1-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Train from Cusco
Experience the 1-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Train from Cusco and discover the iconic Inca citadel through a comfortable, fast, and well-organized journey. Start with an early pickup in Cusco, travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, take the bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, and enjoy a guided tour through its main archaeological sectors before returning to Cusco the same day.
Visit Machu Picchu by train on a full-day tour from Cusco
Experience the 1-Day Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco tour and enjoy a comfortable, well-organized, and complete journey to discover the Inca citadel in a single day. The itinerary includes early pickup in Cusco, transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo, train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo, round-trip bus transportation, entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, and a guided visit with a professional tour guide.
The most comfortable way to visit Machu Picchu in 1 day
The 1-Day Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco tour is ideal for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu without spending a night outside Cusco. This experience combines tourist transportation, a scenic train ride, bus transfer to the citadel, official entrance ticket, and a professional guide to help you make the most of your visit.
The trip begins early in the morning with pickup in Cusco and continues to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. Then, you will board the bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu for a guided visit of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Itinerary for the 1-Day Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco tour
The 1-Day Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco tour is designed to visit the Inca citadel in a single day, with an organized route connecting Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo, and Machu Picchu. It is a practical option for travelers with limited time who want a complete experience without spending the night outside Cusco.
Pickup in Cusco: we will start the tour with pickup from your hotel between 3:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., depending on your accommodation location and the tour schedule.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo: we will travel by tourist transportation from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station, the departure point toward Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo: you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and allows you to enjoy Andean landscapes along the way.
Arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo: upon arrival, your guide or representative will meet you at the station and assist you with the connection to go up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Bus to Machu Picchu: you will take the tourist bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the entrance of the citadel, following the time assigned on your entrance ticket.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu: you will enjoy a guided visit of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, exploring the main sectors allowed according to your assigned circuit.
Main sectors: depending on availability and circuit, you may visit areas such as 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.
Optional hikes with advance booking: if you booked in advance, you may hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to ticket availability.
Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo: after the visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and have free time before your return train.
Free time: you will have time to have lunch, explore Machu Picchu Pueblo, or rest before arriving at the train station.
Return train: at the indicated time, you will board the train from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo.
Return to Cusco: upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a representative will coordinate your transportation back to Cusco. The tour ends near the historic center, approximately three blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
What is included and what is not included?
The 1-Day Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco tour includes the essential services to visit Machu Picchu in an organized way: transportation from Cusco, round-trip train tickets, round-trip bus tickets, entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, and a professional guide. Some optional services and personal expenses are not included in the base price.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco, with scheduled departures from approximately 3:30 a.m.. The pickup time may be coordinated according to the tour operation.
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo and return transfer to Cusco at the end of the experience.
- Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo, in standard tourist service such as Expedition or The Voyager, subject to availability.
- Authorized professional guide, with tourism experience and service in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.
- Round-trip tourist bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, generally for circuit 2 or circuit 3, subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Assistance throughout the journey to coordinate trains, schedules, entrance to Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco.
Important: booking at least 3 months in advance is recommended to increase your chances of accessing Machu Picchu Circuit 2. This circuit offers a more complete visit, a guided experience of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and better photo spots, including the classic view from the Guardian's House area.
Not included
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, or snacks not specified in the program.
- Train upgrade to Vistadome or 360°: available for an additional approximate cost of US$60 per route.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: optional routes with an additional ticket and limited availability.
- Additional guide for mountain routes: applies if the traveler wants extra assistance on Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Travel insurance, personal expenses, and tips, as these depend on each traveler.
Recommendations to enjoy the journey better
It is required to board the train and enter Machu Picchu.
You will walk inside the citadel through steps, stone paths, and archaeological sectors.
For Machu Picchu, it is best to carry only what you need and avoid bulky luggage.
During the visit, you will walk through areas exposed to the sun, especially in the dry season.
Machu Picchu Pueblo and the citadel area have a more humid climate than Cusco.
The weather can change quickly, especially between November and March.
It will be useful for meals, drinks, restrooms, shopping, or personal expenses.
Entrance to Machu Picchu operates according to defined schedules and circuits.
The route offers ideal views for photography, especially from the permitted panoramic viewpoints.
The best train schedules and most requested circuits can sell out during high season.
Top-Rated Free Tour #1 in Cusco, Peru
Click here to read +40 reviews on TripAdvisor!Proudly born in Cusco, we have guided more than 5,000 travelers since 2019.
Explore Cusco with unforgettable experiences
Choose your next adventure and discover the most incredible destinations in Cusco with routes designed for travelers seeking comfort, culture, and unique landscapes.
1 Day
From $285
Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco
Enjoy an unforgettable experience traveling to Machu Picchu by train and discover one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
View tour
2 Days
From $125
Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco
An ideal option for those seeking a different adventure to Machu Picchu, combining route, landscapes, and excitement.
View tour
2 Days
From $340
Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu
Discover the magic of the Sacred Valley and complete your experience with an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
View tour
Adventure
From $35
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
Admire one of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes and enjoy an adventure surrounded by nature and vibrant colors.
View tour
Nature
From $35
Humantay Lake
Connect with nature on an excursion to one of the most beautiful and photogenic lakes in Cusco.
View tour
VIP
From $40
Sacred Valley VIP
Enjoy a more complete experience exploring the main attractions of the Sacred Valley with greater comfort.
View tour
City
From $15
Cusco City Tour
Explore the city’s main attractions and immerse yourself in the history, culture, and essence of Cusco.
View tour