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Full Day Tours from Cusco: Best Options
When you only have one day in Cusco, the key is to choose a well-organized tour that allows you to see as much as possible without wasting time on transfers and planning. These are the most recommended full day tours according to your interest:
Machu Picchu Full Day
The Most Popular Tour: Round Trip Same Day
Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour, this is the most requested tour but also the longest of the day. You leave very early from Cusco and return late at night. There are two ways to do it:
Option 1: Train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy
Tour logistics:
- Hotel pickup 4:00-4:30 am
- Bus ride to Ollantaytambo (2 hours) or Poroy station (30 minutes)
- Train to Aguas Calientes: 1.5-2 hours depending on the station
- Bus up to Machu Picchu: 25 minutes
- Guided tour at Machu Picchu: 2-2.5 hours
- Free time: 1-2 additional hours
- Return by train and bus to Cusco
- Hotel arrival: 9:00-10:00 pm
Train types:
Expedition (PeruRail) or Voyager (Inca Rail): Standard service with large panoramic windows. Comfortable seats and snack included. It’s sufficient for most travelers.
Vistadome: Roof windows, improved snack and Andean dance show on the return. Costs $20-30 USD more per segment. Worth it if the weather is clear.
Hiram Bingham (luxury train): Includes gourmet food, bar and live music. Costs from $500 USD. Only if budget is not an issue.
Option 2: Hidroelectrica (Low Budget)
How it works:
- Minivan ride to Hidroelectrica: 6-7 hours
- Walk along the train tracks: 2.5-3 hours to Aguas Calientes
- Night in basic hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Early morning: ascent to Machu Picchu (bus or walk)
- Return the same way: walk + van
Reality of this option: Technically you can do it in a very long day (departure 3:00 am, return 11:00 pm), but it’s exhausting. Most Hidroelectrica tours are 2 days/1 night. I don’t recommend it as a real “full day” because you arrive very tired and with little time at Machu Picchu.
What the Train Tour Normally Includes
- Transportation Cusco – train station – Cusco
- Round trip train tickets (class according to what was contracted)
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Professional group guide (2-2.5 hours)
- Assistance throughout the tour
NOT included:
- Lunch (there are restaurants in Aguas Calientes, budget $15-25 USD)
- Tips
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (purchased separately, must be booked in advance)
Circuits Inside Machu Picchu
Since 2024, Machu Picchu has defined circuits. Most full day tours include:
Circuit 2 (the most complete): Includes the classic postcard photo, terrace area, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Water Mirrors. It’s the circuit that shows the most of the archaeological site. Duration: 2.5-3 hours.
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book it weeks in advance (limited spaces). This adds 2-3 more hours and requires specific circuits.
Advantages of Machu Picchu Full Day Tour
- You visit the wonder of the world without needing to stay in Aguas Calientes
- You save the cost of a hotel in Aguas Calientes (hotels there are expensive)
- You make the most of your time if you have few days in Cusco
Disadvantages to Consider
- Very long day (17-18 hours from when you leave the hotel)
- Machu Picchu is more crowded between 10 am – 2 pm (full day tour schedule)
- Little free time to explore on your own
- If there are train or weather delays, stress increases
Specific Recommendations for This Tour
Book in advance: Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited capacity (4,500 people/day). In high season (May-September) they sell out weeks before. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead.
Breakfast: Leave without eating heavily or bring something light. The curvy bus ride can cause dizziness.
On the train: Sit on the left side on the way to Aguas Calientes (best views of the Urubamba River). On the right side on the return.
Clothing: Bring layers. Cusco is cold at 4 am (5-8°C), but Machu Picchu can be warm at noon (20-25°C). Waterproof jacket always.
Walking sticks: Not allowed inside Machu Picchu unless you have a medical certificate.
Large backpacks: Only backpacks up to 40x35x20 cm are allowed. There is luggage storage at the entrance ($3-5 USD).
Repellent: The area is tropical, there are mosquitoes. Apply it before entering because you can’t apply anything inside.
Best Time of Year
Dry season (May-September): Less rain, clearer skies, but more people and higher prices. June-July are peak months.
Rainy season (November-March): More rain (especially January-February), fewer tourists, lower prices. The advantage is that everything is green and there are fewer people in photos.
Intermediate months (April, October): Balance between weather and crowd size. Good option.
Is It Worth Doing Machu Picchu in One Day?
Yes, if your time is limited and you can’t stay more days in Cusco. The experience is still incredible even if rushed. But if you can, consider doing Machu Picchu in 2 days (staying one night in Aguas Calientes) to enjoy it more calmly, see sunrise or sunset, and maybe climb Huayna Picchu.
Sacred Valley Full Day
Complete Tour of Main Sites
The Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour is ideal if you want to understand the magnitude of the Inca Empire. You leave early from Cusco (between 7-8 am) and return around 7 pm. The itinerary includes:
Pisac: Artisan market and archaeological ruins in the upper part. The ruins have impressive agricultural terraces and an Inca cemetery.
Urubamba: Stop for buffet lunch (generally included in the tour). Here you have time to rest before continuing.
Ollantaytambo: Inca fortress that still preserves its original urban layout. It’s one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. The giant stones and irrigation system are the highlights.
Chinchero: Andean village famous for its weavers. You’ll see textile demonstrations with ancestral techniques and natural dyes.
Why Choose This Tour
It gives you a complete vision of how the Incas lived outside of Cusco. The altitude is lower than in the city (between 2,800 and 2,900 masl), so if you just arrived it’s more manageable than other tours.
Maras and Moray Full Day
Different Experience: Salt, Agriculture and Landscapes
The Maras and Moray + Chinchero Tour combines Inca engineering with unique landscapes. Leaves around 8 am and returns at 6 pm.
Moray: Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces. Each level has different microclimates – the temperature varies up to 15°C between the top and bottom level. The Incas experimented here with crops from different regions.
Maras Salt Mines: More than 3,000 salt pools in operation since pre-Inca times. The water comes from an underground spring with high salt content. The views are spectacular, especially with afternoon light.
Maras Village: Optional depending on the tour. It’s a quiet colonial town where you can see Spanish architecture mixed with Inca foundations.
Advantages of This Tour
It’s less crowded than the classic Sacred Valley. The Salt Mines are photogenic any time of year. If you like photography or are looking for something less touristy, this is your option.
Cusco City Tour + Nearby Ruins
Discover the City and Surroundings
The Cusco City Tour works well if you prefer not to go far away or if your departure flight is the next afternoon. Lasts between 8-9 hours.
Part 1 – Historic Center (morning):
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): Base of the Convent of Santo Domingo
- Plaza de Armas: Cathedral and historical explanation
- San Blas: Artisan neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets
Part 2 – Archaeological ruins (afternoon):
- Sacsayhuamán: Walls with stones up to 125 tons
- Q’enqo: Ceremonial center with channels carved in rock
- Puka Pukara: Inca military checkpoint
- Tambomachay: Ceremonial water fountains
Who Is It Ideal For
If you want to understand Cusco before going to other places. Also if you have physical limitations, because the effort is less than in other tours. The ruins are 10-20 minutes from the city.
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Full Day
Most Physically Demanding Tour
The Rainbow Mountain Tour leaves very early (4:30-5:00 am) and returns between 5-6 pm. It’s approximately 3 hours travel each way.
The route: From the starting point you walk between 1.5 to 2 hours uphill until reaching 5,200 masl. The hike is demanding due to the altitude. Some companies offer horses (additional cost, not normally included).
The mountain: The colors are due to the oxidation of different minerals. The colors are more intense in dry season (May to September).
Important Considerations
Only do it if you’ve been acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 2 days. Altitude sickness (soroche) can ruin the experience. Bring warm clothing – it’s cold up there even in summer. Breakfast and lunch are usually included but are basic.
Humantay Lake Full Day
Less Extreme Alternative than Vinicunca
The Humantay Lake Tour has similar logistics: departure 4:30-5:00 am, return 5-6 pm. 2.5 hours travel.
The hike: Approximately 1.5 hours to the lake at 4,200 masl. It’s shorter than Vinicunca but has steep slopes.
The lake: Intense turquoise color surrounded by glaciers and Humantay snow-capped mountain. You can make an offering to Pachamama with the guide (optional).
Advantages Over Vinicunca
Lower altitude = less risk of severe altitude sickness. The lake is more visually compact – the entire view in one spot. If you only have one day and want Andean nature without so much suffering, this is a better option.
Practical Recommendations for Any Tour
Before Booking
- Confirm what’s included: transportation, entrance fees, guide, meals
- Ask about group size – large groups (more than 15) go slower
- Verify the guide’s language if you don’t speak Spanish
- Buy the tourist ticket in advance if going to Sacred Valley or City Tour (saves time)
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (the sun burns strong at altitude)
- Water (minimum 1 liter)
- Snacks (dried fruits, chocolate, coca candies)
- Cash in soles for tips, bathrooms (S/1) or purchases
- Camera with charged battery
- Windbreaker jacket
About Altitude
Cusco is at 3,400 masl. If you arrive the same day as the tour, go to lower altitude tours (Sacred Valley, Maras-Moray). Drink coca tea, eat light, don’t consume alcohol the night before.
How to Choose Your Tour According to Your Interests
If it’s your first time in Peru and you only have one day: Machu Picchu full day (even though it’s long, it’s the main reason for most visits)
If you already know Machu Picchu or are saving it for another day: Sacred Valley
If you like history and archaeology: Sacred Valley or City Tour + Ruins
If you’re looking for natural landscapes: Vinicunca or Humantay
If you want something different: Maras and Moray
If you have little acclimatization time: Sacred Valley (lower altitude) or Machu Picchu (2,430 masl)
If you’re well acclimatized and in good shape: Vinicunca
If you want spectacular photos: Maras-Moray, Humantay or Machu Picchu
The important thing is that a well-spent day in Cusco can give you a complete experience, but it can also leave you wanting to return. The city and its surroundings have much more to offer.
