BigFoot Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco

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From $299 Per person
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Duration

Full Day

Group

10+ Travelers

Max Altitude

2450 msnm

Difficulty

Easy

Machu Picchu By Train - 1 Day

Our Machu Picchu by Train 1-Day Tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a comfortable, well-organized, and worry-free way. This full-day adventure departs from Cusco and takes you deep into the heart of the Andes to one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

Travel by scenic train through stunning landscapes before arriving at the legendary Inca citadel. Once inside Machu Picchu, you’ll explore the site alongside a knowledgeable local guide who will bring its history to life—explaining how the Incas built this masterpiece, its spiritual importance, and how daily life once unfolded within its stone walls.

With a relaxed pace and no demanding hikes, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors, families, and solo travelers who want to enjoy Machu Picchu without rushing. Every detail is carefully arranged so you can focus on the experience, the views, and the unforgettable atmosphere of this ancient wonder.

City Tour Cusco Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Pre-tour briefing in Cusco (one day before the trip)
    You will receive detailed information about your Machu Picchu tour at our Cusco office, including schedules, train details, entry times, and important recommendations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off (door-to-door service)
    We provide convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and drop-off at the end of the tour, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about transportation.

  • Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo)
    Travel through the Sacred Valley on a scenic train ride. Upgrade options such as Vistadome or 360° panoramic trains are available for travelers who want a more comfortable and immersive experience.

  • Round-trip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
    Comfortable shuttle buses take you from Aguas Calientes town up to the Machu Picchu citadel and back, saving time and energy.

  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English & Spanish)
    Explore Machu Picchu with a certified local guide who will share the history, symbolism, and secrets of the Inca citadel. Other languages or dialects are available upon request for private tours only, with an additional fee.

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Main Circuits 1, 2, 3, or 4)
    By booking in advance, we secure access to the best available circuits, allowing you to experience the most complete and rewarding routes inside the citadel.

What’s Not Included

  • Personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, or additional services not mentioned.

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes, giving you the flexibility to choose a restaurant that fits your taste and budget.

Machu Picchu One-Day Tour by Train - Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
angle-down

This full-day journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is carefully planned to give you a smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. From early-morning pick-up to your evening return, every step is organized so you can focus on enjoying one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.

Early Morning Pick-Up: Cusco → Ollantaytambo Train Station

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 am. From there, you’ll travel in a comfortable private vehicle for approximately 1.5 hours to the Ollantaytambo train station.

Our professional driver and well-maintained transport ensure a relaxed start to the day. The early departure allows for a well-paced itinerary without rushing.

Note: You’re welcome to rest or sleep during the drive to Ollantaytambo.

Scenic Train Ride: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival at the station, our driver will assist you with boarding the train to Aguas Calientes, scheduled around 6:10 am or 6:40 am. The journey lasts about 1.5 hours and offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River (Willka Mayu), lush valleys, and dramatic Andean landscapes.

Important Notes:

  • Please ensure you board the correct carriage and seat as indicated on your ticket.

  • Trains are equipped with restrooms, so using the station facilities is not necessary.

Meet Your Tour Guide in Aguas Calientes

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, your professional local guide will be waiting for you outside the train station holding a Happy Gringo Tours sign or your name.

After a brief welcome and orientation, you’ll have around 20 minutes to prepare for the ascent to Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain the next steps and ensure everything is clear for a safe and enriching visit.

Important: Please exit the train station promptly to meet your guide at the main entrance area.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu Entrance

Next, you’ll board the Consettur shuttle bus for a scenic 30-minute zigzag ride up to the Machu Picchu main entrance. The journey winds through lush mountain scenery, offering stunning views as anticipation builds.

Essential Tip:
Before boarding the bus, we strongly recommend purchasing water and light snacks in Aguas Calientes. Staying hydrated is important, especially before entering the citadel.

Your guide will assist you throughout the boarding process to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Estimated arrival at Machu Picchu: between 9:00 am and 10:00 am, depending on ticket availability.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Citadel

Your tour includes entry to Circuit 1 or Circuit 2, subject to availability. If these are not available, Circuit 3 or Circuit 4 will be assigned. Booking in advance increases the chances of securing your preferred circuit.

Inside Machu Picchu, enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour, where your guide will:

  • Explain the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the site

  • Visit key areas such as temples, terraces, and viewpoints

  • Share fascinating stories about Inca life and engineering

  • Allow time for photos with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River

Important Notes:

  • Don’t forget to get the Machu Picchu passport stamp at the entrance—a popular souvenir.

  • As of 2025 regulations, the Inca Bridge hike is no longer included in classic circuits. Please inform us at booking if you wish to add it (subject to availability).

Bus Return to Aguas Calientes

After completing your guided visit, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes by bus (approximately 25 minutes).

Tip: Ask your guide for restaurant recommendations.
Our guides dine at top-rated local restaurants, and you are welcome to join them—you do not pay for your guide’s meal.

Free Time in Aguas Calientes

Enjoy free time to have lunch and explore Aguas Calientes at your own pace. You may browse local markets, relax at a café, or sample traditional Peruvian cuisine before returning to the train station.

Return Train: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo

In the afternoon, you’ll board the return train from Aguas Calientes, usually departing around 2:30 pm or 3:20 pm. The scenic ride back to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Note: Our driver will be waiting for you outside the train station in Ollantaytambo.

Transfer Back: Ollantaytambo → Cusco

Finally, you’ll travel by private vehicle back to Cusco, a journey of about 1.5 hours. Hotel drop-off is typically between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Optional: We can also drop you off at the Plaza de Armas if you’d like to enjoy dinner in Cusco’s main square.

Tour Summary

  • Cusco hotel pick-up: 4:00 am

  • Train to Aguas Calientes: 6:10 am or 6:40 am

  • Machu Picchu entrance: 9:00 am or 10:00 am (may vary)

  • Return train: 2:30 pm – 3:20 pm (may vary)

  • Arrival back in Cusco: 6:45 pm – 7:20 pm (approx.)

Packing List

Essentials

  • Passport (original) – mandatory to enter Machu Picchu

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (physical or digital)

  • Train tickets (if applicable)

  • Travel insurance information

  • Extra cash (Peruvian soles) for snacks, souvenirs, or restrooms

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing

  • Long-sleeve shirt (sun & insect protection)

  • Warm jacket or fleece (early mornings can be cold)

  • Waterproof jacket or poncho (especially Nov–Mar)

  • Comfortable hiking pants

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Extra pair of socks

Additional Items

  • Small daypack (required – no large backpacks allowed)

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Insect repellent

  • Snacks or energy bars

  • Camera or smartphone

  • Power bank / portable charger

  • Personal medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Wet wipes or tissues

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Essential Information About Machu Picchu

If you would like to learn more or explore specific details about the legendary Machu Picchu, feel free to contact us at any time. Our team is happy to provide clear, accurate, and essential information to help you fully appreciate the history, mystery, and grandeur of this extraordinary Inca sanctuary.

Machu Picchu Entry Tickets

Machu Picchu has limited daily availability, and demand is extremely high. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you wish to visit the most popular routes, Circuit 1 or Circuit 2.

If these circuits are no longer available, alternative routes such as Circuit 3 or Circuit 4 will be assigned, subject to availability. In rare cases where no circuits are available on your selected date, the reservation may need to be canceled, and our team will contact you immediately to discuss alternative options.

To ensure flexibility and avoid inconvenience, we kindly request a backup travel date at the time of booking. Reserving early is the best way to secure your preferred circuit and enjoy a smooth, worry-free experience.

Pre-Machu Picchu Tour Briefing

After confirming your Machu Picchu Full Day tour from Cusco, we recommend visiting our office one day before the tour. Please bring a copy of your passport to check in, receive a detailed orientation, and redeem your tickets.

Our office is conveniently located in Cusco (you can view the exact location on Google Maps). This briefing is an important step to fully understand the logistics of your journey and ensure everything runs perfectly on the day of your visit.

Daily Departures

The Machu Picchu Full Day by Train tour operates daily. To reserve your spot, simply click the “Book Online” button to access our calendar and view available dates. Once you select your preferred date, follow the booking steps to complete the reservation.

All entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are included in the tour package. Due to limited availability, we highly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your place and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

Machu Picchu Entrance Schedule

Standard entrance times to Machu Picchu are usually 09:00 am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 am, depending on availability. In some cases, later entrance times may be assigned. The last permitted entrance time is 15:30.

If your entrance time differs from the standard schedule, the return train to Cusco will be adjusted accordingly. Any changes will be communicated directly with you in advance, and all necessary arrangements will be made to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

Meals During the Tour

Meals are not included in the Machu Picchu Full Day tour due to time constraints and the nature of the journey. We recommend bringing light snacks, such as a breakfast box from your hotel (if available), sandwiches, fruit, chocolates, and bottled water.

Hot drinks and snacks can also be purchased during short stops at train or bus stations in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes. After visiting Machu Picchu, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch. This town offers a wide range of restaurants, from casual cafés to full-service dining options serving both Peruvian and international cuisine.

Your tour guide will be happy to recommend a traditional Peruvian restaurant if you wish.

Group Size

Group sizes are limited to 1 to 12 travelers, in accordance with Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary regulations. This ensures a more personal, organized, and enjoyable guided experience inside the citadel.

Transportation by train and bus is arranged exclusively for our travelers. We do not combine our clients with other agencies, ensuring a more comfortable and private experience throughout the journey.

Door-to-Door Service

Our Machu Picchu Full Day by Train tour includes complete door-to-door service. Pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco begins at approximately 4:00 am, and drop-off in Cusco is around 7:30 pm, depending on train schedules.

Pick-ups and drop-offs are also available in Sacred Valley locations such as Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Calca, and Pisac (additional cost applies). If preferred, we can arrange for you to finish the tour in one of these Sacred Valley destinations instead of returning to Cusco.

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FAQs

What Circuit Will My Machu Picchu Day Trip Follow?

For our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, we prioritize Circuit 2, as it is the most complete route and allows you to explore both the upper panoramic viewpoints and the lower urban sector of the Inca city. This circuit offers the best overall experience and covers the majority of the archaeological site.

If Circuit 2 is not available, we will assign the best alternative circuit available at the time of booking.

How Do I Book a Machu Picchu 1-Day Tour with Bigfoot Machu Picchu?

Booking is simple:

  1. Click the “Book Now” button on our website

  2. Select your preferred travel date

  3. Complete the booking form with your personal details

  4. Pay only the deposit using a credit or debit card

The remaining balance is paid in Cusco, one day before the tour, at our office.

How Is the Outstanding Balance Paid?

The outstanding balance must be paid one day before the tour and can be settled in:

  • Cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) – recommended (no fees)

  • Credit card – 2.9 % service fee applies

⚠️ Cash payment is mandatory one day prior to departure.

Can I Change My Departure Date After Tickets Are Purchased?

Unfortunately, Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.

To change your departure date:

  • A new Machu Picchu ticket must be purchased

  • A train change penalty applies

The total rescheduling cost is USD 100 per person, subject to ticket availability for the new date.

Circuit 2 Is Sold Out on the Official Website—Can You Still Get It?

If Circuit 2 is sold out, we cannot secure it directly either, as all tickets are purchased from the official government platform.

However, we can offer a combined solution:

  • Circuit 3 with guide (approx. 2 hours)

  • Exit and re-enter for Circuit 1 on your own (approx. 1 hour)

This option allows you to see most of Machu Picchu, including iconic viewpoints and temples.
Additional cost: USD 45 per person (extra ticket).

The Official Website Shows No Availability, but Your Website Does—Is It Legit?

Yes. If standard tickets are sold out, we can arrange access via the Short Inca Trail permit, which includes entry to Machu Picchu through Circuit 3.

Please note:

  • Access is limited to the lower section only

  • The classic panoramic photo is not included

  • Additional cost: USD 30 per person

When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

The best months are the shoulder seasons:

  • April, May, September, October, and November

These months offer:

  • Pleasant temperatures

  • Lower rainfall

  • Fewer crowds compared to peak season

Do I Need My Original Passport?

Yes. You must bring your original passport, and it must match the passport used during booking. Your document will be checked when boarding the train and at Machu Picchu.

Can I Book with an Expired Passport?

Yes. If you are renewing your passport:

  • Send us a copy of your old passport or a government-issued ID

  • Once you receive the new passport, email us the updated copy immediately so we can update your ticket

Can I Stay in the Sacred Valley Instead of Cusco?

Yes. You may stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
Pickup will be approximately 1.5 hours later, allowing you to sleep longer.

Is There a Student or Child Discount?

According to Peruvian regulations:

  • Students aged 11–17: USD 20 discount

  • Children aged 2–11: USD 30 discount

All discounts require:

  • Passport copy

  • Valid student ID (if applicable)
    📧 Send documents to your booking email.

Is This Tour Safe for Children?

Yes. This is an easy and family-friendly tour with safe access and facilities. Children are welcome and eligible for discounts.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

  • High season (May–August): 2 months in advance

  • April, September, November, December: 1 month

  • January & February: As little as 2 days

⚠️ Holidays (July 28, Holy Week, Christmas, New Year) sell out fast.

Can You Pick Me Up from an Airbnb?

Yes. Just provide the exact address—no extra cost.

Can I Do This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes. Solo travelers can book private service for an additional USD 60.

Can I Join a Group If I’m Traveling Alone?

Yes, subject to availability. Please email us first so we can confirm an existing group.

Do You Offer Private Tours?

Yes. Private service is available and priced according to group size. Contact us for a personalized quote.

I’m Over 70—Can I Do This Tour?

Yes. Many travelers aged 70–75 have completed this tour successfully.
If you prefer a relaxed pace, we recommend private service.

What About My Luggage?

We recommend small backpacks only. Large luggage is not allowed on trains.

Options:

  • Store luggage at your hotel

  • Leave it with our driver or at our storage free of charge

Which Places Will I Visit?

  • Aguas Calientes town & main square

  • Machu Picchu

  • Local markets in Aguas Calientes

How Long Does the Tour Last?

Approximately 12 hours.

Can I Fly on the Same Day?

Not recommended. Train delays are common and could cause you to miss your flight.

What Will I See Inside Machu Picchu?

Highlights include:

  • The Guardhouse (classic photo viewpoint)

  • Temple of the Sun

  • Inca House

  • The Sacred Sundial

  • Temple of the Condor

  • Water Mirrors

Is Altitude Sickness a Problem?

No. Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco. If you feel fine in Cusco, you should be fine here.

Do I Need to Be Physically Fit?

No. This is an easy sightseeing tour with walking only inside the citadel.

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