If you’re seeking the ultimate 1-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco, look no further. Instead of bombarding you with multiple options like most travel blogs do, we’ll simplify your decision-making process by recommending the best day tour.
This is the exact tour we personally experienced when we visited Machu Picchu, so we can vouch for it with absolute certainty!
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Best Day Tour to Machu Picchu (From Cusco)
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already decided that a day trip to Machu Picchu is the ideal choice for you. Now, the challenge lies in selecting the right tour.
While we would have loved to embark on the iconic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, it simply didn’t fit our schedule or budget. The Inca Trail typically takes 3-4 days to complete and often costs over £700 ($900) per person, making it impractical for many travelers visiting Peru.
Thus, we opted for a day-trip to Machu Picchu, although we were initially unsure about which tour to choose or which company to trust. Hours of research and scouring countless blog posts and reviews eventually led us to discover the perfect tour that offered exactly what we were looking for.
Thankfully, we’ve done the legwork for you and found the ideal day tour to Machu Picchu.
What’s Included in the Day Tour to Machu Picchu
Our top priority was to find a Machu Picchu Day Tour that provided transportation to and from Cusco, a guided tour of the Machu Picchu site, and ample time to explore the wonders of the ancient city. Luckily, the tour we selected fulfilled all these criteria, ensuring we had the best possible experience in Machu Picchu.
Transportation to Ollantaytambo Train Station (located just outside Cusco)
After picking us up from our accommodation, the minibus made stops at various hotels around the Cusco area before heading to Ollantaytambo train station. The scenic drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing an opportunity to catch up on some rest after an early start.
Round-trip train tickets (Peru Rail, Expedition class) to Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Train Station, our driver handed us an envelope containing our return train tickets to Aguas Calientes (formerly known as “Machu Picchu Town”). This was incredibly convenient, as we could seamlessly transition from the minibus to the train without worrying about purchasing tickets or navigating platforms. The assigned seat numbers on the tickets ensured we had no trouble finding seats together.
Priority boarding and round-trip bus fare from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance
This feature proved to be the most convenient aspect of the entire tour. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes train station, you’re typically greeted by a crowd of people trying to secure bus rides to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Waiting times for the buses can often exceed an hour. However, on this tour, you’ll receive return bus tickets in your envelope, allowing you to bypass the line and board the bus immediately.
With these inclusions, our Machu Picchu day tour was seamless, efficient, and maximized our time at the site. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision and ensures that your visit to Machu Picchu is truly unforgettable.
