
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 760 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour worth booking?
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $420 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 760 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (760)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $420 per person
Our Day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a beautiful way to see one of the World's New Seven Wonders. Happy Gringo offers you your best opportunity to visit this marvel of South America and the whole Earth. Machu Picchu Day Trip lets you experience the spectacular Citadel of Machu Picchu in just one day with a local tour operator. On our comfort service Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, you’ll see the breathtaking Cloud City of Machupicchu with roundtrip train tickets to Cusco. You will also have a guided tour of the citadel and enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch at Machu Picchu Pueblo. The Machu Picchu Inca Sanctuary Day Trip lasts around 14 hours; our Machu Picchu one-day tour leaves every day at 4:30 am. We return to Cusco around 19:00 on Voyager or Expedition tourist trains, and our service is DOOR TO DOOR. Note—the Machu Picchu ticket and circuit are provided according to availability. We recommend booking your trip months in advance to get the best circuit.
What you get
About this experience
Our Day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a beautiful way to see one of the World's New Seven Wonders. Happy Gringo offers you your best opportunity to visit this marvel of South America and the whole Earth. Machu Picchu Day Trip lets you experience the spectacular Citadel of Machu Picchu in just one day with a local tour operator. On our comfort service Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, you’ll see the breathtaking Cloud City of Machupicchu with roundtrip train tickets to Cusco. You will also have a guided tour of the citadel and enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch at Machu Picchu Pueblo. The Machu Picchu Inca Sanctuary Day Trip lasts around 14 hours; our Machu Picchu one-day tour leaves every day at 4:30 am. We return to Cusco around 19:00 on Voyager or Expedition tourist trains, and our service is DOOR TO DOOR. Note—the Machu Picchu ticket and circuit are provided according to availability. We recommend booking your trip months in advance to get the best circuit.
What's included
Included
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu citadel
- Multi language tour guide is included
- Machu Picchu ticket and circuit are provided according to the availability.
- Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes).
- Hotel pick up & drop off door-to-door.
- Guided tour at Machu Picchu site
- Pre-tour information a day before the trip to Machu Picchu in our Cusco office.
Not included
- Gratitudes
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Cusco
At 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you by van to the Ollantaytambo train station for 1 hour and 30 minutes, where you will board the train to Machu Picchu. (You need to be ready 20 minutes before the van departs).
Pass by without stopping
Ollantaytambo
We will travel by train to Machu Picchu town or Aguas Calientes (the village has two names) between 06:40 am and 7:20 a.m. and enjoy the landscapes surrounding the entrance. (We need to be there 30 minutes before the train departs).
30 minutes here
Machu Picchu HotSprings
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu town, our transfer will wait for us to get directions, and then we will take the bus to the Inca citadel. At the end of the excursion in this place, we can also enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Note 1: once we arrive at the village, we take the bus for 30 minutes to the citadel. Note 2: After visiting Machu Picchu's citadel, you return to Aguas Calientes town, where you have one hour extra to enjoy lunch.
60 minutes here
Machupicchu
On arrival at Machu Picchu, you'll board a bus to the citadel for 30 minutes and a two-hour walking tour that explores ancient stairways, delicate carvings, and spectacular views. Afterward, enjoy some independent time to snap pictures or relax, finishing the day with the beautiful return journey to Cusco.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Happy Gringo Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 761 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
761 verified traveler reviews for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour at Machu Picchu
I had a wonderful tour of Machu Picchu today. My guide was named Mauro and he was very knowledgeable and patient. My guide was ideal for a solo visitor because he took great photos of me.
via Tripadvisor
The friendly people in Perú
Machu Picchu in Perú, we made the tour with the crew of gringo tours and we had the Best day in Machu Picchu and pur tours guide Rubén. Thanks Happy Gringo in Cusco.
via Tripadvisor
The trusted company In Peru
Great! We did a memorable day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu with the Best team of gringo tours in Perú. Thanks the tour guide Mauro Who was very knowlealedgeable with history of the Incas and Machu Picchu :)
via Tripadvisor
Smazing Day in Machu Picchu
We booked the Machu Picchu Day trip from Cusco 2 weeks ago. We did not k ow about the circuits but Happy Gringo accommodated us in a memoble trip in Perú.
via Tripadvisor
Book with ANY other tour company
The person I was initially traveling with told me to book this tour last week on Thursday for the next day. At the time of booking, there were two available slots for Friday morning so we chose one and paid for the tickets. The ad on viator did say that it was non refundable or transferable. After receiving the confirmation email we saw that we were supposed to go to the HG office for an orientation between 5-8pm. When we arrived there some time during the 7 o’clock hour only to find the doors to the office padlocked. At that time I did not know the person I was traveling with took it upon herself to message the company on both of our behalf’s. The company said that day (Friday) was sold out but they would honor for (Saturday). I already had something planned for Saturday so I did not want to go with them. We did not book on the same reservation so I told them that when I got back to my Airbnb that I would reach out to the company myself. I did just that and someone at HG told me that I would be able to reschedule my tour for Saturday or Sunday and I told them that I wanted to do Sunday, they agreed. The next day, I received a message from a completely different person telling me that I *had* to go on Saturday because my “colleague” confirmed for me. I asked why someone would be able to speak on my behalf even though I booked my own reservation that did not have that persons name on it, that person paid only for one ticket so should only be able to speak for one ticket. HG couldn’t explain to me why they would allow someone to speak to me and their only resolution was for me to pay them an extra $115 for a private vehicle and a private guide but I still had to have an uncomfortable train ride both to Aguascalientes and back seated next to the person that I was trying to avoid. They had absolutely no right to listen to that person, then to force me to go on that day. HG along with the person I was traveling with ruined my trip. Book with a more professional company!!!
Response from the operator: Hello Chloe Marina Marin, Thanks for your feedback! Your friend, Katherine, was traveling through Peru with you. However, you two fell out the day before the tour was set to begin. You, Ms. Chloe, acted like a petulant child, insisting you didn't want to travel with your friend and making up excuses to try to change the tour. The agency accommodated you. You, Ms. Chloe, acted thoughtlessly and immaturely, whereas your friend Katherine remained very calm. We witnessed the whole situation because we were in communication with your friend. Your unreasonable demands gave us a headache all day, yet we tried our best to accommodate them. Now you have left us a negative review. You were offered a private tour, and we carried it out with your consent. We respect our clients; we simply ask that you be more humane and grateful. We treated you very well; perhaps we didn't realize that your friend had become your enemy just a day before the trip. We understood you wanted to cancel your trip, but because of Machu Picchu ticket availability, we couldn't reschedule it for another day. That was the issue with your Machu Picchu trip, yet you blamed us. In the end, we appreciate you very much and wish you all the best! Warm regards, Happy Gringo Team!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $420 to $429
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 266
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Happy Gringo Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.4.
See everything Happy Gringo Tours runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $420 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: Full-Day Guided 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 760 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: Full-Day Guided Tour?
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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: Full-Day Guided 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour?
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Around 266 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 Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided 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, 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: Full-Day Guided Tour?
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Included: Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu citadel; Multi language tour guide is included; Machu Picchu ticket and circuit are provided according to the availability; Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes); and Hotel pick up & drop off door-to-door. Not included: Gratitudes; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 300 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, French 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: Full-Day Guided Tour?
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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: Full-Day Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour 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: Full-Day Guided Tour?
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Across 760 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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