Summary
Duration
Tour Type
Difficulty
Altitude
Accommodation
Group Size
The one-day trip to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco is the ideal journey designed for those who want to make the most of their day. Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world, is at the top of many travelers’ wish lists. This program is designed to provide you with everything that Machu Picchu has to offer.
Although it’s a one-day trip, you’ll be able to see all the main sites within the citadel and even hike up to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu if you’ve booked a hike in advance.
In this one-day trip to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco, you’ll experience everything we offer on our two-day Machu Picchu tour.
- Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley on the way to the train station, passing through charming Andean villages.
- Experience the amazing change of landscape, climate, and ecosystems as you enter the Peruvian cloud forest. The train journey will provide unforgettable views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. On the right, you’ll see the Vilcanota River, and on the left, you’ll enjoy the jungle… and perhaps some wildlife!
- Explore the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu: Immerse yourself in the Inca legacy as you tour the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. Experience the grandeur of this historical jewel while discovering its secrets and legends on a guided tour full of fascinating details.
- Experience history and culture in every corner of the citadel: Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the hallways and buildings of the citadel, including iconic spots like the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Acllahuasi, the Temple of the Condor, and the water fountains.
- Enjoy free time in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes): After the guided tour, relax and explore the picturesque village of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy its diverse culinary offerings and handicrafts, before taking the train back to Cusco and concluding this unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 03:40 and 04:00 in the morning and head to the Ollantaytambo train station, the departure point for Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes).
The train journey ahead is a very special route, as it travels through one of the most spectacular railways in the world. You will cross unforgettable landscapes, which you will be able to admire better thanks to the train’s glass ceiling. After an hour and a half, you will arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Once in Machu Picchu Pueblo, our guide will meet you and assist with your bus transfer to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
In Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two and a half hours, visiting the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Acllahuasi, the Temple of the Condor, and the water fountains. After the tour, you will have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you’ve booked in advance. Then, we’ll take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Before returning by train to Ollantaytambo, you will have five hours of free time to eat and explore Machu Picchu Pueblo. At the agreed time, we’ll meet at the train station and start the journey back to Ollantaytambo. There, our representative will meet you and organize your bus transfer back to Cusco.
At the end of the tour, the bus will drop you off three blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Inclusions
Incluye
- Pick-up from your hotel: Hotel pick-ups start from 3:30 AM. Pick-up times can be arranged.
- Transportation from Cusco City to the Ollantaytambo train station, and vice versa on the return trip.
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, round-trip (Expedition or The Voyager, subject to availability) (You can upgrade your train experience to the Vistadome or 360 train by adding $100.00 USD per trip).
- Professional and experienced guide, licensed in Tourism (Spanish, English, or Portuguese).
- Bus service from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu (round-trip).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (circuit 2 or 3, subject to availability).
It is recommended that travelers book at least 3 months in advance to enjoy the Machu Picchu route 2, which allows for 2.5 hours of exploration, a visit to the agricultural sector (where you can take some of the best photos), and a chance to take the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House. Booking in advance also helps secure a train ticket with a better schedule and view.
Not Included
- Access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain
- You must add $60.00 USD for foreigners, or $45.00 USD for Peruvians (subject to availability). If you would like a guide to accompany you to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must add another $60.00 USD for each group of 1 to 10 people wishing to hike the mountain.
If you want to include Wayna Picchu Mountain, please check availability first, as spots are limited.
- Vistadome Train or 360° Train
- ($45.00 USD per route).
The Vistadome Train offers a comfortable and scenic ride to Machu Picchu, with large windows that allow you to enjoy the Andean landscape throughout the journey. It also includes snacks, beverages, and an onboard show with traditional dances, adding a cultural touch to the trip. On the other hand, Inca Rail’s 360° Train is designed to offer an even more immersive visual experience thanks to its larger panoramic windows and open-air observatory car, ideal for taking photos and connecting with the natural surroundings. This service also includes snacks made with local ingredients and an onboard entertainment system, making the trip comfortable, modern, and engaging.
- Vistadome Observatory Train
- ($100.00 USD per route).
PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory goes a step beyond the traditional Vistadome service by including an exclusive observatory car with even larger windows, a glass roof, and an outdoor terrace from which you can admire the landscape without obstruction. On select schedules, this service also features live Andean music and traditional dance performances, offering a more immersive and unique experience for those looking for something special on their journey to Machu Picchu.
- Breakfast, lunch, or drinks (After visiting Machu Picchu, you can choose to have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo.)
- Snacks
- Tips (optional)
What to bring
- Passport, ID card, or DNI (for Peruvians).
It is necessary to bring identification documents to enter Machu Picchu.
Train ticket, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- 1 personal backpack
- Cash for personal expenses
- Appropriate clothing: If it’s cold and windy, we recommend bringing a jacket, long-sleeve shirt, and long pants.
- Insect repellent
- Good walking shoes
- 1 water bottle
- Soles (cash)
Mapa:Day Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco (By Train)
Summary
Duration
Tour Type
Difficulty
Altitude
Accommodation
Group Size
The one-day trip to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco is the ideal journey designed for those who want to make the most of their day. Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world, is at the top of many travelers’ wish lists. This program is designed to provide you with everything that Machu Picchu has to offer.
Although it’s a one-day trip, you’ll be able to see all the main sites within the citadel and even hike up to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu if you’ve booked a hike in advance.
In this one-day trip to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco, you’ll experience everything we offer on our two-day Machu Picchu tour.
- Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley on the way to the train station, passing through charming Andean villages.
- Experience the amazing change of landscape, climate, and ecosystems as you enter the Peruvian cloud forest. The train journey will provide unforgettable views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. On the right, you’ll see the Vilcanota River, and on the left, you’ll enjoy the jungle… and perhaps some wildlife!
- Explore the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu: Immerse yourself in the Inca legacy as you tour the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. Experience the grandeur of this historical jewel while discovering its secrets and legends on a guided tour full of fascinating details.
- Experience history and culture in every corner of the citadel: Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the hallways and buildings of the citadel, including iconic spots like the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Acllahuasi, the Temple of the Condor, and the water fountains.
- Enjoy free time in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes): After the guided tour, relax and explore the picturesque village of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy its diverse culinary offerings and handicrafts, before taking the train back to Cusco and concluding this unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 03:40 and 04:00 in the morning and head to the Ollantaytambo train station, the departure point for Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes).
The train journey ahead is a very special route, as it travels through one of the most spectacular railways in the world. You will cross unforgettable landscapes, which you will be able to admire better thanks to the train’s glass ceiling. After an hour and a half, you will arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Once in Machu Picchu Pueblo, our guide will meet you and assist with your bus transfer to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
In Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two and a half hours, visiting the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Acllahuasi, the Temple of the Condor, and the water fountains. After the tour, you will have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you’ve booked in advance. Then, we’ll take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Before returning by train to Ollantaytambo, you will have five hours of free time to eat and explore Machu Picchu Pueblo. At the agreed time, we’ll meet at the train station and start the journey back to Ollantaytambo. There, our representative will meet you and organize your bus transfer back to Cusco.
At the end of the tour, the bus will drop you off three blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Incluye
- Pick-up from your hotel: Hotel pick-ups start from 3:30 AM. Pick-up times can be arranged.
- Transportation from Cusco City to the Ollantaytambo train station, and vice versa on the return trip.
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, round-trip (Expedition or The Voyager, subject to availability) (You can upgrade your train experience to the Vistadome or 360 train by adding $100.00 USD per trip).
- Professional and experienced guide, licensed in Tourism (Spanish, English, or Portuguese).
- Bus service from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu (round-trip).
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (circuit 2 or 3, subject to availability).
It is recommended that travelers book at least 3 months in advance to enjoy the Machu Picchu route 2, which allows for 2.5 hours of exploration, a visit to the agricultural sector (where you can take some of the best photos), and a chance to take the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House. Booking in advance also helps secure a train ticket with a better schedule and view.
No Incluye
- Access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain
- You must add $60.00 USD for foreigners, or $45.00 USD for Peruvians (subject to availability). If you would like a guide to accompany you to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must add another $60.00 USD for each group of 1 to 10 people wishing to hike the mountain.
If you want to include Wayna Picchu Mountain, please check availability first, as spots are limited.
- Vistadome Train or 360° Train
- ($45.00 USD per route).
The Vistadome Train offers a comfortable and scenic ride to Machu Picchu, with large windows that allow you to enjoy the Andean landscape throughout the journey. It also includes snacks, beverages, and an onboard show with traditional dances, adding a cultural touch to the trip. On the other hand, Inca Rail’s 360° Train is designed to offer an even more immersive visual experience thanks to its larger panoramic windows and open-air observatory car, ideal for taking photos and connecting with the natural surroundings. This service also includes snacks made with local ingredients and an onboard entertainment system, making the trip comfortable, modern, and engaging.
- Vistadome Observatory Train
- ($100.00 USD per route).
PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory goes a step beyond the traditional Vistadome service by including an exclusive observatory car with even larger windows, a glass roof, and an outdoor terrace from which you can admire the landscape without obstruction. On select schedules, this service also features live Andean music and traditional dance performances, offering a more immersive and unique experience for those looking for something special on their journey to Machu Picchu.
- Breakfast, lunch, or drinks (After visiting Machu Picchu, you can choose to have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo.)
- Snacks
- Tips (optional)
- Passport, ID card, or DNI (for Peruvians).
It is necessary to bring identification documents to enter Machu Picchu.
Train ticket, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- 1 personal backpack
- Cash for personal expenses
- Appropriate clothing: If it’s cold and windy, we recommend bringing a jacket, long-sleeve shirt, and long pants.
- Insect repellent
- Good walking shoes
- 1 water bottle
- Soles (cash)
