Full-Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Tourist Train

Physical Level:
Easy

Max group size:
2 - 12 people

Max. Altitude:
2400m / 7,874 feet

Trip Details

Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Easy
Departures: Every day
Meals: Not included, optional
Transportation: Touristic train (Expedition or Voyager, according to the schedule) and busses.
Entrance permits: Machupicchu Circuit 2
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)

A smiling woman on a tour to Machu Picchu, with the ancient Inca citadel and Huayna Picchu in the background, perfect for trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Graphic map of the itinerary for a one-day train tour to Machu Picchu, detailing the route from Cusco to the Inca citadel.

OVERVIEW

Travel to the wonder of the world on a unique journey along the imposing Andean Railway.

Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits you with all its energy and ancient mystery.

If you have limited time but don’t want to miss this jewel of Peru, our day tour to Machu Picchu by train is the best option.

To reach the site, travel through the majestic Valley From Urubamba, travel to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you can board the train to Aguas Calientes. There, you will take a bus to the Inca imperial city.

A guided, safe, and history-filled experience, ideal for travelers who want to experience the magic of Peru in a single day.

TRIP ITINERARY

At 5:00 a.m., we begin the one-day train tour to Machu Picchu, transferring from the train station to Ollantaytambo. We will board the 7:30 a.m. train to the spectacular natural and cultural reserve of Machu Picchu, declared a Wonder of the World in 2007.

During the excursion, we will experience the beauty of the valleys as well as the local 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 rides 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 time, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
End of our services.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

To fully enjoy the Machu Picchu one-day tour by train, we recommend:
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.

👉 This tour runs every day and can be booked even if you are traveling alone, as it is a shared service.
For inquiries or reservations, contact us via email or WhatsApp — we will be happy to help you!

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure briefing:
Before the tour, you will meet with our Andean Ecotravel team to receive all the necessary instructions and recommendations before departing for Machu Picchu.
Transportation
Includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo. At the end of the tour, our private transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
Expedition or Voyager Service train ticket (both offer high-quality service).
Round-trip Consettur bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Permits and Entrance Fees
Permits and Ticket for Machupicchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability)
Once we receive your complete information and payment, we will process all the permits in your name.
These are personal and non-transferable; changes are only allowed upon passport renewal (bring both the old and new ones).
Professional Bilingual Tour Guide
Our official guides speak English and Spanish. All of our guides have been selected for their experience, responsibility, and passion for Inca history, ensuring an enriching cultural experience in Machu Picchu.
24/7 customer service.
Personalized assistance.

What is not included?

Day Packs
It is recommended that you bring your own personal items such as snacks, water, a hat, light and layered clothing, as well as insect repellent and sunscreen.
It is ideal to have a small backpack (maximum 25L) to store your belongings, as we do not provide bags or backpacks during the tour.
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$ 40.00
Upgrade Vistadome Observatory train
It is possible to upgrade to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory train service for an additional fee of US$ 75.00 per way.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in the tour cost. They are completely voluntary and can be given as a token of appreciation for the excellent service received.
Although it is not a mandatory custom, it is a gesture highly appreciated by our guides and local staff.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included, but we recommend purchasing it, especially if you are not used to the altitude.
Cusco is located at over 3,300 meters above sea level, and some people need a day or two to acclimatize.
Insurance will give you peace of mind in the event of setbacks or cancellations due to medical reasons. or climatic.

What to Pack?

If you’re planning a one-day Machu Picchu train tour, it’s important to pack appropriately for a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free experience. Below is a list of essential items you shouldn’t forget to pack in your backpack.

CLOTHING:

Comfortable shoes/boots
Quick-dry pants
Lightweight t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt
Waterproof jacket and pants (in rainy season)
Sun hat or cap

TOUR GEAR:

Small 20-liter backpack (recommended)
Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
Mosquito or insect repellent
Water bottle
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)

ADDITIONALLY:

Passport and personal documents
Original student ID if you apply for the student price
Camera or phone with a good camera to capture 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 lunch in a Touristic restaurant in Machupicchu town, it is a 3 times menu with a variety of entrees, main course and desserts (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: Recommended
February: Recommended
March: 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