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Machu Picchu - Wonder of the World

Machu Picchu by Train Full Day

The complete Inca citadel experience in one day: train, bus and professional guided tour

Duration Full Day (14-16 hours)
Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Difficulty Easy
Bus CONSETUR (round trip)

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Tour information

DESCRIPTION The experience

Departure from the city of Cusco heading to the Ollantaytambo train station, which is approximately 1 hour away. There we will receive instructions to take the train service and board to our destination, the Aguas Calientes station.

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed and receive personal assistance from our company's representative in the town of Aguas Calientes, who will give us some instructions and help us take the bus service to go up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival at the entrance of the Inca citadel, we will enter with our professional guide who will then provide you with information about the history and mystique that the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu holds. After visiting this beautiful place, we will return by bus service from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will board the return train to the Ollantaytambo station, and then be transferred to the city of Cusco.

ITINERARY Day's route
  • Departure from hotel - Transfer to the selected train station by private vehicle.
  • Train departure - From the selected station to Aguas Calientes.
  • Arrival to Aguas Calientes - Assistant reception and free time.
  • Climb to Machu Picchu - Departure from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel by CONSETUR bus.
  • Guided tour - Tour of the citadel with professional guide (history and mystique of Machu Picchu).
  • Exit from Machu Picchu - Return by CONSETUR bus to Aguas Calientes.
  • Free time - To explore Aguas Calientes or rest.
  • Return by train - From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, Poroy or Cusco station.
  • Transfer to hotel - Pickup from the train station and transfer to your hotel.
PLACES TO VISIT Destinations included
  • Train station (Ollantaytambo/Poroy/Cusco) - Starting point of the train journey.
  • Town of Aguas Calientes - Arrival, assistance and connection to buses.
  • Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu - Guided tour of the wonder of the world.
  • CONSETUR Bus - Scenic route between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
INFORMATION Important details
  • Departures: Daily (subject to availability)
  • Duration: Approximately 14-16 hours (depending on train schedules)
  • Pickup: From your hotel in Cusco
  • Available stations: Ollantaytambo, Poroy, Cusco
  • Important: Book well in advance, subject to availability
INCLUDED Services included
  • Transportation from Cusco to selected train station (round trip)
  • Train ticket from selected station to Aguas Calientes (round trip)
  • Personal assistance upon arrival in Aguas Calientes
  • CONSETUR bus from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (round trip)
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
  • Professional guide in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
NOT INCLUDED Services not included
  • Personal extra expenses
  • Tips / Gratuities (optional)
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Travel insurance (recommended to purchase)
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional)
RECOMMENDATIONS What to bring
  • Original passport (mandatory)
  • Entrance and train tickets (provided by the company)
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain poncho (depending on season)
  • Camera
  • Water
  • Comfortable layered clothing (weather changes)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Cash (soles) for additional expenses
  • Light snacks
PRICE Per person

$400.00 USD

* Price per person in shared group

** SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY of trains and entrance tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before experiencing Machu Picchu in one day

The tour lasts approximately 14 to 16 hours, depending on available train schedules.

Typical schedule:

  • 04:00 - 05:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 05:00 - 06:00 am: Transfer to the train station (Ollantaytambo, Poroy or Cusco)
  • 06:00 - 08:00 am: Train journey to Aguas Calientes
  • 08:00 - 09:00 am: Arrival in Aguas Calientes and bus ride up to Machu Picchu
  • 09:00 - 11:00 am: Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours)
  • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Free time or return by bus to Aguas Calientes
  • 12:00 - 02:00 pm: Free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch
  • 02:00 - 04:00 pm: Return train to the station
  • 04:00 - 06:00 pm: Transfer back to your hotel in Cusco

Note: Exact schedules depend on train availability and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

You can choose between 3 train stations for your journey, each with different times and prices:

  • 🚉 Ollantaytambo: The most popular option (1 hour from Cusco by bus). Train journey of 1.5 hours. Advantage: More economical and more flexible schedules.
  • 🚉 Poroy: The closest to Cusco (30 minutes by bus). Train journey of 3.5 hours. Advantage: Less time on the bus, but more time on the train.
  • 🚉 Cusco (San Pedro): Direct departure from Cusco (no bus). Train journey of 4 hours. Advantage: No additional transfers, but limited schedules.

Recommendation: Most travelers prefer Ollantaytambo for its balance between cost, schedules and comfort.

Important: The tour price varies depending on the chosen station (Ollantaytambo is the most economical, Cusco the most expensive). Ask when booking.

Yes, but it is optional and at an additional cost! Both mountains offer spectacular views of Machu Picchu from different angles.

🏔️ Huayna Picchu (the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu):

  • Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours (up and down)
  • Difficulty: High (steep and narrow stairs)
  • Altitude: 2,720 masl
  • Schedules: 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am
  • Additional cost: +$65.00 USD (subject to availability)

🏔️ Machu Picchu Mountain (the highest mountain behind):

  • Duration: 3 - 4 hours (up and down)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to high (longer but less steep)
  • Altitude: 3,082 masl
  • Schedules: 6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am
  • Additional cost: +$65.00 USD (subject to availability)

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Tickets for both mountains are VERY LIMITED (only 400 people per day total). You must book 3-4 months in advance to secure your spot.

Recommendation: If you can only choose one, Huayna Picchu is more famous, but Machu Picchu Mountain offers a more panoramic view and is less crowded.

Essential documents (DON'T FORGET):

  • Original passport (same one you booked with - MANDATORY to board the train and enter Machu Picchu)
  • Immigration card (TAM)
  • Entrance and train tickets (we will provide them printed or digitally)

Clothing and accessories:

  • Comfortable layered clothing (the weather changes drastically between morning and midday)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (trekking or running shoes)
  • Waterproof rain poncho (mandatory - it rains frequently in the jungle)
  • Hat or cap for the sun
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+, the sun on the mountain burns)
  • Sunglasses

Other important items:

  • Water (minimum 1 liter - no sales inside Machu Picchu)
  • Camera (without large tripod)
  • Cash in soles (for food, souvenirs, tips)
  • Light snacks (granola bars, dried fruit)
  • Insect repellent (recommended for the jungle area)

Restrictions at Machu Picchu: Entry is not allowed with large backpacks (maximum 40x35x20 cm), food (except small snacks), drones, walking sticks with metal tips, tripods, or alcoholic beverages.

NO, meals are not included in the basic tour. However, you will have enough time to buy food on your own.

Options for meals:

  • Breakfast: Before the tour, we recommend having breakfast at your hotel or buying something light at the train station.
  • In Aguas Calientes: After visiting Machu Picchu, you will have free time (1-2 hours) to have lunch in the town. There are many options: restaurants, cafes, fast food and local stalls. Budget approx. 30-60 soles per person.
  • Snacks: We recommend bringing light snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate) to eat during the journey.

Optional (inquire about availability):

  • We can include lunch at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes for an additional cost of $15-25 USD per person.
  • The Vistadome train includes a snack and drinks on board (upgrade with additional cost).

Recommendation: Bring cash in soles, as many establishments in Aguas Calientes do not accept cards or charge a commission.

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