Journey to the World Wonder Along the Stunning Andean Railway
The wonderful Inca site of Machu Picchu is one of the best shows and most visited tourist attractions in Peru. Nestled high in the slopes of the Andes with incredible views surrounded by towering mountains, the ruins of Machu Picchu continue to reveal the mysteries of the Inca Empire. Not for nothing was it classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Discover this fascinating ancient site through our Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour.
We know that words and photos cannot always sum up this incredible site. Every professional or amateur traveler has always wanted to set foot in the renowned city of Machu Picchu. And the Machu Picchu by Locals team knows that there are many reasons to visit it through our tour to Machu Picchu
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Why Should You Take the Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour?
The Machu Picchu one-day tour takes you from Cusco by train and bus to the famous Inca citadel, with a guide, entrance ticket, and return trip, all completed within a single long day.
We offer both private tours and small group tours, so you can fully enjoy your experience. Perfect for those with a short time but enough to explore the most iconic Inca site in Peru. Discover this sacred place wrapped in a veil of mystery and find out why it’s been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. You’ll explore all the significant sectors with your guide.
- Saves time: You see Machu Picchu without spending several days on a trek or overnight stay.
- Everything is arranged: Entrance tickets, train, bus, and guide are bundled, so you avoid sold-out tickets and planning stress.
- Guided insight: A guide explains the history, architecture, and astronomy, making the ruins far more meaningful.
- Budget-friendly: No hotel in Aguas Calientes and no multi-day trek costs.
- Scenic train ride: The journey along the Urubamba River through the canyon is a highlight in itself.
- Easier on the body: Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, so altitude is less of a problem, and no strenuous hiking is required.
Highlights: Machu Picchu, train ride
Considerations: Permit required
Season: Whole year
Max. Altitude: 2,400masl /7,874ft
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco
Highlights of the tour
Enjoy a scenic train journey through the Andes Mountains.
Discover Machu Picchu in a 1-day tour accompanied by an expert local guide.
See the Royal Quarters, the temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Sun Dial, and more points of interest
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco
Highlight of the day: The Incredible Machu Picchu
Our Machu Picchu day tour will start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and heading to Ollantaytambo Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. This is the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a scenic train journey through dramatic Andean landscapes. The train has ample seats with large windows, allowing for grand views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.
Board a bus for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Pichu is believed to have been built in the 1450s by the Inca emperor Pachacuteq as an important religious temple. Within a century, the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they brought to other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm.
Take a guided tour of the site, which explains the origins behind this awe-inspiring citadel and its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. After the tour, you will be returned to Aguas Calientes, where you can take some free time to explore the city or enjoy an optional lunch.
After some time in the town, return to Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to the Ollantaytambo Station; from there, you will be taken the bus back to your hotel.
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Machu Picchu day tour. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provides
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Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your cultural guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Machu Picchu tour departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
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Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Machu Picchu.
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Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we will purchase all the necessary tickets for you to explore Machu Picchu; it will be for a specific date.
Transportations
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Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the train station. The bus will return once you are done with Machu Picchu; the bus will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Equipment
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every 6 months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon of oxygen in case someone requires it.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
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Water bottle
Every customer needs water during this tour; we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks.
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Meals
You will be available to take some breakfast or snacks and lunch in Aguas Calientes town; your tour guide will recommend a good restaurant.
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Travel Insurance
We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens along your visit to Peru.
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Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team; tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team’s hard work.
MACHU PICCHU FULL-DAY TOUR PACKING LIST
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details that you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important
- Passport
- Good day backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoirs like Camelback are encouraged, but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Rain jacket and pants
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to bring it as light as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or own first aid kit
- Snacks (chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY TOUR FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about our Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco.
Is a one-day Machu Picchu tour worth it?
Yes, if you’re short on time or on a budget. You get the full citadel experience with transport, tickets, and a guide, though the day is long and the time at the site is limited.
How long does the tour take?
Usually 14 to 16 hours door to door. Most tours leave Cusco or the Sacred Valley between 3:00 and 5:00 AM and return around 9:00 to 11:00 PM.
How much time do I get at Machu Picchu?
Typically 2 to 4 hours, including a guided tour of about 2 hours and some free time to explore and take photos.
What’s included in the price?
Most packages include the entrance ticket, round-trip train tickets, the bus between Aguas Calientes and the site, a professional guide, and hotel pickup. Meals and tips are often extra, so check the details.
When should I book a Machu Picchu tour?
As early as possible. Daily entrance tickets and train seats are limited, and they sell out weeks or even months ahead in high season (May to September). Booking 2 to 3 months ahead is a safe rule for peak months.
What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
The dry season (May to October) has clearer skies and less rain but more crowds. The wet season (November to March) is greener and quieter, though rain and cloud are common. February is often when the Inca Trail closes, but the citadel stays open.
Will I get altitude sickness doing the Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour?
Less likely than in Cusco. Machu Picchu is about 2,430 m (7,970 ft), well below Cusco’s roughly 3,400 m. Still, spend a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trip.
What should I bring for this tour?
Your original passport (required for entry), sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and a small daypack. Large backpacks are not allowed inside the site.
Are there rules inside Machu Picchu?
Yes. Entry is by timed slot; you must follow a set one-way circuit, and you need a guide for entry in most cases. Drones, tripods, walking sticks with metal tips, and large bags are prohibited, and there are no restrooms inside, so use them before you enter.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Yes, this is an extra hike. If you have a plan to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance due to the limited tickets.
Can I do it if I’m not very fit?
Yes. The tour involves trains, a bus, and walking on uneven stone paths with some steps, but no long treks. Take it at your own pace, and let your guide know if you need extra breaks.
From: USD 295.00 per person
* Options to upgrade your returning train to Vistadome service (with larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60 USD per person
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day Tour
Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour
What's it like!!
Map of Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we offer the best service for all our customers, and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion, the group size is capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion.
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Accommodation: During our excursions we provide private accommodation shared only by two travelers, This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore the best of Peru.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Safety: All out tours includes, oxygen tank and emergency satellite divice for any emergency situation.
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Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals, we focus on creating the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, and horse drivers is handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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