
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 389 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 16-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $633 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 389 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (389)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $633 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 72. At $633 it sits above the typical similar option ($45), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Prices and availability checked
Experience Machu Picchu on an unforgettable day trip from Cusco. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you during the main transfers to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes and the Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, we’ll continue by bus to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. During your visit, you’ll be accompanied by a private, professional, certified guide who will introduce you to the history, architecture, and importance of Machu Picchu to the Inca civilization. After the tour, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and explore the town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our team will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Machu Picchu on an unforgettable day trip from Cusco. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you during the main transfers to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes and the Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, we’ll continue by bus to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. During your visit, you’ll be accompanied by a private, professional, certified guide who will introduce you to the history, architecture, and importance of Machu Picchu to the Inca civilization. After the tour, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and explore the town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our team will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
What's included
Included
- Professional, certified tour guide during your visit to Machu Picchu.
- Starlink satellite internet connection available in our transportation.
- 24-hour assistance in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu — Circuit 2, subject to availability.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- One bottle of water.
- Pick-up and drop-off at hotels located in the central area of Cusco.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Personalized service throughout the experience.
- Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, in Tourist Class.
- If Circuit 2 is sold out, Circuit 3-B will be booked instead.
- Round-trip transportation between Cusco and the Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station.
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or any other mountain at Machu Picchu.
- Meals and beverages not mentioned above.
- Train category (Premium or any other category) not specified above.
- Tips and gratuities, which are at each traveler’s discretion.
- Services or expenses not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance.
What you'll see and do
Centro Historico De Cusco
The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM, depending on the time previously agreed upon with our team. Our driver will be waiting at the designated location to begin the journey to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes.
60 minutes here
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Train Station, we will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will be able to enjoy the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding Andes as we make our way to Aguas Calientes.
120 minutes here
Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our team will be waiting to accompany you to the bus boarding area for the journey up to Machu Picchu. At this point, you will receive the necessary instructions for proceeding to the entrance of the citadel.
60 minutes here
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Our main visit will be to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You will be accompanied by a private Portuguese-speaking guide, at the previously selected visiting time. During the tour, your guide will provide information about the history, architecture, organization, and culture of the Inca civilization, as well as explain the main areas and features of this impressive archaeological site. After the guided portion of the visit, you will have free time to continue exploring Machu Picchu, rest, admire the scenery, and enjoy the site at your own pace. Our guide will also advise you on the appropriate time to begin your descent back to the town of Aguas Calientes. Duration: approximately 1 hour with a guide + free time depending on the return schedule.
120 minutes here
Aguas Calientes
After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the Expedition train, with bimodal service, bound for Ollantaytambo Train Station.
120 minutes here
After visiting Machu Picchu, we will travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy Train Station. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting to welcome you and provide transportation to your hotel in Cusco. Important: Depending on availability, the return journey may be operated through Wanchaq Train Station instead of Poroy Train Station. In this case, upon arrival at Wanchaq Station, our team will be waiting to provide transportation to your hotel. Please check with our team to confirm which station will be used for the return journey from Aguas Calientes and whether the arrival transfer will be provided as a private service.
240 minutes here
Centro Historico De Cusco
Important Information Tour times may vary depending on Machu Picchu ticket availability and train schedules. For this reason, please be prepared to start the tour very early, in some cases as early as 3:00 AM, and return to Cusco only in the evening, with arrival possible at around 11:00 PM. The exact schedule will be provided when your booking is confirmed. If you have any questions regarding the tour schedule or itinerary, please contact our team by phone.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
You can also meet the group at the door of the local office of Migraciones Cusco.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
You can also meet the group at the door of the local office of Migraciones Cusco.
Options you can book
Private tour +Expedition train
Private tour in Machu Picchu Expedition train tickets: Expedition train tickets (Roundtrip) Pick up & Drop off: Pick up & Drop off from hotel in Cusco Pickup included
Private tour +Vistadome train
Private tour of Machu Picchu: Private tour of Machu Picchu Vistadome train tickets: Vistadome train tickets (Roundtrip) Pick up & Drop off: Pick up & Drop off from your hotel in Cusco Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Viagens Machu Picchu
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 3 years of age are free of charge as long as they do not occupy a seat.
- Please send your preferred pick up address in Cusco upon booking.
- We will require your passport details in order to book your train and Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Please enter this information upon booking the tour.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 389 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
389 verified traveler reviews for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A breathtaking experience coupled with an amazing tour guide
Our tour guided by Santos was amazing! Santos is extremely knowledgeable and also very conscientious of allowing us time to enjoy the scenery and take it all in. Santos also helped us understand how to get around (between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu entrance, which tickets to use, which entrance to use) and confirm unexpected closures to a few hikes that we purchased. Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu entrance for our first day, Santos confirmed with the gate controller that Huaynapicchu and Machupicchu mountains are closed from hikers (as of 12 April 2025). Highly recommend a tour guided by Santos! He definitely helped us make the best of an unexpected itinerary change and a rather confusing entrance system.
Response from the operator: Hi! We are very happy to receive your comment, every review like yours fills us with pride and satisfaction. Thank you very much for the mention to Santos, he remembers you and hopes to see you soon. Receive a big hug from all the Viagens Machu Picchu team.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience
Beautiful experience! Highly recommend. The staff super friendly and knowledgeable. Machu Pichu worth your time and visiting.
Response from the operator: Count on us for your next adventure, receive a big hug from the whole Viagens Machu Picchu team.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip
Walter and Victor were amazing! They supported us emotionally and physically the whole way through. They gave us so much information on all the Inca sites and taught us about Inca culture. The food was great! Each day, breakfast, lunch and dinner was different and varied. For dinner on the 2nd (really tough) day they even somehow managed to make us a cake!! Viagens as a company have been amazing and I would encourage/recommend anyone to them! Thank you Viagens for making this trip as amazing as it could possibly be.
Response from the operator: Hello Mr Dary goodnight! Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it, we are always concerned that the trip of each one of our passengers and friends is the best possible experience for everyone. Count on us for your next adventure! 😍 Thanks for your kind words to Walter and Victor, they remembers your visit and looks forward to seeing you soon! ✨ Hugs, Equipo Travel Machu Picchu ❤️🤍❤️
via Tripadvisor
The trip was everything I was looking for and more. I’ve never been to Peru and loved everything about the city!
It was an amazing experience and the company went above and beyond on accommodations. Would definitely recommend to family or friends.
Response from the operator: Hello goodnight! Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it, we are always concerned that the trip of each one of our passengers and friends is the best possible experience for everyone. Count on us for your next adventure! 😍 Hugs, Equipo Travel Machu Picchu ❤️🤍❤️
via Tripadvisor
So much to see... and we saw it :)
We were able to see so much of the sights in Peru we've always wanted to visit and Machu Picchu Viagens did an amazing job of or organizing it all.
Response from the operator: Hi Sarah! We want to thank you for taking the time to write this review. Every comment like this fills us with pride and happiness! Hugs, Viagens Machu Picchu Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $633 to $908
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 136
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Viagens Machu Picchu, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.0 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Viagens Machu Picchu runsWhy this scores 72
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 does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco compare to similar tours in Cusco?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 72. At $633 it sits above the typical similar option ($45), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Who is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco best for?
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It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 16-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $633, above the $45 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $633 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 16 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 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 389 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history 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 16-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 136 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 16-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), Full-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek (Meals Included). 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: Professional, certified tour guide during your visit to Machu Picchu; Starlink satellite internet connection available in our transportation; 24-hour assistance in Spanish, Portuguese, and English; Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu — Circuit 2, subject to availability; and Private guided tour of Machu Picchu. Not included: Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or any other mountain at Machu Picchu; Meals and beverages not mentioned above; Train category (Premium or any other category) not specified above; and Tips and gratuities, which are at each traveler’s discretion. 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, or you can meet at the start point instead from 232 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, 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.
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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Across 389 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private tour +Expedition train, Private tour +Vistadome train. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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