From US$317 per person.
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco by Train
- One day from Cusco: about 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with roughly two hours at the citadel.
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then the bus that climbs 400 m in fourteen switchbacks.
- Machu Picchu is at 2,430 m, almost 1,000 m lower than Cusco. Most people feel better there, not worse.
- Entry time is fixed when the ticket is bought and the whole day is built around it. High season slots go weeks ahead.
- Includes hotel pickup, round trip train, bus both ways, entrance ticket and licensed guide.
- If you can spare one night, the two day version puts you at the gate in the first slot, when the site is quiet.
This is Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco: a **4:00 a.m. start and a return around 10:00 p.m.**, with about two hours at the site itself. It exists for people whose trip does not have room for a second night, and it works, but it is a long day and you should know the shape of it before choosing it over the two day version.
**How the day runs.** Pickup at your hotel, two hours by road to Ollantaytambo at 2,800 m, then the train down the Urubamba valley to Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m, about an hour and forty minutes. From there a bus climbs 400 metres in fourteen switchbacks to the entrance at **2,430 m**. You tour the citadel with a licensed guide, take the bus back down, the train back to Ollantaytambo, and the road back to Cusco.
**The one thing that decides this day** is your entry time, because it is fixed when the ticket is bought and everything else is built around it. The circuits are capped per day and per slot, and in June, July and August the popular ones sell out weeks ahead. Booking late does not mean paying more; it means taking whatever slot is left, which may be the hottest part of the afternoon.
**Choose this if** you have exactly one day and Machu Picchu is non negotiable. **Choose the two day version instead if** you can spare the night. Sleeping in Aguas Calientes puts you at the gate in the first entry slot, when the site is quiet and the light is low, and it turns an 18 hour day into two calm ones.
**Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco**, at 2,430 m against 3,400 m, which surprises people who expect to feel worse there. If altitude has been bothering you in Cusco, you will probably feel better at the citadel, not worse. What does catch people out is the sun and the humidity: it is warmer and wetter than the city, and rain is possible in any month.
**What to bring.** Your passport, because the ticket is checked against it. Water, sunscreen and a rain layer. Large backpacks are not allowed inside; there is a luggage store at the entrance, and only small day packs go through. Drones are prohibited.
Hotel pickup, the round trip train, the bus up and down, the entrance ticket and a licensed guide are included at US$317. Assembling the same day yourself costs roughly the same, because the agency buys train seats in blocks; where a package earns its keep is that if a landslide cancels a train, someone is already solving it.
At a glance
- Days: 1
- Highest point: 3000 m
- Price: From US$317 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Machu Picchu 1-Day Tour from Cusco - Ollantaytambo by Train
Altitude: 2430 a 3000 m · Meals: Not Included · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
Begin your adventure with early pickup from your hotel and transfer by tourist transport to **Ollantaytambo** (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). From there you will board the train bound for **Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)**, enjoying the impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, your professional guide will be waiting for you to board the tourist bus to the citadel of **Machu Picchu** (approx. 30 minutes), where you will enjoy a guided visit of approximately **2 hours and 30 minutes**, touring its main temples, terraces, and viewpoints.
After exploring Machu Picchu, begin your return journey following the same route: bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, and tourist transportation back to your hotel in Cusco. Experience the magic of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, while enjoying a seamless journey that combines Inca history, breathtaking landscapes and scenic train travel in a single unforgettable day.
What is included
- Permits and entrance tickets Machu Picchu entrance ticket, Circuit 2, subject to availability and official ticket allocation.
- High-quality service and safety Pre-departure briefing with a full orientation session. Certified professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish. Medical support and first aid with certified guides in remote areas, full kit and emergency oxygen. 24/7 customer support before and during your experience.
- Transportation Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco. Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. Train tickets Ollantaytambo Aguas Calientes and return. Round-trip bus transfer between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
What is not included
- Meals Meals in Cusco and Aguas Calientes during the tour day.
- Travel insurance Not included; we recommend purchasing it independently.
- Tips Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (not mandatory but highly appreciated).
- Additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances Any extra cost due to weather, landslides, protests, government changes, health emergencies, or other events beyond our control.
Frequently asked questions
What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, built in the 15th century and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why is Machu Picchu famous?
Machu Picchu is famous for its advanced Inca engineering, dramatic mountain setting, and historical importance as one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
Where is Machu Picchu located?
It is located in the Cusco region of Peru, near Aguas Calientes, at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters in the Andes Mountains.
How do you get to Machu Picchu?
Travelers usually reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the entrance. It can also be reached through trekking routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay and Inca Jungle. Our full-day tour includes train and bus from Ollantaytambo.
Is Machu Picchu included in Peru tours?
Yes, most Peru travel packages and multi-day itineraries include Machu Picchu as the main highlight of the trip. We offer both a full-day tour and packages of 2, 3, 4 and 5 days with Machu Picchu included.
Do I need a guide to visit Machu Picchu?
A certified guide is highly recommended and often required to fully understand the historical and cultural significance of the site. Our full-day tour includes a certified bilingual guide throughout the entire visit.
What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when weather conditions are clearer and more stable. The rainy season (November, April) has fewer tourists and lower prices; the citadel is open year-round.
How long should I stay in Machu Picchu?
Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours exploring the site, depending on whether they include optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Our full-day tour includes approximately 3, 4 hours of guided visit with additional free time.
Is Machu Picchu difficult to visit?
Visiting Machu Picchu is considered easy to moderate, with well-marked paths and no technical trekking required for the main circuit. The main challenge is the altitude (2,430 m) and stone stairs within the site. Our guide adjusts the pace to the group.
Can Machu Picchu be visited in one day?
Yes, it can be visited in one day from Cusco, and that is exactly what our full-day tour offers. We depart early by train from Ollantaytambo, visit the citadel with an included guide and return to Cusco the same day. Many travelers also prefer multi-day itineraries for a more relaxed experience.
What should I bring to Machu Picchu?
Visitors should bring their passport, comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection and light rain gear depending on the season. Snacks and cash for the bus from Aguas Calientes are also recommended.
Is Machu Picchu safe for tourists?
Yes, Machu Picchu is considered very safe for tourists, with regulated access and official guides operating within the site. It is one of the most visited destinations in the world with very high safety standards for visitors.
What makes Machu Picchu unique?
Its unique combination of architectural precision, spiritual significance and dramatic mountain location makes it one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. Every stone was placed without mortar with an accuracy that still amazes modern engineers.
Is it worth spending 2 days at Machu Picchu instead of just 1 day?
Yes, if budget allows. With 1 day you have just enough time for the main guided circuit. With 2 days you can: see the site without crowds early in the morning and at sunset, climb Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 m, spectacular panoramic views) or Huayna Picchu (2,693 m, very limited quota), explore less visited areas like Inti Punku (Sun Gate), and arrive rested without the rush of a day tour. The night in Aguas Calientes also lets you enjoy the hot springs.
What is the difference between Machu Picchu and Choquequirao? Can I see both?
Machu Picchu is accessible in a few hours (train + bus) with thousands of daily visitors. Choquequirao requires a 4-day trek and receives fewer than 50 people per day: it is larger, only 30, 40% excavated, and completely uncrowded. To see both there is an epic 8, 9 day route connecting them via pre-Hispanic trails. If you can only choose one: Machu Picchu for the iconic experience, Choquequirao for adventure and solitude.
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