Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour / From Cusco

🧭 Description

Experience one of the world’s most impressive adventures in a single day. The Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco is an experience that combines Andean landscapes, a panoramic train ride, vibrant culture, and the magic of the most famous Inca citadel on the planet.
During the day, you’ll tour the mythical Sacred Valley, ride a tourist train with spectacular views, ascend by bus through the high jungle to the sanctuary’s entrance, and discover the most iconic corners of Machu Picchu accompanied by an expert guide. Everything is designed so that your sole objective is to enjoy, feel, and treasure every moment of this dream trip.

🧭 Itinerary

• 🚐 Hotel pickup and transfer to Ollantaytambo (4:00 – 4:30 a.m.)

The adventure begins very early. Our transportation will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the journey, you’ll enjoy the first Andean landscapes until you reach the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, where the train experience to Machu Picchu begins.

• 🚆 Tourist Train Ride to Aguas Calientes

You’ll board the Vistadome or Expedition tourist train (depending on availability), renowned for its panoramic windows that allow you to admire the mountains, canyons, and highland jungle. This journey is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, with views of the mighty Urubamba River and Andean ecosystems transitioning into the Amazon rainforest.

• 🚌 Eco-Friendly Bus Ride to Machu Picchu

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a 25-minute eco-friendly bus ride to the entrance of the Inca Citadel. The ride crosses vegetation-covered mountains and offers stunning views of the natural surroundings of this wonder of the world.

• 🏛️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

With a professional tour guide, you’ll begin your tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its temples, plazas, terraces, and agricultural areas. You’ll learn about the history of the Inca civilization, their worldview, and the most fascinating theories about the purpose of this citadel. This guided tour will help you understand why Machu Picchu is considered a World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

• 📸 Free time to explore and photograph

After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore on your own, walk the trails, admire the landscapes, and take photographs from the most iconic viewpoints, such as the Guardian’s House or the agricultural sector.

• 🍴 Descent to Aguas Calientes and lunch

You’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy an included lunch at a tourist restaurant. You’ll enjoy traditional dishes or gourmet offerings, according to your guide’s recommendations.

• 🚆 Return by train to Ollantaytambo

In the afternoon, you’ll board the tourist train again to Ollantaytambo. This final journey will allow you to bid farewell to the majestic landscape surrounding Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

• 🚐 Transfer to Cusco

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our tourist transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Arrival at the hotel is scheduled for around 8:00 p.m., bringing to a close an unforgettable day at the summit of the Andes.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

✅Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo and back: comfortable, safe, shared tourist transportation with a professional driver.

✅Round-trip tourist train ride (Expedition or Vistadome category): comfortable seats, panoramic windows, and onboard service. The Vistadome includes snacks and drinks, as well as cultural presentations.

✅Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes bus: official transportation with all safety measures to access the Inca citadel.

✅Admission to the Machu Picchu citadel (regular tour): official entrance ticket, guaranteed with advance reservation.

✅Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours): professional guide in Spanish or English, authorized by the Ministry of Culture, who will explain the history, architecture, and secrets of the citadel.

✅Lunch at a tourist restaurant in Aguas Calientes: full menu with traditional or gourmet options.

✅Personalized assistance throughout the tour: accompaniment by the agency to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

❌ What’s not included?

For complete clarity, these are the services and expenses not included in the package:

❌Breakfast and dinner: The tour only includes lunch in Aguas Calientes. All other meals are the responsibility of the passenger, who can request breakfast at their hotel in Cusco before departure or choose restaurants in Cusco upon return.

❌Additional entrance fees: Entrance to the adjacent mountains (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) or local museums (e.g., Machu Picchu Site Museum) is not included. These must be reserved in advance and have an extra cost.

❌Personal expenses: such as additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs, purchases at artisan markets, or items not mentioned in the itinerary.

❌Voluntary tips: for guides, drivers, or service staff, which are at the discretion of each traveler.

❌Accommodation in Cusco or Aguas Calientes: This experience is a full-day tour and therefore does not include accommodation. If the passenger wishes to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, this is arranged as an additional service.

❌Travel Insurance: Medical assistance or cancellation insurance is not included. It is recommended to purchase it before the trip.

❌Air or ground transportation to Cusco: Tickets to get to Cusco from Lima or other cities are not part of the package.

❌Expenses for changes or rescheduling: Any modification to train, bus, or entrance tickets due to the passenger’s decision or due to causes beyond the agency’s control (strikes, delays, extreme weather).

❌Services not expressly mentioned in the itinerary: Any optional or extra activity requested directly by the traveler.

🌟 Recommendations

To ensure your experience at Machu Picchu is comfortable, safe, and fully enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:

• Book in advance, especially during peak season (May to September), as train and ticket availability to Machu Picchu is limited.
• Bring your current ID or passport, as it will be requested upon entering the sanctuary.
• Wear light, comfortable clothing, preferably quick-drying, and athletic or trekking shoes to walk comfortably through the archaeological sites.
• Include a windproof or waterproof jacket, as the weather is unpredictable and it can rain even during the dry season.
• Essential sun protection: hat or cap, sunglasses, and high-coverage sunscreen.
• Insect repellent, especially during the rainy season, to avoid discomfort during your visit.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and light snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
• Avoid carrying too much weight; Only small backpacks (maximum 20 liters) are allowed inside Machu Picchu.
• Please respect the sanctuary’s regulations, avoiding touching structures, leaving marked paths, or eating food inside the citadel.
• Purchase travel insurance for added protection against unforeseen medical or weather conditions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this tour?

Yes, but it requires purchasing an additional ticket in advance, as daily access is limited and often sells out months in advance.

2. What is the best time to take the tour?

The dry season (May to September) offers clear skies and better conditions for hiking and photography. However, Machu Picchu can be visited year-round.

3. Do I need to be in good physical condition for this tour?

It doesn’t require much physical effort, but you do need to be used to walking, as the route includes sections with stairs and uneven terrain.

4. Can I bring my large luggage to Machu Picchu?

This is not recommended. Ideally, you should leave it at your hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes and only bring a small backpack for the day.

5. What happens if there are changes to the train schedule?

In case of changes due to availability or weather, our team will inform you and adjust the itinerary so you can enjoy the experience without incident.

6. Are drones allowed at Machu Picchu?

No, the use of drones is prohibited within the historic sanctuary to protect its safety and archaeological heritage.

7. Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, as long as they can walk at a moderate pace. We recommend bringing trekking poles (with rubber tips) for greater stability.