Transportation
Private modern Van
Group Size
Up to 10 people
Duration
Full Day
Difficulty
Moderate
We will begin our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour with an early morning drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. The route follows the beautiful Sacred Valley for approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles). We will board a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. This train ride offers unforgettable views of lush valleys and river landscapes.
Once in Aguas Calientes, we will take a 30-minute bus ride to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will meet our licensed tour guide and start a 2-hour guided tour through the famous archaeological site. During this trip to Machu Picchu, we will explore key areas like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana. Our guide will explain the site’s history, culture, and spiritual importance.
After the guided tour, we will take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes. We will have free time for lunch or to walk around local artisan shops. In the afternoon, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private vehicle will return us safely to Cusco city.
We strongly recommend booking this tour to Machu Picchu months in advance, especially during the dry season. This Machu Picchu full day experience suits travelers who want to see this wonder in one day. If you wish to visit Machu Picchu and avoid overnight stays, this tour is ideal. Cusco Inn is a trusted travel agency offering reliable service, train tickets, and expert guidance.
From your hotel or the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
4:00 AM
We will begin the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour early in the morning. At 4:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Center. We will travel by private vehicle for 1 hour and 45 minutes to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will see the changing colors of the Andean dawn and quiet rural landscapes.
At Ollantaytambo (2,792 meters), we will board the Expedition Tourist Train. The train ride to Aguas Calientes lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes. We will enjoy panoramic views of green valleys, steep mountains, and the Urubamba River. This train to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable scenic journey.
Once we reach Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters), we will take a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain. The road winds through lush cloud forest terrain, gradually revealing spectacular peaks. Our tour guide will assist with all logistics and entry requirements. We must present our passports at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
Inside the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site, we will explore the citadel with our licensed guide. This 2-hour guided tour will take us through sacred temples, farming terraces, ceremonial fountains, and plazas. Our guide will explain the significance of each structure and the daily life of the Inca. We may take photos with panoramic views and visit platforms overlooking Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu.
After the guided tour, we will have free time to walk, reflect, or take more photos. Later, we will return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. We will have time for lunch at a local restaurant or café. You may also visit artisan markets for souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. The ride offers a new perspective of the river and mountains. At Ollantaytambo station, our private driver will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We expect to return to the city around 8:30 PM.
Unforgettable Day at Machu Picchu!
Cusco In Travel made this once-in-a-lifetime trip absolutely perfect. From the early morning pickup to the scenic train ride and expert-guided tour of Machu Picchu, everything was flawlessly organized. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, sharing incredible insights about the Inca history. Highly recommend this full day tour to anyone visiting Peru!
