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+51 918 885 164 info@happygringotours.com

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco – Machu Picchu Tours One Day

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Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco Details

Day trip Machu Picchu From Cusco

A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is one of our exclusive tours. We have designed a one-day Machu Picchu tour program for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu in a short time.

This full-day trip to Machu Picchu starts with an early morning ride from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station. Then, you will take a two-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes Pueblo. 

We will then take you to the Machu Picchu citadel, where our local expert guide will give you a detailed two-hour tour.

You will enjoy an immersive tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Our local tour guide speaks English, so you will be in good hands.

If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, please let us know when you book the tour.

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco is one of our signature tours. We aim to offer you the best and the most of the trip. We operate the tour both as a private tour and as a small group tour. 

The price includes train tickets in an Expedition or Voyager tourist class train. When booking the tour, choose the option’ UPGRADE‘ to upgrade to the Vistadome or 360° train for a panoramic view.

Why Choose Happy Gringo Tours?

Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team can assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.

Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a memorable experience.

Quality and Safety: Our commitment to safety and quality guarantees an enjoyable, worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.

Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Happy Gringo Operator is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.

Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.

Travel with Happy Gringo Tours for an exceptional and hassle-free adventure as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu:

The best time to visit Machu Picchu tour full day is during the dry season, between April and November. During the rainy season, it often gets cloudy, which reduces visibility.

Also, check our detailed guide about the weather in Cusco. The weather is an essential factor to consider before taking any tour in the area.

Consider spending 2-3 days in Cusco before your Machu Picchu Tours One Day to avoid altitude sickness. The trip by train to Machu Picchu requires acclimation, too.

Please take a moment to check our reviews on Tripadvisor. Before booking our full-day trip to Machu Picchu, visit the Inca citadel or “Machu Picchu Inca City.”

How to book a Machu Picchu tour with Us?

Booking a tour with Happy Gringo Tours is quick, straightforward, and reassuring. We’ve designed a simple guide to help you through the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience and instilling confidence in your booking.

1.- Online Booking

Our website is designed for your comfort and ease, making the start of your journey as simple as a click on thebook onlinebutton. You can rest assured that our system is convenient and user-friendly, ensuring a smooth and stress-free booking experience.

You will be directed to our booking platform to find an available calendar.

Select your preferred date (if available) and proceed with booking.

2.- Reservation Details

Choose the tour you want to book.

Fill out the form with the details of all participants.

3.- Payment Options

For your peace of mind, we offer two secure payment options. You can either pay the entire tour amount or a nonrefundable deposit of USD 150 to confirm your reservation. This flexibility empowers you to choose the best option for your needs and budget.

If you pay only the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid at least 24 hours before the tour starts.

4.- How to Pay the Balance:

Visit our office in Cusco to pay the balance in person, either with a physical card or cash.

Alternatively, we can send you a secure payment link to pay online.

5.- Information About the Deposit and Tour final Balance

Nonrefundable Deposit

The nonrefundable deposit of USD 150 is crucial to the booking process. It secures your spot on the tour and allows us to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets in advance, ensuring you don’t miss out on these limited tickets, especially during the high season from April to October.

Machu Picchu tickets are limited, and train tickets often sell out quickly, particularly during the high season from April to October.

6.- Remaining Balance Payment

If you only pay the deposit, you can pay it online with any credit or debit card without an extra fee. In some countries, we offer payment via bank transfer without additional costs.

The remaining balance must be paid upon your arrival in Cusco. You can complete this payment at our office at Calle Garcilaso 210, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco; it’s just a short walk from Plaza de Armas or main square Cusco.

7.- Payment Options in Cusco City

Payments can be made in USD or PEN (Peruvian currency) with a credit or debit card without an extra fee.

Full Tour Payment

If you prefer to pay the entire tour amount upfront, you won’t need to worry about any pending balances and can focus entirely on enjoying your trip.

 

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0430 AM

Price Includes

  • Pre-tour information a day before the trip to Machu Picchu in our Cusco office.
  • Hotel pick up and drop off door-to-door.
  • Round trip train Tickets (Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu). Optional if you want to upgrade the Vistadome or 360 Trains.
  • Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu citadel
  • Professional bilingual tour guides (English and Spanish). Ask for other dialects with an additional fee only for private service
  • Entry tickets to Machu Picchu in the Main Circuits 1, 2, 3, or 4. When you book in advance, the company gets the best circuits.

Price Excludes

  • Any Private Expenses
  • Lunch at Aguas Calientes town

Recommended To Carry

  • Original Passport
  • Arrive at the train station half an hour in advance.
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses and Hat
  • Do not carry much luggage; only 6 kg are allowed on the train.
  • Water Bottle and Snacks
  • Peruvian Soles in cash
  • A small day-pack
  • We highly recommend booking the Machu Picchu tour months in advance to get circuits 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Essential Information About Machu Picchu

Should you desire additional insights or wish to delve into specific topics about the enchanting Machu Picchu, don’t hesitate to reach out! We will guide you with essential information that captures the essence and majesty of this remarkable archaeological site.

Machu Picchu Entry Ticket

Due to high demand, booking at least four to six months in advance is advisable to secure your preferred Circuit 1 or 2. Alternatives like Circuit 3 or 4 will be assigned if these circuits are unavailable. In rare cases of no availability, your reservation may be canceled, and we’ll contact you to discuss other options. To ensure a smooth trip, we also require a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable.

Booking in advance ensures the best experience and a smooth, unforgettable journey!

Pre-Machu Picchu Tour Talk

Once you have reserved the Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco, we recommend coming to the office to check in with a copy of your passport to receive the detailed orientation, and you will redeem the tickets.

The office is located strategically in the city—see the location on Google. Communication is essential to understanding what will happen during your day tour to Machu Picchu.

Daily Departures

The Machu Picchu full-day train tour offers daily departures. To book your tour, click the ‘book online‘ button to access the calendar and view open dates. Once you’ve selected your preferred date, follow the prompts to complete the booking form. Entry tickets to Machu Picchu are included in the tour package, so we highly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your place and enjoy an outstanding adventure!

Entrance Schedule to Machu Picchu

Entrance times to the Inca citadel at Machu Picchu are typically 09:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am. However, these times may vary depending on availability, and in some cases, the entrance could be scheduled later. The last permitted entrance to Machu Picchu is at 15:30. We always strive to accommodate your preferences and ensure a remarkable experience, making necessary adjustments to the entrance and return train schedule to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

If the entrance time changes, the return train schedule to Cusco will also be adjusted. These changes will be coordinated directly with the customers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Rest assured that we will inform you and make the necessary arrangements for your comfort.

Meals on the Tour

Meals are not included in the Machu Picchu Full Day tour due to limited time for long stops, especially during the journey to Machu Picchu. We recommend bringing light snacks, such as a breakfast box from your hotel (if available), sandwiches, chocolates, fruits, or water. During short stops, you can also purchase hot drinks at the train or bus stations (At Ollantaytamo or Machu Picchu town).

After you visit Machu Picchu, you’ll have enough time in Aguas Calientes for lunch. This charming town, the gateway to Machu Picchu, offers a range of dining options, including casual cafés and full-service restaurants. Whether you prefer traditional Peruvian cuisine or international dishes, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Ask your tour guide to enjoy a traditional Peruvian restaurant at Aguas Calientes Pueblo.

Group Size

The tour is designed for groups of 1 to 12 travelers in compliance with the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary regulations. This group size limit ensures a more intimate and personalized experience during the guided tour inside Machu Picchu, where groups can range from 1 to 12 participants.

You will travel on our private transportation during the train and bus journeys to Machu Picchu. We do not mix our travelers up with other travel agencies. Therefore, our clients are exclusive when booking with Happy Gringo Tours.

Door-to-Door Service

The Machu Picchu Full Day by Train tour offers a convenient door-to-door service, ensuring comfort and a hassle-free travel experience. Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco at approximately 4:00 am and concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cusco around 7:30 pm. We also provide pickups and drop-offs in various locations within the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Calca, and Pisac (it has an extra cost). If you prefer, we can drop you off at one of these Sacred Valley destinations instead.

Detailed Travel Plan

Day 1Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco - Machu Picchu Tours One Day

Itinerary with Comprehensive Details: This is a day-long trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu, including a train tour from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

1st stretch: Early Morning pick-up From Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station.

Start your adventure with a convenient early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 04:00 and 04:30 am. Then, we take the 1.5-hour van to Ollantaytambo train station. Our comfortable car from Happy Gringo Tours will be waiting for you, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your Machu Picchu journey. This early pick-up is designed for convenience, providing ample time to enjoy the day’s activities.

Note: You can sleep in the car while we go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

2nd stretch: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

Our driver will help you board the train to Aguas Calientes upon arrival. The train leaves at 06:10 am or 6:40 am for the charming town of Aguas Calientes. This 1.5-hour train ride offers awe-inspiring views of the Urubamba River or Willka Mayu and the rugged terrain, setting the tone for your Machu Picchu adventure.

Important note: You must find the correct carriage to get on and get your seat, matching your train ticket. The trains have toilets; using the restroom at the train station is unnecessary.

3rd stretch: Meet the Tour Guide at Aguas Calientes Town.

Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, our expert and professional guide will be waiting for you with a sign that reads Happy Gringo Tours or your specific name. Their extensive knowledge and experience will ensure a memorable and safe trip to Machu Picchu. You can rest assured that you are in the hands of a knowledgeable guide who will make your visit to Machu Picchu genuinely enlightening.

After a brief introduction and receiving essential instructions, you’ll have twenty minutes to prepare for the tour. You will know you are in the hands of knowledgeable tour guides who will ensure a memorable trip and safe experience at Machu Picchu.

Important note: Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes town, you must leave the train station to meet your tour guide, who awaits you at the door with a company logo. This logo symbolizes our commitment to your safety and enjoyment during the tour.

4th stretch: Travel from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by Consettur Bus.

Subsequently, queue for the bus, taking you on a serpentine 30-minute ride to Machu Picchu’s main entrance. The bus ride, which winds through the lush Andean landscape, offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, adding to the anticipation of your Machu Picchu visit.

Essential note:

Before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu ruins, it is crucial to buy water and snacks. The climb to the main entrance can be strenuous, and having water and snacks will keep you hydrated and energized throughout the tour.

This will ensure you travel hydrated and energized throughout the tour, especially during the climb to the main entrance. Our guide will assist you in boarding the bus, which embarks on a zig-zag, 30-minute climb to Machu Picchu’s main entrance. The bus boarding process is straightforward, and our guide will guide you through it, ensuring you feel at ease and prepared for the trip ahead. The estimated arrival time is between 9:00 am and 10:00 am. The schedule could vary if you reserved the tour at the last minute.

5th stretch: Guided Tour at Machu Picchu Citadel.

Your journey includes a Machu Picchu ticket, typically granting access via circuit 02 or 01, subject to availability. In the event of unavailability, circuits 04 or 03 serve as substitutes. Booking is advised to secure your preferred route. Upon arrival, our guide will lead a 2.5-hour enlightening tour through the Inca citadel, temple of the sun, highlighting key monuments, sharing stories, and providing opportunities to appreciate the good views of Machu Picchu, Urubamba river, and capture memories.

Important note: After entering Machu Picchu, do not forget to get the Machupicchu stamp on your passports. This stamp is a unique souvenir of your visit to this iconic site and is a popular tradition among visitors.
According to the new policies in 2025, the famous Inca bridge was separated from the classic circuits. If you desire to hike it,  let us know when booking.

6th stretch: Bus to return at Aguas Calientes town.

After visiting the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes by bus, which takes about 25 minutes. There, you can explore the town of Aguas Calientes.

Essential note: Talk with your tour guide for lunch recommendations.

Happy Gringo tour guides have lunch included in top-rated restaurants, and you can join them (Clients do not pay for the lunch for tour guides).

7th stretch: Enjoy leisure Time in Aguas Calientes.

Post-tour, return to Aguas Calientes by bus. You’ll have downtime to relish a meal and meander around the town before proceeding to the train station. You can explore the local markets, try traditional Peruvian dishes, or enjoy the town’s scenic beauty during this time.

8th stretch: Train tour back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

The homeward train departs Aguas Calientes around 2:30 or 3:20 pm, delivering you back to Ollantaytambo station in 1.5 hours.

Note: The same van and driver await you at the train station in ollantaytambo. Our meeting point is at the train station’s door.

9th stretch: Bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Our transfer will be ready to take you back to Cusco by car, which is an approximate 1.30-hour drive. You will conclude your day trip with a hotel drop-off from around 18:30 to 19:00, ensuring a safe and comfortable return to your accommodation in Cusco.

Note: We can drop you off at your hotel or by the main square if you want dinner at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco City.

Summary of your Machu Picchu day trip

Cusco pick-up: 4:00 am

Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM

Machu Picchu entry tickets: 9:00 am or 10:00 am could vary.

Return Train tour from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train station Between 14:30 and 15:20 could vary.

Approximate Cusco return around 18:45 to 19:20 could vary.

Our carefully curated itinerary is crafted to provide a smooth, enjoyable, and profound experience from Cusco to the legendary Machu Picchu tour within a day. Each element is thoughtfully arranged for your comfort and satisfaction, allowing for a deep dive into the splendor and history of this ancient marvel.

 

Infographic

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco – Machu Picchu Tours One Day packing list

Photos

Cancellation Policy for Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

At Happy Gringo Tours, we understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. That’s why we’ve established the following cancellation policy to offer flexibility and ensure the best experience for all our clients.


Cancellation Policy

If you’ve paid the full tour amount and must cancel unexpectedly, we will refund your payment minus the nonrefundable deposit. Please note that the deposit is nonrefundable under any circumstances, including medical emergencies, as we do not accept medical notes or documentation as proof of refunds.

Agency-Initiated Cancellation: If the tour is canceled due to force majeure or bad weather, we will refund 100% of the total amount paid, including the USD 150 deposit.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

To request a cancellation, change, or refund, you must email happygringotours@gmail.com. Our team will review your request and make the necessary adjustments.

Cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email only, and they will be processed during our regular business hours. Please include all pertinent details in your email to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Initial Deposit

It’s important to note that the initial deposit of USD 150 for this tour is 100% nonrefundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. This policy is in place to secure your permits, entrance tickets, and train reservations, which are nonrefundable to us once purchased.

Necessary: This policy does not have exceptions, so we recommend booking when you are sure about your travel plans.

Change of Dates

If you need to change the tour date, the process is straightforward. First, check the availability on the tour calendar. Once availability is confirmed, a penalty of USD 75 per person will apply. This penalty covers the purchase of a new Machu Picchu ticket and changing the date for train tickets, both of which are nonrefundable. We do not impose these charges, but they are necessary to process your new reservation, as your original tickets are nonrefundable, non-transferable and will be forfeited.

Machu Picchu Ticket: This ticket is nonrefundable, so a new ticket must be purchased for the new date.

Train Ticket: This ticket is also nonrefundable but can be rescheduled by paying a change fee.

Additional Tickets Like Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu

If you added extra tickets, such as for Huayna Picchu Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, please note that they are nonrefundable and non-transferable. The Ministry of Culture does not allow changes or refunds for Machu Picchu-related tickets. You will also lose these additional tickets if you change the date or cancel your reservation.

All tickets for Machu Picchu and related add-ons are nonrefundable, and nonrefundable changes will necessitate the purchase of new tickets. We strongly recommend confirming your travel plans before booking to prevent any inconvenience.

127 Reviews
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A Day Among the Clouds: Machu Picchu in All Its Glory

Couple Traveller

From the moment I first glimpsed the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu emerging from the mist, I knew this would be a day etched forever in my memory. This 1-day tour, despite its brevity, offered an immersive and unforgettable experience, expertly curated to maximize every precious moment in this wonder of the world.

The day began before dawn, with a convenient pick-up from my hotel in Cusco. The journey itself was an adventure, winding through the scenic Sacred Valley aboard a comfortable coach. Our guide, Raúl, a native Cusqueño, was a fountain of knowledge, regaling us with tales of Inca history and mythology, setting the stage for the historical immersion that awaited us. His passion for his heritage was infectious, and his insights brought a depth to the experience that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.

Arriving at the bustling town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, we boarded a bus that snaked its way up the mountainside. The anticipation was palpable as we ascended, the lush vegetation giving way to glimpses of the ancient city perched high above. And then, there it was – Machu Picchu, in all its glory, bathed in the soft morning light. The sight was simply breathtaking, exceeding any photograph or documentary I had ever seen.

Our guided tour with Raúl was a revelation. He expertly navigated the site, weaving a captivating narrative of Inca life, religion, and astronomy. We explored the Royal Tomb, marveling at the intricate stonework, and stood in awe of the Temple of the Sun, its precise alignment with the solstices a testament to Inca ingenuity. Raúl pointed out hidden details, like the intricate water channels that still function today, and explained the significance of the Intihuatana, the sacred sundial. His knowledge was encyclopedic, yet he delivered it with a storyteller’s flair, making the history come alive.

Beyond the historical insights, Raúl also highlighted the environmental significance of Machu Picchu. He explained the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the importance of sustainable tourism. Witnessing the efforts made to preserve this world heritage site, from the designated pathways to the restrictions on visitor numbers, was reassuring. It underscored the responsibility we all have to protect this treasure for future generations.

One of the most memorable aspects of the tour was the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. Our group was a diverse mix of nationalities and ages, all united by a shared sense of wonder and appreciation for this incredible place. We exchanged stories, laughter, and photographs, forging bonds that transcended language and cultural barriers. The shared experience of witnessing Machu Picchu created a sense of camaraderie that enriched the journey.

After the guided tour, we had some free time to explore independently. I wandered through the ruins, soaking in the atmosphere and capturing the beauty with my camera. I climbed to the Sun Gate, Huayna Picchu looming in the distance, and marveled at the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The sense of peace and tranquility was profound, a welcome respite from the demands of modern life.

As the day drew to a close, and the shadows lengthened across the ancient stones, a sense of melancholy mixed with gratitude washed over me. Leaving Machu Picchu felt like saying goodbye to a dear friend, a place that had touched my soul. The bus ride back to Aguas Calientes was filled with quiet reflection, each of us lost in our own thoughts and memories.

The return journey to Cusco, despite the long day, was comfortable and relaxing. Raúl continued to share his knowledge, answering our questions and providing further insights into Peruvian culture and history. I gazed out the window, watching the landscape change from the rugged mountains to the fertile valleys, my mind still filled with the wonders of Machu Picchu.

This 1-day tour, though fleeting, was an experience that will stay with me forever. It was a journey through time, a connection with nature, and a celebration of human ingenuity. The efficient organization, the knowledgeable guide, and the sheer majesty of Machu Picchu combined to create an unforgettable adventure. I left with a renewed appreciation for the Inca civilization, a deeper connection to the natural world, and a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity to witness this wonder of the world.

Happy Gringo Tours is the best company in Peru!

January 5, 2025

Highlight of My Peru Trip

Solo Traveller

This day trip was the highlight of my journey. The train ride was scenic, and Machu Picchu itself was magical!

November 25, 2024

An Unforgettable Experience

Solo Traveller

The Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco was incredible. Everything was well-organized, from the train to the guided tour. Highly recommend!

November 22, 2024

An Unforgettable Experience

Solo Traveller

The Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco was incredible. Everything was well-organized, from the train to the guided tour. Highly recommend!

November 22, 2024

Magical Machu Picchu in a Day"

Couple Traveller

The one-day Machu Picchu tour was a perfect introduction to this incredible site. The tour operator handled all the details, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Our guide, Rosa, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing her expertise on Inca history and culture. The tour included a comprehensive exploration of the citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the agricultural terraces, and the residential areas. Rosa’s explanations brought the ruins to life, and her passion was contagious.

Happy Gringo Tours provided a perfect balance of guided exploration and free time to wander and appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu. It was a magical day that I’ll never forget.

November 21, 2024
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