Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco

A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco with nothing left to book: the bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back, the train to Machu Picchu town and back, the bus up to the entrance and down again, your entrance ticket and a licensed guide. You choose the date, the circuit that still has seats and your entry time; we buy everything in your name and send it to Mi Tour.

It is a long day — you leave Cusco before dawn and are back the same evening or night — and it is the way to see Machu Picchu when you only have one day. The price is per person and the same for any train time: it only changes with the circuit you choose.

Your day, hour by hour

1. 
   04:30

   Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

   The train company's bus leaves Cusco in the dark and crosses the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo station, about 2 hours.

2. 
   08:48

   Train to Machu Picchu town

   The train follows the Urubamba river down the valley, about 1 h 45, to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes).

3. 
   09:00

   Bus up to the entrance

   25 minutes of switchbacks up the mountain. Your guide meets you at the entrance before your entry time.

4. 
   10:00

   Machu Picchu with your guide

   Your circuit at your entry hour, with the route's maximum stay (2 h 30 on most circuits).

5. 
   13:30

   Bus down and lunch in town

   Back down to Machu Picchu town, with time for lunch by the river before the train.

6. 
   14:30

   Train and bus back to Cusco

   Train to Ollantaytambo and the bus on to Cusco: back in the city at 18:20.

Example for a 10:00 entry. Times are estimated on the usual train timetable and depend on the entry you choose; they are subject to change, and the final times arrive in Mi Tour.

What's included

• Round-trip bus Cusco ⇄ Ollantaytambo station
• Round-trip train Ollantaytambo ⇄ Machu Picchu town (standard class)
• Round-trip bus Machu Picchu town ⇄ the entrance
• Official entrance ticket for your circuit and hour, in your name
• Licensed guide in English or Spanish (remove it for $40 less)
• Every ticket in Mi Tour, and help on WhatsApp
• Lunch and drinks
• Hotel pickup in Cusco (you can add it later in Mi Tour)
• Tips

Prices by circuit

Per person, with the guide and everything round trip, before the card fee (5%). Without the guide, $40 less. Students 18–24 with a valid card pay less: the price shows in the booking card.

Which circuit will I visit?

The one you choose among those that still have seats on your date at an hour a day trip can reach. Circuit 2, the classic route through the whole city, sells out first; Circuit 1B gives the postcard view from the upper terraces. The booking card only shows what can really be done that day, with its price.

Is one day enough for Machu Picchu?

For the citadel, yes: inside, each circuit has a fixed maximum stay, 2 h 30 on most of them, and a day trip fits it with time to spare. What one day does not give you is a sunrise entry or a summit such as Huayna Picchu early in the morning; for that, sleep in Machu Picchu town or take our 2-Day Tour.

Tips for the day

• Carry every traveler's original passport, the same one used to book; students also need their valid student card.
• Sleep early: the bus leaves Cusco before dawn for morning entries.
• Machu Picchu (2,430 m) is lower and warmer than Cusco (3,400 m): wear layers and bring a rain jacket.
• Bags over 40 × 35 × 20 cm do not go in, and food is not allowed inside the sanctuary: eat before or after, in town.
• Bring some cash for lunch and water in Machu Picchu town.

Circuit 2 sold out on your date?

If you need the classic Circuit 2 on a sold-out date, the 2-Day Tour takes you to the in-person sale in Machu Picchu town.

Questions about the day trip

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

Yes. With bus and train both ways it is a long day: you leave Cusco before dawn and are back the same evening or night, depending on your entry time. The booking card shows the whole day before you pay.

Is one day enough to see Machu Picchu?

For the citadel, yes: each circuit has a fixed maximum stay, 2 h 30 on most of them. For a sunrise entry or Huayna Picchu early in the morning, stay a night in Machu Picchu town or take the 2-Day Tour.

What time do I leave Cusco and when am I back?

For a morning entry the bus leaves Cusco around 4:30 AM and you are back around 6:20 PM; for an afternoon entry you leave later and are back around 11 PM. The times are an estimate on the usual timetable; the final ones arrive in Mi Tour.

How much is the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

On its own, about $75 to $130 per person each way in standard class, depending on the date and time. In this day trip the bus and train both ways are included in the price.

Which circuit will I visit?

The one you choose among those with seats on your date. Circuit 2 sells out first; 1B has the postcard view from above. Each one shows its price in the booking card.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The bus leaves from the train company's stop in Cusco, and the exact place arrives in Mi Tour. You can add a pickup from your hotel later in Mi Tour.

What do I need to bring?

Every traveler's original passport, a student card if you booked a student fare, a bag no bigger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm, a rain jacket and water. Food is not allowed inside the sanctuary.

Can I change or cancel?

Changes and cancellation work as in the 2-Day Tour; the conditions are on our terms page. Conditions