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Machu Picchu Day Trip from Ollantaytambo, Peru

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.

Explore this tour
Duration

Full Day

Max. altitude

3300 msnm

Difficulty

Easy

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Ollantaytambo, Peru

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.

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.

Quick Itinerary

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.

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.

Meals Lunch in Aguas Calientes included (or recommended)
Walking Distance 4 km - 5 km / 2.5 - 3.1 miles (Citadel guided circuit)
Difficulty Easy / Beginner
Trip Duration Full Day (approx. 14 - 15 hours)
Minimum Elevation 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
Highest Elevation 2,430 m (7,972 ft)

Inclusions

Places you will visit

Follow the key stops of the journey through Cusco, Urubamba and the Sacred Valley before reviewing the detailed route.

5.0

165+ verified reviews on Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Great value and great service

The tour was great and the organisation was immaculate. The driver and guide were very polite, punctual and informative, the process was easy and the tour operator had a briefing call with us to give us all the timings. They also printed out all tickets for us which made every step go smoothly.

Amazing experience and great staff!

I can not say enough positive things to encapsulate how amazing this company is. They were so communicative and helpful for our trip. We started out in Cusco and they did a private pickup to/from the train station. Coordinated our entry tickets and a private guide for Machu Picchu. Carlos was our planner and walked us through every step and answered every question.

Amazing, well planned trip to Machu Picchu

Our group of 5 did a one day trip to Machu Picchu with pickup from Sacred Valley and drop off in Cusco. Carlos helped us tremendously in organizing the schedule and all needed tickets, and he checked up on us throughout the day to ensure we didn't have any problems. Carlos was extremely responsive and quick to answer any questions, and made us feel comfortable that the trip would go as planned. Our driver Alex and Machu Picchu tour guide Anibal were also excellent.

Excellent experience, highly recommend!

Had a great experience with this trip! Everything was set up perfectly from start to finish. The team that helped us was very communicative and very clear on what we needed to bring and what was going to happen throughout the day. They were always available to answer questions. The tour itself was incredible our guide was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Would highly recommend using them for any tour!

Cusco!

Incredible, everything super organized and very friendly staff!

A 10: friendly, effective, and professional

Very happy from all points of view. Super well organized, a support at all times for any necessary organizational detail (we were a large group coming from many countries, which made it not easy), the explanations and the tour itself were very complete, and the guides were extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend them.

Well organized tour & very friendly staff!

Everything went according to plan; it was well organized and the staff was friendly. I highly recommend it.

Machu Picchu with Family

Very good communication for coordinating the tour, competitive price, the guides were very good and fun.

Amazing experience – Highly recommended!

Julio from Come See Peru helped us organize an incredible and truly unforgettable trip. I am German and got married in Peru, so I wanted to bring my friends and family to discover how wonderful this country is. Thanks to Julio and his team, everything was perfectly organized from beginning to end. They took care of every detail and made sure everyone felt welcome, comfortable, and well looked after. Even today, my family and friends still talk about the amazing memories they made during this trip. Visiting Machu Picchu is always a unique and magical experience, but being welcomed with such warmth and genuine care made it even more special. The team was always attentive, making sure everyone was happy and felt at home. Thank you, Julio and the entire Come See Peru team, for making this journey so memorable. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, reliable, and caring travel agency in Peru.

Excellent service!

The guide was punctual, very attentive, friendly, and provided us with all the information.

Private tour prices

Prices are per person and vary based on group size: the more people in your group, the lower the price per person.

Verified traveler experiences

Customer Reviews

Read recent feedback from travelers who joined our Sacred Valley private tours.

5.0 based on 169 reviews
5 Stars 165
4 Stars 0
3 Stars 0
2 Stars 0
1 Star 0
Liyana S Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Great value and great service

The tour was great and the organisation was immaculate. The driver and guide were very polite, punctual and informative, the process was easy and the tour operator had a briefing call with us to give us all the timings. They also printed out all tickets for us which made every step go smoothly.

Whitney H Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing experience and great staff!

I can not say enough positive things to encapsulate how amazing this company is. They were so communicative and helpful for our trip. We started out in Cusco and they did a private pickup to/from the train station. Coordinated our entry tickets and a private guide for Machu Picchu. Carlos was our planner and walked us through every step and answered every question.

Jenn W Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing, well planned trip to Machu Picchu

Our group of 5 did a one day trip to Machu Picchu with pickup from Sacred Valley and drop off in Cusco. Carlos helped us tremendously in organizing the schedule and all needed tickets, and he checked up on us throughout the day to ensure we didn't have any problems. Carlos was extremely responsive and quick to answer any questions, and made us feel comfortable that the trip would go as planned. Our driver Alex and Machu Picchu tour guide Anibal were also excellent.

Read all 169 reviews

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Terms and Conditions – Cancellation Policy

  • Come See Peru
  • Local operator based in Cusco, Peru.
  • Email: info@comeseeperutours.com
  • Phone: +51-969760991 / +51-992372063
  • Legal name: COMESEEPERUTOURS E.I.R.L | RUC: 20608161156

Day Tours:

All day tours may be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made within this period will incur a 60% fee, in recognition of the time and resources our team has reserved for your visit.

Terms and Conditions – Machu Picchu Tours

By booking with us, you agree to our terms, conditions, and policies.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
All tickets are strictly non-refundable, non-modifiable, and non-transferable once purchased. This policy is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and applies without exception.

Train Tickets
Train tickets may be changed or canceled up to 48 hours prior to departure. After this period, no changes or cancellations are allowed.

Please note that last-minute cancellations are not permitted, including those due to health or personal reasons.

Travel Insurance Recommendation:

To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend securing travel insurance. This coverage can help in case of unforeseen events such as flight delays, medical emergencies, or other unexpected situations during your trip.

Additional information for this trip

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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