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The Machu Picchu 1 day tour from Cusco, a scenic train journey through the Andes and the cloud forest that leads you to one of the world’s greatest wonders. Visit the wonder of Machu Picchu in just one day, exploring the legendary Inca citadel with an expert local guide who will share its fascinating history, sacred temples, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Moderate
Hike, Culture, Adventure
3,399 m
Group Service
The Machu Picchu 1 day tour from Cusco, a scenic train journey through the Andes and the cloud forest that leads you to one of the world’s greatest wonders. Visit the wonder of Machu Picchu in just one day, exploring the legendary Inca citadel with an expert local guide who will share its fascinating history, sacred temples, and breathtaking panoramic views.
This is a full-day excursion that begins very early in the morning and concludes in the evening. Travelers are typically picked up between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. and return to Cusco around 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. depending on train availability. The entire experience lasts approximately 15 to 16 hours, combining scenic train rides, guided exploration of Machu Picchu, and several short transfers. Although it is a single-day itinerary, it offers a complete experience that covers all the essential highlights of the citadel.
The 1-day tour is rated as easy to moderate. It is accessible for most travelers, including families and older adults in good physical condition. The main challenge comes from the altitude and the amount of walking involved at the archaeological site, which includes stone steps and uneven paths. The pace is relaxed, and your guide will adapt the visit to the group’s needs. Visitors should be comfortable walking for a few hours and prepared for changes in weather throughout the day.
The tour covers a wide range of elevations as you travel from the Andes to the edge of the cloud forest.
Because of the altitude change, it’s highly recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour to acclimate properly. Staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals, and getting a good night’s sleep will help you enjoy the experience without discomfort.
The tour includes all ground and rail transfers. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and taken to the train station, located about 20 minutes away. The train journey to Aguas Calientes lasts approximately 3 hours, passing through the Sacred Valley and offering panoramic views of the Andes, rivers, and dense vegetation of the cloud forest. From Aguas Calientes, a short 30-minute bus ride takes you up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. After the guided visit, you’ll return by bus and train in the afternoon or evening, followed by a private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is during the dry season (April to October), when skies are clear, temperatures are pleasant, and views are ideal for photos. The rainy season (November to March) brings greener scenery and fewer visitors, though brief afternoon showers are common, making trails slightly slippery but the landscape exceptionally lush.
Journey to the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pick-up between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. You will be transferred to the train station, located just 20 minutes outside Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m). The train ride to Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,041 m) is one of the most breathtaking experiences in South America. As you travel through the stunning landscape, the region’s rich flora and fauna gradually emerge from the misty mountains of the cloud forest.
Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m), hidden for centuries, remains remote and challenging to reach, perched high on a mountainside. The town of Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,041 m) lies in the valley beside the Vilcanota River (6,693 ft / 2,041 m), just a few kilometers away from Machu Picchu. However, the bus ride up the steep, narrow zigzag road takes about 20 minutes to reach the citadel’s entrance. During the train journey, you’ll enjoy plush seats with tables, large windows to admire the stunning countryside, soothing background music, and an assortment of delicious local drinks made from fresh fruits and herbs.
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, you’ll be welcomed by our local representative, who will guide you to the bus station for a scenic 30-minute ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m).
Guided Visit of Machu Picchu & Hike to Huayna Picchu
Once you arrive, the adventure continues with a guided tour of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m). From here, you’ll have the option to hike up Huayna Picchu (8,920 ft / 2,720 m), a towering peak that overlooks the citadel. Only 200 visitors per day are allowed to hike this steep trail, which leads to ancient terraces and temples built by the Incas at the summit. This 6 km hike offers an unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from above, and according to local guides, this peak was once home to the high priest and local virgins.
As the sun rises each morning, the high priest and his followers would walk to Machu Picchu, signaling the beginning of a new day. One of the most fascinating temples in the area is the Temple of the Moon (7,218 ft / 2,200 m), located lower than Machu Picchu on the side of the mountain. Adjacent to this is the Great Cavern (7,218 ft / 2,200 m), another sacred temple known for its beautiful stonework.
Throughout the citadel, you will visit the Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Principal Temple, the Unfinished Temple, and the Temple of the Sun (also known as the Torreon). As part of the guided tour, you’ll explore the Main Plaza, The Circular Tower, The Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, and various other significant structures that form part of this ancient wonder.
Inti Punku: The Sun Gate
One of the highlights of visiting Machu Picchu is walking up to Inti Punku (8,923 ft / 2,720 m), also known as the Sun Gate. This viewpoint, located high in the Andes, offers one of the most iconic views of the Machu Picchu citadel. The two stones of the Sun Gate are perfectly positioned to catch the first rays of the sun as they shine through each morning. Visitors flock here to capture the stunning sight that graces many postcards of this legendary site.
Return to Cusco
After a full day of exploring, you’ll return to Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m) via train, with departures either at 2:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Once you arrive back in Cusco, you will be transferred to your selected hotel for the night.
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our 1 Day Tour from Cusco including details about tickets, train schedules, packing tips, and what to expect during your trip. Get ready for a smooth and unforgettable experience exploring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The tour lasts approximately 15 to 16 hours. It starts early in the morning with hotel pick-up between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. and finishes around 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. when you return to Cusco.
The maximum altitude is 3,399 m / 11,152 ft in Cusco, before descending gradually to 2,430 m / 7,972 ft at Machu Picchu.
This tour is suitable for most travelers with a basic fitness level. It involves moderate walking around the archaeological site, including stairs and uneven terrain, but no strenuous trekking.
The tour includes a private transfer from your hotel to the train station, a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, and a 30-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
Yes, your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in the tour package. Optional tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added in advance for an extra fee.
You can choose between Expedition, Vistadome, or 360° panoramic trains, which offer comfort and incredible views of the Andes and the cloud forest.
Yes, last-minute bookings are possible depending on ticket availability. Contact us directly, and our team will assist you in securing train and entrance tickets even on short notice.
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, a light rain jacket or poncho, sunscreen, hat, water, and some cash for souvenirs or meals in Aguas Calientes.
Meals are not included, but you’ll have time to enjoy local Peruvian cuisine in Aguas Calientes. We can recommend restaurants that suit your preferences.
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