About this experience
Experience one of the world’s most iconic destinations on this full-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco. Your journey begins with hotel pick-up and a scenic transfer through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station. Enjoy a comfortable train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes and lush cloud forest.
Upon arrival, our staff will assist you as you board the official CONSETTUR bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a professional licensed guide, following the assigned circuit while learning about Inca history, architecture, and sacred traditions. After the guided tour, return to Aguas Calientes for free time to explore or enjoy lunch before your train and bus journey back to Cusco.
At a glance
- Duration: 15 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 15 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Machu Picchu Train From Cusco Guide
Plan the Machu Picchu train from Cusco with clear advice on bimodal routes, entry tickets, train classes, timings, baggage, and booking order.
Machu Picchu Bus From Aguas Calientes Guide
Plan the Machu Picchu bus from Aguas Calientes with clear advice on timed entry, one-way or return transport, current fare checks, site rules, and disruption planning.
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
What is included
- Transfer Cusco to train Station of Ollantaytambo
- Transfer train Station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco (drop off at the hotel)
- Profesional tour Guide (English or Spanish)
- Bus ticket In Machu Picchu (Round Trip)
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo (Expeditions o Voyague)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Not included
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- other expenses
Itinerary and highlights
Hotel Pick-up in Cusco & Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Your Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel (located within the historic center or nearby areas). From there, we travel by tourist transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo, enjoying scenic views of the Sacred Valley along the way.
⏰ Pick-up and train schedules are subject to availability and will be confirmed by the operator one day before the tour.
Train Journey: Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
At the Ollantaytambo train station, we board the tourist train heading to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes.
The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, lush vegetation, and the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival, our local staff will be waiting to assist you and guide you to the next stage of the tour.
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu Citadel (CONSETTUR)
In Machu Picchu Pueblo, we will head to the CONSETTUR bus station to board the official shuttle bus up to the Machu Picchu Citadel entrance.
The bus ride takes about 25 minutes, ascending through a scenic mountain road surrounded by cloud forest.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (Approx. 2.5 Hours)
At the entrance of Machu Picchu, you will meet your professional licensed tour guide, who will accompany you through the site based on the assigned official circuit.
During the guided visit, you will learn about:
*The history and significance of Machu Picchu
*Inca architecture and engineering
*Temples, plazas, and sacred areas
Best panoramic viewpoints for photos
⏱️ The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including time for photography.
Free Time in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
After the guided visit, we return by bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will have free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included unless otherwise specified).
Please arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Return Journey: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
You will board the return train from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to transfer you by tourist bus back to Cusco.
The road journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, ending with drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Meeting and pickup information
- Pick up from hotels or Airbnb located within the historical center of Cusco. Tour start times will be confirmed based on availability and revenue and train schedules available at the date of purchase.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Aremika Expeditions
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour start times are subject to Machu Picchu entrance availability and train schedules. Possible departure times include 4:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., and 8:00 a.m. Return times will vary accordingly based on the confirmed start time and assigned entrance schedule.
- Machu Picchu operates under an official circuit system designed to enhance the visitor experience and protect the archaeological site. Circuit 2 is prioritized when available; otherwise, guests will be offered alternative options such as Circuit 3B or Circuit 1B, allowing them to select their preferred route prior to ticket issuance.
- Aremika Expeditions is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least one day prior to the scheduled tour date to ensure a smooth travel experience.
- Machu Picchu admission tickets are non-refundable, and changes or modifications to the date are not permitted. If you wish to change your visit date, a new entrance ticket must be purchased.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Tour start times will be confirmed based on availability and revenue and train schedules available at the date of purchase.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
