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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 Español, Inglés
  • 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 the same day, with no need to spend the night in Aguas Calientes. The trip combines private transport to the train station, round-trip scenic train, and a 2 hour 30 minute guided visit to the citadel.

It’s the alternative for travelers who want to see Machu Picchu without adding an extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes or organizing a multi-day package. Unlike high-altitude excursions, this tour goes downhill: Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m, lower than Cusco (3,400 m), so it doesn’t require extra acclimatization.

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

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Cusco

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco is between 4:00 and 4:30 am, with private transport to the Ollantaytambo train station (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes).

From Ollantaytambo you board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, a ride of about 1 hour 30 minutes along the Urubamba River, moving from the Sacred Valley into the high jungle. Luggage allowed on the train is limited to 5 kg per passenger.

In Aguas Calientes, a bus takes passengers up to the Machu Picchu entrance along a zigzag road for about 25 minutes. The guided visit inside the citadel lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes and covers the agricultural and urban sectors, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Condor.

After the visit there's free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own, before taking the return train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon and the final transfer to Cusco, arriving at approximately 9:00 to 9:30 pm.

What's included

Included

  • Transport and Train
    • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
    • Private transport Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Cusco
    • Scenic train Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and 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 whole trip, going in, the guided visit and the return, in a single day, with no overnight stay.

Is there a luggage limit on the train?

Yes, the train allows a maximum of 5 kg of carry-on luggage per passenger.

Is this a physically demanding tour?

No. The guided visit takes place on paved paths inside the citadel, with no trekking sections. Machu Picchu is also at a lower altitude than Cusco, so it doesn't add any extra altitude sickness risk.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with this tour?

Those circuits have limited capacity and require a separate advance booking; they're not included in the base ticket, but can be arranged as an extra depending on availability.

How long is the guided visit inside the citadel?

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

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking several weeks in advance, especially in high season (May to September), since both Machu Picchu entry 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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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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