About this experience
The Machu Picchu tour from Cusco is a full day tour that allows you to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world. The tour usually starts early in the city of Cusco, with pick-up from your hotel towards Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, you will arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes; then fulfill the dream of many travelers.
The Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco allows you to make circuit 2, always accompanied by your professional guide, who will provide you with valuable information regarding each important place you visit. To finish the tour, return to the city of Cusco.
At a glance
- Duration: 15 hr–20 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 15 hr–20 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
- Professional Bilingual Guide.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip).
- Tourist transport
- Train to Machu Picchu with the company Inca Rail or the Expedition train from Peru Rail (round trip).
Not included
- Feeding.
- Tips.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machupicchu Mountain
- Switch to Vistadome (Peru Rail company)
Itinerary and highlights
The Full Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco begins with hotel pickup between 4:00 and 4:15 am. Travel by transport to Ollantaytambo (2 h 30 min) and then by train to Aguas Calientes (1 h 30 min). Upon arrival, your personal assistance will wait to escort you to the bus that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The guided tour of the traditional circuit lasts 2 hours, including sites such as the Lower Platform, the Sun Temple viewpoint, Eastern Qolqas, the Sacred Rock and the Water Mirrors. If you have tickets, you can go up to Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu. After the visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, our transportation will take you to Cusco, near the historic center.
Meeting and pickup information
- When you make the reservation it is very important that you share the location of the hotel where you are staying (within the historic center of Cusco), if you are very far away you will have to approach the center of the Plaza de Armas del Cusco to be picked up.
- A day or two before your travel date we will be communicating with you again to coordinate your pick-up either from your hotel or from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- TULIPA BEYOND THE INCREDIBLE
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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