Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
From$336
14 hours
Cusco, Peru
About this activity
A comprehensive day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu, featuring guided tours and scenic train rides, offering insights into Incan history and culture.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu
- Enjoy scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley
- Learn about Incan history from expert guides
- Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes
- Experience the rich cultural heritage of Peru
Full description
Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu on this immersive day trip from Cusco. Begin your adventure with a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley, offering picturesque views of the Andean landscape. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the ancient Incan citadel, exploring its intricate architecture and learning about its historical significance. Capture stunning panoramic views and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Peru. This excursion is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience of Machu Picchu's beauty and history in a single day.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu's main attractions
- Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Cusco Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Train Station Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a transfer to the train station.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: Train Journey to Aguas Calientes Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour train ride, where you can choose between various train options, such as the Expedition, Vistadome, Executive Class 360, or Voyager, each offering unique ways to take in the beautiful landscapes. Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes station, board a small bus to begin your journey up the winding road to Machu Picchu.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Discover the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, known as the Lost City of the Incas, with its terraces, shrines, steps, and urban areas, while your expert guide walks you through the historic site. There will be time to be alone and fully embrace this magnificent wonder of the world, letting this once in a lifetime experience set in.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES
4
Pass by: After your exploration, head back to Aguas Calientes station to board the train for your return trip to Cusco.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: Relax and enjoy the scenic train journey back to Cusco, where your day concludes with a transfer to your hotel.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves significant walking; ensure you're comfortable with physical activity.
- Train schedules may vary; confirm departure times upon booking.
- Meals are not included; plan accordingly for food during the day.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket or raincoat, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
- Carry a small backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Good to know
- MANDATORY: The Authority of Machu Picchu asks full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality details to issue the admission ticket.
- The admission ticket of Machu Picchu is NOT REFUNDABLE and date changes or amendments are NOT accepted. *If you need to change your visit date, you will need to purchase a new entrance ticket.
- Due to high demand and limited entrances to the citadel, VIPAC will issue your admission ticket on trail 2 as a priority. If it is not available, trail 3 or 1 will be provided, after prior coordination with the passenger before issuance.
- Machu Picchu Admission ticket and train tickets are included in this tour. Our sales team will send them 72 hour after paid.
- Shifts entry by hours from 6 am to 3 pm. Our shared tour considers 9 am, 10 am and 11 am shifts. If the shifts are not available, we will open a new shared tour in the next hour available. Our staff will inform you for acceptance.
- Travelers must arrive to Cusco city at least one day before Machu Picchu day tour. The authority of Machu Picchu do not accept travel date ammends of admission ticket.
- This shared tour could have a waiting time of up to 40 minutes to start the tour, depending on Machu Picchu shift time and train timetable avaliability.
- One day before the company's staff will contact the travelers to send the pick-up time through Viator or Tripadvisor experiences extranet.
- For weather reasons, from January to March, all excursions departs on bimodal service (Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo & train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
- The guided tour inside Machu Picchu takes around 2h 30m following a delimited trail.
- Machu Picchu has two seasons. Rainy season from December to March. Dry season, the rest of the year.
- VIPAC is not responsible for flight cancellations or delays. We recommend arriving in Cusco one day before the scheduled tour date."
- Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
- Remember that, if you are a Peruvian national, you must have a valid National Identity Document (DNI) in order to be able to issue your ticket to Machu Picchu. In addition, this document must be sent through the corresponding platform and presented on the day of the visit. The system does not allow the issuance of tickets with a passport for Peruvian citizens.
- The option to take the Panoramic Circuit 1 tour from the moment you enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu can be extended for a maximum of 2 hours.
Traveler reviews
4.51,686 reviews
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Machu Picchu Trip
Seeing one of the modern 7 wonders of the world was worth it. VIPAC takes care of everything in terms of what you need to get to Machu Picchu and to enter. It was seamless. Veronica the tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Make sure you bring your passport and some cash for breakfast, lunch, and gifts.
Genaro PMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Majestic Inca spirit and Apus.
It has been one of the most special experiences I have had, a very impressive spiritual place. Regarding the organization, it was good; they were very punctual. The guide at Machu Picchu, Mr. Francisco, was kind and very knowledgeable about history; he explained everything in detail.
gladysstellabMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Amazing experience
This was one of the best experiences ever! From pick up to drop off, the coordination, organization and communication were perfect! Our tour guide in Machu Picchu, Ronaldo, was amazing! He provided great information about the Inca and kept us engaged and also helped us get some great pictures! That final touch was amazing as he captured a video of our family which will last us a lifetime. So happy we did this.
Anna_RMay 21, 2026VIATOR
Spectacular trip
A very good experience, truly impressive
titiorieskygMay 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Amazing experience
The guide, Ronaldo, was amazing! Such an amazing experience! Thank you!
ornellam563May 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
MANDATORY: The Authority of Machu Picchu asks full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality details to issue the admission ticket.
The admission ticket of Machu Picchu is NOT REFUNDABLE and date changes or amendments are NOT accepted. *If you need to change your visit date, you will need to purchase a new entrance ticket.
Due to high demand and limited entrances to the citadel, VIPAC will issue your admission ticket on trail 2 as a priority. If it is not available, trail 3 or 1 will be provided, after prior coordination with the passenger before issuance.
Machu Picchu Admission ticket and train tickets are included in this tour. Our sales team will send them 72 hour after paid.
Shifts entry by hours from 6 am to 3 pm. Our shared tour considers 9 am, 10 am and 11 am shifts. If the shifts are not available, we will open a new shared tour in the next hour available. Our staff will inform you for acceptance.
Travelers must arrive to Cusco city at least one day before Machu Picchu day tour. The authority of Machu Picchu do not accept travel date ammends of admission ticket.
This shared tour could have a waiting time of up to 40 minutes to start the tour, depending on Machu Picchu shift time and train timetable avaliability.
One day before the company's staff will contact the travelers to send the pick-up time through Viator or Tripadvisor experiences extranet.
For weather reasons, from January to March, all excursions departs on bimodal service (Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo & train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
The guided tour inside Machu Picchu takes around 2h 30m following a delimited trail.
Machu Picchu has two seasons. Rainy season from December to March. Dry season, the rest of the year.
VIPAC is not responsible for flight cancellations or delays. We recommend arriving in Cusco one day before the scheduled tour date."
Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
Remember that, if you are a Peruvian national, you must have a valid National Identity Document (DNI) in order to be able to issue your ticket to Machu Picchu. In addition, this document must be sent through the corresponding platform and presented on the day of the visit. The system does not allow the issuance of tickets with a passport for Peruvian citizens.