Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco 2024

Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by James Bustamante

This situation happens with a lot of travelers. You don’t have a lot of time available but want to visit Machu Picchu as quickly as possible?

That’s a straightforward task with the appropriate plan. So below, we’re going to go through the steps to take a Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco, also known as the Machu Picchu Express Tour.

Machu Picchu, the iconic 15th-century Inca citadel perched in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is a testament to the ingenuity and history of the Inca civilization. Its mysterious origins and breathtaking views offer a glimpse into a bygone era. A day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site from Cusco is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, offering a unique blend of adventure, history, and stunning natural beauty, all accessible within a single, exhilarating day.

Book Your Day Trip To Machu Picchu

Day trips and activities for multi-day tours usually include:

• A Cusco city tour.
• A Sacred Valley Tour.
• Train rides to Aguas Calientes.
• A guided Hike to Machu Picchu. 

This itinerary ends with a train ride back to Cusco. There are, of course, several alternatives to this 6-7 day Machu Picchu travel itinerary. 

The express tour into Machu Picchu can also feature a few alternatives. Let’s go through the essential Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco outline below:

Machu Picchu Day Trip Outline

• Pick up at your Cusco hotel and transfer to Ollantaytambo train station near the Sacred Valley. 
• Train to Aguas Calientes.
• Machu Picchu Guided Tour. 
• Return Train Ticket to Cusco 

As you can see, the day will be packed with travel time and activities. So now, let’s go through a more detailed itinerary of each section.

Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco Itinerary

Booking Machu Picchu tours from Cusco is the shortest route to Incan city. You’ll travel by road and train to reach the impressive citadel and return to Cusco the very same evening.

4:30 am – Pick Up at Your Hotel

We start the day with an early pick-up at your hotel in the city of Cusco. The driver will be ready to pick you up at around 4:30 am to make our way to the Ollantaytambo train station located about an hour away. Make sure to carry a day pack with

We arrive at Ollantaytambo station by 6:00 am and get ready to wait for the train. Depending on the package chosen, you will board either the Expeditions, Vistadome, or Hiram Bingham Train to the small town of Aguas Calientes

The driver will be ready to pick you up at around 4:30 am in the morning in order to make our way to the Ollantaytambo train station, located about an hour away.   Make sure to carry a day pack with

6:30 am – Train to Aguas Calientes

Once we board the train, we’ll immediately be seated by the PeruRail or IncaRail staff.
The train ride takes anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours and takes us through the fantastic Urubamba Valley. Your ticket will come with a snack and something to drink while you are on this gorgeous ride.

Please take this opportunity to view the sudden change in foliage as we get closer to the small town of Aguas Calientes. The train ride to Aguas Calientes through the Andean wilderness is one of the most beautiful rides in the world.

8:00 am – Arrival to Aguas Calientes and Consettur bus ride to Machu Picchu

Once we arrive at the train station in Aguas Calientes, we’ll walk out of the train with our daypacks and head to the shuttle station. You’ll notice the surroundings are vastly different than in Cusco.

The primary reason for the sudden change resides with Cusco being located in the highland region of Peru. In contrast, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu’s location is in the cloud forest region at a much lower elevation.

The cloud forest is a point where the rainforest meets the highlands. The result is a much more humid climate and greener surroundings. If you were feeling a bit sick from the elevation and dry air in Cusco, being in Aguas Calientes will provide almost immediate relief.

The walk to the shuttle station takes from 5-10 minutes. On the way, we’ll pass by a street market and various restaurants offering everything from local cuisine, multiple items for breakfast, fruits, and even pizza. So if you skipped breakfast, now is the perfect time to get something to eat before boarding the shuttle.

8:35 am – We Board the Shuttle and Arrive at Machu Picchu

Once we reach the bus station, we’ll wait to board the vehicle. The bus ride up to Machu Picchu takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on weather and road conditions.

The ride is straight up through the winding paths surrounding the mountain—the bus ride offers some spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Once we arrive at the Machu Picchu entrance, we’ll proceed to get out of the shuttle and join our bilingual tour guide. Then, we’ll go through the ticket check and enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

9:00 am – Machu Picchu Guided Tour

We’ve finally made it to the most anticipated destination, one of the new wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. Travelers agree, this place is full of energy, breathes history, and emanates culture, truly a fantastic place to admire. 

The Machu Picchu guided tour starts at this point. In total, the tour will take around 2 hours, and once it has finished by 11, you can explore the Inca ruins on your own. 

Some of the prominent landmarks and attractions in Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco that we’ll cover during the tour will be

Machu Picchu Guided Tour Outline

Below is a detailed list of the major landmarks you will get to see during the Machu Picchu guided tour. Each section is carefully explained in detail by our expert local guides.

• The Sacred Plaza: A religious area characterized by its three-walled structure and housing the House of the Priest.
• Temple of the Three Windows: Known for its three trapezoidal windows and symmetrical Inca architecture.
• Temple of the Sun: A multi-level structure used for religious rites and possibly as an astronomical observatory.
• The Royal Residence: A large, finely carved building, indicating it was meant for high-status individuals.
• Intihuatana: A carved stone at one of the highest points in Machu Picchu, believed to have been used to mark seasons.
• The Water Mirrors: An area with circular reservoirs used for grinding grains and possibly for astronomical purposes.
• Temple of the Condor: Featuring a carved stone condor, this temple is built over a cave and has several levels.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: Offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and contains other structures like the Temple of the Moon.
• Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock: A restored building with a significant view of the complex believed to be involved in mummification.
• Inca Drawbridge: A trail leading to a granite drawbridge, surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Principal Temple: A large three-sided building in the Sacred Plaza, known for its superb Inca masonry.
• Royal Tomb: Located near the Temple of the Sun, this intricately carved cave-like structure is often debated in terms of its purpose.
• Sacred Rock: An immense stone believed to have been used for meditation, poetry, or music recitals.
• Central Plaza: A grassy area separating residential from functional buildings, often grazed by llamas.
• The Mortar/Industrial Section: The largest area of Machu Picchu, where the average Incan person lived.
• The Prison Group: A complex of rooms and passages believed to have been used to hold prisoners.
• Terraces: Extensive terracing is used for agriculture and offers beautiful views.
• Intimachay (Cave of the Sun): A small cave that becomes illuminated around the Summer Solstice.

1:00 pm Leaving Machu Picchu

Once again, the group will get together at the Machu Picchu entrance by one in the afternoon. Then, we will head down the mountain back to Aguas Calientes at this point in the day. There is the option of hiking down the mountain which will take around 1.5 hours, or you can take the shuttle back to the town.

Some travelers prefer to take this opportunity to walk to Aguas Calientes due to the fantastic scenery provided. The impressive surroundings, such as the sun’s rays shining down on the mountains, make it quite the experience. However, this option is usually left for the more adventurous travelers.

1:30 pm Lunch in Aguas Calientes

After the long hike in Machu Picchu, you’ll need some food and something to drink to replenish your energy. Take this time to visit one of the restaurants in Aguas Calientes for a nice lunch. You’ll find local food, vegan restaurants, pizzerias, and sandwich places all over.

Your restaurant is also an excellent place to wait while the train is ready to take us back to Ollantaytambo train station, so take your time with your meal and enjoy the last glimpses of this little town.

3:30 pm Return Train to Ollantaytambo Train station

The return train will take around 1.5 hours and go through a different route than the train to Aguas Calientes was on.

Enjoy the surrounding cloud forest as well as the beautiful Sacred Valley one last time. The train ticket will come with a snack as well as something to drink on the way to Ollantaytambo.

5:00 pm Arrival to Ollantaytambo station and shuttle Service to Cusco. 

By 5:00 pm the train will arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station. We leave the train carefully and meet up with our driver at the entrance. Please make sure to have all your belongings on hand.

Once we leave the station, we will board our shuttle back to the city of Cusco. The total drive time will be anywhere from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

6:45 pm Arrival at Cusco

The shuttle will arrive back in the city of Cusco near 7:00 pm and will end its journey near the main square.

What To Pack On Machu Picchu Day Trips?

The trip is only a day long, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be well-packed and prepared for the day tour. So let’s go over some of the items you’ll want to include in your day pack.

1. A rain poncho in case you are traveling during the wet season.
2. Sunblock 
3. Chapstick or lip balm
4. Hat or a cap
5. Insect repellent.
6. A Jacket or sweater in case it gets cold in the evenings.
7. A water bottle
8. A Camera or a good phone camera to take photographs.

Tips For Machu Picchu Day Trips From Cusco

When visiting Machu Picchu, here are some essential travel tips to enhance your experience:

1. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from May to August. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather. The site is busiest from July to August, so if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the off-peak season from October to April, which is the rainy season.
2. Weather Preparedness: The weather can change rapidly, so it’s advisable to dress in layers and bring rain protection like a poncho or umbrella, especially during the wet season.
3. Hiring a Local Guide: For your first visit, you need to be accompanied by a guide. Guides can provide in-depth knowledge and insights about the site that you might not get from a guidebook.
4. Hiking Options: If you’re interested in hiking, consider Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña. Remember to book these in advance as tickets are limited.
5. Essential Items to Bring: Carry your passport (you’ll need it for entry and can get a unique stamp), a daypack, water, sun protection (sunglasses, sunblock, hat), comfortable footwear, and a camera. Large backpacks, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and alcohol are prohibited.
6. Safety Tips: While the area is generally safe, always be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded places like train stations, to avoid petty theft.
7. Local Currency and ATMs: Aguas Calientes can be more expensive due to its reliance on tourism, and ATMs can be unreliable. It’s a good idea to carry cash, and remember that most places accept major credit cards.
8. Language: Most hotel staff and tour guides in Aguas Calientes speak Spanish and English.
9. Altitude Sickness: Although Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than Cusco, it’s still possible to experience mild altitude sickness. It usually subsides within a day or two.
10. Duration of Stay: Many visitors spend just one day at Machu Picchu, which is enough for an introductory tour. However, consider staying overnight in Aguas Calientes for a more relaxed visit, especially during the rainy season.
11. Train Ride: The journey to Machu Picchu is scenic, so enjoying the view rather than being distracted by electronic devices is recommended. For families with young children, bringing books or toys might be helpful.

Another tip to make your trip more enjoyable is, for example, to skip breakfast at the hotel. The guide and the private transport will be at your hotel, ready to pick you up anywhere from 4:00 am to 4:30 am. 

Many travelers decide to have a quick breakfast or plan to get something from the hotel restaurant and eat it along the way. This can make you rush through your morning packing, and most people don’t like to rush through a meal. I would shiver at the idea of chugging my morning coffee while having to shove eggs and toast down my throat.

In addition, eating too quickly isn’t good for digestion, coupled with high elevation, which might give you a morning stomach ache, and you have a recipe for a bad time. So, instead, wait until we arrive in Ollantaytambo to have something for breakfast. 

There are quaint little restaurants scattered in the village that are perfect places to enjoy the scenery while you sit down to have breakfast. There are also coffee shops in the train station if you don’t want to stray too far.

The second tip would be to take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. You’ve made it this far, and now you must get to Machu Picchu. Why not get one of the best views on one of the most beautiful train rides in the world? 

The vistadome line from PeruRail offers 180-degree views of the Urubamba Valley. It is an excellent way to see the landscapes from the train as we gently travel down to the cloud forest. This version of PeruRail is also more spacious and offers a better meal during the ride. 

On the way back to Ollantaytambo, you can also take the vistadome due to the comfort and the mid-ride show that takes place. The downside is that you won’t see many of the same landscapes you did on the ride to Aguas Calientes. Also, since we travel back in the evening, visibility is minimal.  

The third tip for the Machu Picchu Express Tour would be not to spend too much time in Aguas Calientes. If you were willing to spend the night, you would have time to go through the town, visit the hot springs, and see all the merchants. 

Since this is an express trip, time is crucial. The best choice is to quickly get to the bus station and take the earliest shuttle available. Save your exploration of Aguas Calientes for after we visit Machu Picchu instead.

Tours To Cusco And Machu Picchu

Tours to Cusco and Machu Picchu will start in Lima. Then, we fly from the Peruvian capital city to the Velasco Astete airport in Cusco. For the first 24 to 48 hours, travelers should try to acclimate to the elevation. Remember, there is a protocol you should follow.

We can focus on day trips in your Peru tour package like the Rainbow Mountain tour, The Sacred Valley, or a hike to Humantay Lake in the following days. In addition, we can take tours to Cusco and Machu Picchu before or after other popular day hikes like the ones mentioned. 

Make sure you have your desired dates picked out to book your tours to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Remember that the popular time to travel is over the dry season, which extends from late April to late August. While the weather will be agreeable for hiking and day trips, it will also have larger crowds on tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Late March, April, September, and October are excellent months with decently good weather with slightly fewer travelers than the high-season months. November and early December will have more rainy days and thunderstorms in the Peruvian highlands. Late December, January, and February will undoubtedly be the rainiest months. 

Transportation From Cusco to Machu Picchu

There are a few ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The first and most widely used method of travel is to take transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station, located an hour and a half from Cusco. We then take a train to Aguas Calientes.

The total ride time is almost two hours. Lastly, we take the tourist bus to the Machu Picchu entrance. This private transport, train, and shuttle program is the typical method we use for all-day trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

There are also multi-day hikes from Cusco to Machu Picchu, including the 2-day Inca Trail, The Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, and The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. These include camping in the highlands before arriving at Machu Picchu a few days later. 

Machu Picchu Local Insights

Machu Picchu is a fascinating site filled with intriguing facts that go beyond its well-known status as an ancient Incan city. Here are some lesser-known facts about this architectural marvel:

1. Machu Picchu Name’sMeaning: In the Quechua Indian language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”
2. Structural Complexity: The site comprises over 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries and contains more than 100 separate flights of stairs, many of which were carved from a single slab of stone​​.
3. Transport of Materials: It is believed that the heavy rocks used for construction, some weighing over 50 pounds, were transported up the steep mountainside without wheels, likely through human effort​​.
4. Astronomical Observatory: Machu Picchu was also an astronomical observatory. The sacred Intihuatana stone at the site accurately indicates the two equinoxes when the sun sits directly over the stone, creating no shadow​​.
5. Preservation from Conquistadors: One of the reasons for its well-preserved state is that the Spanish conquistadors never found Machu Picchu. This saved it from destruction that befell many other Inca sites during the Spanish conquest​​.
6. Theories on Its Purpose: While many theories exist regarding Machu Picchu’s purpose, including it being a royal estate or a secret ceremonial center, recent studies suggest that it might have been used as a retirement site for Incas​​.
7. Earthquake-Proof Engineering: Interestingly, the site was constructed with an anti-seismic design. The buildings were made earthquake-proof using techniques like ashlar, where stones are cut to fit together without mortar, and with trapezoidal-shaped doors and windows to withstand seismic activity​​.
8. Agricultural and Domestic Planning: The city was thoughtfully planned, with an upper area designated for agricultural development and lower levels for domestic use​​.
9. Cultivation: The Incas living at Machu Picchu cultivated the coca crop, which was integral to many of their rituals​​.
10. Recent Discoveries: As recent as 2010, new potential discoveries, like a secret tomb possibly belonging to the Inca emperor Pachacutec, have been hypothesized but not yet explored due to restrictions by the Peruvian government​​.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed the Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco and that you take part in some of our other Peru tours. To book this tour, make Machu Picchu Reservations, or if you have any questions for our expert travel advisors, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco