About this experience
Machu Picchu is the finest example of Inca imperial phase architecture left to us by the people who established and ruled over the greatest empire ever seen in the Americas. It is situated in the high mountain forests, between the Andes and the Amazon basin, just over 120 kilometres from the city of Cusco. Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most well-known sacred places, and our one or two-day train tour to Machu Picchu takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world, following the course of the Urubamba River from high Andean plains all the way to the cloud forest that surrounds the ruins of Machu Picchu.
At a glance
- Duration: 16 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 16 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
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 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 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 up and down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in private car
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning
- Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in private car
- Dinner and lunch and in Aguas Calientes restaurant Indio Feliz
- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Optional)
- Snacks and Water
Itinerary and highlights
Our trip to Machu Picchu leaves the city of Cusco at 6:00 am, as we travel by bus to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the small town located below the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The train follows the Urubamba River as the valley narrows to form a sheer gorge and we pass through different climactic zones, with views of majestic mountains and glimpses of ancient ruins. From the station at Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride takes us up to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, the finest surviving example pre-Hispanic architecture and engineering, where we will enjoy a private guided tour lasting around 2 hours, during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After the tour, you will also have time to explore the ruins independently. We will return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and board our train for the return trip to Cusco.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will be picking you up from your hotel within the historic centre of Cusco. Please Note: This service doesn't include pick up in private residencies, example; Airbnb or hotels that are outside the historic centre.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Minka Peru Expeditions
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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Traveller reviews and photos
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