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Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco

Cusco, Peru
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 13 to 15 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Offered in: English

Overview

    What's Included

    • Shuttle Bus Up from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu
    • 2-hour Machu Picchu group guide included for circuit 2 at 8am; otherwise private guide required
    • Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes round trip.
    • Ticket to MachuPicchu if you book 3 months in advance, otherwise we recommend the 2 day Tour option
    • Tourist transport from Cusco - Ollantaytambo, round trip.
    • Assistance 24/7
    • Effective communication before, during and after the tour.
    • Pick up from your Hotel to the bus stop in Cusco
    • Meals
    • Bus down from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
      $15.00 per person

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Pickup details

    Dear customer, welcome to our Laguna Humantay adventure! After your booking, we’ll be in touch to provide all the tour details and ensure everything is ready for your trip. If your hotel/accommodation is outside the historic center, please share the exact address so we can arrange the pick up accordingly.

    Start time
    .4:00 am

    Itinerary

    1

    Machupicchu cusco

    2 hours Admission Ticket Included

    2

    Ollantaytambo

    2 hours Admission Ticket Free

    3

    Aguas Calientes

    30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    4

    Machupicchu cusco

    3 hours Admission Ticket Included

    5

    Aguas Calientes

    2 hours Admission Ticket Free

    6

    Cusco

    4 hours Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    3.9
    based on 44 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most insightful

    Extremely disappointed.

    Vivian_T, Aug 2026
    When traveling to Machu Pichu Viator takes a step back and doesnt provide clear guidance that the tour company that really handles the tickets and the actual tour needs to be in contact with you directly. When I called Viator to get information on the tour for Machu Pichu they were rude and disinterested in my business since they had already received payment and non-refundable payment. Viator should rename the Machu Pichu tour since they really cannot get the tickets. I traveled with friends to visit Machu Pichu only to be told by Nixon Expeditions that they could not get us tickets for the day we had planned for and paid Viator directly. While in the long run, after many text messages and calls Nixon did arrange for us an alternate tour, it was not was we wanted. Viator gave false expectations of what we paid for and what we received. We did not get to visit Machu Pichu and that was our overall intent. Viator misrepresented the sale of the tickets for this tour. I would not recommend them at all. Do Not purchase tickets from Viator

    Memories for a lifetime

    Danielle_S, Jul 2026
    From the moment I booked this tour months ago until the day I visited Machu Picchu, this company exceeded every expectation. Communication throughout the entire booking process was outstanding, with constant updates, helpful information, and options whenever needed. A special thank you to Nixon for making the planning process so seamless and stress-free. We chose to upgrade to a private tour of Machu Picchu, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Johanna was absolutely AMAZING. She was patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and had the sweetest demeanor. While everyone expects Machu Picchu to be breathtaking, I truly believe a huge part of what made my experience so memorable was having Johanna as our guide. Her passion for the history and culture brought the site to life in a way I’ll never forget. Thank you to the entire team for making this such a special experience. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.

    MachuPichu

    Neus_B, Jul 2026
    They fulfilled all the agreement with traibs, bus, hotel, guide. If you want to sleep in silence, you better don't choose la Virgen del Carmen. I am very happy I decided to do this activity because of all the Inca cultural heritage I have learned, even some words.

    Machu Picchu is a must...

    Varshni_E, Jul 2026
    Machu Picchu is a must visit place on the earth because of its highly rich culture and civilisation. its high altitude make us feel very good in terms of good climate. at aleast we need to spend 3-5 days over there.

    Avoid!!

    Jillian_S, Jul 2026
    We booked 10 months in advance. The company failed to secure tickets for all 7 of us, only got 6. They told us that it was all arranged for that person to use a different circuit and sneak through. That didn't work. So she had to do a different circuit by herself. No one seemed to care much. I would not recommend this company to anyone!

    No one day tours to Machu Picchu.

    Jorma_K, May 2026
    Machu Picchu is a really amazing place to visit, but unfortunately now in high season it is really overcrowded and the new restrictions with amount of daily tickets has made it impossible to visit in one day. We booked a one day tour, but in the end had to go there in person to buy tickets that were two days ahead. Viator never should have offered this tour. They tried their best to save the situation but we ended up paying double what we originally were supposed to. The experience was somewhat stressful because you couldn’t rely on the information and organizers all the time.

    Terrible communication even worse organization.

    Zeynep_Y, May 2026
    Troubles with this tour agency started way before we went to Cusco. First the guy called Nixon told us that circuit 2 tickets were sold out so we can either do circuit 1 or circuit 3 or buy both just in case. Not to risk anything we wanted to buy bought tickets. Nixon told us that in that case we need to make extra payment of 150 us dollars for buying extra tickets, he sent us a payment link and we made the payment on 18 February 2026. On 16 March 2026, he sent only tickets for circuit 1 and sent a voice memo explaining he did not realize that circuit 3 tickets were also sold out so he will refund the full amount to us. However, after several attemps he still to this day did not refund the money. I asked him 3 times to repay and only reply I got from him was let me check your details and zero follow up. So he is just a big scammer. On the day of the tour every single possible step was disorganized, not thought through. On the actual day of the tour, the day started extremely early at 02:30, as we were instructed to be ready for pickup between 03:00 and 03:30. We were at the hotel gate on time, but no one arrived. It was around 04:00, there was still no communication, which already created confusion and frustration given the early wake-up time. Only around 04:30 did we receive a WhatsApp message saying the driver was actually waiting at a church, not our hotel, information that should have been shared much earlier. After finally being picked up in a very old vehicle, we were transferred to a bus at an unclear location with little explanation. The journey itself was quite uncomfortable due to winding mountain roads, poor road conditions, and a driver who did not speak English, which made communication difficult. Once dropped off in a busy town, we had to figure things out mostly on our own. The train station was chaotic and overcrowded, with limited guidance. We had to repeatedly ask staff for help and show our tickets multiple times before being allowed onto a train, as several departures did not accept us. The train ride itself was a welcome break and the most enjoyable part of the journey, as it was calm and scenic. However, upon arrival near Machu Picchu, the guide was not present and was unreachable for some time. Communication from the tour operator was also delayed, which created uncertainty in a very crowded and overwhelming environment. The next stage taking the bus up was also poorly organized, with unclear instructions and long queues. We were sent back and forth between different points, which made the process feel unnecessarily complicated. Eventually, we made it up the mountain, but by that point the experience had been quite exhausting due to the lack of coordination, communication, and clear structure throughout the day. All day long they just promised us things made sure that there will be someone waiting for us with a name card but there was no-one nowhere waiting for us and we figured everything ourselves. The only luck we had was our guide inside the Machu Picchu who we later learned was outsourced and no connection with this tour agency. Considering his knowledge and kindness it did not come up as a surprize. Kosmos was amazing and he helped us relaxed after this terrible morning and gave plenty of information about the place and Inka history and culture. Machu Picchu itself is an amazing location and a dream of us for long years but this thanks to this terrible tour agency and Nixon we ended up having a terribly stressful and disorganized day and scammed 150 us dollars.

    Plan your journey to...

    JADRANKA_D, May 2026
    Plan your journey to minimize traveling hours so you'll can fully enjoy visiting this magnificent location.

    Ouch Machu Pichu

    Anthony_M, May 2026
    We booked a one day tour for three people at a cost of $300 each totaling $900. After it was all said and done we ended up paying over $1500.00 dollars as the tour company said that we couldn’t do it in one day due to tickets to enter the park had to be purchased three months in advance so it now became a two day tour at a cost of $452 dollars more. So we paid it $900 + $452. Fine thought we were going Received another call said no two days was not going to work we needed to add another day and needed another $75 dollars each at a total cost of $225 plus $9.35 service fee for a total of $234. Received another call that $75 was a mistake and should be $92 per person so they needed another $17 dollars plus fee for a total of $52. In the meantime we had already booked a hotel in Cusco at the Holiday Garden Inn for a total of $638 dollars. We stayed there a total of four hours as the tour operator said we were being picked up at 1:30 in the morning as to be able to get in line for tickets for Machu Pichu on Saturday May 9th. The driver finally showed up at 3am and on the way had to backtrack three times cause he failed to get gas and no one was open at that time. Barely made the train to Aguascalientes. So $900 + $435 + $235 + $52 + $638 (Hilton) we are in Machu Pichu for the tour on Saturday May 9th. Was it worth it yes was the tour booking experience worth it NO expensive and we should have been told from the very beginning about the ticket experience, needing to book tickets in advance on line three months. We waited in line for six to seven hours to wait for tickets because the ministry department only issues a certain amount per day. I would like to be reimbursed the total tour changes $779 plus the three days hotel paid in advance in Cusco $638. Hopefully this will reach someone’s ears who will be able to act on this. A bit disappointed to say the least. Will we use Viator in our future world traveling very doubtful and potentially not likely to provide you with positive recommendations. Montoya’s

    Our dream trip to Mach Pichu

    PRABIR_R, May 2026
    Your ground handlers are UNBELIEVABLE especially NIXON. This was a last minute booking, but all went very well, NIXON guided us through all the issues and the requirements needed. Every concern of mine was responded within minutes and resolved. JUST WONDERFUL. I cannot thank enough.

    Unacceptable Experience.

    Chon_K, May 2026
    Tour operator never collected me from my hotel as advertised. Four hours later I was told that my booking was not guaranteed. I was prepared to pay an additional fee for entry into Machu Picchu as I booked my tour last minute as advertised on the booking advert. I asked why was I allowed to book a last moment tour when the company knew they would not provide the service and I was given several pre-scripted answer. I would have been okay with the tour operator cancelling my booking from the start or denying the purchase of the booking, board 2 flights and fly 14 hours to Cusco, however, to take payment only to refuse to provide the service is unacceptable. I informed the tour operator that I would be contacting American Express to report their lack of service and to request my payment be fully refunded. I was told that it was a "holiday" so nothing would be done. I had hoped to enjoy this experience, but I now know that not all operators providing this service are honest nor professional.

    Excellent

    Sorina_M, Mar 2026
    A amazing experience! We went to circle 1 and the view was incredible. Victor our guide was brilliant, very knowledgeable and great communication.

    Fabulous

    EDWIGE_B, Aug 2026
    Magnificent. Just to clarify that it is not a guide who is waiting for us. Once arrived on site, see according to the chosen tour and wait for the bus.
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    Could have been better.

    Cibele_M, Jul 2026
    The tour, in general, was well organized. However, I was dissatisfied with the organization of the return to Cusco. During the guidance meeting I made it clear that I would like to come back as soon as possible, provided that this would not involve additional costs. After the meeting, I confirmed this request in writing to avoid any doubt. Nevertheless, my return was only scheduled for 20:20. With this, I had to stay for many hours in Aguas Callientes after the visit to Machu Picchu, and the city offers few attractions to occupy this time. In my opinion, this choice could have been better planned, mainly because my preference had been communicated in advance. There were two schedule options: 14:00 and 19:00.
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    Non-compliance

    Jose_M, May 2026
    the service was not executed, and I had to travel for 3 more days promising service that also did not happen. Very poor service
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    Shadows that darken the organization of the visit to Machu Picchu

    Mariela_P, May 2026
    Circuit 2 is the most in demand. Unfortunately, we have to pay more than expected for the tickets because there are arrangements made "off the record"; otherwise, you have to stand in line and wait 2-3 days if you are lucky enough to find a spot. On the other hand, there were unclear details; for example, for the return from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, we had to pay an extra bus ticket; otherwise, we would have to walk down, which is crazy. On the return from Cusco, the van dropped us all off at Plaza Mayor; there was no drop-off at the accommodations. If it weren't for these significant details, the tour would be wonderful. Nevertheless, it is a must-do excursion in Cusco; the place is magical. I recommend that the organizers show attitude and willingness to improve the issues mentioned above.
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    Disaster at Macchu Pichu Booking

    Petra_M, May 2026
    Our trip to Macchu Pichu did not happen because Nixon Expedition could not agree to tickets. So we turned a 1 day tour into a 2 day tour and finally in Cusco we should make a 3 day tour of it, again without guarantee for a day ticket. We had also booked an extra ticket for the return journey with the panoramic train, as well as the 2. Overnight at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. None of this we used because we didn't want to get involved in further bookings without actually being able to visit the promise Macchu Pichu. Communication with Nixon of Nixon Expedition was friendly at the beginning and seemed serious, although many ifs and buts were worked with at the beginning. When we wanted to cancel last, since our destination of the visit was never confirmed, we should only be able to cancel, with all sorts of discounts. The reason for this is that it all depends on the government and there are only 1000 tickets per day, which you have to pick up in person in Aguas calientes at the government counter for the next day. In other words, a 1 day tour as booked by us is not possible at all. But we only learned that little by little. Last but not least the 2 day tour was not possible, you had to stay 3 days because it is possible to get no tickets for the following day. They say 500 people were already camped outside the government counter the night before. All very dubious and absolutely not satisfactory! So far we have not received any commitment from Nixon Expedition or Viator to refund our booking costs (almost €1000 in total for 3 people). Since we are still in Peru, it is very annoying to have to deal with it now. We strongly advise against booking to Macchu Pichu at least at this time and especially do not recommend booking with Nixon Expedition. Whether Viator, as the responsible platform, lives up to this commitment and helps us is yet to be seen.
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    Complaint of non-compliance

    Fabian_M, May 2026
    A mess. I bought the package and then your Nixon Expedition operator tells me we've got tickets. I had to go a day early and buy them for the next day. Then when we came back we got cancelled so I had to buy 4 tickets for $388 as Nixon offered no solution, I sent him the voucher and he tells me he will not refund it. I will file a complaint with the authorities for non-compliance with Viator and Nixon Expeditions
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    From $300.00

    per person

    -You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 44 days in advance.

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