About this experience
Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime dream for many travelers—and with Howlanders, you can make it a reality in just one day.
We specialize in small-group tours designed to give you a more personal and stress-free experience. No big crowds or rushed itineraries—just comfortable transportation, quality accommodations, well-timed train departures, and expert local guides.
If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss Machu Picchu, this one-day tour from Cusco is your best option.
Join us and experience Machu Picchu the right way.
At a glance
- Duration: 10 hr–13 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 10 hr–13 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.
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
- Professional guided tour in Machu Picchu (Spanish / English)
- Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu roundtrip bus
- Machu Picchu Ticket (depending on the selected option)
- Roundtrip tourist train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
- Cusco hotel pick up and transfer to Ollantaytambo (roundtrip)
Not included
- Meals
Itinerary and highlights
The day before your tour, your guide will visit your accommodation in Cusco for a short briefing and provide you with your train and Machu Picchu entrance tickets (if this option was selected, otherwise Machu Picchu tickets will not be included in the tour).
On the tour day, you’ll be picked up around 4:00 AM in a comfortable minibus and driven to Ollantaytambo train station. There, you’ll board the 6:10 AM tourist train to Aguas Calientes—also known as Machu Picchu Town.
The train ride takes about 1.5 hours and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, the Vilcanota River, and the lush landscapes of the high jungle.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll take the bus up to Machu Picchu at the scheduled time based on your entrance ticket. There, a professional guide will lead you on a two-hour tour, sharing the history and hidden stories of this iconic site.
After the tour, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many local restaurants.
After lunch, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, a minibus will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. You’ll arrive in the city between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM, depending on your train schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Pick up will be at any accommodation in Cusco at 3:50 am. In case your street is not reachable by bus (narrow streets in the city center), a nearby pick-up location will be indicated the day before during the tour briefing.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Howlanders
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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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