Best Machu Picchu full day tour from Cusco

The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience this iconic Inca citadel in one day without sacrificing depth or quality. Departing early from Cusco, the tour includes a scenic train ride through the Andes and guidance from an expert, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable visit. The itinerary is designed to maximize your time at Machu Picchu while maintaining comfort.

At Machu Picchu, you will join a guided tour of the citadel, visiting key temples, terraces, and ceremonial areas while learning about its history, architecture, and spiritual significance. The schedule allows time for photography and enjoying the mountain scenery before returning to Cusco in the evening. This tour is well-suited for travelers with limited time who seek a meaningful experience.

Tour at a Glance

•    Tour Type: Guided cultural tour
•    Duration: Full day
•    Main Destination: Machu Picchu
•    Departure: Early morning from Cusco
•    Transportation: Train & bus to the citadel
•    Guide: Professional licensed Machu Picchu guide
•    Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
•    Start / End Location: Cusco

Highlights of the Tour

✔️  Scenic train journey through the Andes
✔️  Bus ride to the Machu Picchu citadel
✔️  Guided exploration of Machu Picchu’s main temples and terraces
✔️  Panoramic viewpoints and classic photo opportunities
✔️  Expert historical and cultural interpretation
✔️  Efficient itinerary ideal for limited-time travelers

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is perfect for:

• Travelers with limited time in Peru
• First-time visitors to Machu Picchu
• Culture and history enthusiasts
• Travelers seeking a well-organized, hassle-free experience

Difficulty Level & Physical Requirements

The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour is rated easy to moderate. Most access is by bus, with walking on stone paths and steps inside the citadel. No trekking experience is required, making it suitable for most travelers with basic mobility.

Best Time to Take This Tour

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from April to October, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and photography. April, May, September and October have fewer crowds and excellent visibility. The tour operates year-round.

Why Choose the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour?

The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour allows you to explore one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites in a single day with expert guidance and seamless logistics. It offers an ideal balance of efficiency, comfort and cultural depth for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience without an overnight stay.
 

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Itinerary

Early Morning Departure: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and drive you to Ollantaytambo, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, the driver will accompany you to the train station and ensure you board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Train Ride to Aguas Calientes: The journey offers scenic views of the Sacred Valley, including the Andes Mountains, the Urubamba River, and the region's lush vegetation.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Upon arrival, our tour guide will meet you in the train station waiting area and welcome you to Machu Picchu town. You will have some free time to enjoy breakfast or relax before your visit.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu: You will take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The ride takes about 30 minutes and follows a series of mountain switchbacks.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Your guide will lead you to the upper part of the citadel for the best views of Machu Picchu. You will have ample time to explore while your guide shares historical and cultural insights about the Inca civilization and the site's key structures. The guided walking tour lasts about 2 hours and includes visits to the most important sites. Your guide will also assist with photos at popular viewpoints. After the tour, you will say goodbye.

Return to Aguas Calientes: After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here, you can have lunch and wait for your return train.

Return to Cusco: In the late afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, completing your full-day tour.

• Accommodation: Book on your own.
• Tickets: Included.
• Meals: Not included.

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour Inclusions.

✔️  Round-Trip Transportation Between Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Your tour includes round-trip transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, providing a smooth and comfortable journey to the train station. Enjoy scenic views as you prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu.

✔️  Round-Trip Expeditions Train Tickets

Travel by train to Machu Picchu and enjoy panoramic views of the Andes, including valleys, rivers, and mountains. Relax and take in the scenery as you approach this renowned site.
Your ticket provides entry to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, also known as "the Lost City of the Incas."

✔️  Entry to Machu Picchu

Your ticket grants access to the citadel and its impressive landscapes. To secure a spot on the popular Circuit 2 hike, we recommend booking in advance. You will visit key Incan landmarks, including the Urban, Agricultural and Religious sectors. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the remarkable world of the Inca civilization and enjoy unforgettable views.

✔️  Round-Trip Bus Transportation to Machu Picchu

Travel comfortably to the entrance of Machu Picchu with included round-trip bus transportation. The route offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, allowing you to focus on your experience without the stress of navigation.

✔️  Experienced Guide for Machu Picchu

Explore Machu Picchu with an experienced local guide who will share insights into the site's history, architecture and cultural significance. Their expertise will enrich your visit and provide a deeper understanding of the ruins.

With Champions Peru Travel, you embark on a curated journey that combines convenience, comfort and cultural immersion.

EXCLUDED

❌  Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner.

❌  Gratuities: Gratuities for your driver and guide are optional.

❌  Travel insurance: Not included, but highly recommended.

UPGRADES: You may choose to upgrade to the following options:

✔️  Huayna Picchu: $75 per ticket

✔️  Vistadome Train: One way $75, round trip $140

✔️  Hiram Bingham Luxury Train: $520 for return.

Adult Group Service

• $500 per person for groups of 2 to 3
• $450 per person for groups of 4 to 5
• $400 per person for groups of 6 to 7
• $350 per person for groups of 8 or more