About this experience
Experience the magic of Machu Picchu on a swift and captivating adventure. This express tour takes you to the heart of the Inca Empire, where you'll explore the iconic citadel, wander through ancient ruins, and soak in breathtaking panoramic views. Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu, one of the world's most renowned wonders, in a single unforgettable day.
At a glance
- Duration: 14 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 14 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
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.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
What is included
- Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (and return)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Citadel
- Guide in the Citadel (EN / ES )
- Tourist train tickets from Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes (and return)
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. (and return)
Not included
- Food and Drink
Itinerary and highlights
Our professional team will pick you up very early. At 4 am approx. our transfer pick up you at your hotel and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
From Cusco we will have a trip approximately 2 hours, crossing the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to MachuPicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
After boarding the train we will have another 2 hours travel next to the vilcanota river, enjoying a beautiful landscape with fields crops and Inca terraces, upon arrival at our destination, our guide will be waiting for us to give instructions to take the bus to visit Machu Picchu in Peru.
After a 40-minute bus ride on a winding road, we will arrive at the control gate of Machu Picchu, from here we will start the visit the great citadel, accompanied by our guide, who will explain the most important events and take the best picture of Machu Picchu.
Finally we will arrive at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where you will feel the magic of this ancient place and enjoy the impressive view from the Inca citadel. After the unforgettable moment, our guide will begin the tour that will last 2 hours to better understand the history and architecture of this wonderful place. He will also know the areas into which the citadel was divided, which despite being isolated could be self-sustaining.
• Once the guided tour is over, you will be able to enjoy Machu Picchu in your own way, you will be able to take photos and explore the place freely
After experiencing this marvel, you will journey back to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch. In Aguas Calientes, you'll discover souvenir shops and have some leisure time to explore this charming town.
Time to end this magic journey and come back to Cusco.
We will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and the minivan to Cusco, near the main square .
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you at your hotel in Cusco Historic Center
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- IZI PERU
Accessibility and practical details
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- When booking the one-day tour to Machu Picchu, we strongly recommend securing your reservation well in advance online to avoid any inconvenience. However, if you book late and tickets are no longer available online, please be aware that the tour must be completed over two days.
- If online tickets for Machu Picchu are not available, the tour will be transformed into a two-day itinerary. This change will allow you to purchase your tickets to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes at the on-site ticket office, the day before your visit. In this scenario, you will need to add an extra night in Aguas Calientes. Please note, the cost for this additional night is not included and will be an additional expense.
- The circuit number depends on availability.
- Please note that a guide is included only for Circuit #2 at Machu Picchu. If Circuit #2 is not available on your desired dates, you have the option to hire a private guide directly at Machu Picchu.
- Return train times (and arrival in Cusco) depend on availability. If you need to be back at a specific time, let us know in advance. An earlier train may have an extra cost.
- Purchase tickets conditions (2 purchase methods) //// Method 1) Online Pre-sale: Spots are limited. We recommend booking 3–4 months in advance. For Circuit 2 (most requested), 4–6 months is often required. If tickets available in presale : We secure your tickets immediately, prioritizing Circuit 2, then 1, then 3. Note that some Circuit 1 or 3 tickets may only be available with an extra mountain hike (additional cost). /////// Method 2) In-person Purchase (Last minute): For late bookings, a quota is sold only on-site in Aguas Calientes on a first-come, first-served basis. If no Pre-sale is available: the purchase must be made in person in Aguas Calientes. In this case, your tour automatically transforms into a 2-day itinerary to allow for the on-site purchase the day before your visit. Note that an additional night (or more) in Aguas Calientes will be required and is not included (accommodation at your own expense), depending on availability at the time of your reservation.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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