A full-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco by scenic train to the legendary Inca citadel at 2,693 m — guided visit, round-trip train and bus, entrance ticket and expert local guide, all in one unforgettable day.
Our Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Full Day tour from Cusco takes you to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, nestled at 2,693 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.
The highlight of this tour is the climb up Huayna Picchu (2,693 m), the steep green peak that towers over the citadel in every classic photo. On original Inca stairs you ascend in about an hour to a small summit with a jaw-dropping aerial view straight down over Machu Picchu paired with a full guided tour of the citadel below, it makes for one unforgettable day.
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.
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.
Explore the heart of Inca civilization — wander through finely cut stone temples, agricultural terraces and sacred plazas with your expert guide.
Ascend the iconic peak behind the citadel on original Inca stairs (about 2.5 h round trip) for the most spectacular aerial view of Machu Picchu a bucket-list climb limited to 400 people a day.
Glide along the Urubamba River on one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, through green valleys and charming Andean villages.
Licensed bilingual guides share the legends, astronomy and engineering of Machu Picchu, plus a genuine cultural touch along the way.
A typical full day to Machu Picchu — early start, scenic train through the Sacred Valley, guided citadel tour and return to Cusco by night.
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.
Exactly what is covered in your Machu Picchu day tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we strongly recommend to make your Machu Picchu day the most rewarding possible.
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 2,693 m, lower than Cusco, so it feels easy.
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.
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.
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.
This tour includes Machu Picchu tickets / Inca Trail permits, which are purchased under your passport immediately after payment and are non-refundable by the Ministry of Culture. If dangerous weather forces a change from our side, we'll offer a free reschedule or an alternative tour. See our refund policy.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | On request | Mixed international group · scenic train · early departure |
| Private Group ★ Best experience | 2 – 6 travelers | US $450 / pp | Your own private guide at the citadel · personalized pace |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $356 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $338 / pp | Automatic group discount applied at checkout |
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As soon as your payment is confirmed we immediately purchase your Machu Picchu entrance, Inca Trail permit, train tickets and all services under your name — so this booking is non-refundable. Permits are personal and non-transferable by law. We strongly recommend travel insurance. Full refund policy.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Machu Picchu guides
Entry tickets to the citadel sell out weeks ahead and can't be rebooked. See which circuits are still open on your travel dates before you plan.