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Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

Full day From $260 USD
  • Availability Daily departures
  • Transport Hotel pickup
  • Languages Spanish, English
  • Service type Not specified
  • Cancellation policy Not specified
  • Maximum altitude 3400 masl m.s.n.m.

About this activity

The Machu Picchu Full Day Tour takes travelers to the Inca citadel and back to Cusco in a single day, with no need to spend the night in Aguas Calientes. The itinerary combines private transport to the train station, a round-trip scenic train ride, and a guided 2-hour-30-minute tour of the citadel.

It’s the ideal option for anyone who wants to see Machu Picchu without adding an extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes or booking a multi-day package. Unlike high-altitude excursions, this tour actually goes downhill: Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m, lower than Cusco (3,400 m), so no extra acclimatization is required.

The tour is easy in difficulty, with a professional bilingual guide and private transportation throughout the day.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Pickup 4:00–4:30 am and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo (~1h45). Scenic train to Aguas Calientes (~1h30). Bus up to Machu Picchu (~25 min) and a 2h30 guided tour through the agricultural and urban sectors, the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Condor. Free time, descent to Aguas Calientes, and return train in the afternoon. Final transfer to Cusco, arrival approx. 9:00–9:30 pm.

What's included

Included

  • Transport and Train
    • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
    • Private transport Cusco–Ollantaytambo–Cusco
    • Scenic train Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo
    • Bus up and down to Machu Picchu
  • Entrance Ticket and Guide
    • Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
    • Professional bilingual guide
    • First aid kit

Not included

  • Not Included
    • Breakfast and lunch
    • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (extra, subject to availability)
    • Tips

Recommendations

What to bring

  • Original passport
  • Comfortable clothing and closed shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Waterproof jacket (rainy season)
  • Water bottle and snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to spend the night in Aguas Calientes?

No. This tour is designed to complete the entire trip — outbound, guided visit, and return — in a single day, with no overnight stay.

Is this a physically demanding tour?

No. The guided visit follows paved paths inside the citadel, with no trekking sections. Machu Picchu is also at a lower altitude than Cusco, so it poses no extra risk of altitude sickness.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this tour?

Those circuits have limited capacity and require a separate advance booking; they are not included in the base ticket, but can be arranged as an add-on subject to availability.

How long is the guided visit inside the citadel?

Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, covering the main sectors: agricultural zone, urban zone, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and Temple of the Condor.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking several weeks in advance, especially during high season (May–September), since both Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets have limited availability.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the experts at Quillari Tours for your inquiry.

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Laura B.

Machu Picchu Classic · Abril 2025

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"Una experiencia que me cambió la vida. Nuestro guía Marco nos explicó la historia inca con una pasión increíble. Todo perfectamente organizado: traslados, entradas, hotel. No tuve que preocuparme por nada."

TH

Thomas H.

Rainbow Mountain Trek · March 2025

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"The Rainbow Mountain trek was absolutely spectacular. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure everyone was safe at altitude. Quillari Tours is simply the best tour operator in Cusco."

FO

Fernanda O.

Valle Sagrado + Machu Picchu · Fevereiro 2025

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"Que experiência incrível! O guia falava português perfeitamente e nos levou a lugares fora do roteiro turístico comum. O Valle Sagrado é lindo demais. Com certeza voltarei com a família."

RS

Roberto S.

Cusco City Tour · Marzo 2025

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"Excelente servicio desde el primer contacto. Respondieron todas mis dudas antes del viaje. El tour por Cusco fue fascinante y el guía conocía cada rincón de la ciudad. Totalmente recomendable."

CD

Claire D.

Inca Trail 4 Days · Avril 2025

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"The 4-day Inca Trail was the adventure of a lifetime. The team was professional, the equipment top quality, and the food along the trail surprisingly delicious. Arriving at the Sun Gate at sunrise was magical."

VM

Valentina M.

Montaña de 7 Colores · Enero 2025

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"La Montaña de los 7 Colores fue impresionante. El guía nos dio tips para manejar la altitud y en todo momento se preocupó por nuestro bienestar. El servicio de Quillari Tours es de los mejores que he vivido."

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