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Visiting Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience—but getting there isn’t exactly straightforward. Between permits, transportation, and confusing entry rules, the logistics can get overwhelming fast!
Booking a tour takes the pressure off and lets you focus on the experience instead of the planning. Some areas—like the main citadel—even require a guide, so going with someone who knows the ropes just makes sense.
That said, not all tours are created equal. Some are rushed, others skip key sites, and a few just aren’t worth the cost. So after visiting multiple times, I’ve rounded up the best Machu Picchu tours from Cusco. Whether you’re after a quick day trip or a multi-day trek, these picks will help you make the most of it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Machu Picchu tour is this all-inclusive day trip! After a stunning train ride through the Andes, we explored the ancient site with a knowledgeable local guide and still had plenty of time to wander and soak it all in on our own!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Non-Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco
- The Best Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco
- Do you need to book a tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco in advance?
- Is visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco worth it?
- Other Activities to do in Cusco
- Where to Stay in Cusco
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Non-Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco
1. Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
- Duration: 14 hours
- Time: Between 4 am and 8 am
- Highlights: All-inclusive day trip to Machu Picchu, enjoy a scenic rail tour, learn the history behind the sacred city from an expert local guide
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, local guide, admission to Machu Picchu Citadel with shuttle, round-trip train ticket or bimodal bus & train service from Cusco (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
This day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco was such a smooth, stress-free way to visit one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. It’s perfect if you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or just don’t want to deal with complicated logistics.
We were picked up right from our hotel and boarded a scenic train through the Andes—honestly, the views alone made it worth it! There are four train options to choose from when booking; we went with the Vistadome, which has huge windows and comfy seats (I highly recommend it!). Once in Aguas Calientes, our guide helped us navigate the busy station and catch the shuttle up to Machu Picchu.
Having a guide at the ruins made all the difference. They pointed out the most important sites and explained the fascinating history and engineering behind it all—stuff we never would’ve known on our own. After the tour, we had some free time to explore and grab those iconic photos.
On this tour, you’ll also choose from three different routes through Machu Picchu. Circuit 2 is the most popular and covers all the highlights, but it books up quickly—so plan ahead! That said, we’ve heard great things about the other routes too—they’re just a bit shorter or follow a different path.
The day wraps up with a train and bus back to Cusco and drop-off at your hotel. It’s a full day, but absolutely worth it (look at all these 5-star reviews!). Just don’t forget your passport, and bring cash for snacks or souvenirs!
Check availability and book this tour online here – spots fill up quickly!
2. Small group tour to Machu Picchu by Train
- Duration: 11 to 13 hours
- Time: Between 5 am and 8 am
- Highlights: Small group day trip to Machu Picchu, take a train journey to Aguas Calientes, choose between 2 different circuits to explore the Inca Citadel
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, local guide, train and bus transportation, entrance to Machu Picchu Shrine
- Rating: 5 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for a more intimate way to visit Machu Picchu, this full-day small-group tour is a fantastic option. With a max of just 8 travelers, it feels relaxed, personalized, and way less rushed than larger tours.
Like the last tour, this one also includes door-to-door service from your hotel in Cusco, a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride to the site, and a guided visit through the ruins. You’ll choose between the Expedition Train (basic but comfortable) or the Vistadome, which offers panoramic windows and a more elevated experience.
When booking, you’ll also pick which route you want to explore at Machu Picchu. I recommend doing a little research ahead of time to choose the circuit that suits you best (you can find maps on the official Machu Picchu website). Most travelers go for Circuit 1 or 2, which cover the upper and lower sanctuaries and offer those iconic views. Circuit 3 includes the Temple of the Sun, Inca House, and more hidden gems.
Your guide walks you through it all, offering more one-on-one time than you’d get in a bigger group. At the end of the day, you’ll return to Cusco by train and bus, with drop-off at your hotel. Lunch isn’t included, so bring some cash—but otherwise, everything’s taken care of!
Read all the details and secure your spot online here!
Related Read: For more information, check out our detailed guide to visiting Machu Picchu here.
3. 2-Day Tour: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Spend the night in Aguas Calientes, watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu, and visit the archaeological sites of Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, 1 night 3-star accommodation, admission to Machu Picchu, train ticket, breakfast
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want to experience more of the Cusco region beyond just Machu Picchu, this 2-day tour through the Sacred Valley is such a great option. It includes some of the most beautiful and culturally rich stops in the area—plus an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes so you can catch Machu Picchu at sunrise (which was honestly one of my favorite travel moments ever!).
Day one starts with hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, with stops along the way at charming towns, local markets, and scenic viewpoints. One highlight for me was visiting Awana Kancha—you get to meet llamas and alpacas and learn about traditional textile-making, which is such an iconic part of Peruvian culture.
After exploring an ancient Incan citadel, you’ll catch a late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Your hotel stay is included, and you can choose your preferred train and comfort level when booking. Meals aren’t included, but there are plenty of spots to grab food along the way.
On day two, you’ll take the early bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour and some free time to explore on your own. Then it’s back to Cusco by train and bus. It’s a full but super rewarding two days, and with a small group size of only 10 people, everything feels super relaxed and personal!
Read the 1,000+ 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
4. Private Day Tour of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu climb
- Duration: 16 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Private tour of Machu Picchu, climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for impressive views
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, private guide, train ticket, Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu Ticket
- Rating: 5 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for a more exclusive way to experience Machu Picchu and you’re up for a bit of a climb, this private full-day tour with the Huayna Picchu hike is a total dream. We loved having a private guide—it made the whole day feel more relaxed and personalized, and we could explore at our own pace without being rushed or crowded.
After a beautiful train ride through the Andes and a quick shuttle up to the site, you’ll start with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Having a guide just for us meant we could ask all our questions and really dive into the history (there’s so much more to this place than meets the eye!).
But the real highlight was the hike up Huayna Picchu—that dramatic peak you see in every photo. It’s steep and challenging, but so worth it for the jaw-dropping views over the ruins and the valley below. Honestly, it’s one of the best hikes we’ve ever done!
This tour includes everything—train tickets, entrance fees (including Huayna Picchu!), transportation, and your own expert guide. Just make sure to book early—Huayna Picchu permits sell out fast!
Check availability and reserve your spot on this private day trip here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
The Best Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco
5. Inca Trail: 4-Day Hike to Machu Picchu
- Duration: 4 days
- Time: 5:30 am
- Highlights: Hike along the original Inca Trail, small group tour, see the sunrise at Machu Picchu’s iconic Sun Gate, enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, private guide, all transportation (bus & train), Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu ticket, porters, camping equipment, emergency oxygen, most meals
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 370+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
The Inca Trail is iconic for a reason—it’s one of the most historic and scenic hikes in the world! Over four days, you’ll follow a 42 km (26 mi) route through cloud forests, ancient ruins like Llactapata, and up to the famous Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft), before reaching Machu Picchu on the final day.
This highly rated tour includes everything you need—meals, gear, permits, guides, and porters. If you want a bit more comfort, you can upgrade to the “Complete Service” option, which includes a thermal sleeping bag and a personal porter to carry your gear (which is a game-changer!).
It’s a challenging hike, so a decent fitness level is important, but it’s so worth it. You’ll camp in remote, beautiful spots each night and get a truly immersive experience of the Andes and Incan culture. Plus, the local guides are fantastic, sharing stories and history along the way.
One important note: this tour only departs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so plan accordingly. And because permits are limited, you’ll want to book well in advance.
If you’re after the most rewarding way to reach Machu Picchu, this is it. If you still need some convincing, check out all of the 5-star reviews here!
Check prices and secure your spot online in advance here!
6. 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Duration: 2 days
- Time: 4 am
- Highlights: Hike a portion of the Inca Trail and see the highlights such as Chachabamba, Winay Huayna, the Sungate; visit Machu Picchu at sunrise; stay the night in Agua Calientes
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide, train/bus transportation, Machu Picchu & Inca Trail admission, 1-night hotel accommodation, all meals (except lunch on the 2nd day)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
We love this 2-Day Inca Trail tour because it gives you a taste of the legendary trail without the intense multi-day trek. It’s great for families, casual hikers, or anyone short on time—and yes, you still get to see Machu Picchu at sunrise (which is seriously magical!).
The tour kicks off with a 4 am hotel pickup and a scenic ride to Km. 104, where your hike begins. You’ll tackle a shortened version of the Inca Trail, but it’s packed with highlights—think lush Andean cloud forest, ancient Incan sites like Wiñayhuayna, and that unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate.
After a full day of hiking, you’ll rest up in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, before getting up early the next morning to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and beat the crowds. You’ll get a guided tour of the ruins plus some free time to explore and take it all in.
This tour includes all transportation, entrance fees, a guide, hotel stay, and most meals—just bring extra cash for snacks or lunch in Aguas Calientes. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and comfort—and with over 1,500 fantastic reviews, it does book out fast, so don’t wait too long to snag your spot!
Check availability and book this tour online here!
7. Salkantay Trek: 5 Days (our personal favorite hiking tour!)
- Duration: 5 days
- Time: 4:30 am
- Highlights: Small group hike to Machu Picchu along the Salkantay Trek, hike through many different ecosystems, visit an organic coffee farm
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, experienced guide, porters, and chef, 1 night hotel accommodation (other nights are camping), all meals during the trek, train ticket
- Rating: 5 stars (check 4,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
The Salkantay Trek is hands-down one of my favorite ways to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a bit less popular than the Inca Trail, but honestly, I think it’s the better trek! It’s more affordable, less crowded, and gives you a real chance to disconnect over five unforgettable days.
The trail covers 74 km (46 miles) and climbs up to 4,600 meters (15,100 ft), passing through dramatically different landscapes—think turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, lush cloud forests, and ancient ruins. Some highlights for me were Humantay Lake, the epic views from Salkantay Pass, and a stop at a local coffee farm for a fresh brew (so good!).
After several days of hiking, arriving at Machu Picchu feels even more rewarding. You’ll arrive bright and early before the crowds and get a guided tour before heading back to Cusco.
This 5-day trek includes all transportation during the trip, meals, guides, porters, and even a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. So if you’re up for a challenge and love diverse scenery, you can’t miss out on this trek—there’s a reason it has thousands of 5-star reviews!
You can check availability and book our favorite hiking tour online here!
8. Lares Trek: 4 days with Panoramic Train
- Duration: 4 days
- Time: 4:30 am
- Highlights: Small group hike, visit Incan ruins and stop in traditional Andean communities, ride the panoramic Vistadome train back to Cusco
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, experienced guide, porters, and chef, 1 night hotel accommodation (other nights are camping), all meals during the trek, train ticket, entrance ticket to Lares, Salineras, and Machu Picchu
- Rating: 5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check prices here!
The Lares Trek is a lesser-known alternative to the Inca Trail or Salkantay, but it’s easily one of the most culturally rich and rewarding routes to Machu Picchu. This 4-day trek focuses less on dramatic mountain passes and more on connecting with traditional Andean life—and it’s absolutely beautiful.
You’ll hike through remote farming communities, learn how locals care for llamas and alpacas, and even visit village schools. We loved how immersive it felt, especially hearing the native Quechua language spoken in daily life.
The trek covers 39 km (24 miles) and reaches up to 4,600 meters (15,100 ft), so a moderate level of fitness is definitely needed. On day one, you’ll kick things off early with hot springs, a scenic waterfall hike, and a visit to a village untouched by modern technology.
You’ll also explore Ollantaytambo—unlike other tours that just pass through, this one gives you time to experience the town’s rich history. On the final day, you’ll tour Machu Picchu with a guide, then have free time to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu (just be sure to request this at booking).
Afterward, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the Vistadome for a scenic train ride back to Cusco.
This trek includes nearly everything—transportation, meals, guides, entrance fees, porters, and even a night in a hotel. If you’re craving a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is it!
Check availability and book the Lares hiking tour online here!
Do you need to book a tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco in advance?
Yes, you must book your tour in advance!
Machu Picchu is one of the best places to visit in Peru – and it’s in high demand. Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out fast during the busy season (June to August) – as do tours!
All the tours we mentioned on this list include entry tickets to Machu Picchu, so booking a tour makes it that much easier. Still, the logistics of the tours and getting to Machu Picchu aren’t the simplest. As such, it’s best if you can give your tour operator enough time to get the tickets and arrange the activities.
If you’re planning on doing a trek, most tour operators need to know at least two weeks in advance to get everything prepared.
Many people miss out on the best time slots and tours because they wait to book tickets. Don’t be that person!
Secure your spot on our favorite Machu Picchu day trip here!
Related Read: Are you also visiting Lima and want to escape the city for a day? Check out the best day trips from Lima, Peru!
Is visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco worth it?
Yes, absolutely. It really is one of the coolest places we have ever visited – and that’s saying something! It was also one of our top experiences in Peru.
Machu Picchu is super special and absolutely fascinating. It definitely lives up to the hype! Plus, if you’ve made it as far as Cusco, you really shouldn’t let this opportunity pass you up. Visiting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we would recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Learn more about our favorite day trip to Machu Picchu here, and our favorite multi-day hike here!
Other Activities to do in Cusco
Cusco is a top travel destination for good reason! There are plenty of things to do in Cusco, whether you are here for one day or a whole week. So, if you’ve already taken a tour of Machu Picchu, check out some other activities below.
- Go sightseeing! – Cusco is packed with history, culture, and incredible sights—but it can be a lot to take in on your own. That’s why we recommend this half-day city tour. You’ll visit top landmarks and nearby ruins with a knowledgeable guide who brings the city’s rich past to life. It’s the perfect way to get a deeper introduction to Cusco without feeling rushed.
- Take a cooking class – Peruvian food is insanely delicious, so if you want to make it upon your return, book this Peruvian cooking class. A local chef will take you to the San Pedro Market for all the ingredients before making local dishes with a modern twist! You’ll also taste pisco sours, try exotic fruits, and get to know the culture.
- Visit Rainbow Mountain – Rainbow Mountain is one of the most striking natural sights in Peru, known for its bold, layered colors and dramatic Andean scenery. It’s just a few hours from Cusco, and while it does require a hike to reach, it’s absolutely worth the effort. The easiest way to visit is on this full-day tour, which takes you through high-altitude landscapes and rewards you with incredible views at the summit.
- Learn to make chocolate – Dive into the world of Peruvian chocolate at ChocoMuseo’s Bean-to-Bar workshop in Cusco. This hands-on, 2-hour class takes you through the entire chocolate-making process—from roasting cacao beans to crafting your own customized chocolates. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the rich history of cacao in Peru and enjoy tastings of chocolate drinks.
Where to Stay in Cusco
We recommend planning to stay at least a few days in Cusco because of all the things to do in the city and leaving enough time to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. There are plenty of options for accommodations, from reasonably priced hostels to more luxurious hotels, depending on your budget. If these hotels still have availability for your dates, they are my top recommendations:
Luxury – $$$
Located in the city center, Palacio del Inka is a luxurious hotel offering delightful amenities like an internal courtyard perfect for stargazing, excellent dining options, and an indoor swimming pool and fitness center for an additional fee. The interior design combines bold, traditional works of art with modern-day comforts like wifi and cable TV. If you’re feeling the altitude, oxygen and coca tea are available by request.
The price tag here starts at around $380 USD per night. You can check availability and book Palacio del Inka online here.
Mid Range – $$
Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco is a stylish mid-range hotel housed in a beautiful 17th-century colonial mansion just steps from Plaza de Armas. Rooms blend classic charm with modern comforts like plush beds, flat-screen TVs, and spacious bathrooms. The on-site restaurant and bar serve up local flavors, and the cozy courtyard is perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Cusco.
Rooms here average around $200 USD a night. To snag this deal, check availability and book the Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco online here.
Budget – $
El Mariscal Cusco is a great budget-friendly hotel located in the quiet San Blas district, just a short walk from the main square. Rooms are colorful, clean, and include private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. A tasty breakfast is served each morning, and the warm hospitality makes it feel like a home away from home.
Private rooms are around $70 USD per night. You can check availability and reserve here room here through Booking.com.
Check out all of Cusco’s hotel options here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting Machu Picchu is one of those bucket-list experiences that you’ll never forget. However, it’s not the easiest destination to get to and requires advance planning. Luckily, if you’re heading to Cusco, there are several tours to Machu Picchu that make planning so much simpler. Whether you have just one day or want to enjoy a 5-day trek, we hope this list has helped!
If you found this guide useful, read our other blogs about Peru. We also write about several other destinations in South America. To give you a little sampling of what we cover, I’ve linked to a few articles below.
26 EPIC Things to do in Bolivia
19 Amazing Things to do in Miraflores, Peru & Guide to Visiting