Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley worth booking?
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $274 per person. It scores 43 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 43 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $274 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Cusco, with an Outty Ranking of 43. At $274 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
Local experts for an easy way to visit Machu Picchu, all details are arranged: ticket train on premium departures from/to Machu Picchu, bus on shift to go up and down the citadel, morning shift entrance fee, and expert local guide. Feel the energy, hear the stories and history of one of the most attractive places over the World.
What you get
About this experience
Local experts for an easy way to visit Machu Picchu, all details are arranged: ticket train on premium departures from/to Machu Picchu, bus on shift to go up and down the citadel, morning shift entrance fee, and expert local guide. Feel the energy, hear the stories and history of one of the most attractive places over the World.
What's included
Included
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu archaeological site
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sacred Valley (per selected option)
- Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu citadel)
- Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes)
- Knowledgeable Bilingual tour guide at Machu Picchu (English/Spanish)
Not included
- Lunch
- Optional gratuities for guides and drivers
What you'll see and do
Machupicchu
Completed in approximately 1450 at the height of the Incan empire, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later following the Spanish conquest of Peru. Today it is considered by many to be the new spiritual center of the world. From the Ollantaytambo Train Station enjoy your 1.5-hour scenic rail tour to Aguas Calientes. We arrive at the Aguas Calientes station where our staff will assist us on boarding the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Energy is all around us. At the arranged time, you will take the train from Aguas Calientes Train Station to Ollantaytambo.In order to meet various customer needs, you can choose from three different types of options. The Expedition option was created for adventurous passengers seeking comfort and security without the extra frills. Departing from Ollantaytambo train station, located approximately 1.5-hours from Cusco, your journey to Machu Picchu begins! The seats have been reupholstered with indigenous fabrics, giving them a touch of local flavor. Snacks are available for purchase, as well as additional storage space for backpacks. The Voyager train option departs from the Ollantaytambo train station, located approximately 1.5-hours from Cusco and make your way to Machu Picchu in comfort. Enjoy scenic panoramic views from the train, where you'll be seated in comfortable, padded chairs with a fold-out table for your convenience. Snacks and beverages are served on board the train for your enjoyment (own expense). Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, you'll board a small bus and head up to the ruins of the “sacred city”, Machu Picchu. Your expert guide will walk with you through the main streets of these amazing ruins. Stroll through town squares and climb delicately carved stone stairways. Esoteric wisdom holds Machu Picchu as the new spiritual center of the world. 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. In the afternoon you'll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. IMPORTANT NOTES: - All the traveller personal information details (Full name, passport number, daybirth, nationality) must have been provided correctly in the moment that the booking was made. - Transport from Cusco or Ollantaytambo hotels is not included, the passenger need to be 30 minutes before the departure of your train option. - Time Train departure can be change depending of availability, for that reason the departure change 2 hours after, this change going to be indicated for one of our representative. - The guided tour lasts around 2.5 hours. - Machupicchu Admission ticket, bus tickets and train tickets are included in this tour and will be sent via viator extranet.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Aguas Calientes
Passengers will arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station and take a bus to the Machu Picchu citadel for a guided tour; after the excursion, they will take a bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes to prepare for their return journey by train from the Aguas Calientes station.
Pass by without stopping
Ollantaytambo
Passengers will be transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station, from where the train will depart for the town of Aguas Calientes.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
This activity do not includes roundtrip transfer from Cusco or Ollantaytambo hotels. You must be in the Train Station of Ollantaytambo by your own and wait for your departure train 30 minutes before the time selected.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This activity do not includes roundtrip transfer from Cusco or Ollantaytambo hotels. You must be in the Train Station of Ollantaytambo by your own and wait for your departure train 30 minutes before the time selected.
Options you can book
Expedition Train Option
Expedition Train Option Train depart from Ollantaytambo station at 08:30 Train return from Aguas calientes station at 15:20
The Voyager Train Option
The Voyager Train Option Train depart from Ollantaytambo station at 06:30 Train return from Aguas calientes station at 14:15
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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VIPAC Travel
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
- All the traveller personal information details (Full name, passport number, daybirth, nationality) must have been provided correctly in the moment that the booking was made.
- Time Train departure can be change depending of availability, for that reason the departure change 2 hours after, this change going to be indicated for one of our representative.
- The guided tour lasts around 2.5 hours
- Machupicchu Admission ticket, bus tickets and train tickets are included in this tour and will be sent via viator extranet.
- Due to high demand and limited admission tickets to the citadel, VIPAC will issue inmediately your admission ticket on trails 1-2-4. Supplement apply for Wayna Picchu mountain (trail 4 plus) and Machu Picchu peak mountain (trail 3).
- Shifts entry by hours from 6 am to 2 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.
- This shared tour could has a waiting time of up to 40 minutes to start the tour, depending on Machu Picchu shift time and train timetable avaliability.
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We have wanted to vist...
We have wanted to vist Machu Picchu for many years, and this was a big bucket list tick! When I booked, I booked the 2b route, but had a message from the tour operator the following day to say this route was unavailable on the day we had booked. It is the most popular route, and gets booked up quickly. We decided to do route 3b, and weren't disappointed. We had the Expedition Train option from Ollantaytambo (we stayed here, and loved the town, the ruins here are second only in importance to Machu Picchu). This was quite luxurious, and the scenery was beautiful. We were met at every stage of the journey by a representative from the Tour operator, and the trip itself to and from Machu Picchu was seamless. Our guide at MP was Lisando, we were lucky enough to have him to ourselves. He gave us so much history and information of the place, and patiently answered our endless questions. He took some amazing photos for us as well! Machu Picchu itself is breathtaking; so much more to see than just the iconic scenes you see in photos. Route 3b takes you round the lower terraces, but we certainly did not feel we missed out on anything. If you are thinking of visiting Machu Picchu, please don't hesitate, it is somewhere we would revisit, and certainly never forget.
via Viator
The best part was the guide.
I just want to mention the guide who was with us, Godfrey. A very attentive and kind gentleman, with a good level of knowledge.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
My trip was the Sacred...
My trip was the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu day trip in Peru. Communication with the Viator phone center can provide info that is incorrect, so there should be several efforts to clarify the scope and details of the activity. Even though the Viator description on their website stated transfer from my hotel to the train station was included, the phone center indicated twice to me it was not. Also, as to obtaining the train, bus, and entry tickets, I was told three different methods: QRs sent through email; direct delivery the day of the activity by the local ViPac rep; or mailed to my hotel. Given that, communication with the local ViPac rep. Mr. Jose Aquilar was a big help, as he took the extra effort to clarify what was included in the package, and ensured that I received my activities documentation, sending me the QRs needed. I'm very appreciative of Mr. Aquilar, as he demonstrated professionalism and patience in helping me get the information and documentation needed the day before the trip. Regarding the trip, it was excellent, highly due to the local ViPac reps; they all showed up where I expected them, easily identifiable, courteous and informative. As it turned out my daughter and I were the only ones on this trip, so we were able the interact with our guide "Frank" and ask all our questions, which he did expertly and was quite knowledgeable of Machu Picchu and it's history.
via Viator
Ultimate Experience at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience. This bucket list visit did not disappoint, in no small part due to our expert ViPac guide Ronald - who was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. He wanted to ensure that we had the best possible experience (and we did)! I strongly recommend ViPac guides for your Peru excursions.
via Tripadvisor
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
- $274 to $336
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
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 43
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley 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 43. At $274 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 Sacred Valley best for?
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It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 12-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.
Is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $274, above the $45 typical for similar experiences in Cusco.
How much does Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley cost?
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Prices start at $274 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 Sacred Valley 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 Sacred Valley worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 43 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 4 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 Sacred Valley?
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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 Sacred Valley 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 Sacred Valley?
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Around 1 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 Sacred Valley 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 Sacred Valley?
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Included: Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu archaeological site; Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sacred Valley (per selected option); Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu citadel); Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes); and Knowledgeable Bilingual tour guide at Machu Picchu (English/Spanish). Not included: Lunch; and Optional gratuities for guides and drivers. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley?
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This activity do not includes roundtrip transfer from Cusco or Ollantaytambo hotels. You must be in the Train Station of Ollantaytambo by your own and wait for your departure train 30 minutes before the time selected. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley 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 Sacred Valley?
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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 Sacred Valley 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 Sacred Valley 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 Sacred Valley?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Sacred Valley?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Expedition Train Option, The Voyager Train Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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