Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train

Cusco , Peru

Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train

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(5 reviews)

15h

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About this experience

For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

Available options

Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train

Pickup included

What's included

Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back

Ticket to enter Machu Picchu

Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo

Guided tour to Machu Picchu

Transport – Cusco – Ollantaytambo and back

Hotel Pickup with in the historical center of Cusco.

Professional bilingual tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Hotel Pickup (3:55am)

At 3:55am, hotel pick-ups will begin, so make sure you're up early and ready to go. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the train station in Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo Train Station (6:40am)

Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, you’ll catch the 6:40am train, which will take you to Aguas Calientes. The journey will take about 1.5 hours, and you'll arrive in Aguas Calientes around 8:00am.

Stop 3 Pass by

Aguas Calientes (8:00am)

Once you arrive at the train station in Aguas Calientes, your guide will meet you and take you to the bus for the ride to Machu Picchu. The bus ride is about 30 minutes, and you should arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu around 8:45am.

Stop 4

Machu Picchu Arrival (Around 8:45 AM)
You’ll arrive at Machu Picchu around 8:45 AM. After entering, your bilingual guide will take you on a tour of the ancient city, covering all major areas, lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Free Time at Machu Picchu
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Wander and enjoy the views. If you wish, exit for a snack at the café and re-enter. Your ticket is valid all day, so explore at your leisure.

Optional Huayna Picchu Hike
If you'd like extra adventure, hike the Huayna Picchu mountain (tickets must be booked when purchasing Machu Picchu entry). The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and is unguided. The entrance window for Huayna Picchu is from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, so if you choose it, your guided tour will be quicker to finish in time.

Stop 5

Return to Aguas Calientes
Once you’ve finished exploring Machu Picchu, you'll descend back to Aguas Calientes, the town named for its hot springs.

Return Train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo
After your time in Aguas Calientes, you have two options for returning:

You can take the 4:12 PM train directly to Cusco.

Alternatively, you can take the 7:00 PM train to Ollantaytambo (the journey is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes).
If you take the 7:00 PM train to Ollantaytambo, a mini-bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco. The drive takes about 90 minutes.

What's not included

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions