Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco
Full day
12 Travellers
2450 m /
Easy
Machu Picchu By Train – 1 Day Tour from Cusco
On our Machu Picchu By Train 1-Day Tour, you will enjoy a full day exploring the legendary Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu on a complete, worry-free journey departing from Cusco.
This all-inclusive experience allows you to discover one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites alongside a knowledgeable local guide, who will share fascinating insights into the construction of Machu Picchu, its historical significance, and what daily life was like for the ancient Incas.
Designed with a relaxed, non-strenuous pace, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors, families, and solo travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu comfortably, without long hikes or physical demands.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional Bilingual Guide: Your journey is led by a highly trained, licensed English-speaking guide with formal studies from top tourism institutes in Peru. Our guides combine deep historical knowledge, professionalism, and a genuine passion for sharing the legacy of the Andes.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: We include your official entrance ticket to Circuit 2, the most complete and highly recommended route inside Machu Picchu. In the rare event this circuit is unavailable, we will contact you within 24 hours to arrange entrance to Circuit 1 or 3, ensuring an exceptional visit.
- Round-Trip Bus to Machu Picchu: Enjoy a comfortable round-trip bus service from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu citadel and back after your guided tour.
- Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco: Your guide will meet you directly at the reception of your hotel or Airbnb. Please wait inside, as Cusco mornings can be very cold. For easy identification, your guide will be wearing a red jacket with the Salas Travel Peru logo.
- Private Transportation to Ollantaytambo: Travel in comfort aboard our private, spacious van from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station. The route reaches altitudes of up to 3,700 meters, and our vehicle is equipped with an emergency oxygen tank for your safety.
- Expedition Train: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes: Experience a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley aboard the Expedition-class train, offering large windows and stunning views along the way.
- Guided Tour Inside Machu Picchu: Discover the most important areas of the citadel during a 2-hour guided tour. Learn about Inca temples, agricultural terraces, royal quarters, ceremonial spaces, and the advanced engineering that made Machu Picchu possible.
- Return Train: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo: After your visit, you will board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Private Transfer Back to Cusco: Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting to take you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.
- First Aid Kit & Altitude Support: Our guides carry a complete first aid kit at all times, including basic supplies to assist with minor injuries or altitude-related discomfort.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether before, during, or after your tour, we are always ready to assist you.
Not Included
- Meals
Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu - Itinerary
Cusco → Ollantaytambo (Transfer)
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at approximately 10:00 am. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (Train Journey)
At around 12:55 pm, board your Expedition or Voyager train to Aguas Calientes. During the 1.5-hour ride, take in breathtaking views of the Andes, winding rivers, and lush cloud forest as you approach Machu Picchu.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes (Hotel Check-In)
Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the foot of the mountains.
Evening Briefing with Your Guide
Around 7:00 pm, you will meet your professional guide for a detailed orientation about the visit to Machu Picchu the following day. This briefing ensures you are fully prepared and ready for an unforgettable experience.
Cusco → Ollantaytambo (Transfer)
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at approximately 10:00 am. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (Train Journey)
At around 12:55 pm, board your Expedition or Voyager train to Aguas Calientes. During the 1.5-hour ride, take in breathtaking views of the Andes, winding rivers, and lush cloud forest as you approach Machu Picchu.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes (Hotel Check-In)
Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the foot of the mountains.
Evening Briefing with Your Guide
Around 7:00 pm, you will meet your professional guide for a detailed orientation about the visit to Machu Picchu the following day. This briefing ensures you are fully prepared and ready for an unforgettable experience.
Packing list
Clothing
Lightweight, breathable shirts
Comfortable hiking pants or leggings
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Warm layer (fleece or sweater – mornings can be cold)
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes (non-slip)
Extra socks
Hat or cap for sun protection
Sunglasses
Swimsuit (optional – for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Money & Documents
Original passport (mandatory for Machu Picchu entry)
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Train tickets (if applicable)
Cash in Peruvian soles (small bills for snacks, tips, bathrooms)
Credit/debit card
Travel insurance (recommended)
Essentials
Small backpack (20–30L recommended)
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Insect repellent
Personal medications
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)
Camera or smartphone
Portable charger / power bank
Optional but Recommended
Trekking poles (if hiking)
Coca leaves or altitude pills
Lightweight gloves (early mornings)
Extra plastic bag (for rain protection)
Things to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu
Important Information
Passport required: You must bring your original passport to enter Machu Picchu.
No re-entry allowed: Once you exit the site, re-entry is not permitted, even if you have not used the full time allowed.
Limited ticket availability: Machu Picchu has a daily limit of 5,600 visitors. We strongly recommend booking this tour at least two months in advance.
Non-refundable tickets: All Machu Picchu entrance tickets, including Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be rescheduled, in accordance with regulations of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Group size: This tour operates with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Arrival in Cusco: Travelers must arrive in Cusco at least one day before the tour departure.
Guided tour duration: Your guided visit inside Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Sunrise not included: This one-day tour does not allow you to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu, as the earliest arrival time is around 8:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu Mountain: Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain is not possible on a one-day tour due to time restrictions.
Passport stamp: Machu Picchu offers a special commemorative stamp for your passport if you wish.
Physical Requirements & Safety
This tour is suitable for couples, families, friends, and children.
Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness.
Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes are highly recommended.
Please avoid jumping or risky selfie poses, as these are the main cause of accidents in the area.
Strong insect repellent is recommended due to mosquitoes in the region.
Bathrooms
No bathrooms are available inside Machu Picchu.
Restrooms are located outside the entrance gate and cost approximately 2 Peruvian soles.
Be sure to use the facilities before entering the site.
Food & Water
There are no food stalls inside Machu Picchu.
Bringing your own water is recommended, preferably in reusable bottles or canteens, as Machu Picchu promotes environmental conservation and discourages single-use plastics.
Small snacks are allowed, but please be discreet and never litter.
Prohibited Items Inside Machu Picchu
Walking sticks are not allowed unless medically necessary.
Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.
Professional cameras are not allowed without a special permit (permits exceed USD 300).
Large backpacks are not permitted. Only small backpacks are allowed, so please leave large bags at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Canes are permitted for elderly travelers only if they have a rubber tip (metal tips are not allowed).
Strikes & Roadblocks (Important Notice)
Strikes and roadblocks can occasionally occur in Peru and may affect train services and access routes to Machu Picchu.
If a strike occurs on the day of your tour, we will transfer you to Aguas Calientes the night before your scheduled visit to ensure you can still enter Machu Picchu as planned.
After visiting the citadel:
You will hike approximately 3 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric.
From there, we will drive about 7 hours back to Cusco.
Estimated arrival at your hotel in Cusco is around 11:00 p.m.
We will always prioritize your safety and do our best to ensure your experience continues with minimal disruption.
FAQs
How To Book a Machu Picchu Guided Tour With MACHU PICCHU ANDEAN?
Booking your Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is quick and easy:
- Click the BOOK NOW button on our website.
- Select your preferred travel date.
- Complete your personal information.
- Pay your deposit using a debit or credit card.
Once your deposit is confirmed, your reservation is 100% guaranteed. The remaining balance is paid in Cusco at our office one day before the tour.
What About the Outstanding Balance?
The remaining balance can be paid:
- In cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our Cusco office one day before the tour
- By credit card, subject to a small merchant fee
We recommend paying in cash to avoid extra charges and speed up the check-in process.
May I Change the Departure Date After the Permits Have Been Purchased?
Unfortunately, no. Once Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets are issued, date changes are not permitted by the Peruvian government.
If you need to reschedule:
- New Machu Picchu tickets must be purchased
- Train companies apply a penalty fee
- The additional cost is USD 100 per person, subject to ticket availability
What Happens if There Are No Tickets Available for Circuit 2?
If Circuit 2 is sold out on the official Ministry of Culture system, MACHU PICCHU ANDEAN cannot obtain it.
Alternative:
- Purchase Circuit 3 + Circuit 1
- Guided visit on Circuit 3 (2 hours)
- Independent visit on Circuit 1 (1 hour)
Additional fee: USD 45.
Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport on the Machu Picchu 1-Day Tour?
Yes. You must carry your original passport, and it must match the document used to purchase your ticket.
Your passport will be checked at the train station and at the Machu Picchu entrance.
What Circuit Will Your Machu Picchu Day Trip Follow?
We always purchase Circuit 2 whenever available, as it is the most complete route.
If unavailable, we will inform you and arrange the best alternative.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
The best months are April, May, September, October, and November due to:
- Pleasant weather
- Clear views
- Fewer crowds
We operate tours every day of the year.
Can I Book the Machu Picchu Tour With My Expired Passport?
Yes. Send us a copy of your expired passport to reserve your ticket.
Once you receive your new passport, send it to us to update your reservation.
How About the Student Discount?
- Ages 11–17: USD 20 discount
- Ages 2–11: USD 30 discount
- University students (18+): Valid student ID required
Documents must be sent at the time of booking.
Is This Day Trip to Machu Picchu Safe for Children?
Yes. This tour is family-friendly and suitable for children.
How Long in Advance Should I Book the Machu Picchu Day Trip?
- May–August: 2 months in advance
- April, September–December: 1 month
- January–February: A few days
- Holidays: As early as possible
Can I Do This Machu Picchu Train Tour Alone?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome.
Private solo service: USD 350 (private guide included).
Is It Possible to Climb Machu Picchu Mountain on This Day Trip?
Technically possible but not recommended due to early entrance times and physical demand.
I Am Traveling Alone. Can I Join a Group Tour?
Yes. Please contact us first to confirm availability.
I’m 70 Years Old. Can I Make This Tour?
Yes. Many travelers aged 70+ complete this tour comfortably.
A private tour is recommended for a relaxed pace.
Can I Fly the Same Day as the Tour?
Possible but not recommended due to potential train delays.
What Will I See During the Machu Picchu Day Tour?
- Guardhouse
- Temple of the Sun
- Intihuatana
- Temple of the Condor
- Main archaeological areas
Do I Need To Be Very Physically Fit?
No. This is an easy-rated tour suitable for anyone with basic mobility.
