Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

Yes, it is completely possible, and it's one of the most popular ways to experience Machu Picchu. The full day tour starts very early in the morning, usually between 3:00 and 4:00 AM, when you'll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred by bus to Ollantaytambo, where you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes. From there, a short bus ride takes you up to the citadel for a guided tour of about two hours. You'll have free time to explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes and taking the train and bus back to Cusco, arriving in the evening, typically between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. While it makes for a long day, it's a safe and efficient option for travelers with limited time who still want to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The standard package includes round-trip transportation by tourist bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, round-trip train tickets (Expedition or Vistadome service, depending on the option you choose), round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, your entrance ticket to the citadel, and a professional bilingual guide who will lead you through the main sections of the site. Some packages also include breakfast and lunch, so it's worth confirming this when booking. Items not included are usually the entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you'd like to hike them, since these require a separate ticket purchased in advance, as well as personal expenses and tips for your guide and driver.

Pickup from your hotel usually happens very early, between 3:00 and 4:00 AM, since the bus ride to Ollantaytambo takes around two hours and the train needs to be boarded early to make the most of your time at the citadel. You'll typically arrive at Machu Picchu by mid-morning and have several hours to explore before starting the return journey in the afternoon. Because the trip involves a bus, a train, another bus, and then the reverse of all three, most travelers arrive back in Cusco between 9:00 and 10:00 PM. It's a long day, so we recommend getting some rest the night before and bringing snacks or entertainment for the bus rides.

The tour itself is considered easy to moderate in terms of physical difficulty, since the guided walk through the citadel follows stone paths with some uneven sections and stairs, but no technical climbing is required. Machu Picchu sits at a lower altitude than Cusco (around 2,430 meters compared to Cusco's 3,400 meters), so most visitors actually find it easier to breathe there. That said, the tour does involve a long travel day with early wake-up times and several hours of transportation, so a reasonable level of stamina is helpful. If you'd like an extra physical challenge, you can add on a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both of which are steeper and require good fitness and no fear of heights.

Yes. The general entrance ticket to Machu Picchu only covers the main citadel, and tickets to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain must be purchased separately and in advance, since they are limited to a set number of visitors per day and tend to sell out weeks or even months ahead of time, especially during the high season between May and September. If you're interested in one of these hikes, let us know when booking so we can check availability and add it to your itinerary, since it will also affect your entry time slot to the site.

We recommend bringing your original passport, since it's required both to board the train and to enter Machu Picchu and must match the name on your ticket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, along with a light rain jacket or poncho, since weather can change quickly, especially between November and March. Sun protection is also important, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days. A reusable water bottle, some cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases or tips, and your camera are also good to have. Large backpacks and walking sticks with metal tips are restricted inside the citadel, so a small daypack is your best option.

Both options are valid, and the right choice depends on your travel style and time available. The full day tour is ideal if you have a tight schedule, want to save on accommodation costs, or simply prefer an intense but efficient experience that lets you see Machu Picchu and be back in Cusco the same night. Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes, on the other hand, gives you more flexibility, a second entry opportunity if the weather is bad on your first visit, and a more relaxed pace since you won't need to rush through the citadel to catch your return train. If you have an extra day available and want a more comfortable experience, we generally recommend the two-day option, but the full day tour remains an excellent choice for travelers who want to make the most of limited time in Peru.