Overview for the Tour to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is the main reason to travel to Peru. If you are short on time, this is the perfect tour for you. Visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World without trekking.
We take you by private van from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From here, the Expedition Train takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the Sacred Valley and tropical jungle to Aguas Calientes. Next, travel by bus up the jungle road to the gates of Machu Picchu.
The ancient Inca Citadel is shrouded in mystery and legend. Your licensed, local, English-speaking guide will give you a private 2-hour tour of this legendary site. Have time to explore, take photos, and ask as many questions as you like. Feel the presence of the ancient Inca and marvel at the genius of the Inca engineers.
We are a licensed tour operator based in Cusco with many years of experience. All tours are led by professional local guides in small groups averaging 5 people, maximum 8.
Highlights
- Scenic private van transfer from Cusco through Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo
- Panoramic Expedition Train through Sacred Valley and jungle canyon along Urubamba River
- Shuttle bus Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu with jungle views
- Private 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel in small group
- See agricultural, residential and religious sectors of Machu Picchu
- Free time for photos, lunch in Aguas Calientes, shopping, museum or hot springs optional
- Door-to-door service – return by train and private van to your hotel in Cusco
Places You Will Visit On This Tour
- Cusco (3,400m), Hotel pickup at 4:00am, private van
- Taray Viewpoint, Classic valley photos, Andes views
- Ollantaytambo (2,792m), Inca town, last stronghold, train departure
- Expedition Train, Jungle canyon, Inca terraces, Urubamba River
- Aguas Calientes (2,040m), Gateway town, guide meets you, lunch, shopping
- Machu Picchu (2,430m), UNESCO Site & New 7 World Wonder
Itinerary for the Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 day
Ollantaytambo › Train › Aguas Calientes › Bus › Machu Picchu Tour › Bus › Lunch › Train › Cusco
We start with early morning pickup at 4:00am from your hotel in Cusco. Travel in our private van to Ollantaytambo (1h 45m). Short stop at Mirador of Taray for valley photos.
Expedition train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am. The train enters a narrow canyon covered in lush sub-tropical jungle. Look for Inca terraces still farmed today. Spectacular views along Vilcanota River.
On arrival in Aguas Calientes at approx 7:30am, your guide meets you at station. Walk to bus station and take shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu (30 minutes).
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – 2 Hours: Tour important parts of citadel, learn about three sectors – agricultural, residential, religious. This is a one-way circuit, so get all photos during tour.
What you’ll see on Circuit 2
Our package includes Circuit 2A or 2B (if available, please book in advance) – most complete for classic postcard photo.
- Classic Viewpoint / Guardhouse – The famous postcard photo
- Temple of the Sun – Viewpoint
- Main Plaza – Heart of citadel
- Temple of Three Windows
- Main Temple / Sacred Plaza
- Intihuatana Stone – Ritual sundial
- Sacred Rock – Ceremonial place
- Royal Tomb
- Temple of the Condor – Sacred to Inca
- Agricultural Terraces
- Quarry and Workshop Sector
- Urban Sector (Llacta) – Houses and residential area
After tour, take bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on train time, you may have time for shopping, museum or hot springs.
Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo at 3:20pm, 4:22pm, 4:43pm or 6:20pm, following spectacular Urubamba River. At Ollantaytambo, driver meets you at exit to take you back to Cusco in private vehicle. Arrive hotel between 7:00pm to 10:00pm depending on return train.
Important Information
- Includes Circuit 2A or 2B (if tickets available, book in advance)
- Hiking to Sun Gate or Inca Bridge available from June 1st 2024 – $75 USD per person, must request at booking
- Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain NOT possible on 1 day tour due to time restraints
- Return Expedition train time depends on availability and how far in advance you book
- Must bring original passport – same one you booked with
The Expedition Train
Traveling to Machu Picchu on Expedition Train is once in a lifetime experience. Carriages feature 4 seats facing each other, perfect for sharing. Large panoramic windows, air conditioning/heating, snacks to buy and cheerful Andean music.
Service leaves from Ollantaytambo, 2-hour drive from Cusco. Standard tours include Expedition Train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back. Vistadome upgrade $67 USD return only.
Schedule
Timings are approximate and may vary due to travel, walking and photo stops. We stay flexible to suit you and work around your train times.
- 4:00am Private van transfer from hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Train leaves 6:10am
- 6:10am – 7:30am Scenic Expedition Train along Vilcanota River, jungle canyon and Inca terraces
- 7:30am – 8:00am Meet guide at station, shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. 30 mins bus ride
- 8:00am – 10:00am Private guided tour of Machu Picchu, Circuit 2A or 2B, 2 hours, m ain sanctuary, classic postcard viewpoint, Temple of Three Windows, Intihuatana
- 10:00am – 12:30pm Free time for photos, shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes
- 12:30pm – 3:00pm Lunch not included, shopping, museum or hot springs optional
- 3:20pm – 6:20pm Return by Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo – 3:20pm, 4:22pm, 4:43pm or 6:20pm depending on availability
- 7:00pm – 10:00pm Private van transfer from Ollantaytambo to hotel in Cusco. End of tour
What is included in the Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 day?
Included
- Transfer 4:00am from hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo by private van
- Expedition train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Admission ticket Machu Picchu Citadel – Circuit 2A or 2B
- Guided tour in English 2 hours + free time
- Small group 2 to 10 people, max 8 per guide, licensed English-speaking guide
- Expedition train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + private van to hotel in Cusco
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain – not possible on 1 day tour
- Sun Gate / Inca Bridge extra hike – $75 USD if requested at booking
- Drinks, meals
- Tips for guide
- Vistadome train upgrade – $67 USD per person return only
Prices for the Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 Day
Tour Details: All entrance fees included | Small groups 2 to 10 people | Departures any day with minimum 2 participants
Tour Options & Service
- Tour to Machu Picchu by Train – 1 Day – Expedition Train: $450 USD per person
- All entrance fees, Expedition train (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes return), round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu), professional English-speaking guide, and round-trip private van transport (Cusco to Ollantaytambo) included. 2 to 10 people, max 8 per guide.
Extras and Upgrades
- Vistadome Train Upgrade (Return Only): $67 USD per person
- Return Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Departure times: 2:55 PM, 3:20 PM, 4:22 PM, 4:43 PM. Includes larger panoramic roof windows, leather seats, snack, and fashion show. Subject to availability.
- Sun Gate or Inca Bridge Circuit: $75 USD per person
- Separate ticket to Circuit 2 (extra circuit ticket within Machu Picchu available from June 1st). Must be requested at time of booking and subject to availability.
Key Information
- Availability & Group Size: Available on any date with a minimum of 2 participants. Small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8 per guide.
- Train Times & Booking: Return train times (3:20 PM, 4:22 PM, 4:43 PM, or 6:20 PM) depend on availability and are confirmed at booking. Book 2 to 3 months in advance for dry season (May to September) to secure Circuit 2 and optimal train times.
What to Pack for Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 Day
Trek Details: Full day (4:00 AM to 10:00 PM) | Easy activity (No trekking) | Private van + Expedition train + bus | Licensed local operator in Cusco
Essential Documents and Cash
- Original Passport (Mandatory)
- Original passport used for booking is required
- Checked at Ollantaytambo train station and at Machu Picchu entrance gate
- Name and document number must match your Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket exactly. If renewed, bring both old and new passports
- Travel Documents & Extras
- Copy of passport, travel insurance copy, and student card copy (if booked with student discount)
- Tour includes all tickets: Expedition train (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes return), round-trip bus tickets, and Machu Picchu Circuit 2A or 2B entrance
- Cash (Peruvian Soles)
- Small bills for lunch (not included), bathroom fees (2 Soles), souvenirs, and tips
Packs and Gear
- Small Daypack (20L – 25L Max)
- Small daypack to carry passport, water, rain jacket, camera, and snacks
- Large backpacks over 25 liters, tripods, selfie sticks, and drones are not allowed inside Machu Picchu
- Leave main luggage at your Cusco hotel (or store for free at our office)
Footwear and Clothing
- Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or light trail shoes with good grip (paths in Machu Picchu have uneven stone steps; heavy hiking boots not needed, avoid new shoes or high heels)
- Clothing Layers
- Base Layer: 1 quick-dry t-shirt and 1 long-sleeve shirt
- Insulating Layer: Fleece or light jacket for early 4:00 AM pickup in Cusco (3,400m)
- Outer Layer: Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood and small poncho (umbrellas are not allowed inside the citadel)
- Bottoms: Comfortable breathable pants for 2 to 3 hours of walking on stone steps
Hydration, Sun, and Insect Protection
- Hydration & Snacks
- Reusable water bottle (1L minimum) and energy bars/snacks for the early train
- Disposable plastic water bottles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu (only reusable bottles in a small bag)
- Sun & Insect Protection
- Sun hat, UV-protection sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent with DEET for Aguas Calientes town (2,040m)
Personal Health, Toiletries, and Electronics
- Personal Health & Toiletries
- Personal medication, altitude pills (sorojchi) if sensitive, hand sanitizer, tissues, and toilet paper
- Electronics & Extras
- Camera or phone with extra battery and memory card for the Guardhouse viewpoint photo
- Power bank (5,000 mAh is sufficient; charging points available at restaurants in Aguas Calientes)
- Optional: Binoculars for mountain views from the train
