About this experience
Machu Picchu, the jewel of Peru, awaits you on this one-day tour that offers a complete immersion in the history and beauty of the famous Inca citadel. From Cusco, the journey begins early in the morning, taking visitors through the stunning Sacred Valley on a scenic train. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a professional guide will lead you through Machu Picchu’s main attractions, including the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana, as you share fascinating tales about the Inca civilization. After the tour, enjoy a buffet lunch and free time to explore Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
- Includes private transportation from Cusco and buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Professional bilingual guide at the archaeological site
- Train journey with spectacular views of the Andean landscape
- Tour of approximately 12 hours, ideal for travelers with little time
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr–13 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 hr–13 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
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide
Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.
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
What is included
- • Bus from Consettur: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (round trip).
- • Professional Bilingual Guide in Machu Picchu.
- Train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (round trip).
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- • Entrance to Machu Picchu.
Not included
- Additional drinks and foods not mentioned
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and personal shopping.
Itinerary and highlights
Hotel Pickup and Trip to Ollantaytambo : We start the day at 4:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco. Then, we traveled by private transport for about 2 hours to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
From Ollantaytambo, we board a tourist train (Inca Rail or Peru Rail) to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), in a journey of approximately 2 hours. This trip offers spectacular views of valleys, mountains and rivers that accompany the tour.
Ascent to Machu Picchu: Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will guide you to the bus station of Consettur. We will take the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (30 minutes approximately).
Ascent to Machu Picchu: Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your representative will guide you to the bus station of Consettur. We will take the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (30 minutes approximately).
Guided Tour in Machu Picchu: At the entrance, a specialized guide will take you on a tour of the citadel’s most emblematic sites, such as the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Square and Sacred Rock. You will learn about the history, architecture and mysticism surrounding this world wonder. • Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Free Time: At the end of the tour, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a buffet lunch. You will have free time to explore the shops and crafts of the village.
Return to Cusco : According to the train schedule, we head back to the station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be ready to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Chaska Andina Travel
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
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Traveller reviews and photos
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