Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 65 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour worth booking?
Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $459 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 65 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (65)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $459 per person
Discover one of the most impressive places in the world: Machu Picchu. With your tour, you will explore this world wonder in one day, surrounded by unique landscapes and ancestral energy. With an expert guide, you will l
What you get
About this experience
Discover one of the most impressive places in the world: Machu Picchu. With your tour, you will explore this world wonder in one day, surrounded by unique landscapes and ancestral energy. With an expert guide, you will learn the secrets of the Inca citadel and have time to enjoy its beauty and take amazing pictures. It's not just a destination, it's a life-changing experience. Book now and live the adventure you always dreamed of.
What's included
Included
- • Professionals guides, Shared
- • Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco Private
- • Ticket of bus round trip machupicchu.
- • Transfer hotel Private / Train station.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- • Entrance to machupicchu Sanctuary. (Subject to availability)
- • Ticket of train round trip.
Not included
- • Personal expenses
- food
What you'll see and do
Machu Picchu
We begin the experience by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a 2-hour ride to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic train ride of 1 hour and 45 minutes to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our guide will accompany you on the ascent by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you will have a 2-hour guided tour exploring its temples, squares and ancient architecture. After the tour, you will have free time to continue exploring on your own, take photos or take an optional hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate), an ancient access to the Inca Trail with spectacular views of the sanctuary. At the end, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and rest before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we will transfer you by private transport to your hotel in Cusco, concluding a day full of history, landscapes and mysticism.
720 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rap Travel Peru
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 65 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
65 verified traveler reviews for Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Expert logistical assistance and wonderful tour of Machu Picchu.
This was a wonderful experience. Every detail was taken care of for my day long tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco. My guide, Carlos (at the site) could not have been better. He provided thorough information about the culture and architectural sites and even helped me navigate some tricky steps. As a solo traveler internationally for the 1st time, I appreciated the advance briefing and other communication.
via Tripadvisor
Top Orga & Guide
Especially I want to point out Karen! The planning and conversations were easy and everything went well! Moreover! My guide Gerky at Machu Picchu was excellent! He was one of the best guides I had in South Amerika for the last 2,5 months. He is empathic, has profound knowledge and could answer really special questions about books and documentations from the 15 th century! Thank you very much!
Response from the operator: Dear Annette, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are truly happy to hear that everything went smoothly during the planning process and that Karen was able to assist you effectively. She will be very pleased to know she made a positive impact on your trip. It is also wonderful to hear that your experience at Machu Picchu with Gerky was so memorable. We take great pride in working with passionate and knowledgeable guides who love sharing the history and culture of Peru. Your feedback means a lot to us and motivates our entire team to continue creating unforgettable experiences.
via Viator
Atemberaubend
I want to thank you for the good organization! Especially I want to point out Karen! The planning and conversations were easy and everything went well! Moreover! My guide Gerky at Machu Picchu was excellent! He was one of the best guides I had in South Amerika! He is empathic, has profound knowledge and could answer really special questions about books and documentations from the 15 th century! Thank you very much!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us with your journey in Peru. We are delighted to hear that everything was well organized and that Karen provided you with smooth and helpful planning. She will be very happy to know she made your experience easier and more enjoyable. It is also wonderful to know that your visit to Machu Picchu with Gerky was so special. We are proud to work with passionate guides like him, who truly love sharing the history and knowledge of our culture. Your feedback means a lot to our team and motivates us to continue delivering unforgettable experiences. It was a pleasure to be part of your trip, and we hope to welcome you again in Peru in the future. Warm regards, Rap Travel Team
via Tripadvisor
This was an amazing...
This was an amazing experience! I'm so glad we did the tour because the process of getting to Machu Pichu can feel overwhelming but this made it so much easier to navigate. Julio was an incredible guide and really made our experience next level! Absolutely recommend this tour and this company!
Response from the operator: Thank you for appreciating our efforts. We do it with the greatest desire to bring joy and satisfaction to each and every one of you, our friends. From us, you take all the love and affection. See you soon! The Family, RAP TRAVEL PERU
via Viator
RAP Travel is The Best!
We used the services of RAP Travel and they were fantastic from start to finish. They picked up my large team of 16 people from the Cusco airport and assisted us with all our travel needs. From taking us 3 hours south to Tinta for 3 days to an all day excursion to Machu Picchu, to a wonderful hotel stay at Saska Boutique in Cusco and then back to the airport after 5 days. I highly recommend their services. Carlos, Alberto and Rodolfo will take great care of you.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting RAP Travel with your amazing group experience! 🙌 It was truly a pleasure to assist your team throughout your stay — from the airport pickup in Cusco to your time in Tinta, the unforgettable Machu Picchu excursion, and your stay at Saska Boutique. We’re especially happy to hear that Carlos, Alberto, and Rodolfo made a great impression — they’re passionate about what they do, and your satisfaction means everything to us. Thank you again for your recommendation! We’d love to welcome you and your team back to Peru anytime. 🇵🇪✨ Warm regards, The RAP Travel Team
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
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $459 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 Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour 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 Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 65 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour?
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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 Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour 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 Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour?
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Around 23 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 Essential Machu Picchu Full Day Tour 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, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, 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.
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