Visiting: Cusco · Ollantaytambo · Aguas Calientes · Machu Picchu
Overview
The Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour by Train is the perfect choice if you have limited time but don't want to miss one of the world's most iconic destinations. In a single, seamless day you travel by panoramic train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, ride up the mountain by bus, and explore the citadel on a 2.5-hour guided tour — no trekking required.
Your day starts with a hotel pick-up in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) and a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, where you board the train along the Urubamba River. After the guided tour and some free time for photos and lunch in Aguas Calientes, you return comfortably by train and private transfer, arriving back in Cusco the same evening. Everything — train, bus, entrance ticket and licensed guide — is arranged for you.
📅 Book early. Machu Picchu uses timed-entry tickets on fixed circuits, sold only by the Peruvian government in limited daily numbers. We secure the best available circuit at the time of booking, so reserve ahead — especially in high season (May–September).
Your Day — Step by Step
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1
Pre-dawn pick-up · Cusco → Ollantaytambo
Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 3:45 and 4:15 am. A comfortable Machu Picchu Team tourist vehicle then takes you on a scenic 1 h 45 min drive through the Andean mountains to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Staying in the Sacred Valley — Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac or Calca? We arrange your transfer from there too; just contact us by WhatsApp at +51 974 217 700 to set it up.
Good to know: If you're staying in the Sacred Valley, message us on WhatsApp ahead of time so we can arrange your pick-up point.
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2
Panoramic train to Aguas Calientes
At the station our driver helps you board your train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Departure is at 6:10 am (Expedition) or 6:40 am (Voyager), depending on your booking.
The ride lasts about 1.5 hours, winding alongside the Urubamba River through breathtaking Andean landscapes until you reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town at the foot of the mountain.
Good to know: Sit by the window — the train follows the Urubamba River the whole way, so the scenery is part of the experience.
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3
Briefing + bus up to Machu Picchu
Your guide is waiting at the Aguas Calientes station with a sign showing "Machu Picchu Team" or your name. After a short briefing with the key instructions for your visit, you'll have 20–30 minutes of free time to use the restroom, grab a coffee or pick up some snacks.
Once the group regroups, you take the 30-minute bus up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu, arriving around 9:00–10:00 am depending on your train time and the bus queue.
Good to know: Use the free time before the bus for the restroom and a coffee — there are no shops once you're up at the citadel.
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4
Guided tour of Machu Picchu (~2.5 h)
Your entrance is included and usually assigned to Circuit 1 or 2 — the iconic routes — or whichever was available when you booked; if those aren't available you'll be on Circuit 3 or 4 as an alternative.
A licensed, knowledgeable bilingual guide then leads a 2.5-hour tour through the history, architecture and hidden stories of the citadel. You'll visit temples, ceremonial areas, terraces and viewpoints, with time for photos and reflection.
Good to know: The exact circuit depends on what's available when you book, so reserve early if you want the classic viewpoint.
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5
Return · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
After your visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes — a short 25–30 minute ride — with free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs or enjoy a relaxed lunch. Your return train to Ollantaytambo departs around 2:30 or 3:20 pm and takes about 1.5 hours along the same beautiful route.
At Ollantaytambo station our driver is waiting with a sign showing your name for the private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco — a ride of about 1.5 to 2 hours, arriving around 6:30–7:00 pm.
Good to know: Prefer to be dropped off in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco? Let us know in advance and we'll gladly arrange it.
Which Machu Picchu Circuit Will I Visit?
Machu Picchu is visited on fixed circuits, and tickets are sold only by the Peruvian government in limited daily numbers. When you book, we buy the best circuit available for your date, prioritising the classic routes:
- Circuit 2 (Classic) — our first choice: the classic postcard viewpoint plus a complete tour of the citadel, temples and terraces. Book ~4 months ahead in high season, as it sells out first.
- Circuit 1 (Panoramic) — the upper terraces and the classic viewpoint, with the best wide photos, but without entering the urban sector.
- Circuit 3 (Royalty) — the lower part of the citadel and the royal sector; a good alternative when Circuits 1 and 2 are sold out.
- Optional add-ons — Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added (separate ticket and circuit, subject to availability).
Circuits and entry times are set by the government and cannot be changed once issued. We always aim for Circuit 2 first and confirm your exact circuit before travel.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | Full day (no overnight) |
| Altitude | Machu Picchu citadel — 2,430 m |
| Getting there | Round-trip panoramic train + bus |
| Difficulty | Easy — walking only, no trekking |
| Machu Picchu | 2.5 h guided tour (usually Circuit 2) |
| Meals | Not included (free time for lunch) |
| Group size | Max 10 travelers |
| Departures | Daily, all year |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
Prices — 2026 Season
All-inclusive group service. Machu Picchu entrance pricing is set by the government, so the rate depends on your traveller category. Citizens of the CAN Community (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador) pay a reduced official entrance rate.
| Category | Adult | Student (under 25) | Child (3–17) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $280 | $260 | $260 |
| CAN Community | $260 | $240 | $240 |
Prices per person, group service, return by train. The student rate requires a valid physical university student ID (under 25). A deposit per person confirms your booking and secures your Machu Picchu and train tickets.
Optional Add-ons
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climb$60
- Machu Picchu Mountain climb$60
- Vistadome panoramic train upgradeOn request
What to Pack
It's a long day from before dawn until evening, with changing weather between Cusco and the cloud forest, so pack light but smart:
- Always with you: original passport (and physical student ID if you booked the student rate), your train and entrance tickets (we provide them), and some cash in soles.
- Clothing: light layers and a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, a sun hat and sunglasses.
- Extras: high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, light snacks, and a camera or phone.
How to Book
Book online or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). A $180 deposit per person secures your Machu Picchu and train tickets; the balance is due at least 24 h before the tour. Because of high demand and limited daily entries, please book at least 30 days in advance (more in high season).
- Check availability for your travel date.
- Choose traveller categories (adult / student / child) and any extras.
- Fill in each traveller's details exactly as in their passport (tickets are nominative).
- Pay the $180 deposit or full amount — you receive confirmation and our team follows up by WhatsApp.
Deposit: a non-refundable $180 deposit per person is used to buy your Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets immediately.
Tickets: issued by the Peruvian government and the train company for a fixed date, time and circuit — non-refundable, non-transferable and non-modifiable.
Cancellation: the deposit is non-refundable. If you paid in full and cancel, the balance beyond the deposit is refundable; already-issued tickets remain valid for their original date.
Date changes: possible only if availability exists, and require buying new tickets and a new deposit.
Balance: due at least 24 h before the tour, payable online or in cash at our Cusco office. Full terms are confirmed at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
We pick you up before dawn in Cusco, drive to Ollantaytambo, then take the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes and a bus up to Machu Picchu. You explore the citadel on a 2.5-hour guided tour, then return by bus, train and private transfer the same evening. No trekking is involved.
We always request Circuit 2 (the classic route with the postcard viewpoint and a full tour of the citadel). If it's sold out for your date, we book the best available alternative (Circuit 1 or 3). Tickets are sold only by the government, so for Circuit 2 in high season, book around 4 months ahead.
Yes. The tour requires no trekking, so it suits most ages and fitness levels. The citadel has stairs and uneven paths, but the guided circuit is walked at a gentle pace. Discounted tickets are available for children (3–17) and students with a valid ID.
At least 30 days ahead, as daily entries are limited and sell out. For the classic Circuit 2, or for travel in high season (May–September), we recommend booking 3–4 months in advance.
Yes. If you're staying in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba or Pisac we can pick you up there — just let us know via WhatsApp when you book, and we'll arrange your transfer and drop-off accordingly.
Meals are not included. Because of the early start, bring some snacks for the morning; after the tour you'll have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at one of its many restaurants, for all budgets.
