Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Return to Cusco
Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu in just one unforgettable day, with all logistics carefully arranged to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and enriching adventure. This Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train combines breathtaking Andean scenery, rich Inca history, and expert guidance — from the moment you leave Cusco until your return in the evening.
Early Morning Pickup – Between 3:45 and 4:15 AM
Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco between 3:45 and 4:15 AM. A comfortable Machu Picchu Team vehicle will take you on a scenic 1 hour 45-minute drive through the Andean mountains to the Ollantaytambo train station. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, or Calca), please contact us via WhatsApp at +51 974 217 700 to arrange your transfer in advance.
Train to Aguas Calientes – Departure at 6:10 or 6:40 AM
At Ollantaytambo, our driver will assist you in boarding your train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the gateway town to Machu Picchu. The train journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours, winding alongside the Urubamba River through some of the most breathtaking Andean landscapes in Peru.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes – Meeting Your Guide
Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting at the train station holding a sign with “Machu Picchu Team” or your name. After a quick briefing with important instructions for your visit, you’ll have 20 to 30 minutes of free time to use the restroom, grab a coffee, or pick up some snacks before heading up to the site.
Bus to Machu Picchu – 30 Minutes
From Aguas Calientes, you’ll board the bus for a scenic 30-minute ride up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Estimated arrival at the site is between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, depending on your train time and bus queue.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Approximately 2.5 Hours
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included and typically assigned to Circuit 1 or 2, which offer the most iconic and complete views of the citadel. If those circuits are unavailable at the time of booking, you’ll be assigned Circuit 3 or 4 as an alternative. Your licensed, expert guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2.5-hour tour, walking you through the history, architecture, and hidden stories of this ancient Inca citadel — including temples, ceremonial areas, agricultural terraces, and iconic viewpoints, with plenty of time for photos along the way.
Return to Aguas Calientes – Bus Ride Down
After your visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes (about 25 to 30 minutes). You’ll then have free time to explore the town, browse for souvenirs, or enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the local restaurants before your return train.
Return Train to Ollantaytambo – Departure at 2:30 or 3:20 PM
Your return train to Ollantaytambo departs at approximately 2:30 PM or 3:20 PM, depending on availability, retracing the same stunning route through the Sacred Valley (about 1.5 hours).
Private Transfer Back to Cusco – Arrival Between 6:30 and 7:00 PM
At Ollantaytambo station, your Machu Picchu Team driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name, ready to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with arrival in Cusco around 6:30 to 7:00 PM.
At a Glance – Your Day Schedule
- 3:45 – 4:15 AM — Hotel pickup in Cusco
- 6:10 or 6:40 AM — Train departure from Ollantaytambo
- 9:00 – 10:00 AM — Machu Picchu entrance & guided tour
- 2:30 or 3:20 PM — Return train to Ollantaytambo
- 6:30 – 7:00 PM — Arrival back in Cusco
🌟 Why Choose This Tour?
This carefully curated one-day itinerary offers you the perfect balance of comfort, cultural immersion, and convenience, making it possible to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in just one day—stress-free and fully guided from beginning to end.
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
✅ What’s Included in Your Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour
Pre-tour information for Machu Picchu is provided one day before the trip in Cusco
- You may visit our office located in the city center at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, open every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. If you are unable to come to our office, one of our agents will contact you to provide all the details of your Machu Picchu trip.
Private Transportation from Your Hotel
- Enjoy a comfortable 1 hour and 45-minute ride from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac) to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
Train Ticket to Aguas Calientes
- Travel aboard the scenic Expedition (6:10 AM) or Voyager (6:40 AM) train.
- This 1.5-hour journey through the Andean landscape offers breathtaking views as you head to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu Entrance
- Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, take a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu—the highlight of your day!
Machu Picchu Entry + Guided Tour
- Includes entry to Machu Picchu (typically Circuit 1 or 2, subject to availability at the time of booking).
- Entry time is usually scheduled for 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM.
- Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour led by a professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish), who will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Inca citadel.
Return Bus to Aguas Calientes
- After your visit, descend back to Aguas Calientes by comfortable tourist bus.
- You’ll have some free time to relax, explore, or enjoy lunch before boarding your train.
Return Train to Ollantaytambo
- Return on the Voyager (2:30 PM) or Expedition (3:30 PM) train.
- If your Machu Picchu entrance is later, we’ll adjust your train ticket to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM accordingly.
Private Transfer Back to Your Hotel
- Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, our driver will greet you with a sign bearing your name and the Machu Picchu Team logo.
- You’ll be driven back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes).
- ✅ Prefer to be dropped off in the Sacred Valley? Just let us know in advance—we’ll gladly accommodate your request.
Not Included
🥐 Breakfast
- Bring some light snacks for the journey, such as fruit, energy bars, or a sandwich. You can also purchase coffee and breakfast items at the train station before departure.
🍽️ Lunch
- After your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at your own pace. The town offers a wide variety of local and international restaurants, with options to suit all preferences and budgets.
What to Pack
What to Pack
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR MACHU PICCHU FULL-DAY TOUR BY TRAIN
Being prepared is key to enjoying your day at Machu Picchu. With changing weather and a full day of travel and exploration, here’s a simple packing list to make your experience smooth and stress-free:
- Passport: Required for entry to Machu Picchu – don’t forget it!
- Student ID: If you booked with a discount, bring your original physical student card.
- Train & Entrance Tickets: Print them or save digital copies on your phone for easy access.
- Daypack: A light, comfortable backpack for carrying your essentials.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain or wind.
- Sturdy Walking Shoes: Use shoes with good grip for uneven and slippery paths.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—UV rays are strong at high altitudes.
- Insect Repellent: Especially useful in Aguas Calientes and surrounding areas.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a refillable bottle.
- Snacks: Pack light, high-energy snacks like nuts, fruit, or energy bars.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture the incredible scenery and moments.
- Cash in Soles: Useful for shopping, meals, or tipping.
Packing Tips:
- Pack light and bring only the essentials to stay comfortable.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip so you can dress appropriately.
- With this list, you’ll be ready to enjoy a memorable and hassle-free adventure to Machu Picchu!
Prices
Pricing
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY TOUR BY TRAIN PRICES (GROUP SERVICE) – 2026 SEASON
The price of the Machu Picchu tour varies depending on your traveler category—whether you are an adult, a student, or a citizen of a CAN Community country (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia). Each category has a different rate based on the official Machu Picchu ticket pricing.
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY BY TRAIN REGULAR PRICE:
- STUDENT: $260 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $260 USD per person – (For visitors aged 3 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $280 USD per person
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY BY TRAIN ESPECIAL PRICE FOR CAN:
- STUDENT: $240 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $240 USD per person – (For visitors aged 3 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $260 USD per person
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY TOUR BY TRAIN & APPLICABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
STEPS TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY BY TRAIN
- Step 1:
Click the “BOOK ONLINE” button to check availability. You’ll be taken to the calendar and our booking platform. If your desired date is available, select it and proceed with your reservation. - Step 2:
Once you choose your date, you’ll be asked to select your return option (by car or by train), the number of participants, and the type of traveler (adult, student, or child). Then, you can choose whether to pay only the $180 deposit per person (non-refundable) or the full amount. Either option is available. - Step 3:
Next, fill out the personal information form for each participant, including: full name, passport number, WhatsApp number, hotel in Cusco, and more. - Step 4:
After that, you’ll be able to add optional extras if you wish, such Vistadome Train Upgrade, or entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Once you’ve selected any extras, continue to the next step. - Step 5:
Finally, you’ll be directed to the payment form. You can pay with any debit or credit card, and in some countries, bank transfers are also available. Payments by card include a 2.9% transaction fee, which is covered by the client. - Once your payment is completed, you’ll automatically receive a payment confirmation email. Within 24 hours, we’ll send you the final tour confirmation, including all details and your Machu Picchu entry tickets and train tickets, if applicable.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BOOKING
To confirm your Machu Picchu tour reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $180 USD per person is required. This amount secures your spot on the tour and is used to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and Train tickets
Cancellations:
- If you decide to cancel your tour, the deposit will not be refunded. However, any tickets already purchased (such as the Machu Picchu entrance) can still be used by you on the original date for which they were issued, as tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
- If you paid the full amount for the tour and later cancel, you will receive a refund of the remaining balance, excluding the $180 USD deposit.
Date Changes:
- You may change your tour date as long as there is availability. Please note that new Machu Picchu and train tickets will need to be purchased for the new date, and you will be required to pay a new deposit of $180 USD per person to cover these additional costs.
Remaining Balance Payment:
- If you only paid the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid at least 24 hours before the tour starts. You can pay through:
- Our online booking platform
- Or in person at our offices in Cusco, in cash (USD or soles)
- Card payments are also accepted, with an additional 3.9% processing fee
Customer Support:
- For any changes, cancellations, or modifications to your reservation, please email us at: ? info@machupicchuteam.com
- If you contact us during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), one of our agents will respond immediately.
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Photo Gallery
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