About this experience
The express tour, if you only have one day to go to Machu Picchu and return to Cusco. Includes train transfers.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Machu Picchu?
We receive reservations up to 7 days in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible to ensure the quotas.
The program without input,
What time should I buy my ticket to Llaqta Machu Picchu?
Recommended times for entry to Llaqta Machu Picchu are at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00. You can also choose the times of 10:00, 14:00 and 15:00, but they are not recommended due to the waiting and travel times between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
At a glance
- Duration: 18 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 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
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.
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 Tickets and Circuits Guide
Choose the right Machu Picchu circuit, understand the 2026 ticket system, and avoid common booking mistakes with this practical guide to routes, identification, seasonal access, and last-minute entry.
What is included
- Roundtrip bus rideshare from Aguas Calientes to Llaqta Machu Picchu.
- Roundtrip transportation by Expedition train between Ollantaytambo or Wanchaq Aguas Calientes
- Guided tour (Spanish and English) at Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Roundtrip carpooling from Cusco and Ollantaytambo Station or Wanchaq
- Entrance fee to Llaqta Machu Picchu (entrance fee).
- Briefing at your accommodation the day before the tour for delivery of details, tickets and schedules.
- Pick-up from hotel in Cusco. Drop off at accommodation in Cusco
Not included
- Meals
- Health insurance
Itinerary and highlights
We will leave Cusco to start our journey to the train station of Ollantaytambo or Wanchaq, where you will board the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu Pueblo. At this place our team will be waiting for you and then take the bus to Machu Picchu, llaqta or ancient Quechua village dating from before the 15th century. You will have a guided tour of the archaeological site of approximately 2 hours, during which time you will have access to relevant information regarding Machu Picchu, its history and importance for the Quechuas of the time, in addition to the historical legacy for the Peruvian people to this day. After the tour where you can observe and take pictures of one of the seven wonders of the modern world, you will start the return by bus to Aguas Calientes where you can tour and make time until the time it is time to take the train back to Ollantaytambo; then, you will take a vehicle to return to your accommodation in Cusco
Meeting and pickup information
- Pick-up from hotel in Cusco. Drop off at accommodation in Cusco.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Agencia GuiasTours
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Drop off at accommodation in Cusco.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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