One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco

4.3 (21 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration12h - 15h
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This one-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco offers a seamless journey to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. After an early morning pickup, enjoy a scenic train ride along the picturesque Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a professional guide will lead a comprehensive 2 to 2.5-hour tour of the ancient citadel, exploring key sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone. After the tour, take some time to explore Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at your leisure. The day concludes with a return train journey and evening arrival back in Cusco.

- Early hotel pickup in Cusco for a smooth start to your day
- Scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes
- 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s main highlights
- Designed for small groups for an intimate and personalized experience

Options

Expedition Train Circuit 2

Standard - Circuit 2: Includes Expedition train, circuit 2 entry, round-trip bus, small-group guided tour, and private transport.
Standard - Circuit 2: Comfortable package with private transport, Expedition train, round-trip bus, Circuit 2 entry, and small-group guided tour.
Duration: 13 hours
Pickup included

Expedition Train – Circuit 2

Budget - Circuit 2: Affordable option: Expedition train, circuit 2 entry, one-way bus, and guided tour with shared transport.
Pickup included

Expedition Train – Circuit 1

Standard - Circuit 1: Enjoy comfort with Expedition train, circuit 1 entry, round-trip bus, guided tour, and private transportation.
Duration: 13 hours
Pickup included

Vistadome Train – Circuit 1

Premium – Circuit 1: Premium service with Vistadome train, gourmet lunch, circuit 1 entry, round-trip bus, and private guide.
Pickup included

Expedition Train - Circuit 1

Budget - Circuit 1: Budget choice with Expedition train, circuit 1 entry, one-way bus, and guided tour.
Pickup included

Vistadome Train – Circuit 3

Premium - Circuit 3: Discover Machu Picchu’s lower-middle section with stunning views. Includes Vistadome train, entrance ticket, round-trip bus,
Pickup included

Expedition Train Circuit 3

Standard Circuit 3: Explore Machu Picchu’s lower area with Expedition train, circuit entry, bus tickets, guide, and hotel pickup.
Pickup included

Expedition Train – Circuit 3

Budget - Circuit 3: Low-cost option with Expedition train, circuit 3 entry, one-way bus, and guided tour.
Pickup included

Vistadome Train – Circuit 2

Premium - Circuit 2: A top experience: Vistadome or 360° train, gourmet lunch, round-trip bus, private guide, and circuit 2 entry.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Bus Tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu:
  • Tourist Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco:
  • Premium: 360° or Vistadome.
  • Budget & Standard: Shared transport.
  • Budget & Standard: Expedition or Voyager (based on availability).
  • Hotel Pickup: From your hotel or Airbnb located in the historic center of Cusco.
  • Tourist Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo: Shared or private, depending on the selected service.
  • Budget & Standard: Expedition or Voyager.
  • Professional Guide in Machu Picchu:
  • Premium: Private transport.
  • Standard & Premium: Round-trip bus (up and down).
  • Premium: 360° or Vistadome panoramic train.
  • Train to Aguas Calientes:
  • Train Back to Ollantaytambo:
  • Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Includes access to Circuit 1, 2, or 3 (subject to availability).
  • Pre-tour Briefing: One day before the tour.
  • Premium: Private guide.
  • Budget: Only descent included (Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu).
  • Budget & Standard: Shared service (approx. 3 hours).
  • Meals or lunch (not included in Budget or Standard).
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
  • Tips or gratuities (optional).

What to expect

  1. Cusco
    Pass by
    Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Cusco and a comfortable transfer to the train station.
  2. Ollantaytambo
    Pass by
    Board your selected train service – Expedition, Vistadome, 360° Executive Class, or Voyager – and enjoy an unforgettable 1.5-hour ride through the Andes, passing rivers, valleys, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
  3. Aguas Calientes
    Pass by
    Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride will take you up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
  4. Machu Picchu
    3h
    Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (Approx. 3 hours)
    Explore the majestic Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Walk through its terraces, temples, shrines, stairways, and urban sectors while your expert guide reveals the history and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Depending on the circuit selected at the time of booking (1, 2, or 3), you will follow the designated route and immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the guided tour, you’ll also have free time to enjoy the citadel at your own pace.
  5. Aguas Calientes
    Pass by
    From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
    After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes either by bus or on foot, depending on the program you have reserved.
    If your package includes lunch, you will enjoy it at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. If lunch is not included, you will have free time to choose from the many restaurants available in town.
  6. Ollantaytambo
    Pass by
    From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
    After lunch, you will board your train back to Ollantaytambo at the scheduled time. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with the service depending on the train option you selected at the time of booking.
  7. Cusco
    Pass by
    From Ollantaytambo to Cusco
    Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, our transfer staff will be waiting for you according to your train schedule. From there, you will travel comfortably back to Cusco (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours). Drop-off will be at your hotel or, depending on accessibility, at the nearest point to your accommodation.

Meeting and pickup

End point

You will be dropped off either as close as possible to your hotel or near the main square (Plaza de Armas), depending on accessibility.

Pickup details

We can pick you up from any hotel located in the city center, as well as from Airbnb accommodations within the central area.
To organize the exact pick-up location, please make sure to contact us 24 hours before the tour.

Additional information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.3 (21)
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