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Machu Picchu One Day Tour
Experience the awe of Machu Picchu One Day Tour—the perfect adventure for those looking to explore the ancient Incan city in a single day. This expertly guided tour takes you on a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Along the way, you’ll uncover the rich history of Machu Picchu, explore its stunning terraces and temples, and enjoy panoramic views that will leave you speechless. With flexible departure options from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, our tour is designed to fit into your schedule without sacrificing the experience.
Book your Machu Picchu One Day Tour today and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our Machu Picchu One Day Tour. This fully guided excursion takes you to one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, offering a deep dive into the history and grandeur of the Lost City of the Incas. Perfect for travelers with limited time, our tour ensures you experience Machu Picchu’s stunning beauty and ancient mystery in just one day.
Tour Highlights:
Comfortable train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Scenic bus journey up to Machu Picchu
Expert guided tour of the Machu Picchu site
Free time to explore and capture stunning photographs
Knowledgeable, English-speaking guide
How to Book: Booking your Machu Picchu One Day Tour is quick and easy. Secure your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable day of history, adventure, and awe-inspiring views.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Pre-Trek Briefing:
A day or two before your Machu Picchu One Day Tour, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a quick briefing. This is your chance to ask any last-minute questions and make sure you’re all set for the tour ahead.
Begin your incredible Machu Picchu One Day Tour with an early pick-up from your hotel and a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes. This train journey offers stunning views of the Andean mountain range, crossing through the lush Amazonian cloud forest and revealing breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and Inca agricultural terraces, offering a glimpse into Peru’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a bus directly to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Here, your expert guide will lead you on a comprehensive two-hour tour, providing fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and culture of the ancient Incan citadel. You’ll explore Machu Picchu’s most significant areas, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the Inca Bridge, allowing you to connect with the sacred energy of this awe-inspiring site.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, you have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which offer panoramic views of the entire Machu Picchu complex and surrounding landscapes (tickets for these hikes are not included in the tour but can be pre-booked). After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the site at your own pace, take photos, and enjoy the serenity of the citadel.
In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or wander through the charming town before catching the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will bring you back to your hotel in Cusco, with arrival times depending on your scheduled train ticket.
Please Note: We recommend the Machu Picchu One Day Tour only if you’re pressed for time. For a more in-depth experience, we highly suggest our 2 Day / 1 Night Train Tour or the Short Inca Trail 2D/1N for a richer exploration of the area. These options allow for more time to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and historical significance of Machu Picchu.
Inclusions
What is Included?
Pre-departure Briefing.
Experienced Tour Guide.
Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2).
Two train tickets Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu/Ollantaytambo.
Round-Trip Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Reception service at the train station of Aguas Calientes.
Pickup from your hotel and transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco
24/7 Customer Service
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All local taxes
What is not included?
Hotel before/after the tour.
Meals. Flights.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain ($75 pp).
Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain ($75 pp).
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or snacks.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control.
Travel Insurance.
Tips for Guide and Driver.
What to Bring for Your Machu Picchu One Day Tour
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your Machu Picchu One Day Tour, pack the essentials for comfort and safety.
Valid Passport.
Extra money (recommended in soles).
Personal medication.
Water bottle or CamelBak (optional: water purifying pills).
Sunblock (SPF 70 or higher).
Insect repellent.
Light footwear or sandals.
Trekking pants.
Trekking socks.
Shorts.
Waterproof gaiters.
Long-sleeve t-shirt.
Warm jacket.
Waterproof jacket.
Raincoat or poncho.
Sun hat (to protect neck and face).
Neck gaiter or buff.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liters).
Camera and charger.
Power bank.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and make sure to pack accordingly for a comfortable and enjoyable experience!
Prices
Permits are required for your selected start date. Machu Picchu One Day Tour prices depend on the number of people in a shared group and are valid from March 202 to January 2026. All prices are quoted in USD.
Group Price: USD $319 Per person
Private Tour:
Private tours are available and priced by party size.
1 person US$ 389 per person
2 people US$ 369 per person
3 people US$ 349 per person
4 people US$ 329 per person
5+ people US$ 309 per person
Discounts:
18 to 25 years old: $20 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $20 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Upgrades:
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – One Way (Need to book in advance).
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy – One Way (Need to book in advance).
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
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