About this experience

The citadel of Machu Picchu provides visitors a unique approach to the magnificent architecture of the old Inca civilization. Its massive walls combined with the surrounding tropical forests create a wonderful environment, exclusive to the region. The route to Machu Picchu takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, places which stand out because of its rich history and culture.

At a glance

Duration: 17 hr–18 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Shared 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco

Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour17 hr–18 hr

Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details

Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 17 hr–18 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local guides to help you plan

Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco

A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar

Machu Picchu Train From Cusco Guide

Plan the Machu Picchu train from Cusco with clear advice on bimodal routes, entry tickets, train classes, timings, baggage, and booking order.

Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu

PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.

What is included

Round train trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu citadel
Round trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel
Bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish)
First-aid kits and oxygen
Round trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Trip briefing

Not included

Domestic flights
Meals
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Mountain
Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
Walking pole set

Itinerary and highlights

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am. After a short trip through the Sacred Valley, we will arrive at Ollantaytambo. There you will board a train to Aguas Calientes, the entry point to Machu Picchu.

Around 11:00 am, we will arrive at the small town of Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is famous for its natural hot springs. The town offers numerous services for tourists, including hotels and restaurants.
After arriving at Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. This short trip takes about 30 minutes.

Once we arrive at the entrance of Machu Picchu, our tour guide will assist you through the security checkpoints. Then our tour will begin. You will visit the the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana and much more. After the tour, you will be free to explore the citadel on your own.
Also, you can hike the Huayna Picchu mountain, which is located next to the citadel. However, entry tickets to this mountain must be purchased in advance, so if you want to explore this sector tell us before purchasing the tour.

After the tour, we will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes. There you can have lunch on one of the numerous restaurants the city has to offer. It's also possible to taste some of the local dishes served at the local market. You will be free to explore the town. A popular activity is going to the hot springs, which provide tourists a unique opportunity to take a bath on its therapeutical waters.

At around 6:45 pm we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo.

We will arrive at Ollantaytambo at around 8:45 pm. From there, we will drive back to Cusco. You will be back at your hotel in Cusco about 10:30 pm.

Meeting and pickup information

Cusco Main Square

Languages and tickets

English — Guide
Spanish — Guide
Mobile Only

Tour operator

Samex Tours Perú Travel Agency

Accessibility and practical details

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?

The supplier lists a duration of 17 hr–18 hr.

Which guide languages are listed?

English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).

What ticket format is listed?

Mobile ticket.

What ticket age bands are listed?

Child tickets: age 3–11; Youth tickets: age 12–17; Adult tickets: age 18+; Senior tickets: age 66+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.

What is the cancellation policy?