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Andean Explore Tours Machu Picchu Full Day
1 Day

Machu Picchu
Full Day

Cusco Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu

DifficultyEasy
Max. group16 people
DeparturesEvery day
DurationFull day
TransportPanoramic train + bus
Price from$370 / person
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The Tour

The Wonder of the World
in a Single Day

Machu Picchu is one of those places that justifies a trip to the other side of the world. Our Full Day tour from Cusco takes you there and back in a single day, without sacrificing a minute of the experience: a panoramic train through the Sacred Valley, a bus ride up from Aguas Calientes, an official bilingual guide inside the citadel, and free time to explore at your own pace.

Every detail is coordinated so all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself — and if you'd like to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, we can arrange that too.

Expedition or Vistadome panoramic train — Panoramic windows and views of the Urubamba River and Andean cloud forest along the way. The most comfortable way to arrive.

Certified bilingual official guide — Our guides are historians and archaeologists specialized in Inca culture. They make every stone make sense.

Free time in the citadel — After the 2.5-hour guided tour, you'll have extra time to explore whatever corners you like, at no rush.

Itinerary

Your Day in Detail

A.M.

Departure from Cusco

Private transfer to the train station

Hotel pickup between 4:30 and 5:30 AM depending on the train booked. Private transfer to the Poroy or Ollantaytambo station (depending on the train). We board the panoramic train bound for Aguas Calientes.

Hotel pickup in Cusco
Expedition or Vistadome train (1h45–2h)
Bus up from Aguas Calientes (~25 min)
A.M.

Guided Visit to Machu Picchu

2.5 hours with an official bilingual guide

Entry to the citadel with the official ticket included. Your guide will take you through the main sectors: the sacred plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the agricultural sector, and the famous postcard viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Afterward, free time to keep exploring.

Official entrance ticket included
2.5-hour guided tour
Free time for photos and exploring
Lunch on your own in Aguas Calientes
P.M.

Return to Cusco

Bus + panoramic train back

Bus back down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Free time to grab lunch or explore the town. We board the train back and arrive in Cusco that evening, minds full of memories.

Bus down included
Train back to Cusco
Arrival in Cusco ~6:00–8:00 PM
Schedule

Hour by Hour

A general guide to the day's pace (exact times depend on the train booked).

04:30

Hotel pickup · Cusco

Private transfer to the Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station.

06:00

Board the panoramic train

Expedition or Vistadome train toward Aguas Calientes. ~2-hour ride.

08:00

Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Bus up from town to the citadel entrance (~25 min).

09:00

Entry and guided tour · Machu Picchu

2.5-hour guided visit through the citadel's main sectors.

11:30

Free time in the citadel

Free exploring, extra photos, visits to viewpoints.

13:00

Bus down · Lunch on your own

Lunch at your own expense at restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

14:30

Train back → Cusco

Arrival in Cusco between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. Hotel transfer included.

Details

What's Included?

Included

  • Private transfer hotel → train station
  • Round-trip panoramic train (Expedition or Vistadome)
  • Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
  • Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Certified bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
  • Return transfer station → hotel in Cusco
  • Assistance from start to finish

Not Included

  • Lunch (on your own in Aguas Calientes)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu entrance (extra)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips (at your discretion)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
Reviews

What Past Visitors
Are Saying

Verified reviews from real travelers.

Everything was perfectly coordinated. The guide was incredible — he explained Inca architecture in a way that changes your whole perspective. I'd go back to Peru just to do more tours with Andean Explore.

S
Sarah Mitchell
USA · June 2025

Machu Picchu exceeded every expectation. The Full Day tour is perfect if you only have one day — the panoramic train alone is worth the trip. The guide knew the history down to the last detail. 100% recommended.

J
Julien Moreau
France · April 2025
Price from
$370 / person
4.9 · 87 reviews

No commitment · Response within 24h

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Why book with us?
Secure booking, no hidden fees
Free cancellation up to 7 days before
24/7 support during your trip
Tickets and entrance fees handled by us
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need
to Know Before You Go

What's included in the Machu Picchu Full Day tour?

Includes: private hotel–station transfer, round-trip panoramic train, round-trip bus Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu, official citadel entrance ticket, certified bilingual guide throughout, and return transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

How much time do you spend inside Machu Picchu?

Approximately 3 to 4 hours inside the citadel. The guided tour lasts about 2.5 hours; the remaining time is free to explore, take photos at the viewpoints, or simply sit and take it all in.

Do I need to acclimatize beforehand?

Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m / 7,972 ft, quite a bit lower than Cusco (3,400 m / 11,152 ft). Even so, we recommend at least 1 day of acclimatization in Cusco before the tour, especially if you're arriving from sea level. The citadel itself doesn't require intense physical effort.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. During high season (June–August and December–January) train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets sell out fast; during those months, book 4 weeks ahead. The earlier you book, the more time-slot options you'll have.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 7 days before, with a 100% refund. Between 3 and 7 days before: 50% refund. Less than 72 hours before: no refund, since train tickets and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket are non-transferable. In case of an emergency, we review each case with flexibility.

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