Overview
Machu Picchu 1 Day Trip from Cusco.
Experience the wonders of Machu Picchu on a day tour from Cusco, utilizing our panoramic train journey for the ultimate combination of safety and exploration. Discover the Inca citadel at your leisure, free from any complications or stress. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and embark on an unforgettable train ride that ranks among the most extraordinary in existence. Our comprehensive full-day package guarantees an all-inclusive adventure, complete with a rich historical backdrop, awe-inspiring landscapes, and top-notch service.
Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or traveling with loved ones, our train journey to Machu Picchu is the perfect choice. Our private tours ensure that every traveler, including couples, families, and children, can fully immerse themselves in this incredible experience. Additionally, we provide the flexibility to customize your tour program to cater to your specific preferences and requirements.
OVERVIEW OF DAY TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu full-day tour by train offers a convenient and unforgettable experience. This adventure allows you to explore the magnificent lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, in a single day. Starting from the city of Cusco, you will embark on a combined journey by car and train. Our door-to-door hotel service ensures a seamless and enjoyable Machu Picchu tour.
For those who have a restricted schedule yet still wish to partake in the enchanting adventure of exploring Machu Picchu, this tour is the perfect choice. It is crucial to make reservations ahead of time, particularly during peak season, due to the high demand for train tickets and entry passes to Machu Picchu.
Aditional Information.
When you purchase our package, we take care of securing your ticket to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The price of the package includes the ticket, which is obtained under your name. Our guided tours at Machu Picchu usually cover circuits 1, 2, or 3. To ensure that you can participate in these highly sought-after circuits, it is crucial to book your tour at least three months ahead of time. In the rare event that circuits 1, 2, or 3 are not available, we offer alternatives such as circuits 4 or 5.
The circuits vary primarily in terms of their entry points to Machu Picchu. While circuits 1, 2, and 3 allow visitors to enter from the higher section of the site, providing breathtaking panoramic vistas and the chance to capture iconic photographs of Machu Picchu, circuits 4 and 5 offer access from the lower portion, which unfortunately lacks the traditional view of the ancient citadel.
Please be aware that there is no single circuit that encompasses the entirety of the Inca citadel. Nevertheless, each circuit offers a guided tour led by a knowledgeable expert, lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. This guarantees a thorough and informative encounter with the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Start the tour.
Commencing your Machu Picchu expedition, you will be promptly transported from your accommodations in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley, encompassing Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo, to the train station. The main station utilized for this purpose is Ollantaytambo, situated approximately 1.45 hours away from the city of Cusco by car.
Train. Embarking on a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo, typically scheduled for either 6:10 or 6:40 am, guarantees a pleasant and picturesque experience. As you traverse the captivating Andean terrain and catch glimpses of the majestic Urubamba River, lasting about 1.5 hours, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas that perfectly complement your Machu Picchu adventure.
Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, alternatively referred to as Machu Picchu Pueblo, a guide from Magical Peru Expeditions will warmly welcome you, guiding you to the bus that will take you on a tour of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Bus. Once you reach Aguas Calientes, a brief and scenic 30-minute bus ride awaits you, taking you to the main entrance of Machu Picchu while providing awe-inspiring vistas of the valley and the majestic mountains that envelop it.
Tour in Machu Picchu. Experience a captivating journey through the captivating ruins of Machu Picchu with the guidance of a knowledgeable expert. As you explore this mysterious site, your guide will provide insightful explanations about its history, architecture, and various theories surrounding its enigmatic nature. The duration of the tour typically spans approximately 2.5 hours and follows the designated circuit indicated on your Machu Picchu ticket, commonly referred to as circuit 02. Discover more information about this extraordinary adventure here.
Experience the day tour
Time. The amount of free time available to visitors in Machu Picchu is restricted to approximately 30 minutes, as the maximum allotted time, which includes the 2.5-hour tour, is 3 hours. Following the tour, there will be an extra 30 minutes for further exploration of Machu Picchu and the opportunity to capture photographs at your own pace.
Return from Machu Picchu. Once you have completed your visit to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you will make your way back to Aguas Calientes by bus, a short 25-minute journey. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of Aguas Calientes, savor a delicious meal, and perhaps venture out to discover more before embarking on your return expedition.
For your return journey. You will hop on the train back to Ollantaytambo, departing at either 2:30 or 3:20 pm. The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo will last around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, transportation will be ready to bring you back to your hotel.
Arrival. Upon your arrival in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be taken to your hotel. As part of the service, you will also be provided with transportation back to your hotel after completing the full-day Machu Picchu tour by train.
What makes travelers opt for a day trip to Machu Picchu by train?
- Eliminate the hassle of long queues and the stress of managing all your logistical arrangements.
- Embark on an extraordinary rail journey that offers breathtaking scenic views unlike any other.
- Tour guides who possess a comprehensive understanding of the English language.
- The local travel agency provides a local price that is exclusive to their customers.
- We provide convenient transportation services, offering pick-up options from various hotels and Airbnb accommodations located in Cusco.
- Opting for a train tour is the most secure and reliable method of reaching the magnificent destination of Machu Picchu.
- Families, couples, friends, and children alike will find this tour to be the perfect choice.
- Tailor the program to your specific requirements with complete customization options.
- Booking made easy and convenient, with quick processing.
- Exclusive, personalized tour with a knowledgeable guide.
- The option for refunds is available.
- Continuous support in the English language.
What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the places considered a royal estate or sacred religious site for the Incas, this place was just known by the peasants living in the region, as a Lost City of the Incas that was abandoned approximately for about 100 years after its construction. In 1911 Hiram Bingham hoped to find Vilcabamba, meeting with the local farmers who said there were some ruins on top called Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu was designed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, welcoming hundreds of people year-round. Machu Picchu now become Peru’s most visited attraction and South America’s most famous archaeological ruins.
Make your Machu Picchu tour one day, exciting with one of the best Peru travel companies, Magical Peru Expeditions. Visiting these places is going to be an eye-opening experience. As a responsible tour operator, we ensure that you will have everything included, for this tour of Machu Picchu, with high knowledgeable tour Guide Remember, we are always here to help you.
Itinerary
ITINERARY TOUR MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY | MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY
For a personalized experience, Magical Peru Expeditions will arrange an early pick-up from your Cusco hotel. Our private transportation will take you on a 1 hour and 30 minute journey to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, you will board a train that traverses the Sacred Valley of the Incas, transitioning from the Andes to the jungle outskirts of Aguas Calientes. This captivating train ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will be ready to assist you in boarding a bus that will transport you to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary. The bus ride is a short 25 minutes.
Machu Picchu 1 day Tour
Prepare yourself to embark on a journey to the historical sanctuary, where our Tour to Machu Picchu will commence. Embrace the enchantment of this ancient site, replenish your energy, and embrace the moment you have eagerly anticipated. As we explore the remnants of Inca history, marvel at the architecture and engineering that grace these ancient grounds. The guided tour, lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours, will provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the wonders of this remarkable place. It is important to note that visiting time is currently limited. Within the Machu Picchu Citadel, we will gain insight into its various zones, the distribution of its population, and intriguing details such as its ability to sustain itself despite its isolation.
Once the tour is complete, we will make our way back to Aguas Calientes by bus. In this charming town, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch and wander through its array of restaurants and craft shops. Our journey continues as we board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our dedicated representative will be eagerly awaiting your return, holding a sign with your name clearly displayed. From there, our reliable transportation will whisk you back to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of our unforgettable 1-day excursion to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Include
What’s Included for the Machu Picchu day tour?
- Information a day before the tour
- Transfer from your hotel to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (30 minutes)
- Machu Picchu Sanctuary Admission Ticket
- English Guided Tour (2 hours and – 2 hours of free time to explore on your own)
- Tour Guide experienced English speaking)
- Train ticket back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and then transfer back to your hotel in Cusco
- Transfer from the station to your hotel
What is not included in the Machu Picchu tour 1 Day?
- Entrance to the mountain Huayna Picchu.
- Train change to Vistadome
- Food
- Tips
- One additional night in Aguas Calientes
Recommendations
Recommendations for the day tour to Machu Picchu
- Original passport
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat.
- Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
- Repellent for insects.
- Personal medication
- Camera and camcorder
Important information
- Proof of full-dose COVID vaccinations and double or KN95 masks are required and use a face covering when riding the Service train.
- Train schedules are subject to change subject to availability. Once you’ve made your reservation, we’ll be able to confirm the exact train time.
Questions and Answers
When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?
Any time of the year is suitable to visit Machu Picchu, but the best time is from June to September to avoid the rain.
Has this tour ever been canceled during the rainy season?
No, we have never canceled this tour because the roads you cross to get to Machu Picchu are safe. During the rainy season, we recommend booking an extra Vistadome train to avoid delays (due to rain) and enjoy the scenery better.
When to book a visit?
The months of June through September are high season. To ensure good train time, it is recommended to book more than a month in advance.
What is the difference between the trains?
Two companies operate the route between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (the town of Machu Picchu): Inca Rail and Peru Rail. Their trains are a tourist in nature, as they run at a low speed that allows for sightseeing during the hour-and-a-half journey. They mainly offer 2 types. The standard one is called Expedition or Voyager and the higher one is called 360 or Vistadome. If you would like a more luxurious catalog or to personalize it, contact us.
How long will I be in Machu Picchu?
The visit lasts approximately 4 hours, of which 2 hours are free to explore the area.
What to bring to Machu Picchu on a day excursion?
In addition to what is stated in the “bringing” section, we would like to point out that temperatures vary greatly on the same day and the sun can be intense, so it is important to bring layers of clothing. A raincoat, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat or cap. A small backpack will be very comfortable to carry everything. We recommend leaving some of your luggage at your accommodation in Cusco (yes, all hotels offer this service) and bringing only what you need for the visit. Also, Machu Picchu has lockers, they have a price of 5 soles.
Is it possible to book the tour, discounting the price of the entrance ticket or train if I have booked them in advance?
Yes, we offer various discounts depending on what you have already booked. If you want to customize your tour, contact us.
Do you offer discounts to students?
Yes, we offer a discount of 20 USD to students under 25. In order to apply the discount, it is important that you send us a picture of your student ID card.
Is it possible to stay a night in accommodation in Aguas Calientes and return to Cuzco the next day?
Yes, to add an extra night in the Aguas Calientes you just have to contact us to offer you personalized help by sending an email to info@magicalperuexpeditions.com
Where does the tour start?
The tour offers accommodation pick-up, so you will be picked up at your accommodation as long as it is located in the historical center of Cuzco. If the street is not accessible for the minibus, the coordinator will accompany you from your accommodation to the pickup point. In case your hotel is not located in the centre the minibus will not be able to deviate so much from its pickup route and you will be offered a pickup point as close as possible to your accommodation.
THINGS TO KNOW
- As per the new rules, you can stay in the Machu Picchu area only 2 hours, but it is almost impossible to enforce this rule unless visitors would have been all the time harassed by guards who would have to ask them over and over again what time they enter (this rule should be more strict).
- When visiting Machu Picchu, you must bring your passport with you, as you will need it to enter the site.
- With the standard entry ticket to Machu Picchu, you will not be allowed back in after you exit, even if you do not spend the full 2 hours allotted with each ticket. A complete guided tour only tends to last between 2 to 3 hours.
- With the Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, You should hike first to the Mountain and then do the guided tour at Machu Picchu.
- Be careful with selfies and jumping pictures, as these cause most of the accidents in the mountains.
- Training shoes or lightweight walking shoes are highly recommended.
- Strong insect repellent is recommended.
- Machu Picchu is a unique site, and if you want, you can get a pretty unusual stamp on your Passport.
Bathroom
Bad news, there are no bathrooms or food stalls in Machu Picchu. Make sure you use the bathroom before you enter the site. It is right in front of the entrance and costs two soles.
Mistake
If it is cloudy and rainy and you will leave the viewing platform where the most classic photos are taken from and start the tour around Machu Picchu, with the hope to come back when the weather improves, we would like to inform you that this is impossible. Once you are on the trail you only have to move forward and follow the circuit – there are many guards with whistles watching, and you won’t stand a chance.
Food and Water
When it comes to food and water, bring your own. The ticket says that eating inside the site is prohibited, but you can bring a small snack with you, only try not to eat too openly, and it comes without saying that you should not litter. Also, you should bring your water in reusable flasks or canteens, because Machu Picchu tries to fight against single-use plastic bottles.
Prohibited items are not allowed inside Machu Picchu
- Walking sticks unless the person needs to.
- Also prohibited from entering Machu Picchu by drone, trekking pole, tripod or selfie stick. Elderly people can carry a cane, but with a rubber end, not a metal one.
- Professional cameras are not allowed. Licenses for professional cameras cost up to $300, so avoid bringing a pro camera to save money.
- You cannot enter to Machu Picchu with your travel backpack. Only smaller models are allowed so leave your backpack in Aguas Calientes in your Hotel.
Strikes
Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Machu Picchu day tours and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your Machu Picchu private tour by train continues as planned with some changes.
If the strike happens the day of your Machu Picchu 1-day tour, we will take you to Aguas Calientes town the night before your start date. You will visit Machu Picchu normally. After visiting the Inca ruins, you will have to walk another 3 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 11:00 pm.
Price
Machu Picchu tour price by train 1 day
The price depends on the train and the number of people. Write us at info@magicalperuexpeditions.com to give the updated price
- Tour program
- Number of people on the tour
- Departure date
- Booking a tour in advance provides a safe and well-organized experience