Home » Private Machupicchu Tours » 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.
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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.
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.
If you’re planning a tour of Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, here’s what you can expect:
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.
Easy / Beginner
Johnathan killed this tour, gave some phenomenal story’s about the background of the incan people and really made sure we knew the history behind the sites. He did a great job and would definitely book again! Traveled with a large family!
My family of 3, including my 10 year old son traveled to Peru for Spring Break and we booked our Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours through Come See Peru Tours. They took care of us during our trip as planned and helped us have a hassle free trip. We were received at the airport and our tour guide was with us during our planned tours, and he was very patient and accommodating with our son. The staff were friendly, timely, helpful and knowledgeable. We got to see so much during this trip. We didn’t have to wait in line for anything. We got the awesome seats in the PeruRail with the best view of the Urubamba River on our way to and from Machu Picchu. I feel like they paid attention to every detail during the trip and tours to make our trip memorable!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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