About this experience
If you are short on time, this is a day trip you cannot miss! Depart Cuzco to pass through the Andes and into the rainforest, reaching Aguas Calientes by first class train on the only tour to Machu Picchu that offers personalised attention from start to finish, private transport between Cuzco-Ollantaytambo, a private guide at Machu Picchu.
At a glance
- Duration: 16 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 16 hr 30 min 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
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
- Round-trip first class train tickets Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes
- 2-hour guided tour at Machu Picchu with bilingual guide
- Personal introductory briefing
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Cuzco
- 7-hour experience at Machu Picchu
- Private round-trip transfer Cuzco-Ollantaytambo
- Round-trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Guide for transfers by car, train and bus (these portions are on your own)
- Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (48 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
- Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (48 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
- Tips for guide
- Travel insurance
Itinerary and highlights
Machu Picchu is one of the new seven world wonders and a “must see” on the list of every world traveller. You'll have a memorable time with knowledgeable local guides that will offer you many of helpful insights. Start your experience with a personal introductory briefing one night prior to your departure date.
On the day of your adventure, you will be picked up at your hotel in Cuzco at 4:00 am for an early start on a 1.5-hour transfer to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley where you will wait for your train to Aguas Calientes.
From Ollantaytambo, you will take an executive-class train to Aguas Calientes along the Urubamba River Valley surrounded by majestic mountains and immerse yourself in amazing Peruvian landscapes.
Delve into the Inca World as you arrive to the train station in Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu, where you will be picked-up and taken to the marvelous Inca Citadel hidden away at the top of a mountain on a 30-minute bus. Here you will take a 2-hour guided tour with a professional local guide.
After your guided tour, you will have free time to enjoy the archaeological site and walk around on your own. You can take an optional hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) or to the Inca bridge. Your guide will give you recommendations and information on where to go as well as directions on how to get there. Sit down for a moment to relax and enjoy this magical site nestled deep in the Andean mountains surrounded by striking scenery.
When you are finished at Machu Picchu, you will return back to Aguas Calientes and catch your return train.
Rest your legs and have a coffee to recharge your batteries before returning to Cuzco.
Take your train back to Ollantaytambo, and, right after your vehicle back to Cuzco and be dropped-off in central Cuzco.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please contact us at least 2 weeks before your departure date, so we can arrange pick-up from your accommodation. Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Passport Expiry - Must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel. Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking. Please be aware that your complete and correct passport information must be provided. Absolutely no modifications can be made once your booking has been confirmed. Any changes or discrepancies in the information provided will result in a complete loss of permits and entrance tickets, for which you will be held responsible and will need to pay for again. Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry the old passport they used to make the booking or a photocopy with them on the trip.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Bamba Travel
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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?
Important: You must provide the following information upon booking: Full name (exactly as it appears on the passport), Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Passport Expiry - Must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel. Without this information, the local tour operator will be unable to make the booking. Please be aware that your complete and correct passport information must be provided. Absolutely no modifications can be made once your booking has been confirmed. Any changes or discrepancies in the information provided will result in a complete loss of permits and entrance tickets, for which you will be held responsible and will need to pay for again.
Travellers who booked their trip using one passport, then renewed or replaced it afterward, must carry the old passport they used to make the booking or a photocopy with them on the trip.
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.
