2 daysSacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo on the way to a morning at the citadel.
- Home
- Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu Day Trip
1 / 7
Machu Picchu
Cusco to the citadel and back in one well timed day, with no trekking required.
This is the simple way to see Machu Picchu. A train carries you from the Sacred Valley down to Aguas Calientes, a bus takes you up to the gate and you arrive rested, with all your energy for the site itself. It works well for families, for travelers of any pace and for anyone with only one day to spare.
The trip at a glance
3:45 to 4:00 a.m.
Pickup from your hotel and transfer to Ollantaytambo station.
Train to Aguas Calientes
A scenic ride along the Urubamba river as the Andes give way to cloud forest.
Bus to the citadel
From Aguas Calientes up the winding road to the main gate of Machu Picchu.
Guided visit
About 2.5 hours through the most important temples and terraces of the Inca city.
Return
Bus down to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Highlights
One efficient day
The whole visit fits into a single, well organized day.
Views from the train
Wide windows show the change from high Andes to cloud forest.
A professional guide
A local expert explains the history and the open questions about the site.
Everything arranged
Transfers, train tickets and entry are handled by us.
Door to door
Pickup at your hotel and drop off one block from the main square of Cusco.
From our guidesNot every trip to Machu Picchu needs to be a trek. If your schedule is tight or you simply prefer comfort, this day gives you the citadel safely and efficiently, and every connection is arranged for you.
Itinerary
Full day: Cusco, Machu Picchu and back
3:45 a.m. departure
We pick you up in Cusco before dawn. A tourist vehicle takes 1 hour 45 minutes through the Andes to Ollantaytambo station.
Train to Aguas Calientes
You board the 6:10 or 6:40 a.m. train for a 1.5 hour ride beside the Urubamba river. High peaks slowly turn into green cloud forest outside the window.
Arrival and bus up
Your guide meets you in Aguas Calientes and explains the plan. A 30 minute bus ride then climbs the switchback road to the entrance of the sanctuary.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours. You walk among temples, terraces and sacred enclosures while the guide explains what is known about the site and what is still debated.
Return to Cusco
The bus brings you back to town, where you have free time for lunch. Then you take the train to Ollantaytambo and our private transfer to Cusco, arriving between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.
- Main visit
- Machu Picchu
- Highest point
- 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
- Transport
- Private vehicle, train and bus
What is included
Before the tour and transfers
Briefing. At your hotel between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. the day before, at the time you prefer.
Hotel pickup. From your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco. Pickup from the Sacred Valley is also possible.
Transfer to the station. Comfortable transport from your accommodation to Ollantaytambo.
Return to Cusco. Transfer from Ollantaytambo with drop off one block from the main square.
Train and bus
Outbound train. Expedition or Voyager service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Consettur bus. Round trip between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Return train. Expedition or Voyager service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu
Entry ticket. Circuit 2. If it is sold out for your date we contact you at once to book the best alternative.
Guided visit. About 2.5 hours with a professional guide on your assigned circuit.
Not included
Meals and snacks. Food before and during the tour.
Drinks. Water and other beverages.
Tips. Optional, at your discretion.
Travel insurance. We recommend arranging it in your home country.
Machu Picchu Full Day prices 2026
| Adult | $330 |
|---|---|
| Student | $310 |
| Under 17 | $310 |
Who gets the reduced rate
- Travelers under 17 pay the student rate automatically.
- University students need a physical plastic card showing the university name, their full name, a photo and an expiry date that covers the visit and is no later than 2028. They must be under 25 on the day of the visit.
- ISIC cards and digital IDs are not accepted. Send a photo of your card to info@incaoutdoors.com and we will confirm your discount.
Optional extras
- Vistadome train, one wayUpgrade on one leg of the journey$45
- Private guide at Machu PicchuA guide for your party only$40
What to pack
Documents and essentials
Original passport
Small daypack
Water bottle
Cash in soles
Sun and personal care
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Clothing and footwear
Quick dry t-shirts
Fleece jacket
Rain poncho
Walking shoes
Trekking socks
Good to know
Why visit Machu Picchu by train in one day?
If you want to see the sanctuary and make the most of limited time, this is the most dependable way to do it. You skip the long hikes and reach the gate fresh.
The day is built around private transfers, reliable train services and a professional guide, so nothing is left to chance.
How we organize the day
Connections. We coordinate each step, from the pickup at your hotel to the drop off in Cusco.
Time. Schedules are matched so that you wait as little as possible.
Guiding. A bilingual expert leads a full 2.5 hour tour.
Tickets are limited, so book well in advance. The Ministry of Culture publishes the official circuits and routes if you want to see the visitor paths. Questions? Write to our team.
Frequently asked questions
Is the full day tour very tiring?
The start is early, but the pace is comfortable. Transfers and trains are timed to each other so you are not left waiting around.
Do I need to be fit?
There is walking on stone paths and stairs inside the citadel. Most travelers manage well. A moderate level of fitness helps you enjoy the 2.5 hour tour.
What time do I get back to Cusco?
Between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. We leave you one block from the main square.
Can I book if I am staying in the Sacred Valley?
Yes. We pick up from several places in the Sacred Valley. Tell us where you are staying when you book.
What should I carry in my daypack?
Your original passport, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a light jacket and, in the wet season, a rain poncho.
Are the bus tickets up to the citadel included?
Yes. The Consettur bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is included in both directions.
Is lunch included?
No. You have free time in Aguas Calientes after the visit to eat wherever you like.
Keep exploring
You may also like
2 days
3 daysMachu Picchu Private 3 Days
Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with your own guide, vehicle and timetable.
Full dayHiram Bingham Train
Machu Picchu in one day on the most elegant train in Peru, with private transfers at both ends.