Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 1,720 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco worth booking?
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco is a 14-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $189 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 1,720 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (1,720)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $189 per person
Board your selected train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and enjoy the scenic journey to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you with the bus ride to the legendary Lost City of the Incas , where impressive terraces, ceremonial sites and breathtaking views await. At the scheduled time, return by train and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.All details are arranged: round trip railway ticket, bus up/down to the citadel, Machu Picchu admission ticket, and an incredible expert local guide. VIPAC refund cancellation Policy: if you cancel your booking before 20 days of the tour departure, we will refund 80% of the total amount. Cancellations with less than 20 days prior of the tour departure are non refundable in 100%. Due to high demand of visitors to Machu Picchu and limited capacity, we suggest to book 60 days prior. Last minute bookings, less than 60 days, can be booked on midday and afternoon shifts.
What you get
About this experience
Board your selected train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and enjoy the scenic journey to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you with the bus ride to the legendary Lost City of the Incas , where impressive terraces, ceremonial sites and breathtaking views await. At the scheduled time, return by train and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.All details are arranged: round trip railway ticket, bus up/down to the citadel, Machu Picchu admission ticket, and an incredible expert local guide. VIPAC refund cancellation Policy: if you cancel your booking before 20 days of the tour departure, we will refund 80% of the total amount. Cancellations with less than 20 days prior of the tour departure are non refundable in 100%. Due to high demand of visitors to Machu Picchu and limited capacity, we suggest to book 60 days prior. Last minute bookings, less than 60 days, can be booked on midday and afternoon shifts.
What's included
Included
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Selected round trip train ticket or bimodal bus&train service from Cusco.
- Round trip shuttle bus ticket to go up & down to the citadel from Machu Picchu town.
- Local Expert guide (The guidance is in Spanish or English)
- Pick up and drop-off from your lodging in Cusco.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Cusco
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.
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Aguas Calientes
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.
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Machupicchu
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.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Aguas Calientes
After your exploration, head back to Aguas Calientes station to board the train for your return trip to Cusco.
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Cusco
Relax and enjoy the scenic train journey back to Cusco, where your day concludes with a transfer to your hotel.
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Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Vistadome Train & Circuit 1
Panoramic Route: Circuit 1 - Upper terrace route, There is no access to enter the lower part of the citadel. Pickup included
Expedition train & Circuit 1
Panoramic Route: Circuit 1 - Upper terrace route, There is no access to enter the lower part of the citadel. Pickup included
Vistadome Bimodal Circuit 3
Vistadome Bimodal Pickup included
Expedition train & Circuit 2
Traditional: Duration 2.5hrs Pickup included
Machu Picchu 360 & Circuit 1
Panoramic Route: Circuit 1 - Upper terrace route, There is no access to enter the lower part of the citadel. Pickup included
Vistadome Train & Circuit 3
Route of royalty: Duration: 2.5hrs Visit the lower part of the sanctuary. Pickup included
Voyager train & Circuit 3
Route of royalty: Duration: 2.5hrs Visit the lower part of the sanctuary. Pickup included
Vistadome Bimodal Circuit 2
Vistadome Bimodal Pickup included
Machu Picchu 360 & Circuit 2
Traditional: Duration 2.5hrs Pickup included
Vistadome Train & Circuit 2
Traditional: Duration 2.5hrs Pickup included
Machu Picchu 360 & Circuit 3
Route of royalty: Duration: 2.5hrs Visit the lower part of the sanctuary. Pickup included
Voyager train & Circuit 1
Panoramic Route: Circuit 1 - Upper terrace route, panoramic circuits. There is no access to enter the lower part of the citadel Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VIPAC Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,720 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
1,720 verified traveler reviews for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Well organised system, for those who are independant travellers
VIPAC organised all the tickets from Cusco to Machu Picchu return. They are sent the evening before departure to your Whats App. You need to download them My trip was amended without my approval. Making it a longer day. Was picked up at 5.15am for transfer to Poroy where we arrived 1 hour prior to departure. Ditto on return was picked up at Poroy and transferred by mini van to hotel in Cusco. The original booking paid for was for expedition train from Cusco (San Pedro Station return). VIPAC had people waiting for you at Aguas Calientes and Poroy train stations with bright yellow sign boards. At the appointed time (11.00am for noon entry) a guide arrived helping with the boarding of the bus to Machu Picchu return, and giving information on aspects of circuit 2. The guide, Alice was excellent. As an aside. The expedition train is quite cramped and noisy when the carriage is full. This happens from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes return where the train stops for Tour Groups. Plus mosquitos enter the carriage at Ollantaytambo.
via Tripadvisor
Lucky and Sunny day at Muchu Pichu
Long day, but great place to visit!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Everything was perfect ! The guides tour, hotels, cars for transfer, schefule We Just love It!
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing experience,...
Disappointing experience, especially because of the rushed visit and disastrous return journey The tour started well. The pickup was punctual, and our guide, Lilas, was good and helpful. The drop-off guide, John, was also attentive and kept messaging us to check our location and make sure everything was coordinated. Unfortunately, the actual Machu Picchu experience was far from what we expected. We reached Machu Picchu at around 1:40pm and had to complete the visit by about 3:40pm — only two hours. The entire visit felt extremely rushed. The guide at Machu Picchu, Johnny could have done much better in explaining the site and giving us enough time to properly appreciate and experience one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. The return journey was the most stressful and disappointing part of the entire experience. There were problems with the railway tracks and significant delays with PeruRail. Our train was scheduled for 5:23pm, but due to the delays, we eventually reached Ollantaytambo (the fist station) at around 12:30am. This was an exhausting and genuinely traumatic experience, especially because we had an early flight the next morning and had to leave our hotel at 6:30am. I am particularly concerned that if I had not proactively messaged Lilas to update what was happening, the situation could have been even worse. We were left dealing with uncertainty while trying to understand the delays and what arrangements were being made. What made the situation even more upsetting was our interaction with a senior female PeruRail staff member. I explained that we had an early flight the following morning and needed to leave the hotel at 6:30am. Instead of showing understanding or offering assistance, she smirked and asked me to provide proof to show that what I was saying was correct. I found this extremely disrespectful and insensitive, particularly when we were already exhausted and had been waiting for hours because of the railway disruption. I should not have had to prove that I had an early flight simply to have my concerns treated seriously. In such a stressful situation, passengers deserve basic courtesy, empathy and respect. I appreciate the efforts of Lilas and John, who were helpful and responsive. However, the overall experience was seriously affected by the rushed Machu Picchu visit and, more importantly, the extremely long and poorly handled return journey. Machu Picchu itself was spectacular, but the way this tour and the return journey were handled left us deeply disappointed and exhausted. Better planning, more time at Machu Picchu, clearer communication during railway disruptions and, most importantly, better customer care when things go wrong are urgently needed. This was supposed to be one of the highlights of our trip. Unfortunately, the railway disruption and the way we were treated during the ordeal left us with a very negative memory of what should have been a memorable experience.
via Viator
Great experience with VIPAC
I had a very good experience with VIPAC. The communication, accommodations, and guide on the day of the trip were excellent. My only (small) criticism is that the communication prior to the day trip was pretty sparse. However, on the day of the trip, it was very good. Also, my guide, Lisandro, was excellent. I would absolutely recommend him to others.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $189 to $421
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 602
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by VIPAC Travel, who run 42 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.9.
See everything VIPAC Travel runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $189 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco take?
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Plan for about 14 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 1,720 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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Around 602 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 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Machu Picchu Day Trip 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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Included: Admission ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel; Selected round trip train ticket or bimodal bus&train service from Cusco; Round trip shuttle bus ticket to go up & down to the citadel from Machu Picchu town; Local Expert guide (The guidance is in Spanish or English); and Pick up and drop-off from your lodging in Cusco. Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 250 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco offered in?
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It is offered in English 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip 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.
What happens to Machu Picchu Day Trip 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.
What do travelers say about Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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Across 1,720 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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There are 12 options to choose from, including Vistadome Train & Circuit 1, Expedition train & Circuit 1, Vistadome Bimodal Circuit 3, Expedition train & Circuit 2. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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