Machu Picchu By Train – 1 Day

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

We offer our Machu Picchu day trip with different pick-up options, ranging from very early to later departures. At the moment, we provide three alternatives. Below, you will find the complete itineraries for each option, with their respective pick-up times.

Option A: Pick Up from Cusco at 03:00 am

We will pick you up at 03:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. From there, our private transportation will take you on a 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes.

During the train journey, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, including Veronica’s snowy peaks, fertile green valleys, and ancient agricultural terraces. The train ride follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes at approximately 06:40 am, we will take a 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. At the checkpoint, your guide will handle the entry process using your passport and Machu Picchu ticket.

Once inside, you will be guided to the upper part of the citadel to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Then, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour covering the most important areas, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Inca House, Main Plaza, Wayrana, and Sacred Rock.

After the guided visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch and to explore the town. In the afternoon, you will board the 02:55 pm train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel will be around 07:00 pm.

Option B: Pick Up from Cusco at 06:00 am

At 06:00 am, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco for a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, a scenic 1.5-hour journey through the Sacred Valley.

Upon arrival around 08:00 am, we will board the 08:29 am train to Aguas Calientes. This 1.5-hour ride follows the Urubamba River and passes through charming villages, lush landscapes, and deep canyons.

At approximately 10:00 am, we arrive in Aguas Calientes and take the bus up to Machu Picchu, reaching the entrance around 11:00 am. After ticket control, we will go to the upper section for the iconic Machu Picchu photo.

You will then enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting key sites such as the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, and Intihuatana, while learning about Inca history, astronomy, and engineering.

After the visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Later, we board the 04:43 pm train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 08:00 pm.

Option C: Pick Up from Cusco at 08:00 am

At 08:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco for a private transfer to Ollantaytambo. The 1.5-hour drive offers beautiful views of the Sacred Valley’s landscapes and villages.

Around 09:30 am, you will have some free time before boarding the 10:30 am train to Aguas Calientes. This scenic journey lasts about 1.5 hours and passes through rivers, valleys, and cloud forest landscapes.

At 12:00 pm, we arrive in Aguas Calientes and take the bus to Machu Picchu, entering the site around 01:00 pm. After passing the checkpoint, our professional guide will lead you to the upper section for the classic postcard photo, followed by a 2-hour guided tour.

The tour includes visits to highlights such as the Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Inca House, Main Plaza, and Wayrana. Afternoon visits are usually less crowded and offer softer sunlight and stable weather.

After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time. At 06:20 pm, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel will be around 10:00 pm.

• Includes
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
• Private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
• Round-trip Expeditions train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes)
• Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Approximately 2-hour guided tour at Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2, subject to availability)
• Oxygen tank in the vehicle
• First aid kit
• 24/7 customer service

THINGS TO KNOW 

• When visiting Machu Picchu, you must bring your passport with you as you will need it to enter the site.
• With the standard entry ticket to Machu Picchu, you will not be allowed back in after you exit, even if you do not spend the full 2 hours allotted with each ticket.
• Machu Picchu entrance tickets are subject to availability; It is highly advisable to secure reservations for this tour at least two months in advance, as the daily allocation of Machu Picchu tickets is 5600 per day.
• The Machu Picchu tickets, including those for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be rescheduled. This policy aligns with the regulations set forth by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
• Be careful with selfie-and-jumping pictures, as these cause most of the accidents in the mountains.
• Training shoes or lightweight walking shoes are highly recommended do this Machu Picchu day trip.
• The Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco does not allow you to Climb Machu Picchu Mountain due to the limited time.
• The one day Machu Picchu tour does not allow you to witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu because the earliest you get to Machu Picchu is 8 am.
• Strong insect repellent is recommended because there are many mosquitoes.
• Machu Picchu is a unique site, and if you want, you can get a pretty unusual stamp on your Passport.
• This one day trip to Machu Picchu is ideal for couples, families, friends, and children.
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
• This full-day Machu Picchu tour stands out as the optimal choice for travelers with limited time.
• You have to arrive in Cusco City at least one day prior to your Machu Picchu day tour.
• Your guided tour inside Machu Picchu will take around 2h 30m.
• This Machu Picchu tour will have a maximum of 08 participants

Bathroom

Bad news, there are no bathrooms or food stalls in Machu Picchu. Make sure you use the bathroom before you enter the site. It is right in front of the entrance and costs two soles.

Food and Water

When it comes to food and water, bring your own. The ticket says that eating inside the site is prohibited, but you can bring a small snack with you, only try not to eat too openly, and it goes without saying that you should not litter. Also, you should bring your water in reusable flasks or canteens, because Machu Picchu tries to fight against single-use plastic bottles.

Prohibited objects inside Machu Picchu

• Walking sticks are not allowed unless the person needs them.
• It is not allowed to enter Machu Picchu with drones, tripods, or selfie sticks as well. Older people can carry a cane, but with a rubber tip, not a metal one.
• Professional cameras are not allowed. Permits for professional cameras are over $300 so avoid bringing a professional-looking camera in to save some money.
• You cannot enter Machu Picchu with your travel backpack. Only smaller models are allowed so leave your backpack in Aguas Calientes in your Hotel.

Strikes

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Machu Picchu day tours and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your Machu Picchu full day tour by train continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens the day of your Machu Picchu 1-day tour, we will take you to Aguas Calientes town the night before your start date. You will visit Machu Picchu normally, After visiting the Inca Ruins, you will need to hike extra 3 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 11:00 pm.

What Circuit Will Your Machu Picchu Day Trip Follow?

We buy the Circuit 2 ticket for our Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, so you will visit with our guide the upper and lower part of Machu Picchu. This circuit is recommended because you will visit the whole of Inca City.

How To Book A Machu Pichu Guided Tours With PureqTravel?

In order to book your Machu Picchu by train 1-day tour with us, you need to click on the BOOK NOW bottom above, then choose the day of your departure, then fill out all the personal information, then the last step is the payment which you can do with credit card or debit card. Please send us only the deposit, the outstanding balance is payable in Cusco one day before at our office.

What About The Outstanding Balance?

The Outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trip in USD or soles. Also, you can pay us with a Credit card(2.9% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. It is better to pay us with cash because there is no transaction fee. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

May I Change The Departure Date After The Permits Have Been Purchased?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to change your departure date. The only way to modify your departure is by purchasing a new Machu Picchu ticket, and we will also need to pay a penalty fee to change the train ticket. The total additional cost to reschedule your Machu Picchu excursion is $100 per person. Before proceeding with the change, we must first check the availability for the new Machu Picchu entry date.

I See On The Official Website That Circuit 2 Tickets Are Not Available Anymore For My Preferred Date. Is There Any Way You Can Still Arrange My Trip With Circuit 2?

Unfortunately, when Circuit 2 tickets for Machu Picchu are sold out, we are unable to secure them as we also purchase tickets directly from the official Peruvian website. To address this issue, we we will buy two tickets: one for Circuit 1 and one for Circuit 3. With this arrangement, you will explore Circuit 3 with our guide for two hours, then exit and re-enter Machu Picchu to visit Circuit 1 on your own for one hour. By buying tickets for both circuits, you will still be able to see most of the site, including the iconic photo spots and all the temples. Since we will buy 2 tickets, there will be an additional charge of $45 for the extra tickets.

I See There Is Not Any Single Ticket Available In The Oficial Website For My Desired Date, But I See In Your Wesite Is Available. Can You Still Organize My Trip To Machu Picchu?

Yes, we can still arrange your trip to Machu Picchu. If tickets for your preferred date are sold out, we can purchase permits for the Short Inca Trail, which will allow you to visit Machu Picchu via Circuit 3. However, this option is more expensive and only provides access to the lower part of the site, meaning you won’t be able to capture the iconic view of Machu Picchu. Organizing this option would incur an additional fee of $30.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the shoulder months, April, May, September, October, and November. The chances of rain are few during these months, and the temperature is pleasant as it is away from the cold winter nights of the peak season. During these months, there will be fewer crowds too.

Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport On The Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Machu Picchu ticket. Your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint when you board the train.

 Can I Book The Machu Picchu By Train With My Expired Passport?

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu ticket. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your ticket.

Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My Machu Picchu Day Trip?

Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.  by staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour and a half after the Cusco pick up so you will sleep more.

How About The Student Discount?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). 

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $20 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $30 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@pureqtravel.com

Is This Day Trip To Machu Picchu Safe For Children?

We recommend this tour for children and families because it is easy and safe. Machu Picchu has easy access and all facilities for visitors. Children have discounts of $30, so feel free to send us an email to get your quotation.

How Long In Advance Should I Book Machu Picchu 1 Day Tours From Cusco?

We highly recommend you to book your Machu Picchu day tour 2 months in advance in high season(May to August). For April, September, November, and December you can book 1 month in advance. For January and February, you can book even 2 days before your departure. Note: In the Holidays, Perus Independence Day July 28th, Holy Week, Christmas, and New Year, it is better to book in advance because Peruvians travel to Cusco so Machu Picchu tickets run out quickly. Nowadays you visit Machu Picchu following circuits, so the good circuits run out quickly.

I’m Staying At Airbnb, Can You Still Pick Us Up?

Yes, we will need your exact address to arrange your pick-up and drop-off. It has no extra cost.

 Can I Do This Machu Picchu Train Tour Alone?

Of course, as a solo traveler, you will enjoy Machu Picchu in a private service for an additional cost of $60, so you will pay $350 in total. 

Is It Posible To Climb Machu Picchu Mountain On Your Machu Picchu Day Trip?

Yes, it is possible but not recommended, because you have to climb Machu Picchu Mountain first then do the guided tour at Machu Picchu Ruins. The reason why you climb the mountain first is because there is no afternoon Schedule. The last Schedule is 9 am. To climb the Mountain takes 3 hours and you end up very tired so you don’t enjoy the Machu Picchu tour.

I Am A Solo Person, ¿Can I Join The Group Tour?

Yes, however, send us first an email to confirm our group. Then we will send a message back and let you know when we have a group then you can join our groups.

We Don’t Like Going In A Group, Can You Organize Our Trip In Private Service?

Yes, we can organize your trip in Private Service. Our Price depends on how many people you are. Send us an email to Info@pureqtravel to send you a quote in Private Service.

I’m 70 Years Old, Can I Make This Tour?

We had already customers who were 70 and 75 years old. They visited Machu Picchu without any problem, but there are small hikes inside the Inca Citadel where there are steps to go up and down. If you think you are not fit and you want to go at your own pace, we recommend going on Private service.

How About My Luggage, Can I Take All My Belongings?

This tour is only a day trip, we recommend taking only small backpacks because it is not allowed to take big luggage inside the train. You can store your extra belongings in the hotel, if the hotel doesn’t have storage, you can leave your belongings to our driver and we will keep your belongings in our storage for free. 

Which Attractions Will I Visit With A Full-Day Tour To Machu Picchu From Cusco?

During this experience, places you will visit include:

• Aguas Calientes main square
• Machu Picchu Citadel
• Aguas Calientes market.

How Long Does This Machu Picchu Tours One Day Tour Last?

Our Machu Picchu day trip lasts 12 hours roughly.

Can I Fly The Same Day Of The Tour?

It is possible. But not recommended. Train delays are very common from Aguas Calientes that’s why it is not recommended. You might miss your Machu Picchu tour because of the delays. 

What To See In Machu Picchu Day Trip?

There are many places to see in Machu Picchu Citadel, but here are some of the important places to visit:

• The Guardhouse: This is the place where you will take the classical picture of Machu Picchu.
• The Temple of the Sun: It stands as one of the most emblematic structures within Machu Picchu, deserving of exploration and appreciation.
• Inca House. It stands as an essential architectural marvel within Machu Picchu, positioned at the heart of the citadel.
• The Sundial: This stone is located close to the central plaza of Machu Picchu and is thought to have been used by the Incas for astronomical purposes.
• The Temple of the Condor: This Inca site is located in the lower part of Machu Picchu.
• Water mirrors: One of the structures found at Machu Picchu is a circular construction resembling a plate, crafted from stones intricately carved into the ground. When these formations are filled with water, they create a reflective surface that mirrors the sky above.

Is Altitude Sickness A Problem At Machu Picchu?

 No, as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are situated at a lower altitude compared to Cusco. If you haven’t experienced altitude sickness in Cusco, it is unlikely to occur when visiting Machu Picchu

Do I Need To Be Very Physically Fit?

Our Machu Picchu tours from Cusco are rated as easy so you don’t need to be an expert hiker. Basically, the tour is just sightseeing. You will only need to walk in Machu Picchu citadel.