Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour

8 Days 5.0 130 Reviews

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Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour
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Overview

Machu Picchu was once the royal retreat of the Inca in Peru and was so well hidden that the Spanish Conquistadores never found its location. It remained undiscovered for centuries until 1911 when Hiram Bingham stumbled across the magnificent site and he believed it to be the city of gold he was searching for. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 and attracts thousands of visitors every day from all over the world. Inca architecture, taking a step back in time through Inca portals and pathways around this impressive archaeological site. You will pass through the stunning Sacred Valley landscapes on an unforgettable train ride to the magnificent Machu Picchu, where history comes alive as you follow in the ancient footsteps of the Incas.

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Introduction

You wake at 4 am in Cusco, when still groggy but eager. A quick ride takes you to the train station where you Buy your ticket, grab a coffee and squeeze into a car crowded with travelers.

The train moves along the river, curves, rocks and small farms. Around 9 am you reach Aguas Calientes, stretch, then hop on a bus climbing up to the Inca City around 8,000 ft. Almost no time to catch your breath before your guide starts pointing out stone steps, farming terraces and a Howler monkey calling out.

You think, is this a sprint or a proper Visit? It hits you: in hours you cover more ground than in days elsewhere. At midday you push on to the Sun Gate trail. Steep switchbacks test your legs, heart pounds, doubt creeps in—should I turn back? But then that view unfolds: the Inca City from above. Intense. You pause.

Snap photos. Rush back for a final stroll through the Temple of the Sun. By 2 pm you’re on the bus down, by 3 pm lunch in town. Train back drags slightly, maybe 2h30 or almost 3 hours. Cusco lights appear. You reach by 6 pm. Exhausted? Yes. Satisfied? Undoubtedly. And you wonder if one day was enough.

Trip Details

  • Duration: 1 Day / 0 Nights
  • Activities: Hiking Culture Adventure
  • Average Group Size: Up to 16
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Accommodation: None
  • Tour Language: English Spanish
  • Hiking Distance: Approximately 8 km / 5 mi
  • Starts/Ends: Cusco / Cusco
  • Minimum Altitude: Approximately 6,700 ft
  • Maximum Altitude: Approximately 7,972 ft
  • Age Recommended: Min 12 Years Old
  • Is Necessary Acclimatization: Yes
  • Tickets to entrance: Is Necessary buy in advance

Trip Summary

  • 06:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco group meets guide
  • 06:30 am arrival at train station ticket check coffee stop
    07:00 am train departs toward Aguas Calientes
  • 09:15 am train arrives stretch legs snack
  • 09:45 am bus climbs to the Inca City
  • 10:15 am guided Visit main plazas terraces
  • 12:15 pm optional hike to Sun Gate
  • 01:00 pm bus down to town for lunch
  • 02:30 pm board return train
  • 05:00 pm approximate return to Cusco

Why you'll love this tour

  • Early start means fewer people at the Inca City
  • Train ride along the river avoids long bus transfers
  • Guided Visit unpacks Inca water channels and stone carving
  • Bus ride up saves energy for walking on site
  • Option to hike to the Sun Gate for that high point view
  • Afternoon return leaves evening free in Cusco
  • Small group vibe keeps things personal

Itinerary

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DAY 1 Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour

This unique tour visits the most important attraction in Peru, and its signature landmark, Machu Picchu. The tour begins bright and early when we collect you from your Cusco hotel. It is always best to arrive at the archaeological site, as early as possible, to enjoy this visit to the maximum. You will pass through the Sacred Valley of The Incas, to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. On arrival to Aguas Calientes, our experienced guide will take you directly to the Machu Picchu entrance, where you will have a guided visit of this famous Inca citadel called Machu Picchu. Allow your guide to show you the most important temples and monuments inside the archaeological site and absorb the energies of ancient civilizations.

After the tour, the bus will take us back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch before we take our return train to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive back in Cusco in our private car, after an unforgettable day, full of adventure.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Pack Comfortable clothing, a fleece, gloves, and beanie.
  • Rain poncho /jacket
  • Sun block /protection.
  • Sunhat
  • Daypack
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera and charger/batteries (be aware that batteries run down much quicker in cold weather and at altitude).
  • Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.).
  • Water
  • Daily departures
  • Please confirm your hotel details at least 1 week before your tour.
  • Pick-up time: 6:00 from your hotel (every day including bank holidays).
  • The transport times are approximate depending on how many people are in the group. Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby.

Reviews

Discover what fellow travelers have to say about their journeys through Turkey. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, these reviews highlight the unforgettable moments that make each trip truly special.

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  • ★★★★★ 420
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Oswaldo Luiz C
5.0

A Agencia primou pela qualidade. Tanto nas programações, excelentes guias, qualidade dos transportes, horários e pontualidade.

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Ruan N
5.0

A agência Yacana foi perfeita! Organizou nossos passeios no Peru da melhor forma possível, nos deu todo suporte que precisamos, independentemente do horário, nos deu dicas valiosas para os passeios, sugestões, além do acompanhamento de tudo ao longo dos dias....

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Sunshine60374635165
5.0

Experiência indescritível! Fomos em 2 casais para o Peru e contratamos absolutamente todos os passeios com a Yacana. Vale Sagrado, Machu Picchu, 7 lagunas, montanha colorida, city tour cusco e islas ballestas e oasis em Lima. Segurança impecável, pontualidade perfeita...

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Diego R
5.0

Experiência incrível, passeios todos bem feitos com a Yacana. Guias muitos preparados e prestativos, em especial a Rosa. Recomendo!

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Daniele P
5.0

A agência tem um excelente atendimento, faz adaptações e oferece os melhores passeios, além de todo o pós venda que captura os feedbacks de forma atenta e cuidadosa. Recomendo para todos que posso os serviços da Yacana.

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Flávia F
5.0

Tivemos ótima experiência com nossos tour! Equipe pontual, muito organizada, guias bem preparados e simpáticos . Empresa de confiança!

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Tamara F
5.0

Tivemos uma experiencia maravilhosa com o guia Robert e motorista Hernan no passeio a Wanacancha + Pisac! O Robert é uma simpatia e cheio de cultura - um professor!!! Recomendamos muito!!

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Miliani Greco
5.0

Desde o início do atendimento até a execução do que contratamos, foram extremamente atenciosos e pontuais. Não precisávamos nos preocupar com nada, apenas em curtir o Peru e suas belezas.

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Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in the centre of Cusco.
  • Professional, bi-lingual guide (English / Spanish).
  • Return transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
  • Return EXPEDITION Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (CONSETTUR) (return).
  • Machu Picchu Entrance ticket

Not Included

  • Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain (ask us for availability)
  • Lunch
  • Drinks
  • Tips (Optional).

What to Bring

  • Passport needed for ticket check
  • Sturdy hiking shoes grip on stone steps
  • Lightweight rain jacket weather can shift
  • Water bottle at least one liter stay hydrated
  • Energy snacks bars fruit nuts
  • Sun hat face shielded from glare
  • Sunscreen SPF 50 reapply often
  • Sunglasses UV protection essential
  • Daypack holds water jacket snacks
  • Cash small bills tips lunch souvenirs
  • Phone camera charged battery backup

Is this trip right for you?

  • You can wake up before dawn without grumbling
  • Altitude won’t slow you down too much
  • You can walk on uneven stone paths for hours
  • Tight schedules excite rather than stress you
  • You want history in one day, no tents required
  • You need a guide who switches easily between English and Spanish
  • Limited free time onsite doesn’t bother you

Pricing


Updgrades

  • Huayna Picchu permit approx US$75 per person
  • Vistadome train seat extra US$35 one way
  • Private guide from US$90 for two travelers
  • Breakfast pack at station US$12 coffee pastry juice
  • Pro photographer onsite US$50 digital album

Travel Guide

Recommendations
Arrive at least 24 hours before tour in Cusco for altitude adjustment avoid heavy meals night before

Weather
Mornings cool midday sun strong afternoons chance of rain especially Nov to Mar

Recommended Season
April to October clearer skies though more people in Jun to Aug

How to Dress
Layers work best base layer for sweat mid layer for warmth shell for wind and rain

How to Prepare Physically
Try nearby hikes like Sacsayhuamán trails to test legs and lungs

Local People
Quechua families run small cafés in Aguas Calientes friendly but expect polite greeting

Who Should Join
Fit travelers who can walk 3 to 5 miles and like history without camping

Food on Route
Town offers soups rice chicken potatoes quinoa simple and filling

Faqs

How early does the tour start?

Pick up around 6 am, so you need to be in lobby by 5:45 am.

How long is the train ride?

Usually about two and a half hours, sometimes closer to three.

Can I add Huayna Picchu on a one day trip?

Yes if you Buy permit well ahead, often months before.

Is there time to go solo after the guided part?

You get roughly 30 minutes free to wander before lunch.

Do I need to buy Machu Picchu tickets early?

Absolutely, high season sells out weeks in advance.

How steep is the Sun Gate trail?

Roughly 500 ft of ascent in about one mile, challenging but doable.

What if it rains during the tour?

Tour runs rain or shine bring poncho or rain jacket.

Are restrooms available inside the Inca City?

Only at the entrance so plan your breaks early.

What’s the minimum age for this tour?

Twelve, younger kids might struggle with pace and altitude.

Do guides speak multiple languages?

Yes guides switch between English and Spanish smoothly.

How much money should I carry?

About US$40 for lunch snacks tips souvenirs.

Is tipping expected for guides?

Commonly 10 to 15 percent of tour cost if service was good.

Can I charge my phone anywhere?

Some cafés offer outlets but spots fill fast bring power bank.

What’s the total walking distance?

About eight kilometers roughly five miles on site.

Do they stop between the train and bus?

There’s a brief coffee and snack break at Aguas Calientes before boarding the bus.

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Tripadvisor Reviews

Discover why travelers choose Yacama Viagems by reading our TripAdvisor reviews. Guests share honest feedback on our guides’ punctuality, small-group focus, and clear communication. You’ll find firsthand accounts of smooth logistics, eco-friendly practices, and authentic community visits. See how we maintain consistent five-star ratings through reliable service and transparent pricing.

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