Machu Picchu FullDay Tour from Cusco with Train Options and Guide

1. Cusco
   Pass by
   Early Morning Pickup & Transfer to Ollantaytambo: Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco (around 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM, depending on train schedule). Travel in a comfortable vehicle through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo Train Station.
2. Ollantaytambo
   1h 30m
   Scenic Train Ride to Aguas Calientes: Board your chosen train (Expedition, Vistadome, or Executive option) and enjoy a breathtaking 1.5-hour rail journey along the Urubamba River, surrounding mountains, and lush cloud forest.
3. Aguas Calientes
   45m
   Arrival & Shuttle Bus to Citadel: Arrive in Aguas Calientes where our team assists you to board the shuttle bus for the 30-minute winding drive up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
4. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Guided Tour of the Inca Citadel: Step into the World Wonder alongside your expert guide. Explore ancient temples, terraces, ceremonial sites, and urban plazas while learning about Inca architecture and history. Enjoy spectacular vantage points for photos.
5. Aguas Calientes
   4h
   Free Time, Return Train & Drop-off: Head back down by bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy free time for lunch or exploring the local craft market before taking your return train to Ollantaytambo, where our driver awaits to bring you back to your Cusco hotel.

Pickup details

We offer free pickup from hotels, hostels, houses, and apartments located within Cusco’s Historic Center. If your accommodation is not listed when booking, don’t worry: the travel advisor will contact you after your reservation to coordinate your pickup location.

Airport pickup is available only for flights arriving by 7:00 a.m. If your flight arrives within this timeframe, please provide your flight information after completing your reservation so we can arrange your transfer.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• BOOK IN ADVANCE: Due to extremely high demand and strict government regulations, we highly recommend booking 4 months or more in advance to guarantee your preferred entrance times and premium train tickets.
• PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED: The Machu Picchu government authority strictly requires the following details to issue your official entrance tickets: Full Name, Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Nationality. Please provide this data exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu entry is limited and scheduled in hourly shifts. Machupicchu CN Expeditions prioritizes the highly sought-after morning windows (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM). If these specific slots are sold out, the team will immediately secure the next closest available time, 100% ensuring your visit to the Inca citadel.
• Tickets are assigned according to real-time availability. The first choice is always Circuit 2 (The Classic View). If Circuit 2 is fully booked by the government, an alternative route (Circuit 1 or Circuit 3) will be assigned seamlessly so you can still experience the magic of the sanctuary.
• THE BRIEFING: A Machupicchu CN Expeditions representative will contact you one day prior to your tour to coordinate a briefing at your hotel lobby or via an agreed method. We will hand over your original physical/digital tickets, maps, and a step-by-step itinerary review.
• LUGGAGE POLICY FOR THE TRAIN: The train companies only allow a small backpack or carry-on bag per person (approx. 5kg/11lbs) for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. You can leave your large luggage at your Cusco hotel storage for free, or safely leave it at the main offices in Cusco during your trip.
• Please pack: Passport (mandatory for entry), sunglasses, comfortable walking clothes, hiking shoes/sneakers, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a warm jacket, and waterproof gear if traveling during the rainy season (December to March).
• WHEELCHAIRS: Standard group tours are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible options are only available under a Private Tour format at an additional cost due to specialized logistics.
• GROUP SIZE: This tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers. During the low season, groups are often smaller (around 4 travelers), offering an incredibly personalized and intimate experience.