Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco
Discover the magic of Machu Picchu in just one day from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo—no trekking or camping required!
Your dream adventure begins right at your hotel doorstep, where our private transportation will pick you up for a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley to the historic Ollantaytambo station. From there, you will board an unforgettable train ride along the Andes, arriving at the mystical town of Aguas Calientes.
After a short, thrilling bus ride to the top, you’ll be left breathless as you stand before this Wonder of the World. You will enjoy a 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour along Circuit 2 (The Classic Route). Should official spots for Circuit 2 be sold out at the time of your booking, we guarantee your visit by immediately securing the best strategic alternatives (Circuit 1 or Circuit 3) always ensuring an unforgettable experience and the iconic postcard photo. In the afternoon, we’ll bring you back by train and private van straight to the comfort of your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Overview
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Overview
Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the best-known Inca site, built with finely fitted stone walls on a ridge above the Urubamba River. This full-day tour is the simplest way to see it if you’re short on time or would rather not hike: everything is booked for you, and your guide stays with you from Aguas Calientes to the end of the visit.
It’s a long day, about 13 to 14 hours door to door, but most of it is spent traveling through beautiful scenery. If you’d rather not rush, our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days adds a night in Aguas Calientes.
Tour Highlights
- Discover the magic of Machu Picchu in just one day from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo no trekking or camping required.
- The heart of the citadel. Walk through the temples, plazas and urban sectors with a guide who explains how the Incas built and used them.
- A scenic train ride. Follow the Urubamba River from Ollantaytambo as the Andes give way to cloud forest.
- Door-to-door logistics. Private transport from your Cusco hotel and back, with all tickets arranged.
- Optional Huayna Picchu. Add the steep climb above the citadel if you book it in advance.
Full Day Tour vs Other Ways to Visit
| Machu Picchu Full Day | Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days | Short Inca Trail 2 Days | |
| Time | 1 long day | 2 days, 1 night | 2 days, 1 night |
| Hiking | None (walking inside the site) | None | About 12 km on the Inca Trail |
| Extras | — | Sacred Valley sites and a hotel night | Arrival through the Sun Gate and a hotel night |
| Best for | Short stays, no hiking | A slower pace with the Sacred Valley | Walking into Machu Picchu |
| Price from | US$290 | US$490 | US$500 |
Want to walk in on the Inca road? See our Short Inca Trail 2 Days.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco |
| Duration | Full day, about 13 to 14 hours |
| Transport | Private van, train (Expedition or Voyager class) and bus |
| Guided tour | About 2.5 to 3 hours. |
| Altitude | Cusco about 3,400 m (11,150 ft); Machu Picchu about 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate (stone paths and stairs) |
| Group | Small shared groups of up to 8, or private |
| Meals | Not included |
| Price | From US$290 per person |
Why Book with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned operator. We are based in Cusco. See our official certifications and permits.
- Licensed guides. An English-speaking guide, licensed to work at Machu Picchu, leads your visit.
- Everything arranged. Train, bus and entrance tickets are bought for you and handed over at the briefing.
- Door to door. No meeting points: we pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
Itinerary
Machu Picchu Full Day Itinerary
Cusco to Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Back to Cusco
Your Full Day Machu Picchu adventure begins early in the morning. Our expert guide and private driver will pick you up directly from your hotel doorstep in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. At Ali Perú Treks, we eliminate the stress of public transportation: you will travel aboard one of our private vans, enjoying a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley to the historic station of Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m).
Note: Breakfast is not included, so we recommend requesting a box breakfast at your hotel front desk one day in advance.
Once at the station, you will board the Expedition Train for a two-hour ride toward the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo (6,692 ft / 2,040 m). During the journey, you will witness one of the most impressive rail routes in the world, where majestic Andean peaks give way to the lush vegetation of the cloud forest along the roaring Vilcanota River.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will accompany you to the Consettur bus station for a 25-minute ride up the winding Hiram Bingham highway. As you enter the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary (7,972 ft / 2,430 m), we will carry out Circuit 2 (The Classic Route) the most complete and iconic citadel experience. If official permits for Circuit 2 are sold out at the time of your booking, we will secure the best strategic alternatives (Circuit 1 or Circuit 3) based on official availability, ensuring an exceptional experience and classic views of the citadel. Your guide will first take you to strategic viewpoints to capture the famous postcard photo, followed by a 3-hour guided tour through temples, plazas, and urban sectors, diving deep into the fascinating history and mysteries of the Inca civilization.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: If you booked an additional permit in advance, you will begin the hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu (8,835 ft / 2,693 m) after the main guided tour (requires prior schedule coordination).
After completing your exploration of the Machu Picchu Inca site, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. We recommend descending at least two hours before your train departure to enjoy the town at a relaxed pace. Your guide will suggest and accompany you to a trusted local restaurant for lunch. (Note: Lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose the dining option of your preference).
After saying goodbye to your guide, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, your Ali Perú Treks driver will be waiting with a personalized sign to transfer you in a private van back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo, dropping you off safely right at your hotel door for a well-deserved rest.
| Day | Details |
| Pickup | Pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. |
| Van | About 2 hours, Cusco to Ollantaytambo (each way) |
| Train | About 1.5 to 2 hours, Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (each way) |
| Bus | About 25 minutes, Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (each way) |
| Guided tour | About 2.5 to 3 hours. |
| Meals | Not included |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
Included
What’s Included in the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
Included
- Private Door-to-Door Transportation: Direct pickup right from your hotel doorstep in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo, and private drop-off at the end of the tour.
- Official Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets: Secured booking for Circuit 2 (The Classic Route). Should Circuit 2 be sold out at the time of your reservation, we will immediately secure the best available alternative (Circuit 1 or 3), based on official government availability.
- Round-Trip Train Tickets: Expedition or Voyager service taking you along the panoramic Sacred Valley route to Aguas Calientes.
- Round-Trip Consettur Bus Passes: Eco-friendly shuttle bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel (up and down).
- Licensed Professional Bilingual Guide: Expert licensed tour guide (fluent in English and Spanish) specializing in Inca history, architecture, and culture throughout the visit.
- On-Board Safety Equipment: First aid kit and medical oxygen tank provided in our vehicles for your complete safety and peace of mind.
- 24/7 Full Logistics Support: Constant monitoring of your itinerary and seamless coordination of all services to ensure a stress-free, comfortable experience.
Not Included
- Meals & Beverages: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner (allowing you full flexibility to choose your preferred dining options).
- Hotel Accommodation: Hotel stays before or after the tour (in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo).
- Gratuities: Optional tips for your tour guide and driver (discretionary and greatly appreciated if you enjoy the service).
Optional Extras
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability; book it together with your tour
- Vistadome train upgrade: available for an extra fee
Packing List
Machu Picchu Full Day Packing List
You’ll go from a chilly Cusco dawn to warm, humid cloud forest in a few hours. Pack light: you’ll carry everything all day.
Daypack Essentials
- Original passport, the same one you booked with; you need it for the train and the Machu Picchu entrance
- Small daypack, no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in)
- Water in a reusable bottle (we’re a plastic-free operator)
- Shoes with good grip, already broken in; the stone paths can be slippery
- Rain gear: a poncho or light waterproof jacket
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Cash in Peruvian soles (S/100–200) for lunch, tips, snacks and restroom fees
- Snacks for the day (you can’t eat inside the site)
- Power bank for your phone or camera
Clothing
- Base layer: a moisture-wicking T-shirt (avoid cotton)
- Mid layer: a light fleece or long-sleeve shirt
- Hiking pants: light and quick-drying (avoid jeans)
- Socks: a good pair of trekking socks
Health and Personal Care
- Insect repellent: small biting sandflies are common at Machu Picchu
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and lip balm
- Personal medication
Travel Info
Machu Picchu Full Day Travel Information
Machu Picchu Rules
- Bags: no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm. Leave bigger bags at your Cusco hotel.
- Not allowed: walking sticks, umbrellas, tripods, selfie sticks, drones and food. If you have mobility needs, tell us when you book.
- Guide required: you must enter with a licensed guide.
- One entry: your ticket has a fixed entry time. There are no restrooms inside, so use the ones outside the entrance (small fee) before you go in.
- Passport: bring your original, physical passport; copies aren’t accepted. If you renew it after booking, bring both passports.
Train Luggage
PeruRail allows one backpack of up to 8 kg (17 lb) and 100 cm, or one carry-on of up to 12 kg (26 lb) and 115 cm, per passenger. Inca Rail has its own limits. Leave large suitcases at your Cusco hotel.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Cusco is at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft) and Machu Picchu at about 2,430 m (7,970 ft), so most people feel better at the site. Spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour, ideally two. See our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco.
Weather and Best Time to Go
Machu Picchu has a humid cloud-forest climate that can change quickly. The dry season runs from May to October; from November to March, bring a rain poncho. Dress in layers. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Money and Tips
Many places in Aguas Calientes accept cards, but carry soles in cash for tips, restrooms and small purchases. Tips for your guide and driver are voluntary.
Map
Machu Picchu Full Day Map and Route
The route runs northwest from Cusco by road to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, then by train down the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. A bus climbs the switchback road to the citadel. The return follows the same route.

Price
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Price
Prices are per person in US dollars and include everything listed under What’s Included.
| Service | Price per person |
| Small shared group (up to 8 travelers) | US$290 |
| Private tour, 2–3 travelers | US$420 |
| Private tour, 4–5 travelers | US$390 |
| Private tour, 6–7 travelers | US$360 |
| Private tour, 8 or more travelers | US$290 |
Discounts and Extras
- Student and youth discount: US$20 off per person for students with a physical university ID and travelers aged 17 and under. Email a clear copy of the ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when you book.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability
Ready to book? Contact us with your date and group size.
Faq
Machu Picchu Full Day Tour FAQs
Four to five months ahead, especially for May to August. Machu Picchu tickets and train seats are limited.
Yes. We pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu): Features the classic postcard view and access to the main urban and religious sectors. We secure this ticket immediately upon booking, subject to official government availability.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best strategic alternative (Circuit 1 or Circuit 3) based on live availability.
So you can choose where to eat in Aguas Calientes. Your guide will recommend places for your taste and budget.
Yes. Ask for the Vistadome when you book; it has larger windows and onboard snacks, for an extra fee.
Easy to moderate. You’ll walk on stone paths and original stairs for about 2.5 to 3 hours.
No. Visitors must enter with a licensed guide.
No. The restrooms are outside the entrance, so use them before you go in.
Walking sticks aren’t allowed inside Machu Picchu. If you have mobility needs, tell us when you book.
The tour runs as normal. Bring a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
Yes, for anyone who can walk on stone steps at a steady pace.
No. Food isn’t sold or allowed inside the site; eat before you go in or after.
Both. Shared groups have up to 8 travelers, and private tours are available for your group only.
Yes, with a separate ticket (US$80), booked when you reserve the tour; spaces often sell out months ahead. The climb takes about two hours up and down and is steep.
If you can, a night in Aguas Calientes gives you a more relaxed visit. See our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days.
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