1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 186 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco worth booking?
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $480 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 186 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (186)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $480 per person
Get to know the sanctuary of Machu Picchu on a 1-day tour from the city of Cusco. Designed for those who’s time in Peru is limited, your private tour will take you door to door to the Inca city and back to your hotel in Cusco in just 1 day. Your private tour to Machu Picchu includes a round trip private car journey through the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo. Followed by a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Every step accompanied by your own personal tour guide and their local knowledge of the region and its history. Your 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu will take you on a journey through the history of the Incas and the most important archaeological sites inside the citadel. These include the panoramic viewpoint, temple of the sun, central plaza, solar observatory (Intiwatana), palace of the Inca, temple of the condor and the iconic stepped terraces. An unforgettable day packed full of bucket list moments that will surely leave you amazed!
What you get
About this experience
Get to know the sanctuary of Machu Picchu on a 1-day tour from the city of Cusco. Designed for those who’s time in Peru is limited, your private tour will take you door to door to the Inca city and back to your hotel in Cusco in just 1 day. Your private tour to Machu Picchu includes a round trip private car journey through the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo. Followed by a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Every step accompanied by your own personal tour guide and their local knowledge of the region and its history. Your 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu will take you on a journey through the history of the Incas and the most important archaeological sites inside the citadel. These include the panoramic viewpoint, temple of the sun, central plaza, solar observatory (Intiwatana), palace of the Inca, temple of the condor and the iconic stepped terraces. An unforgettable day packed full of bucket list moments that will surely leave you amazed!
What's included
Included
- Round trip bus tickets : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Round trip train tickets : Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
- Private and comfortable transportation - round trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu citadel
- Pick-up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional English and Spanish speaking tour guide
Not included
- Snacks
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Cusco
5:30 AM Start the amazing tour of Machu Picchu with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco in our private transportation, to later be transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train to go to the town of Aguas Calientes.
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Ollantaytambo
7:45 AM Enjoy an exciting train ride to Aguas Calientes, the experience of the trip depends on the type of train you have chosen. Travelers can choose between the Expedition and Vistadome trains. On the way you will see beautiful natural landscapes with a duration of approximately 1h 50min. This is an unforgettable experience full of local charm.
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Aguas Calientes
9:45 AM Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the small town located at the base of the famous Machu Picchu, your guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it at the Aguas Calientes train station. With him you will go to the bus station to ascend 400 m high, by a short road, for approx. 30 minutes to reach the incredible wonder of the world “The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu”, known as “The Lost City of the Incas”.
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Machu Picchu
10:30 AM Upon arrival at the citadel of Machu Picchu we will pass a checkpoint where your guides will provide you with your entrance tickets, then follow your guide along the main roads to see the admirable ancient Inca engineering. You will be guided for 3 hours (approx.) by your expert guide, who will explain all the history, culture and designs of the entire sanctuary of Machu Picchu. You will get to know closely the most outstanding places of Machu Picchu, such as the sacred sundial, the Royal Quarters, the main square and the Temple of the Three Windows, among others. After your guided tour of Machu Picchu's most important sites, you will have free time to explore and enjoy this wonder of the world completely on your own. After the unique experience of visiting Machu Picchu we will take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes.
240 minutes here
Aguas Calientes
2:00 PM Once you arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes you will have free time to have lunch at one of the restaurants recommended by your guide or visit a bit of the town before going to the Aguas Calientes train station. At 3:48 PM we Board the train and relax after spending the whole day in Machu Picchu on the striking train ride to Ollantaytambo.
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Ollantaytambo
5:45 PM Upon arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo we will be waiting for you with a sign with your name to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private transportation in 1h 30min approx.
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Cusco
7:30 PM you arrive to Cusco city and you will be transfered to your hotel, (this is not a specific time, it varies depending on the different factors of the tour) leaving you at your hotel, so you can rest after the incredible tour of Machu Picchu and thus ends this magnificent experience.
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Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private Tour + Vistadome Train
Customized Private Tour Private Guided Tour Van: Group between 12 to 15 people Train: Vistadome Train round trip Pickup included
Private Tour + ExpeditionTrain
Customized Private Tour Duration: 10 hours Private Guided Tour Comfortable Private Van Train tickets: Expedition Train round trip Pickup included
Group Tour + Expedition Train
Group Guided Tour Duration: 10 hours Van: Group Between 10 to 15 people Train tickets: Expedition train round trip Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, it, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our agency is distinguished for offering excellent tourist experiences, where quality is the central axis of each service. We strive to maintain the highest standards at every stage of the tour, ensuring that, even in the group tour, our passengers enjoy a carefully designed service, with touches of quality and personalized attention that exceed expectations.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Raincoat (long poncho) during the rainy season
- Sunscreen, brimmed hat for sunny days
- Medicine and / or personal items (liquid for contact lenses).
- A backpack or lightweight suitcase (no weight limit between 5-6 kilos maximum).
- Have on hand checks in small denominations and coins in soles or dollars.
- MANDATORY: The Machu Picchu authority requests: full name, passport number, date of birth and nationality, in order to issue the entrance ticket. If you do not send this information we will not be able to reserve and subsequently pay for your tickets to Machu Picchu.
- The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is *NOT REFUNDABLE*, so we kindly ask you to be 100% sure to take the tour. *DATE CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. If you need to change the date of your visit, you must purchase a new entrance ticket.
- Due to the high demand and the limited number of entrances to the Inca citadel, our company will issue your entrance ticket in circuit 2 as a priority. If it is not available, circuit 3 or 1 will be assigned, prior coordination with the passenger before issuance.
- The type of transportation you will receive from Cusco - Ollantaytambo and Ollantaytambo - Cusco, will depend on the option you have chosen when booking the tour (PRIVATE OR GROUP).
- Round trip train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are included in the tour.
- Machu Picchu has two seasons throughout the year: the rainy season from December to March, and the dry season during the rest of the year.
- The day before the tour, your guide will come to your hotel or Airbnb to give you a briefing about the entire tour and answer any questions you may have.
- To coordinate your briefing, our company staff will contact you weeks or days before the tour, to inform you about the briefing time, who is guiding, etc.
- The start of the tour in GROUP is at 4:30 AM, it may vary depending on the location of the hotel or Airbnb or some other factor, that will be well coordinated in their respective briefing. In the PRIVATE tour the departure time is a little more flexible, at 5:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, that is coordinated before with the traveler in their respective briefing mentioned above.
- The guided tour inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu lasts approximately “3 hours”, and it is always private (ONLY YOU AND YOUR COUPLE OR YOUR COMPANIONS) even if you have chosen to book the “Group Tour”.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 186 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
186 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent
I booked all my tours and hotel through this company, I was picked up from the airport to my hotel and they did the rest, from train tickets, plane inside Peru, all the entrances to all, everything was so good and on time
Response from the operator: We are delighted to know that everything went so smoothly throughout your trip. From the moment we welcomed you at the airport, our goal was to take care of the details so you could simply enjoy Peru without having to worry about the logistics. Knowing that your hotels, tours, train tickets, domestic flights, entrance tickets, and transfers were all well coordinated and on time is exactly what we hoped for. Thank you very much for placing your trust in Machu Picchu Viajes Peru to organize such an important part of your journey. It was a pleasure to take care of your trip from beginning to end, and we hope you returned home with wonderful memories of Peru.
via Tripadvisor
Peru A journey of lifetime
We were a group of 20 people who recently booked a tour with Viajes Peru and we had a wonderful experience they took care of A to Z of the logistics , accommodation and other things . Freddy and Piero were wonderful to work with I highly recommend them for tours to Machu Pichu
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a wonderful recommendation. Organizing a journey for a group of 20 people involves many moving parts, so it means a great deal to know that the logistics, accommodation, and overall coordination made the experience feel smooth and well taken care of from beginning to end. We also truly appreciate your kind words about Freddy and Piero. Their work behind the scenes is a big part of making sure every detail comes together properly, especially when coordinating a larger group. Thank you for trusting Machu Picchu Viajes Peru with such an important trip and for recommending us so warmly. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey, and we hope Peru remains one of those unforgettable experiences you will always look back on with great memories. We would be delighted to welcome you back someday and be part of another adventure in Peru.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Machu Picchu Experience with Excellent Guide
Amazing Machu Picchu experience! It was a long day, but absolutely worth it to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Jose Dario was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history of the site. We also highly recommend the Vistadome train; the panoramic windows offer incredible views and make the journey part of the experience. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a thoughtful recommendation. A full-day visit to Machu Picchu can certainly be a long journey, so we are very glad to know that the experience felt completely worth it from beginning to end. Dario clearly made a strong impression, and we love hearing that his knowledge and passion helped bring the history of Machu Picchu to life during your visit. We are also happy that you enjoyed the Vistadome train. The panoramic views along the route are a beautiful part of the journey. Thank you for choosing Machu Picchu Viajes Peru and for recommending both the tour and the experience so warmly. We hope to welcome you back to Peru again someday.
via Viator
We had a private tour...
We had a private tour which was amazing. The reason that it was private was not so amazing. There were no trips available out of where we were staying and the company graciously agreed to pick us up and take us to local train station to meet with the rest of the group. The driver never showed up. (We waited, called, texted, etc) and finally got to the train but the group had been long gone and the only recourse was to allow us part of the tour with a different guide to Machu Picchu . I believe there was more to the trip in addition to the actual train ride and walk through Machu Picchu, but that is what we got.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are very sorry for the difficulties you encountered that day, especially with the missed pickup and the impact this had on the rest of your tour. We understand how frustrating it must have been to wait, try to contact the team, and then arrive to find that the original group had already continued without you. While we are glad that you were still able to visit Machu Picchu with a private guide, we recognize that this was not the experience you had originally expected or planned. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the situation. This is certainly not the level of coordination we aim to provide, and we appreciate your feedback as it allows us to review what happened and identify where the service could have been handled better. Thank you again for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to assist you despite the difficulties. We hope the visit to Machu Picchu itself still left you with some memorable moments from your time in Peru.
via Viator
Outstanding Peru Experience – Highly Recommended!
Outstanding Peru Experience – Highly Recommended! We had an absolutely amazing experience on our Peru trip, and a big part of that credit goes to the incredible team who took care of us throughout the journey. Ernesto (Driver) was phenomenal—always punctual, professional, and extremely safe. Navigating long routes and challenging terrains with such calm confidence made the travel portions completely stress-free. His friendly attitude and willingness to help at every step truly stood out. Sendro, our tour guide, was exceptional. His deep knowledge of Peruvian history, culture, and local traditions brought every site to life. He was patient, engaging, and genuinely passionate about what he does, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable and had the best possible experience. Overall, the tour was very well organized, seamless, and memorable. Thanks to Ernesto and Sendro, this trip exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend this tour company to anyone planning a trip to Peru and would gladly choose them again in the future!
Response from the operator: Dear Mitesh, Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and enthusiastic review of your experience in Peru. We are truly honored to know that your trip was not only smooth and well organized, but also exceeded your expectations. It means a great deal to us to hear your kind words about Ernesto and Sandro. Ernesto’s professionalism, safety, and calm approach on long and challenging routes, combined with Sandro’s deep knowledge, passion, and dedication as a guide, truly represent the level of service we strive to provide. We will be more than happy to pass along your appreciation to both of them. Thank you sincerely for your trust and for recommending our company. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey, and we would be delighted to welcome you again in the future for another unforgettable adventure in Peru.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $480 to $570
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.4.
See everything MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $480 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 186 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco?
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Around 65 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco?
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Included: Round trip bus tickets : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes; Round trip train tickets : Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo; Private and comfortable transportation - round trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo; Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu citadel; and Pick-up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco. Not included: Snacks; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 802 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English, Italian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco?
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Across 186 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour From Cusco?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Private Tour + Vistadome Train, Private Tour + ExpeditionTrain, Group Tour + Expedition Train. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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