Can You Do Machu Picchu in a Day? Costs, Routes & What to Expect (2025)

There are few places in the world that actually live up to the hype, and Machu Picchu is one of them. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Standing there, surrounded by misty mountains and ancient stonework, you instantly understand why it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Naturally, visiting Machu Picchu was a top priority during my time in Peru. But I wasn’t doing a trek. I was short on time and just wanted a simple way to see it.

That’s when I started wondering: can you do Machu Picchu in a day?

Turns out, yes—you can! And it was the best decision I made.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact tour I booked, who it’s right for, and what to know if you want to go the DIY route. Let’s get into it!

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Can You Do Machu Picchu in a Day? Costs, Routes & What to Expect (2025)

The Easiest Way to See Machu Picchu in a Day

After trying (and failing) to piece together all the train schedules, transfers, and ticket bookings, I finally gave up and booked this full-day tour from Cusco and honestly, I wish I had done it sooner.

Everything was taken care of:

✔️ Hotel pick-up
✔️ Comfortable transport to the train
✔️ Bus ride to Aguas Calientes
✔️ Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
✔️ A guided tour through the site
✔️ Time to explore on your own

It’s a full day, yes, but the logistics are seamless, and you still get to experience every magical moment without stress. Plus, it’s a group tour, so it’s a great way to meet other travelers (which was a nice bonus as a solo traveler!).

If you only have one day to spare and don’t want to spend hours researching train times and entry slots, this is hands-down the best option.

This is the Machu Picchu Tour I Booked!

What to Expect on the One Day Trip to Machu Picchu

Depending on your tour time, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco as early as 4 AM. Other pickup options are around 6 AM and 8 AM, depending on your train and Machu Picchu entry slot. Personally, I went with the earliest one and I’m so glad I did.

Getting to the Inca City early meant fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and that unreal moment of watching the fog slowly lift off the mountain to reveal the site. It felt like the ancient city was unveiling itself just for us.

Once you’re picked up, a team member will meet you to go over the schedule and give you all your tickets. There was no guesswork or last-minute stress trying to find the right train. Transport is smooth and on time, and the train ride itself was genuinely beautiful. Basically every seat has panoramic windows, epic views, and even a little entertainment on board (a surprise fashion show definitely wasn’t on my Machu Picchu bingo card, but I loved it). My friend and I ordered some champagne and made a little brunch out of it. It was such a magical part of the whole experience.

The highlight, though, was the guide. Ours was Yuriel, and he was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about Inca history. He brought the entire place to life, answering all our questions and even playing photographer for the group (my best shots are thanks to him!).

From start to finish, the day was seamless. If you’re worried about long hours or logistics, don’t be; the pace is balanced, and the experience is absolutely worth it.

Book the exact day tour I did before it sells out!

How to Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own in One Day

If you’re anything like me, your first thought was probably: “I don’t need a tour, I’ve done plenty of trips solo, I can handle this too.”

And honestly? You’re not wrong. You can do Machu Picchu on your own. It just takes a bit more planning than most people expect.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Book Your Machu Picchu Entry Ticket First

Before anything else, trains, hotels, buses, you need to book your entry ticket to Machu Picchu. These sell out weeks in advance, especially in the dry season (May–Sept), and entry is limited by time slot and circuit.

So pick your ticket first, and build the rest of your day around it.

I go into the circuit options down below, but in short, this isn’t a show-up-whenever kind of place. Your ticket has a set entry time and a set route, and you have to follow both.

You can book your Machu Picchu tickets on the official website here!

These are the Machu Picchu Tours I Recommend!

Step 2: Getting From Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Despite what the internet makes it look like, you can’t drive to Machu Picchu. The closest you can get is Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo), and from there you’ll either bus or hike up to the site.

There are a few ways to get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes:

Option 1: Take the train from Cusco : This is the most straightforward (and comfy) way to go. You’ll board the train in Cusco (either from San Pedro or Poroy station) and ride all the way to Aguas Calientes. The total time is about 3.5 hours. But there are no transfers, so you can just sit back and enjoy the mountain views. Personally, this what I would recommend.

Option 2: Bus + Train combo: If you want to save a bit of money, you can take a bus or private car to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5–2 hours from Cusco), then catch the train from there to Aguas Calientes (about 1.5 hours). Same trains, just a shorter ride and usually cheaper tickets.

There are two train companies:

PeruRail – Book your tickets here
Inca Rail – Book your tickets here

Both are good, with a few different classes and schedules. Honestly, just go with the one that fits your timing. If you can, book a panoramic carriage; the views through the Sacred Valley are stunning. Here’s a good breakdown of the differences if you want more detail:

👉 PeruRail vs Inca Rail

Step 3: Bus (or Hike) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ve got one last stretch:

Take the shuttle bus (30 mins), or
Hike up the mountain (roughly 1.5 hours of stairs and sweat)

The hike follows the final stretch of the Inca Trail and is very doable if you’re feeling ambitious (and ready for a workout before sunrise). Otherwise, take the bus, it’s easy and gets you up with way less effort.

Bus tickets can be bought in person in Aguas Calientes at this location. This is also where you will catch the bus.

Or you can purchase them online here!

But fair warning: there are often long lines both for buying the tickets and boarding the buses, especially in the morning. If you’re coming during peak season, try to buy the bus ticket the day before if you’re staying overnight.

More info here: Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu Bus Tickets

Step 4: Explore Machu Picchu

Once you’re through the gates, you’re in. You can either:

Hire a guide (there will be tons waiting at the entrance), or
Wander around on your own

Normally, I skip the guide to save money, but I actually think Machu Picchu is one of those places where a guide really adds something. The history, the stories, the explanations… it makes the ruins come alive. Plus, a good guide will help you get the best photo spots and know which way to go.

Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring Machu Picchu. You have to follow your assigned circuit, so you can’t roam forever. After that, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, grab some lunch, and hang around until your train back to Cusco.

Should You Stay Overnight?

You can do Machu Picchu in one day, but if you have the time, staying overnight in Aguas Calientes can make the experience feel way less rushed.

If you’re doing that, I recommend catching the train from Cusco into town the day before your Machu Picchu entrance, grabbing dinner, buying your bus ticket ahead of time, and getting an early start the next morning. That way, you’re among the first ones at the site, it’s cooler, less crowded, and you can watch the fog roll off the mountains as the ruins appear. It’s magical.

Then grab lunch afterwards and catch an early afternoon train back to Cusco.

DIY vs Tour: What’s the Real Cost Difference?

Booking a full-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco might sound expensive at first… but once you tally up all the little pieces you’ll need to organize for a DIY trip, the price difference isn’t wild. Here’s how it really stacks up:

Full-Day Tour from Cusco

Cost: $321–$422 USD: Depends on which train you take. The Expedition is the most affordable, Vistadome adds a little flair, and there’s also super luxury if you want fine dining.

Includes:

Hotel pick-up & drop-off in Cusco
Round-trip train tickets
Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu entry ticket
Professional local guide
All the logistics sorted (aka, zero stress)

🌟 Click here to read the 1,000 5 star reviews for this tour!

DIY Machu Picchu Day Trip

Expense	Low End	High End
Taxi from hotel to train station in Cusco	$5	$10
Round-trip train ticket	$75 (Voyager)	$190 (Vistadome)
Machu Picchu entry ticket	$62	$80 (Huayna Picchu)
Round-trip bus (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu)	$24	$24
Private guide (optional, but recommended)	$50	$50
Total	$216	$354

💡 This assumes you’re booking early, train prices spike and sell out closer to the date. You’ll want to book your train as soon as you have your Machu Picchu tickets.

So… Is the Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco Worth It?

If you’re confident navigating tickets, connections, and logistics and don’t mind a little puzzle-solving, the DIY route can save you around $100.

But if you’re short on time, want everything handled for you, or just want to enjoy the day without overthinking, the tour is 100% worth the splurge.

It’s a bucket list day, and sometimes paying for ease is part of the experience.

Things to Know Before You Go to Machu Picchu

Book Your Ticket Early: Machu Picchu entry tickets sell out quickly, especially in high season (May–September). Book your entry first, then plan the rest around it.
Choose the Right Circuit: The most complete experience is Circuit 1 or 2, Machu Picchu Llaqta, which gives you the classic views and access to most of the site. Circuits 3 and 4 are on the lower terrace and are more limited and mostly for hikes like Huayna Picchu mountain and Huchuy Picchu. Personally, I recommend trying to get 1 or 2!
Arrive Early for the Bus: Get to the bus stop in Aguas Calientes at least an hour before your entry time. The lines are long, and buses go on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring Your Passport: You need it to enter. No passport = no Machu Picchu.
Pack Light: Only small daypacks are allowed (under 20L). Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a rain jacket. Check out our FULL Peru Packing Guide here!
Bathrooms Are Outside: Use them before you go in; there’s no re-entry once you enter the site.
Guides Are Optional, But Worth It: You can hire one right at the entrance. Even if you’re not usually a guided-tour person, it adds so much context and meaning to what you’re seeing.

Final Thoughts on Can You do Machu Picchu in a Day from Cusco

If you’re short on time in Peru, booking a full-day tour to Machu Picchu is a no-brainer. It takes the stress out of planning, everything runs smoothly, and you get to just enjoy one of the most incredible places on Earth.

I did this exact tour, and honestly, it was so worth the cost. The early entry, stunning train ride, and amazing guide made it one of the highlights of my entire trip.

Check availability and book the tour here — spots fill up fast, especially in peak season!

FAQ About Visiting Machu Picchu

What’s the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The dry season from May to September is your best bet, with clear skies and cooler temps. It’s also the busiest time, so book tickets early.

How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

It takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on your route, but plan for a full day with all the connections. The train ride itself is a highlight with incredible views.

How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

You can take a direct train from Cusco or save money by taking a taxi or bus to Ollantaytambo, then catching the train from there. Either way, you’ll end up in Aguas Calientes before heading up to the site.

How many days to visit Machu Picchu?

One full day is enough to see it, especially with an early entry time. But staying overnight in Aguas Calientes makes the whole trip a lot less rushed.

Is there a time limit for Machu Picchu?

Yes, entry is limited to a set time slot and assigned circuit, and most people spend around 2–4 hours exploring. It’s enough time if you plan it right and don’t mind some walking.