Machu Picchu Day Trip from Ollantaytambo, Peru

Don't have much time in Peru? No problem! This day trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is the ultimate way to experience this iconic site without sacrificing your schedule.

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DURATION:
Full Day
MAX ALTITUDE:
3300 msnm
STARTING POINT:
LEVEL:
Easy

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, a day trip from Ollantaytambo is the perfect solution. This excursion will take you on a breathtaking journey through the Andes Mountains and allow you to explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, all in one day.

Our commitment to quality means that you’ll receive a world-class tour without sacrificing too much time. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Machu Picchu, where the past meets the present in a truly magical experience.

Customizable Itinerary

If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.

Overview

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Overview

Embark on a truly unforgettable journey with our Machu Picchu tour from Ollantaytambo. Our expertly crafted tour is designed to provide you with the absolute best and most comprehensive experience possible.

Experience the magic of Machu Picchu with a tour from Ollantaytambo, Perú

Our guided tour of Machu Picchu will take you through the many temples, terraces, and structures that make up this ancient Incan city. You’ll learn about the history and culture of the Incas, and discover the secrets of this incredible wonder of the world. Our expert guides will ensure that you have an unforgettable experience, and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this incredible site. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating and awe-inspiring destinations.

To make the most of your day trip to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, it’s important to start early and plan ahead. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu takes about 1.5 hours, so we aim to catch one of the early morning trains to maximize your time at the site.

Why you’ll love this tour

  • Explore the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu on day tripo from Ollantaytambo.
  • Enjoy the stunning scenery on the train journey to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo.
  • Uncover the rich history of this incredible Inca site.

What to expect

If you’re planning a tour of Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, here’s what you can expect:

  • Scenic train ride: The tour will begin with a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, a small town located at the base of Machu Picchu. The train journey will take you through the beautiful Sacred Valley, offering stunning views of the Andes Mountains from start to finish.
  • A knowledgeable guide: Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll be met by a knowledgeable guide who will take you on a tour of Machu Picchu. The guided tour will be provided in private service, only for you and your family.
  • A memorable experience: Overall, a tour of Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. You’ll get to explore one of the most incredible ancient sites in the world while learning about its rich history and culture.

Itinerary

Experience the best of Machu Picchu with our detailed itinerary

Embark on a journey to one of the world’s most iconic destinations with this tour to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo. This itinerary takes you through the ancient ruins of the Inca civilization, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking adventure, this tour is sure to leave you in awe.

Highlight of the day: Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu with this comprehensive itinerary from Ollantaytambo. From ancient ruins to breathtaking views, this tour has it all!

Meet your representative of Come See Peru in Ollantaytambo, you will get all the tickets and board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. You will be enjoying breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley during the train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, meet your knowledgeable guide who will take waiting for you at Machu Picchu train staion, you will then taking the bus up to the ruins. The guide will provide you with historical and cultural information about the site, giving you a deeper understanding of its significance.
Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu for about 2.5 hr and then enjoy a free time to visit the site on your own.
After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.
In the late afternoon you take the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the beautiful views of the Sacred Valley once again. Finally we will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Difficulty

Easy / Beginner

Pricing

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Reviews

5.0
based on 125 reviews
Total reviews and rating from TripAdvisor
5 Stars 125
4 Stars 0
3 Stars 0
2 Stars 0
1 Stars 0
Sacred Valley Lovely Day
Teri G 6
April 2025

Will was our guide and he was wonderful! The tour was everything we hoped for. The day was filled with so much and Will made sure we were having the best time we could. Ask for Will- he was wonderful!

Stunning Sacred Valley
Heather R
April 2025
We had an outstanding time in our private tour with Carlos and Michael. Better than expected. Beautiful county and they took great care of us! Sacred Valley is a must!
Wonderful Sacred Valley Tour!
MmHuston
May 2025

My sister and I were referred to Come See Peru from a friend, and we are so grateful for the referral. We did the Sacred Valley Cultural Experience. Carlos (our guide) and Michael (our driver) were knowledgeable, flexible, and fun!

Here are a few specific aspects that I would like to mention:

1. Flexible. We really appreciated the flexibility that we were afforded. We did our half day Sacred Valley trip in between accommodation switches. So we were picked up in Ollantaytambo and dropped off in Cusco. Additionally, we had to be picked up a bit later than the original start time, and Carlos and Michael were happy to accommodate.

2. Informative. Carlos expertly led us around the three sites we visited (Ollantaytambo ruins, The Salt Mines, The ruins of Moray). He actually took us in an order that allowed for there to be less tourists when we were present, which was really nice. He provided us with historical context and answered all of our questions.

3. Patient. Carlos and Michael gave us time to sit in the beauty that is these amazing locations. Carlos is a wonderful photographer as well and offered to take our picture at some really neat places in each location. When we did the Chicha tasting and salt demonstration, they waited while we shopped. We never felt rushed, which we appreciated.

4. Fun! Overall, we had a really good time with Carlos and Michael. We chatted and laughed about all sorts of things. We appreciated the private tour aspect so we could really go at our own flow and connect and just enjoy.

Thank you Carlos and Michael for a lovely exploration of the Sacred Valley! You will be at the top of our list when we return to see Pisac and Chinchero!

|INCREDIBLE Personalized Sacred Valley Tour
KayLane
May 2025

Wow! I booked a customizable 2-day tour to include all of the main Sacred Valley sights because I wanted to start the first day in Cusco and end in Ollantaytambo and use the tour as transportation as well. Come See Peru was so easy to work with, communicating extremely quickly via WhatsApp to design my perfect itinerary. They also suggested some stops that I did not know about.

Our guide Ruben was positively incredible and really made this tour amazing. He presented the history, culture, geography, & food information in such a compelling way! We learned SO MUCH because he is an incredible storyteller. None of the main sites (moray, maras, ollantaytambo, etc) have much signage and we wouldn’t have been able to appreciate them half as well without Ruben. He was also an amazing photographer, always choosing the best locations to take photos of my husband and I.
The vehicle was a comfortable van, which was private, and we had a driver who dropped off and picked up whenever we needed and also stayed with our luggage the day that it was in the car.

Overall, the price was fair for the value received and I would definitely recommend reaching out to Come See Peru to build a customized tour for your trip to the Sacred Valley!

Excellent service
Journey320022
May 2025

My wife, and I actually took three tours in three dayswith Come See Peru. This were for Machu Picchu, Pisac / Llama farm and the half-day tour on the outskirts of Cusco. The company provided excellent tour guides and took care of every detail, so that our tours were totally stressed free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at our frequently asked questions from our customers who have already traveled with us

If you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, starting your journey in Ollantaytambo can offer some unique advantages. From avoiding crowds to experiencing local culture. Here we share with you the most frequently asked questions that will help you plan your trip.

The journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by train takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Ollantaytambo. This is followed by a 20-minute bus ride up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. So in total, the journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The best time to start the Machu Picchu tour from Ollantaytambo is in the early morning, ideally leaving Ollantaytambo for Aguas Calientes around 6:00 am to 7:00 am. Starting your tour early allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu before the crowds, giving you more time at the site.

No, you cannot buy Machu Picchu tickets in Ollantaytambo. Machu Picchu tickets can only be purchased in advance online or in person at authorized ticket offices located in Cusco, or Aguas Caliente. However you can get the train tickets in Ollantaytambo.

The price for the Machu Picchu tour starting in Ollantaytambo varies according to the type of service requested and the number of people in the group. The more people in the group, the cheaper the price is for a private service.

The only difference between a Machu Picchu tour from Ollantaytambo and Cusco is the starting point of the tour. Ollantaytambo is very close to Machu Picchu and is located at a lower elevation than Cusco. Many visitors prefer to start their Machu Picchu tour from Ollantaytambo as it allows them to skip the longer journey from Cusco to the site, which can take up to 4 hours by train and bus.

Reasons why Ollantaytambo is the best starting point for Machu Picchu Tour

There are several reasons why Ollantaytambo is considered the best starting point for a Machu Picchu tour. Here are we show some of the main reasons:

Proximity to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo is located in the Sacred Valley, just 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Machu Picchu. This means that it is closer to Machu Picchu. You will also save a lot of time and avoid the altitude sickness.

Scenic train ride: The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It takes 1.5 the longest, this will help you spend more time in Machu Picchu. The train passes through picturesque villages and stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River.

Acclimatization: Ollantaytambo is located at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet), which is lower than Cusco’s altitude of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). This means that starting your Machu Picchu tour from Ollantaytambo can help you acclimate to the high altitude more gradually, this will reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Less crowded: Starting your Machu Picchu tour from Ollantaytambo means that you will arrive at the site earlier than those who start from Cusco. This can help you avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience exploring Machu Picchu.

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What Our Customers Say About Us

Come See Peru has earned TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving 5-star reviews of our tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours. This recognition highlights our exceptional service and dedicated attention to our clients.

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