Machu Picchu is what most people travel to Peru to see. If you are short on time this is the perfect tour for you. Take a car to the Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo, from here the Expedition Train, takes you on a mesmerizing journey traveling through tropical jungle to the town of Aguas Calientes. Next travel on the jungle road up to the gates of Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca Citadel is shrouded in mystery and legend. Your guide will give you a tour of this legendary site, have time to explore and ask as many questions as you like. Feel the presence of the ancient Inca and marvel at genius of the Inca engineers.

Itinerary for the Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 day

An early start today, pick up will be at 4am, drive in our van to the town of Ollantaytambo and to the train station. The Expedition train will depart at 610am from Ollantaytambo. From here the train enters a narrow canyon. Covered in lush sub-tropical jungle, be sure to look carefully for the Inca terraces, some are still farmed today.

On arrival in Aguas Calientes the guide will meet you at the station. Walk to the bus station before taking the shuttle up to Machu Picchu. The guide will give you a tour of the site this will last around 2 hours. Tour the important parts of the citadel. Learn about the three sectors, the agricultural, residential and the religious.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. 

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 3:20pm, 4:22pm, 4:43pm or 6:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at the hotel by between 7:00pm to 10pm depending on your return train schedule. 

Important Information

• Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge its available as of JUNE 1st, 2024 and the price for these options will be US$75 per person.
• Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mt. is also not possible due to the time restraints of the one-day tour.
• Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.
• Our day trip package includes circuit 2A or Circuit 2B (If the tickets are available, please book in advance)

The Expedition Train

Traveling to Machu Picchu on the Expedition Train is a once in a lifetime experience. The train is designed for the comfort and relaxation of the passengers. The carriages feature four seats that face each other that is perfect for sharing experiences. The train has large panoramic windows, air conditioning heating, snacks to buy and cheerful Andean music to compliment the atmosphere.

This service leaves from Ollantaytambo, a delightful town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a 2-hour drive from Cusco city. Travel in our comfortable car from Cusco and meet the train in Ollantaytambo. On arrival into Aguas Calientes take the bus up to the ruin. On the return journey take the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, then travel back to Cusco and your hotel.

Note Our standard tours and treks include the EXPEDITION TRAIN which runs from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to Ollantaytambo.

Schedule for Machu Picchu Day Tour

• At 4:00am; transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Train Station at Ollantaytambo. (Train leaves at 6:10 am)
• The train ride gives you spectacular views along the Vilcanota River.
• Upon arrival at 7:30am, your guide will meet you at the train station and go with you on the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, about a 30 minutes ride.
• Your guide will give you a tour of most of the places of Machu Picchu Citadel, which lasts around 2 hours this is a one way tour so make sure to get all the photos you need on the tour.
• Between noon and 1pm, you will take the shuttle back to Aguas Calientes town in time to enjoy lunch.
• At 3:20, 4:22, 4:43 or 6:20pm, you will return by Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco by van.
• You will arrive at your hotel in Cusco approximately at 7:00pm or later depending on your return train schedule.

Note Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.

Note Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mt. is not possible with the time restraints of a one-day tour.

What is included in the Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 day?

• Transfer at 4:00am from your hotel to Ollantaytambo by private van
• Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (30mins)
• Admission ticket for the Machu Picchu Citadel – Circuit 2A or Circuit 2B, depending on availability.
• Guided tour in English about 2 hours – with free time for photos.
• Small group from 2 to 8 people with an experienced guide fluent in English
• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to your hotel in Cusco

What is Not Included for the Tour to Machu Picchu by Train 1 day?

• Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mt. is not possible due to the time restraints of a one-day tour.
• Drinks
• Meals
• Tips for your guide