Machu Picchu by Panoramic Vistadome Observatory Full Day Tour

Physical Level:
Easy

Max group size:
2 - 12 people

Trip Details

Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: easy
Departures: every day
Meals: lunch included at El Mapi by Inkaterra Restaurant
Transportation: Panoramic Vistadome Observatory Train, all the busses
Entrance permits: Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability)
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)

Detailed infographic of the Machu Picchu itinerary on the Vistadome Observatory panoramic train, showing the complete route from Cusco.

OVERVIEW

Travel to the World Wonder via the Stunning Andean Railway.

Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world’s most important energy centers, and a well-known tourist destination.
It waits to enchant you with its splendor! Are you short on time yet don’t want to miss out on its mystical abilities? What better way to explore the location than our one-day Machu Picchu excursion by train?
To get to the location, travel the magnificent Urubamba Valley until you arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where you may take the train to Aguas Calientes. There, you board a bus that will transport you to the imperial Inca city. You’ll explore the most.

Vistadome Observatory Train

The PeruRail Vistadome Observatory train follows the route between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, providing you with a unique travel experience. An exclusive ambiance that surrounds you with the breathtaking landscape thanks to its panoramic windows and the Observatory Car, allowing you to have a wonderful voyage while also experiencing our authentic culture through music and the traditional Saqra dance performance. Throughout the journey, passengers will be able to switch between the panoramic car and the exquisite observatory vehicle, enjoying the experience on board.

Amazing panoramic view
Observatory car
Live traditional music and dances
Informative audios along the way
Snack on board

TRIP ITINERARY

At 5:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your lodging. Early in the morning, transfer to the Ollantaytambo rail station. At 07:15 a.m., the panoramic Vistadome Observatory train departs for the spectacular sanctuary of “Machu Picchu,” which has been designated as a world wonder since 2007.

During the excursion, we will experience the beauty of the valleys as well as the local indigenous people, all the way to Machu Picchu, also known as Aguas Calientes. Our guide will meet you at the train station and accompany you to the bus terminal, where we will board the bus to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The bus ride lasts around 25 minutes and takes you over winding roads with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains before arriving at the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will be astounded by this monument, which is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and our professional tour guide will immediately begin the tour, connecting you with the sacredness of this Archaeological Wonder so that you can learn more about the history, engineering involvement, and architecture of the Inca City of Machu Picchu.

After your guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time for lunch. Machu Picchu Pueblo has a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine.

At the indicated moment, go to the train station to return to Ollantaytambo. Once at Ollantaytambo, you will board Andean Ecotravel’s transportation service to return to your hotel in Cusco.
End of our services

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If you wish to make this tour, you should follow these recommendations:

For this type of trip, light clothing, long pants, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended because the temperature can range from 8 to 22 degrees depending on altitude in this warm and humid subtropical area, with warmth during the day and cool at night

Note: that you can reserve these services even if you are only one person, because they are shared and all costs are in dollars. If you have any questions, please shoot us an email.

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure Brieﬁng
Before the tour, you will meet with your tour leader and other participants for an orientation.
Transportation
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the train station (located in Cusco’s Historic Center). After the tour, we will return you to your accommodation in Cusco.
Panoramic Vistadome Observatory round trip train
Round-Trip Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Permits and Ticket for Machupicchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability)
As soon as we get your complete information and the payment required to book your reservation, we will purchase all necessary permits. These permits are granted on a certain date and will be in your name.
They cannot be altered under any circumstances. Changes to passport numbers are only permitted for renewal reasons. In that scenario, bring both your old and new passports.
Experienced Tour Guide
The official tour guide speaks both English and Spanish. All of our guides have completed a professional tourism program. We chose them because of their expertise, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbounded enthusiasm for exploration, and genuine desire to proudly convey our culture and history.
24/7 Customer Service
Personalized assistance

What is not included?

Day packs
It is recommended that you take snacks, water, a hat, clothing layers, bug spray, and other items with you at all times, so you will most likely need a small bag. We do not give this, and the volume should not exceed 25L.
Meals
The lunch in not included in this tour, optionally and additionally consider the following options:
- Local gourmet lunch US$ 15.00
- Buffet lunch at El Mapi Inkaterra Restaurant US$ 20.00
- Buffet lunch at Tinkuy by Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant US$ 45.00
Gratuities
Tipping is always appreciated and should be solely based on your happiness. Although it may not be usual for you, it is really important to the individuals who will care for you during your trip.
Travel Insurance
This is optional but always encouraged. For those who live at sea level, landing in Cusco will require some adjustment. Most people take one to two days to adjust. If you have difficulty adjusting to the altitude, it is recommended that you acquire trip cancellation insurance.

What to Pack?

If you plan to tackle the Machu Picchu tour, you will need to pack appropriately. Here are some important items to consider bringing.

CLOTHING:

Comfortable shoes/boots
Quick-drying pants
Long-sleeved shirt
Fleece jacket or sweater
Hat or cap

GEAR:

Sunscreen or sunblock (factor 50 or more)
insect or mosquitoes repellent
Water
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Passport and necessary documents
Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
Portable charger for electronic devices

FAQ

We recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and take in the sights and sounds of the city before embarking on the tour. Here are some ideas for things to do in Cusco before you begin your adventure:

City Tour ½ day
Sacred Valley of the Inkas Full Day
Súper Sacred Valley of the Inkas Full Day
Salt Mines of Maras and Moray ½ day
ATVs to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray ½ day

All information meetings and briefings take place in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., the night before the trek/tour begins. These meetings last about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to be there, please schedule another time via email, phone, or Whatsapp.

If you have a pending balance, you must pay it until one day before your tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be verified. If feasible, we would prefer it if you could pay the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our Cusco office or your hotel. You may withdraw money from many ATMs along Avenida Sol, which offer both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you can pay with a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please keep in mind that our payment gateway (Izipay) will apply a 5% service charge. We apologize that we are unable to take bank or traveler’s checks as payment for the balance.

During the trip, your primary luggage can be housed in our office (arranged with us on the briefing day or via email) or at your hotel, both of which are free of charge. Any equipment you will not need during the hike can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost every hotel will offer this service. Do not leave valuable items in your suitcases; instead, put them in the hotel safe and receive an itemized receipt. For added security, keep goods like credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope.

The tour includes a delicious buffet lunch at El Mapi By Inkaterra Restaurant in Machu Picchu town (Vegetarian and vegan options available at no extra cost.

Some months are better than others, as you will see below. Peru has both a dry and wet season. Andean Ecotravel recommends hiking during the dry season rather than the rainy season due to harsh weather. The wet season consists largely of rain, snow, and ice, making the trail difficult and views limited.

January: less recommended
February: less recommended
March: less recommended
April: Recommended
May: Highly recommended
June: Highly recommended
July: Highly recommended
August: Highly recommended
September: Highly recommended
November: Recommended
December: Recommended

Andean Ecotravel may take you up from your accommodation if it is located in Cusco’s Historical Center. Your guide will organize the pickup time during the briefing session, however please bear in mind that the time may change by 30 to 45 minutes owing to traffic. Cusco is a historic city, with many tiny cobblestone alleyways. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on car-free streets or on long, steep slopes, making luggage transportation challenging. We strongly recommend that you book accommodations with easy access.

Because group trips include a diverse range of people, physical conditions and ages may differ. By agreeing to join a group trip, you acknowledge that some persons may be quicker or slower than you. As a result, each person can travel at their own pace throughout the path. A group may desire to modify the trip; however, the guide will decide, after speaking with all participants, whether such modifications are possible.

Please, pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything when you leave our transportation, tents, or restaurants. Throughout the excursion, you are solely responsible for your objects.

Small Groups