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Explore the legendary Inca citadel with guided trips departing directly from Cusco. Choose from full-day excursions or two-day itineraries that seamlessly handle logistics like train tickets, bus transfers, and entrance fees.
A guided morning tour of Machu Picchu including premium train tickets, bus transfers, and a flexible refund policy.
Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and an animal sanctuary on a two-day trip from Cusco ending at Machu Picchu.
Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on a full-day guided tour through the Andes.
Visit the Machu Picchu citadel in a day with round-trip train travel, a guided tour, and lunch from Cusco.
Free Cancellation Discover the history and architecture of Machu Picchu on a private 2-3 hour walking tour with a local Andean guide.
A full-day guided trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, including train travel through the Sacred Valley and hotel transfers.
A full-day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu including a panoramic train ride and a guided tour of the ruins.
Likely to Sell Out Explore the Sacred Valley’s ruins and salt mines on a two-day trip ending with a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu.
Explore the Sacred Valley's salt mines and ruins before an overnight stay and guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Likely to Sell Out A private, guided tour of Machu Picchu with all logistics and on-site support managed by our local team.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Machu Picchu — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a full-on adventure that usually starts before dawn. You'll travel through the stunning Andean landscapes by train, hop on a shuttle bus up a winding mountain road, and finally step into the 15th-century Inca citadel. Whether you do it in one long day or spread it over two, expect breathtaking mountain views, complex stone architecture, and a deep dive into Inca history.
Most tours include a train journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. You'll ride along the Urubamba River with massive windows offering panoramic views of the cloud forest.
This is where you get that classic, postcard-perfect shot of the entire citadel. Standing on the upper terraces, you'll see the ruins framed perfectly by Huayna Picchu mountain.
Your guide will walk you through massive agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana stone, explaining how the Incas aligned their buildings with astronomical events.
If you book a 2-day tour, you'll likely stop at living Inca towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, or check out the Maras salt mines before heading to the main ruins.
From Aguas Calientes, you'll take a 30-minute shuttle bus ride up a steep, zig-zagging dirt road to reach the main entrance gates of the archaeological site.
Visiting Machu Picchu requires strict planning due to heavy government regulations and limited daily capacity. Here is what you need to know before locking in your tour.
Machu Picchu caps its daily visitors at 4,500 in the high season. Tickets sell out fast, especially for the popular Circuit 2. You should book your tour 3 to 6 months in advance to secure your spot.
You must provide your exact passport details (name, number, nationality, date of birth) when booking. You also must present the original, physical passport at the entry gates, or you will be denied entry.
Because the Ministry of Culture issues non-transferable and non-refundable tickets, almost all tours have a strict "all sales are final" policy. You cannot change your dates or get a refund once booked.
You can choose a 14-to-15 hour full-day sprint from Cusco, or a more relaxed 2-day trip that includes an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and stops in the Sacred Valley. There are also "guide-only" options if you prefer to buy your own transit.
Trains have strict baggage limits, and the ruins do not allow bags larger than 40x35x20 cm. You will need to leave large suitcases at your Cusco hotel and pack a small daypack for the trip.
The site sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) and involves walking up and down hundreds of uneven stone steps. You need a moderate level of fitness, and it is highly recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for a few days first.
| Full-Day Train Tour | 2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu | Private Guide Service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 14-15 hours | 48 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Best for | Travelers with tight schedules | Acclimatizing and seeing more Inca sites | Independent travelers who bought their own tickets and transit |
| Includes | Hotel pickup, round-trip train, shuttle bus, entry ticket, guided tour | 1-night hotel, Sacred Valley tour, train, bus, entry ticket, guide | Private local guide meeting you at the gates or in Aguas Calientes |
| Price from | $335 USD | $429 USD | $98 USD |
Machu Picchu operates on a strict schedule to manage crowds. The archaeological site is open daily from 06:00 to 17:30.
There is a brief tolerance period if you are running late (30 minutes in low season, 45 minutes in high season), but it is best to arrive early.
Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco involves a few steps, which most tour operators handle for you.
The weather in the Andes heavily dictates the quality of your visit.
Dry Season (May to October): This is the most popular and best time to visit. The weather is generally dry with clear, sunny skies. The stone steps are much safer to navigate, and you will get the best photos. However, this is peak season, so crowds are larger and tickets sell out months in advance.
Wet Season (November to March): Expect heavy rainfall, which can cause travel delays, mudslides, and train cancellations. The ancient stone steps become extremely slippery and hazardous, and the ruins are often obscured by heavy mist. If you visit during this time, a high-quality rain poncho is essential.
Navigating a 15th-century mountain citadel presents unique challenges, but it is partially accessible.
Facilities at Machu Picchu are extremely limited to protect the site.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture enforces strict rules to preserve the UNESCO site.
Most full-day and 2-day tours from Cusco include the entrance ticket, usually prioritizing Circuit 2. However, if you book a "guide-only" service, you will need to purchase your own ticket separately through the official government website.
Yes, it is absolutely mandatory. You must present your original, physical passport at the main gate along with your ticket. Digital photos or copies on your phone will not be accepted.
Generally, no. Because the Peruvian government issues non-refundable and non-transferable train and entrance tickets, most tour operators have a strict 'all sales are final' policy. You cannot change the date or name on the ticket.
Tours operate rain or shine. You should pack a high-quality rain poncho, especially if visiting between November and March. Umbrellas are strictly prohibited inside the archaeological site.
You can only bring a small daypack that does not exceed 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters. If your bag is larger than this, you will be forced to leave it in the storage lockers outside the main entrance.
No, there are no restrooms inside the citadel. You must use the facilities located outside the main entrance before your tour begins, as the rules strictly prohibit re-entry once you leave.
No. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are banned to prevent congestion on the narrow paths. Drones are strictly prohibited in the entire sanctuary, and violators face equipment confiscation and fines up to $10,000 USD.
Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet), which is actually much lower than Cusco (3,400 meters). If you have already spent a couple of days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you should be fine, though the steep stairs can still leave you winded.
The guided portion inside the ruins typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours. You will follow a designated one-way circuit, learning about the history and architecture before exiting the site.
If you book a full package tour from Cusco, the $24 round-trip Consettur bus ticket is usually included. Check your specific tour inclusions to be sure, as some budget options might require you to hike up the mountain or buy the bus ticket yourself.
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This tour covers the logistics for a morning visit to Machu Picchu, including premium train tickets, round-trip bus transfers, and entrance fees. A local guide leads the tour to explain the history of the ruins. We handle the scheduling to ensure a smooth transition from the train to the citadel and back. To guarantee a morning entry, please book at least 60 days in advance. Last-minute bookings made within 60 days of travel may be assigned midday or afternoon entry times instead. Our cancellation policy provides an 80% refund if cancelled more than 20 days before the tour; otherwise, the booking is non-refundable.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip from Cusco covers the essential sites of the Sacred Valley. The first day begins at a local sanctuary to see alpacas and vicuñas, followed by a visit to the agricultural terraces in Pisac. You will then explore the stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining examples of Inca urban planning, before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes. The second day is dedicated to a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. You will travel by rail along the Urubamba River and spend the morning learning about the history and construction of the site. Our tours are organized in small groups to allow for a better pace and more time with our local guides.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion takes you to Machu Picchu, Peru's most iconic archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. You will spend the day exploring the extensive stone ruins of the Inca citadel, set high in the cloud forest of the Andes mountains. A professional guide will lead you through the site, explaining the history and engineering behind the temples, terraces, and plazas. This guided walk provides context to the mysteries of the Inca Empire while allowing you time to take in the surrounding mountain scenery.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour from Cusco provides a streamlined way to visit the Machu Picchu sanctuary. Starting with a 4:30 AM pickup, you will travel by train through the Sacred Valley to reach the citadel. The package includes round-trip train tickets on Voyager or Expedition services and door-to-door transport, returning you to your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 PM. Once at the site, a local guide will lead you through the ruins to explain the history and architecture of the Incan citadel. The trip also includes a complimentary lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Because entry tickets and specific circuits are subject to government availability, we recommend booking several months in advance to secure the best route through the site.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
This private tour pairs you with a native Andean guide for a focused exploration of Machu Picchu. You can meet your guide at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, the train station, or directly at the main entrance gate. The 2-3 hour walk covers the site’s major landmarks, including the primary temples, residential plazas, and agricultural terraces, while providing the best vantage points for photos. Your guide will explain the construction of the citadel, the daily lives of the Inca people, and the historical significance of the ruins. Because this is a private service, the pace is flexible, allowing you to ask questions or spend more time at specific locations. Please note that this service includes the guide only; you will need to arrange your own entry tickets, train travel, and bus transfers separately.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a transfer to the bus station for the trip to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will board a train for a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a member of our team will meet you to provide entry instructions and introduce you to your guide. The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. Your guide will explain the history, engineering, and architectural significance of the Inca citadel. Tours are available in English and Spanish, with other languages available upon request. After the visit, you will have free time to eat lunch in Aguas Calientes before starting the return journey. The trip back follows the same route: a train to Ollantaytambo followed by a bus to Cusco. Once you arrive at the station in Cusco, a private transfer will take you directly back to your hotel in the historic center.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
This full-day tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco for the transfer to the train station. You will board a panoramic train for the trip to Aguas Calientes, traveling along the Urubamba River with views of the Sacred Valley through the carriage's large windows. Upon arrival, a bus takes you to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where you will join a professional guide for a tour of the main archaeological sectors. The guided portion covers the history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing context for the stone structures and terraces. All logistics are handled for you, including round-trip transport from Cusco, train and bus tickets, and the entrance fee to the citadel. After the visit, you will return to Cusco by train and car in the evening.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This two-day tour explores the major archaeological and cultural sites of the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu. Starting from your hotel in Cusco, you will visit the colonial village of Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the Maras salt mines. The first day concludes with a guided walk through the Ollantaytambo fortress before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. Groups are kept to a maximum of 10 people to allow for a steady pace and more time at each location. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, with breakfast included, before heading up to Machu Picchu the next morning to see the citadel at sunrise. A professional guide will accompany you throughout the journey, offering insights in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The package includes all transfers, modern transportation, and accommodation, ensuring a smooth trip from start to finish.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This two-day private tour begins in the Sacred Valley, visiting the textile market and archaeological site of Chinchero. You will continue to the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient Maras salt mines before exploring the fortress at Ollantaytambo. In the late afternoon, you will board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to check into your accommodation. On the second day, a professional guide will lead you through the Machu Picchu citadel, explaining its history and architecture. After the tour, you can visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs before taking the train back to Cusco. This all-inclusive service is private and can be customized to suit your preferences.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This private experience provides a dedicated guide for your visit to Machu Picchu, with tours available in both English and Spanish. Our local team manages the full organization of the trip, from entry logistics to on-ground coordination, so you don't have to navigate the planning process alone. Throughout the day, we provide personalized assistance to ensure the visit runs smoothly. By handling the timing and transportation details, we focus on providing a reliable and safe environment where you can explore the site at your own pace with professional support.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish