. We collect you from your hotel and set off by bus toward the charming town of Ollantaytambo, travelling through the picturesque villages of Chinchero and Urubamba — about 1 hour 45 minutes through the Sacred Valley.

06:30 AMScenic train to Aguas Calientes. In Ollantaytambo we board the train bound for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) — a journey of about 1 hour 45 minutes immersed in the mesmerizing landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

09:00 AMBus up to the citadel & guided tour. From Aguas Calientes a short bus ride climbs to the awe-inspiring Inca city of Machu Picchu, where we begin a comprehensive guided tour of about 4 hours — exploring the ruins, temples and terraces and soaking in the rich history of this mystical site.

01:30 PMDescent & lunch. After our exploration we descend back to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious lunch awaits and there is time to relax before the return journey.

03:30 PMReturn train & transfer. We make our way to the station to catch the return train to Ollantaytambo, then board a bus back to Cusco.

09:30 PMArrival in Cusco. We reach your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 9:30 PM, completing an unforgettable full day at Machu Picchu.

Good to know: It is a long but well-paced day. Train and entrance times are fixed by the authorities, so we secure your tickets in advance — which is why this tour must be booked at least 25 days ahead.

Inclusions & exclusions

Exactly what is covered in your Machu Picchu day tour — and what to budget separately.

What's Included

  • Snack for the journey.
  • Private guide for your group at Machu Picchu.
  • Cusco – Ollantaytambo transport (tourist transport via the Sacred Valley).
  • Train Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), round trip.
  • Bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu citadel, round trip.
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
  • Return transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco city.

Not Included

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
  • Breakfast.
  • Dinner.
  • Tips for guide and staff (optional, appreciated).

Before you go

A few essentials we strongly recommend to make your Machu Picchu day the most rewarding possible.

Book early — tickets are limited

Machu Picchu entry and train seats are capped and timed, so this tour must be booked at least 25 days in advance. Good news on altitude: Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m, lower than Cusco, so it feels easy.

Physical fitness

The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.

Best time to go

Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.

Sun & weather

The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.

Cancellations & weather

Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.

What to pack

Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.

Essentials

  • Passport — required for the entrance ticket.
  • Hiking boots (broken in) — terrain is rocky & uneven.
  • Warm layers — fleece + thermal base. Pre-dawn below 0°C.
  • Wind & rain jacket — weather changes fast.
  • Beanie & gloves — your extremities will thank you.
  • Sun hat + sunglasses — UV at altitude is brutal.
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ + lip balm with SPF.
  • Reusable water bottle 1–1.5 L.
  • Daypack 20–25 L — light, comfortable.
  • Peruvian soles in cash — for lunch, snacks & tips in Aguas Calientes (~ S/. 80).

Nice to Have

  • Camera + extra battery — cold drains batteries fast.
  • Snacks — energy bars, dried fruit, nuts.
  • Coca leaves or candy — helps with altitude.
  • Personal medication + altitude pills (if prescribed).
  • Microfiber towel — handy for sweat or rain.
  • Trekking poles — useful for descent (we provide if needed).
  • Travel insurance card — emergency contacts.
  • First-aid items — band-aids, blister patches, ibuprofen.

Pricing & group rates

Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.

Group TypeGroup SizePrice / PersonWhat's Different
Shared Group
Most popular
2 – 14 travelersUS $375 / ppMixed international group · scenic train · early departure
Private Group
★ Best experience
2 – 6 travelersUS $450 / ppYour own private guide at the citadel · personalized pace
Family Package4+ adults & kidsUS $356 / pp5% discount for adolescents & children
Group of 8+8 or more travelersFrom US $338 / ppAutomatic group discount applied at checkout
Group discounts apply automatically. Book 4+ travelers and we'll send a custom quote within 2 hours. Larger groups (10+) qualify for additional savings — message us on WhatsApp.

Payment & refund highlights

Secure online payment

Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.

Free cancellation

Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Machu Picchu is in the Cusco region of Peru, near the town of Aguas Calientes, set at about 2,430 m above sea level.
The best time is the dry season, May to September, when you are more likely to enjoy clear skies and favourable weather for exploring the site.
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks and your entrance ticket. A rain jacket and layers are also recommended due to changing weather.
Yes — a day trip from Cusco is absolutely possible, though it is a long day. For a more relaxed experience you can stay overnight in Aguas Calientes; INKANET can help you plan the perfect itinerary.
From
$375 / pp
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