It is possible to make the trip to Machu Picchu in just one day, but to do so you have to take into account some details. Normally, the main problem is acquiring the entrance tickets at the time that best suits our itineraries. Other problems are related to the transport that can be taken. That is why in this blog we want to talk and help thousands of tourists how to plan and organize their time. Discover the itinerary that travel agencies follow and the advantages of each of the entrances to Machu Picchu.

• The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
• Is it possible to make the trip to Machu Picchu in just one day?
• Types of entrance to Machu Picchu and the best options
• What is the Full Day tour offered by travel agencies like?
• The most recommended trip to get to Machu Picchu in just one day
• Which ticket should I choose if there is limited availability?
• Recommendations for getting to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Llama looking at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu is one of the best preserved Inca sites.
• It was discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham, although the surrounding communities already knew about the place.
• It is known as “The stone citadel above the clouds” because during certain seasons of the year, a large amount of fog can be seen.
• There are two clearly defined areas of Machu Picchu: an upper part with the most important temples and a lower area with houses and other smaller temples.
• The most significant attractions of Machu Picchu are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the condor figure in the Temple of the Condor and the Sacred Rock.
• How to get there?
  • You can make the trip by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
  • Another option is to do 2-day or 4-day hikes, also known as the Inca Trail.
  • There is also the option of taking a minivan trip to Hidroeléctrica and from there taking a hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
• What is the location?
  • Politically it belongs to the district of Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
  • It is also located in the high jungle of the province of Urubamba, which belongs to the Cusco region.
  • It is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Cusco (approximately).
• How many schedules does it have?
  • Machu Picchu can be entered at 10 times. This is only possible with four tickets. These tickets are: Machu Picchu + Classic Photo Postcard, Machu Picchu Classic Circuit, Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (Lower Terrace) and Machu Picchu + Lower Temples.
  • Other entrance tickets have 4 time slots and others only have 2 time slots.
  • Tickets that allow for a one-day visit must necessarily allow entry from or after 9:00 a.m.

Route to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco

Where can I book entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu can be made both in person and online. It is much more advisable to do it online, to have everything ready at the time of the trip. These virtual reservations can be made from the Ministry of Culture’s reservation page and also through travel agencies authorized and licensed to do so.

The tickets you can book to travel in just one day are:

Is it possible to make the trip to Machu Picchu in just one day?

• A 1-day trip to Machu Picchu requires maximum organization so as not to miss the train ride or the entrance to the Inca city.
• You should leave Cusco at dawn to catch one of the first trains.
• The return from Machu Picchu to Cusco can be done in the afternoon or at night, depending on the schedule indicated on your train ticket.

*The return time to Cusco can be done at night.

Types of entrance to Machu Picchu and the best options

Routes along the Panoramic Circuit

The routes detailed in this circuit allow you to better appreciate Machu Picchu from the highest areas. Therefore, you can appreciate beautiful views. You can also take the famous postcard photo. Likewise, you can visit the Guardian’s House. The tickets that offer everything we mentioned are:

• Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard Photo.
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku.
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge.

Routes along the Classic Circuit

Both tickets allow entry to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Entry is through the main gate to access the main temples. The route continues very close to these places until connecting with the wide esplanades and the lower area of ​​Machu Picchu. The tickets that offer everything we mentioned are:

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit (Lower Terrace).

Routes along the Royal Circuit

Tour Machu Picchu from the lower area, passing through the agricultural sector and the wide esplanades. This entrance allows you to take photos from inside the citadel and also follow some short hiking routes, which offer new experiences. The tickets that offer everything we mentioned are:

• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon.
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu.

Circuits in Machu Picchu

What is the Full Day tour offered by travel agencies like?

• Travel agencies are one of the best alternatives for traveling to Machu Picchu.
• Travel agencies offer the alternative of traveling to Machu Picchu in just one day.
• When making the trip, you can do so with greater security, because normally the service begins with pick-up from your hotel.
• They will also have all the necessary services ready to use.
• You will have on hand the ticket to travel by train and the ecological buses to get to Machu Picchu.
• Admission tickets will also be reserved, so it is recommended to contact the event months in advance.
• Likewise, you will have everything ready to make the return trip to Cusco.
• Normally, agencies will also take the first trains during the day and arrival in Cusco will be at night.
• You will also have access to some restaurants with discounts.

Tourist couple in Machu Picchu

The most recommended trip to get to Machu Picchu in just one day

• If you only have one day for the trip, it is recommended to make the trip early.
• You can take the hiking routes to the different destinations offered by other tickets.
• However, you will have to do the routes from 9:00 in the morning, since this time will be the only one that will allow you to do all the activities.
• There is also the option of making the trip in the afternoon. To do this, you can start the train journey at a more convenient time.
• Once in Machu Picchu Pueblo, it is recommended that the tour be along any of the routes of Circuit 2.
• It is recommended to choose tickets for Circuit 2, as they have more schedules that can be done in the afternoon.

Is it advisable to take the trip on the eco-friendly buses?
One-day trips should be made the most of and you should also have enough time to enjoy and enter Machu Picchu. That is why visitors are recommended to take the ascent on the eco-friendly buses, which also allow for a comfortable and safe trip. The most important thing about taking the buses is probably that you save a lot of time and can get to Machu Picchu at the desired time.

Which ticket should I choose if there is limited availability?

• If you want to travel to Machu Picchu in just one day, another special option is to do it in the afternoon.
• The afternoon option is ideal because tickets are usually available for longer after 12:00.
• You can even find discounts on admission tickets at 3:00 p.m.
• On the other hand, train tickets also often have slight discounts.
• For many tourists, making the trip in the afternoon is one of the best options. This is because:
  • There are fewer people.
  • The route is much slower and the experience is more enjoyable.
  • Discounts can be found.
  • Sometimes you can see the sunset at the Inca citadel.
  • There are also less crowded spaces to take photos.
• Another option to visit Machu Picchu is to book tickets for Huchuy Picchu where you can see part of the Inca citadel and the ascent route.
• Finally, there is the option of reserving tickets for the panoramic route to the Inca Bridge and Inti Punku.

Tourists in Machu Picchu

Recommendations for getting to Machu Picchu

• It is important to book in advance, especially for Circuit 2 tickets.
• Once you have booked your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, you can reserve train tickets and even the ecological bus.
• Please remember to bring your identification documents to validate any reservations you may have.
• Even if the reservation is made by another person, all tourists involved must show their identity document and passport to use the reservations.
• Since this is only a one-day trip, bring only what is necessary.
• A small backpack will suffice to carry essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, and medication if necessary.
• You can also bring a change of clothes and, of course, a waterproof poncho.
• Don’t forget to charge your cell phone and bring a camera.

Agricultural terraces in the Inca citadel

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?

  The best months to visit Machu Picchu are during the dry season, although this coincides with the high season. In this sense, the best season or time to make the trip to Machu Picchu will be from March to November. This is because from the first weeks of November the rains begin, which for some is bad news.

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

  The travel time by bus, train and bus again is an average of 5 hours. This is mainly due to unscheduled stops and also because moving from one transport to another can influence the time. We estimate 5 hours starting from Cusco, passing through Ollantaytambo and then boarding the ecological buses.

• 3) What transportation options are there to get there and back in one day?

  The best option for a one-day round trip is by train, thanks to the wide variety of schedules. Especially with the cheap trains, you can make the trip early in the morning and also return to Cusco at night. That is, if you have planned several activities in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

• 4) Is it necessary to buy tickets to Machu Picchu in advance?

  Of course, especially if you plan to make the trip in just one day. Schedules for this activity usually sell out quickly and even weeks in advance. That is why you have to make the reservation at least two or three months in advance. This is so that the itinerary you plan is not affected.

• 5) What are the must-see places in Machu Picchu during a day trip?

  To get the most out of this one-day trip, it is recommended to book any of the routes on Circuit 2. That is, the classic routes allow you to appreciate the Inca buildings in greater detail and also to see the different sectors, both religious, agricultural and ceremonial. With these tickets alone you won’t miss anything.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Pablo I.

“Machu Picchu on the fly“

“My girlfriend and I visited Machu Picchu in October, we did the whole trip on the same day, as we were just visiting Cusco. It was an amazing experience, although quite exhausting. I recommend visiting it with more days of stay.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 27, 2025