Cultural
We will travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu one day tour, to learn about the history, architecture and beauty of this Wonder...
View tourExperience the magic of Machu Picchu on a one-day journey designed especially for independent travelers seeking freedom and flexibility. The journey takes you through the lush high jungle mountains of Cusco all the way to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
This tour is perfect for solo explorers who want to discover Machu Picchu at their own pace while still enjoying the comfort of a small group. It’s an ideal balance—giving you the independence to explore freely, while also offering the chance to connect with fellow travelers along the way.
This experience maintains the same high standards, duration, and quality as our regular tours—ensuring you don’t miss a chance to enjoy this unique and enriching experience!
All of our Machu Picchu tours can be tailored and custom-made for solo travelers, allowing you to shape the journey exactly to your preferences. Get in touch with our travel specialists and start planning your trip.

The Machu Picchu tour begins with hotel pick-up and transfer to the train company’s bus terminal. From there, a bus ride of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes will take you through amazing Andean landscapes to the Ollantaytambo, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to accompany you on a 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Upon entering the citadel, you will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours, during which the guide will provide detailed explanations about the history, architecture, and main features of Machu Picchu. You will visit both the agricultural and urban sectors of the citadel, including plazas, temples, pathways, stairways, terraces, aqueducts and breathtaking views! The agricultural terraces (also known as andenes) are supported by stone retaining walls, and the hydraulic system includes water channels that once supplied different areas of the city. Machu Picchu stands out for its extraordinary engineering and architecture harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape.
After the guided visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants and relax. Later, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by the return bus to Cusco. The tour concludes with the transfer back to your hotel.
NOTE: This tour operates with specific train schedules, so we recommend checking with our sales agent for more details.


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Our Machu Picchu tour for solo travelers offers the same quality as any other CuscoPeru.com tour. Before your trip, you will receive a briefing with all the important details, and we’ll provide all the tickets you need for your visit to Machu Picchu.
On the day of your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station. From there, you will travel for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through the Andes to the Ollantaytambo train station, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes along the way. Then, you will board the train that follows the Vilcanota River all the way to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) in approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, this train ride is also an amazing journey to observe the contrast between the high Andean puna and the transition to the Mountain Forests of Peru.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our guide will meet you and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you will take a 25-minute bus ride up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Once inside, you will enjoy a 2 to 3-hour guided tour of the citadel, where you will learn about its history, architecture, and the Inca culture. You will also have time to take photos from Machu Picchu’s main viewpoint.
After the guided tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and have free time to explore the town, visit the local artisan markets, and have lunch at one of its restaurants.
Finally, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there a bus will bring you back to Cusco. Our transportation will be waiting for you at the station to take you to your hotel.
Our personalized tour to Machu Picchu for solo travelers stands out for offering an enriching experience tailored to those traveling on their own pace. Below are some of its key features:
These features are designed to maximize your comfort and enjoyment, ensuring that your journey to Machu Picchu is a pleasant and well planned experience.
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WHAT TO BRING:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
To ensure your experience as a solo traveler in Machu Picchu is as rewarding and comfortable as possible, please consider the following recommendations:
These recommendations are designed to help solo travelers enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience in Machu Picchu. Enjoy your adventure with confidence and peace of mind!
THE VOYAGER or EXPEDITION Train
1 entrance ticket for Machu Picchu circuit 2 (subject to availability).
Guided group tour at Machu Picchu.
IMPORTANT:




To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

These answers cover the main decisions involved in choosing a circuit, booking transportation, packing for the trip, and visiting Machu Picchu as a solo traveler.
The best circuit depends on the experience you want. Circuit 1, also known as the Panoramic Circuit, focuses on elevated viewpoints and wide views of the archaeological site, but provides less access to the urban ruins. It is a good choice for travelers primarily interested in panoramic photos.
Circuit 2, or the Classic Circuit, combines the traditional Machu Picchu viewpoint with a walk through part of the archaeological area. It is generally the most popular option for first-time visitors. Circuit 3, known as the Royalty Circuit, explores the lower sector and may include access to specific mountains, depending on the route purchased.
Your ticket is valid only for the route selected when it is booked, and visitors cannot freely switch circuits at the entrance. This tour normally uses Circuit 2, but the final route depends on availability for the selected date.
A one-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco usually takes about 13 to 16 hours, depending on the train schedule, departure station, and connection times. Most tours leave before sunrise and return to Cusco in the evening.
The drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 90 minutes. The train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo usually takes between one hour and 40 minutes and two hours, followed by a 25- to 30-minute bus ride to the archaeological site.
The guided visit inside Machu Picchu generally lasts two to three hours, depending on the assigned circuit and the group’s pace. Travelers should also allow time for lunch, boarding procedures, and the return connections.
As a general planning guideline, booking two to four months ahead is recommended. For travel between June and October, holiday periods, Circuit 2, or limited-capacity routes such as Wayna Picchu, booking four to six months in advance is a safer option.
For 2026 visits, Peru’s Ministry of Culture opened Machu Picchu ticket reservations and payments in November 2025. Availability is divided by date, entry time, circuit, and route, so the most popular options may sell out well before the general daily capacity is reached.
The entrance time must also work with the available train and bus schedules. Purchasing an entrance ticket without confirming transportation can make it difficult to complete the trip from Cusco on the same day.
May through October generally brings drier weather and better walking conditions. June, July, and August are among the busiest months, with cold mornings and high demand for entrance tickets, trains, and accommodations.
April and November can offer a good balance of greener scenery, moderate visitor numbers, and relatively favorable weather, although rain is still possible. Rainfall becomes more frequent from December through March, especially in January and February.
Machu Picchu remains open during the rainy season, but travelers should pack waterproof clothing and be prepared for weather-related operational changes. Conditions can shift quickly throughout the day.
A small daypack containing only the essentials is the most practical option. Because storage space on the trains is limited, a safe guideline for regular services is one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 8 kg, although the exact size and weight allowance should be confirmed with the assigned train operator.
Large suitcases should be left at a hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, or placed in a luggage storage facility. Packing light also makes it easier to walk along Machu Picchu’s steps, slopes, and narrow paths.
Your daypack should include the identification document used for the reservation, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a rain layer, water, and layered clothing. Bags must not obstruct the route or make it difficult for other visitors to pass.
Yes. You do not need a travel companion to visit Machu Picchu. Solo travelers can arrange the trip independently, book a private service, or join a guided group with other passengers.
Before departure, confirm every transportation time, carry the same identification document used for the reservations, and verify the meeting point with the guide. Train, bus, and entrance tickets are usually tied to specific times, so missing one connection may affect the rest of the itinerary.
Inside Machu Picchu, remain on the assigned circuit and follow instructions from the guide and site staff. Keeping copies of the tickets, carrying a charged phone, and sharing the expected return time with the hotel are also sensible precautions.

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