Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip – Machu Picchu Tours

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Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip Details

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

We at Q Adventure Peru will guide you on a full-day Machu Picchu tour. This tour takes you to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We promise an immersive journey into the heart of ancient Inca civilization.

This is one of the highly recommended travel agencies specializing in creating life-enriching journeys. Our seasoned tour guides will lead the way, ensuring that your Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip becomes a tale of adventure and awe.

The excursion will commence with a scenic train ride from the Sacred Valley. We will glide gently through the Andean landscape. This journey offers a prelude to the magnificence that awaits. 

Aboard the train, we will relish the unfolding vistas. We will prepare ourselves for the 30-minute ascent. This climb will transport us back to the time of the Incas.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will make our way to Machu Picchu. Our visit to Machu Picchu will reveal the full splendor of the Inca Trail. It will also present a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. 

It has captivated explorers since Hiram Bingham’s time. Our tour guides will share captivating stories and historical insights, bringing the ancient stones to life.

A Journey Through Time:  Machu Picchu Day Trip Experience

We will take our time to savor every moment on our Machu Picchu full day tour. We will take the time to explore. We will soak in the atmosphere. And we will marvel at the harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural genius. 

We design the full day tours to provide ample opportunity for wandering through the main squares. We will climb the ceremonial steps. And we will stand in awe before the Temple of the Sun.

We will break for a midday meal, a perfect chance to reflect on the morning’s discoveries. As the sun dips lower in the sky, we will wrap up our visit to Machu Picchu, leaving no stone unturned, no view unadmired. The descent will be as leisurely as the ascent, with the train ride offering a tranquil end to an exhilarating day.

The tour will conclude around 6:00 pm. This allows us to return to our hotel in Cusco with stories to tell and memories to cherish. Q Adventure Peru crafts every detail of the Machu Picchu full day experience for your delight.

We will be ensuring that each moment is as enriching as it is exciting. We will look back on this day as an experience that far exceeded our expectations. It was not just a journey, but a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred sites on earth.

Do take a look at our verified traveller’s reviews on Tripadvisor.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Machu Picchu Day Trip Departure Time

04:45 AM.

Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco Includes

  • Pre-tour information provided one day before the trip in Cusco.
  • Round-trip transfers from your hotel in Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
  • Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
  • Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel.
  • A professional guided tour in English and Spanish

Full Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco Excludes

  • Accommodation in Cusco.
  • Meals throughout the tour.
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu (availability must be consulted).
  • Any other services not explicitly mentioned
  • Any private expenses.
  • Tips.
  • Travel insurance.

One Day Trip to Machu Picchu Packing List

  • Government-issued ID and passport
  • Printed tour and entry tickets
  • Comfortable and sturdy walking or hiking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended as temperatures can vary)
  • Rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season
  • Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Water bottle and snacks
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Personal medication and small first aid kit
What to Expect from Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip?

On a Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco, you can expect an early start and a scenic journey. The trip often includes a combination of transportation methods, typically beginning with a bus ride to the train station, followed by a train journey that winds along the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of the Andes. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, you’ll likely catch a bus up the winding road to the iconic site, where the real adventure begins.

Once at Machu Picchu, a guided tour will provide insight into the history and architecture of the ancient Inca citadel. You’ll wander through the main plaza, the royal quarters, and marvel at the Temple of the Sun and the intricate stone constructions.

After the guided tour, there may be some free time to explore independently, take photos, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this New World Wonder before returning to Cusco. Remember, the altitude and the terrain require a moderate level of fitness, so it’s important to be well-rested and acclimatized to make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip Itinerary

Cusco to Machu Picchu Day Trip Machu Picchu Tours

We will greet the morning in Cusco, the historic capital of the Incan Empire. Our Machu Picchu day trip begins here. We will board a comfortable train that will carry us through the heart of the Sacred Valley. 

This journey offers panoramic views and a glimpse into rural Andean life. The train journey, a blend of relaxation and anticipation, will lead us to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, we will find ourselves at the foot of the mountain that cradles the Inca citadel. A 30 minute bus ride will elevate us to the mystical Machu Picchu. This will be allowing us to witness the ever-changing landscape from the lush cloud forest to the highland meadows of the Inca site. This ascent is not just a change in altitude; it’s a travel through time to an ancient world.

At Machu Picchu, we will marvel at the engineering marvel set against a backdrop of staggering natural beauty. Our knowledgeable guides will unveil the secrets of the Incas’ history, culture, and daily life. As we wander, we will explore the main plaza, the royal quarters, and the Temple of the Sun. We will take our time to absorb the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this New Wonder of the World.

As the afternoon sun casts its golden hues over the stonework, we will descend back to Aguas Calientes. Here, we will reflect on our experiences and enjoy a leisurely lunch before boarding our return train to Cusco. The journey back will be a time to rest and reminisce about the unforgettable memories made.

Once back in Cusco, marking the conclusion of our full-day tour, we will feel a sense of accomplishment. Exploring one of humanity’s most incredible achievements will fill us with wonder.

For a clearer picture of what to expect on this Machu Picchu full day tour by train from Cusco, consider these key statistics:
  • The round-trip distance from Cusco to Aguas Calientes is approximately 224 kilometers (140 miles).
  • The highest point of our journey will be Cusco, at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level.
  • The lowest altitude we will reach is Aguas Calientes, at 2,040 meters (6,692 feet) above sea level.
  • The ancient site of Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level.
  • The level of difficulty for this tour is generally moderate. This is mostly due to the altitude and walking involved.

Engaging in this Machu Picchu Day Trip is to step into a world that continues to fascinate and inspire. It is a journey that is as much about the destination as it is about the revelations along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Machu Picchu Day Trip

Can you do a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The most popular and easiest way to do this is by taking a direct train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. This train journey takes about four hours one way. 

A typical Machu Picchu day trip itinerary starts early, around 6:00 AM, with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You’d then travel to Ollantaytambo, arriving by approximately 7:30 AM. After a short break, you would board a train at 8:00 AM for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, arriving there around 10:00 AM​

Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus up to Machu Picchu to spend the day exploring the Inca citadel. There are tours available that provide all-inclusive packages, which cover transportation, entry to Machu Picchu, and a guided tour that educates you on the history and construction of the site, as well as what daily life was like for its residents​​.

Is it enough to go to Machu Picchu in one day?

Visiting Machu Picchu in one day is possible and can be sufficient for many travelers, especially those with time constraints. However, whether it is enough depends on what you want to see and do.
Here are some considerations for Machu Picchu Day Trip:
  • Time at the Site: A day trip typically allows for several hours at Machu Picchu, which can be enough to see the main sites and perhaps have a short guided tour.

  • Travel Time: Keep in mind that travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back will take a significant part of the day. The train ride itself is about four hours one way, so you’ll spend around eight hours just in transit.

  • Early Starts: Day trips usually start early in the morning to maximize the time at Machu Picchu. If you can manage an early start and a long day, a day trip can work well.

  • Crowds: Machu Picchu can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist season. An advantage of a day trip is that you might arrive earlier and leave later than most of the crowds, which can mean a more peaceful experience.

  • Depth of Experience: If you are interested in a deep dive into the history and want to explore the site thoroughly, including the surrounding hikes like Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu, one day might feel rushed.

  • Physical Considerations: The site involves a lot of walking, often on uneven surfaces. A rushed visit might be tiring if you’re not used to the altitude and physical activity.

In summary, a one-day visit can be enough to see the highlights and get a feel for the majestic site, but a longer visit would allow for a more in-depth exploration and a less hurried experience.

How long is the train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu, specifically to the nearest town of Aguas Calientes, takes approximately four hours one way. This journey typically includes a stop in Ollantaytambo before continuing on to Aguas Calientes​.

Machu Picchu Day Trip Photos

1 Review
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Margareth

Solo Traveller

“This tour offers a comprehensive experience, combining culture, nature, and adventure for an unforgettable journey in Peru.”

March 4, 2024