Machu Picchu Tour by Train 1 Day
A full-day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu: private transfer to Ollantaytambo, Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, bus up to the citadel and a 2.5-hour guided tour in a small group. You're back at your Cusco hotel around 8:30 p.m.
About this Expedition
Pristine Biodiversity
Immersion in primary forest trails and macaw or tapir clay licks with privileged viewing.
Native Guides
Bilingual guides from the native communities of Manu and Tambopata, with spotting scopes and binoculars.
Logistics and Lodges
Private transport and boats, a cook on the trip and nights in rainforest lodges.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Early Morning: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and drive you in our private van to the train station in Ollantaytambo, about 2 hours from Cusco. Your Expedition train leaves at 6:10 a.m.
The ride follows the Vilcanota River through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, with views of snow-capped peaks, Inca farming terraces, valleys and subtropical forest. The Expedition cars have panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating, overhead luggage racks and sets of four seats facing each other, with Andean music during the trip.
Morning: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Your guide meets you at the Aguas Calientes train station at around 7:30 a.m. and rides with you on the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu (about 30 minutes). The citadel sits at about 2,400 m (7,870 ft).
The guided tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, storehouses and the urban sector with its terraces.
After the tour you have free time until noon to explore, take photos or walk to the Sun Gate. Two walks need no extra ticket: the Sun Gate (about 1 hour) and the Inca Bridge (about 25 minutes from the citadel). Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible with this one-day schedule.
Afternoon: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
At around noon you take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you have time for lunch (not included). At 4:22 p.m. you board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our private van takes you back to your hotel in Cusco. You arrive at about 8:30 p.m.
Included & Not Included Services
What this trip includes
- Hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
- Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (about 30 minutes each way)
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu in English (about 2.5 hours), plus free time for photos and walks
- Small group of 4 to 10 people with an experienced English-speaking guide
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco
Not included in the price
- Meals (you have time for lunch in Aguas Calientes)
- Drinks
- Tips for your guide
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes (not possible with the one-day schedule)
What to Bring / Packing Tips
- Original passport, and your ISIC student card if you have one
- A light daypack
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hiking boots or sturdy, water-resistant shoes
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent and after-bite cream
- Water bottle and snacks (chocolate, cookies, dried fruit)
- Camera and flashlight, with extra batteries
- Cash for lunch in Aguas Calientes, souvenirs and tips
- We need a minimum of 4 people to run this tour.
- The day before the tour, our guide gives you a briefing at your hotel or at our office.
Questions about this tour
What time does the Machu Picchu day tour start and end?
We pick you up at your Cusco hotel at 4:00 a.m. for the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. You return on the 4:22 p.m. Expedition train and arrive at your hotel at about 8:30 p.m.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
Yes. The price includes the entrance ticket, the Expedition train both ways, the round-trip bus to the citadel, the guided tour and your transfers. Meals, drinks and tips are not included.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this tour?
No, the one-day schedule does not allow it. During your free time you can walk to the Sun Gate (about 1 hour) or the Inca Bridge (about 25 minutes from the citadel).
How big are the groups?
Groups have 4 to 10 people with an experienced English-speaking guide. We need at least 4 people to run the tour.
What should I bring on the Machu Picchu day trip?
Bring your original passport, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and cash for lunch in Aguas Calientes and tips.
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