It is possible to visit Machu Picchu in just one day, but there are a few details to keep in mind. Normally, the main issue is securing tickets for your preferred time slot. Other issues are related to transportation and the travel route. That is why, in this blog, we want to talk about and help thousands of tourists plan and organize their time better. Discover the itinerary followed by travel agencies and the advantages of each type of entry to Machu Picchu.

• The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
• Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu in just one day?
• Types of entry to Machu Picchu and the best options
• What is the Full Day tour offered by travel agencies like?
• Machu Picchu in one day, the most recommended trip
• Which ticket should I choose if availability is low?
• Recommendation for getting to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Llama observing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu is the best-preserved Inca site, considered a citadel where the Inca elite once lived.
• It was discovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham, although local communities were already aware of the site.
• It is known as “The citadel of stone above the clouds” because, during certain times of the year, the citadel can be seen amidst the clouds.
• Machu Picchu consists of two distinct areas: an upper section with the most important temples and a lower section with residential areas and smaller temples.
• The most significant attractions at 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?
  • The most common route to Machu Picchu is by train, departing from the town of Ollantaytambo (1 hour 30 minutes by car from Cusco).
  • Another option is to take the classic Inca Trail hike, a four-day adventure along historic routes.
  • The cheapest alternative is to take the Hidroelectric station route. This involves a several-hour car ride to Santa Teresa, followed by a short hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• Where is it located?
  • Politically, it belongs to the Machu Picchu Pueblo district, also known as Aguas Calientes.
  • Geographically, it is located in the high jungle of the Urubamba province, within the Cusco region.
  • It is approximately 100 kilometers from Cusco.
• What are the visiting hours?
  • Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • There are 10 available entry times, with the first at 6:00 AM and the last at 3:00 PM, depending on the ticket you choose.
  • Some tickets provide access to all 10 time slots (4 entries), 4 time slots (2 entries), or 2 time slots (4 tickets).
  • Each ticket comes with a recommended duration of stay, which is usually 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if your ticket includes an additional hike, it can be extended up to 5 hours.

Route to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco

Where to book Machu Picchu entrance tickets?
Tickets for Machu Picchu can be reserved both in person and online. It is much more recommended to book online, as you can choose the ticket and time slot that best fit your travel itinerary. If you decide to buy your ticket in person, keep in mind that some tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance. If you cannot purchase a ticket, we recommend as a last option traveling to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where 1,000 tickets are made available daily.

The tickets you can reserve for a one-day visit are:

Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu in just one day?

• The one-day trip to Machu Picchu requires meticulous planning to avoid possible inconveniences or delays.
• The adventure begins early in the morning in the city of Cusco, traveling by car to the town of Ollantaytambo, where the train station to Machu Picchu is located.
• The return from Machu Picchu to Cusco can be made in the afternoon or evening, depending on the train ticket schedule.

*The return time to Cusco can be later in the evening.

Types of Entry to Machu Picchu and the Best Options

Panoramic Circuit Routes

The panoramic circuit allows you to enjoy the best views of Machu Picchu from the highest area. You will also have the opportunity to get the classic postcard photo near the Guardian’s House area. The tickets that include this circuit are:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A).
• Machu Picchu Classic Terrace Photo (Route 1B).
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C).
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D).

Classic Circuit Routes

The classic Machu Picchu circuit grants access to the middle section of Machu Picchu, where some of the most important buildings and temples are located. The route features areas with expansive views from terraces, connecting wide open spaces and the lower section of Machu Picchu. The tickets offering all these experiences are:

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit Designed (Route 2A).
• Machu Picchu Classic Terrace Lower (Route 2B).

Royalty Circuit Routes

The royalty circuit explores the lower section of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. During the tour, you will pass by some significant structures, the agricultural sector, and wide open spaces. This entry allows for photos inside the citadel, in addition to following some hiking routes. The tickets including this circuit are:

• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A).
• Machu Picchu Lower Temples or Royalty Designed (Route 3B).
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cave (Route 3C).
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D).

Machu Picchu Circuits

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

• Traveling with a travel agency is the best option for a one-day trip to Machu Picchu.
• With Ticketmachupicchu, you can discover all the options available, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying the experience.
• By traveling with a tour, you will have greater security, as the service usually starts with a pickup from your hotel.
• They will also have all the necessary services ready for you to use.
• You will have your train ticket to Aguas Calientes and your eco-bus ticket to reach Machu Picchu in hand.
• Tickets for entry will also be reserved, so it is recommended to make contact months in advance.
• Additionally, everything will be arranged for your return trip to Cusco.
• Typically, agencies book the first trains of the day, with arrival in Cusco at night.
• You will also have access to certain restaurants with discounts.

Couple of tourists in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in one day, the most recommended trip

• If you only have one day to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend starting very early.
• You can choose the ticket of your preference, as all options have morning schedules. Just remember to book in advance.
• However, you will need to choose routes in Machu Picchu for the 09:00 AM schedule, as this is the only time that will allow you to complete all the activities of the itinerary without any issues.
• The most recommended tickets are those that include the classic circuit, but if you’re looking for more adventure, you can opt for those that include an additional hiking route.
• When descending from Machu Picchu, you will have additional time to explore the attractions of Aguas Calientes. If you wish, you can also walk down from the Inca citadel; it’s a free experience that lets you discover more of the area’s biodiversity.
• If you prefer to do the tour in the afternoon, there will only be four tickets available, none of which include hiking routes.

Is it recommended to take the eco-buses?
One-day trips to Machu Picchu should be maximized, which is why it is recommended to take the eco-buses for the ascent and descent. It is the most comfortable and fastest option (30 minutes) to reach the entrance to the Historical Sanctuary. There is also the option to hike, although it takes quite a bit of time (around 2 hours).

Which ticket should I choose if availability is limited?

• Visiting Machu Picchu during the day is not mandatory, another special option is to do it in the afternoon.
• Visiting in the afternoon is quite attractive because afternoon tickets usually have more availability, and there’s less crowding.
• You may even find discounts on tickets for the 3:00 PM time slot.
• On the other hand, train tickets may also have slight discounts.
• For many tourists, visiting in the afternoon is one of the best options. This is because:
  • There are fewer people.
  • The tour is much slower, allowing for a better experience.
  • Discounts are available.
  • Sometimes, you can enjoy the sunset in the Inca citadel.
  • There are also less crowded spaces for taking photos.
• A great alternative to visit Machu Picchu from a different perspective is to book one of the tickets to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, a place that involves an adrenaline-filled hiking route with unique views of the Inca citadel.
• Finally, you will also have the option to book tickets for the panoramic route with paths leading to the Inca Bridge or the Inti Punku entrance.

Tourists in Machu Picchu

Recommendations for arriving at Machu Picchu

• It is important to book your tickets at least one month in advance. If you want one of the more popular tickets (classic circuit or Huayna Picchu Mountain), you should book 2 to 3 months in advance.
• Once you’ve booked your Machu Picchu entry ticket, you can also reserve your train tickets and even the eco-bus ticket.
• Don’t forget your identification documents to validate all your reservations.
• Even if someone else makes the reservation for you, all tourists involved must present their identification and passport to use the bookings.
• Since it’s a one-day trip, carry only what’s necessary.
• A small backpack will be enough to carry the essentials, such as: sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, water bottles, snacks, and necessary medications.
• You can also carry extra clothing, and most importantly, a rain poncho.
• Don’t forget to charge your 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 time to travel to Machu Picchu is from March to November. This is because the rains usually start in early November, which may not be ideal for some visitors.

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

  The travel time by bus, train, and then bus averages about 5 hours. This is mainly due to unplanned stops and the time it takes to switch between modes of transport. We estimate the time at 5 hours, starting from Cusco, passing through Ollantaytambo, and then taking the eco-buses.

• 3) What transportation options are available for a one-day trip?

  The best option for a round-trip in one day is by train, thanks to the wide variety of schedules. Especially for economical trains, you can travel from early morning and return at night to Cusco. This is ideal if you plan on doing several activities in Aguas Calientes.

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

  Absolutely, especially if you plan to make the trip in just one day. The available time slots tend to sell out quickly, even weeks in advance. That’s why it’s important to book at least two or three months ahead to avoid disrupting your itinerary.

• 5) What are the must-see places in Machu Picchu for a one-day visit?

  To make the most of your one-day trip, it’s recommended to book any of the routes from Circuit 2. These classic routes allow you to appreciate the Inca constructions in greater detail and explore various religious, agricultural, and ceremonial areas. With these tickets, you won’t miss anything.

• 6) When is the high season at Machu Picchu?

  The high season at Machu Picchu runs from June 19 to November 2. During this period, new routes are opened.

• 7) Are there age restrictions for some tickets?

  In most cases, Machu Picchu allows visitors of all ages. However, Huayna Picchu and some trekking routes require visitors to be over 12 years old for safety reasons.

• 8) What’s the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

  It depends on the time of year. The dry season (April to October) offers more stable weather but also larger crowds. The rainy season (November to March) sees fewer visitors, but the weather is wetter.

• 9) What’s the ideal option for adventure lovers?

  The Royalty Route is your best bet if you’re looking for a challenge. Route 3A, which includes a hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, and Route 3C, which leads you to the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cave, provide adventurous paths with unforgettable views, perfect for those in good physical condition.

• 10) What are the differences between visiting Machu Picchu in high season and low season?

  During the high season (from June 19 to November 2), some exclusive routes are opened, like the path to the Temple of the Moon or the Great Cave (Route 3C) or the Inca Bridge (Route 1D), which offers additional experiences to the classic tour.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Pablo I.

“Machu Picchu at a Glance“

“My girlfriend and I visited Machu Picchu in October, we did the entire trip in one day since we were just briefly visiting Cusco. It was an amazing experience, although quite tiring. I recommend staying for more days if you can.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 10, 2026