Machu Picchu day trip from Ollantaytambo: 5-6 hours in the citadel

Train to Machu Picchu from Cusco: Five Hours at the Citadel

You get picked up from your Cusco hotel, travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, take a 3.5-hour train to Aguas Calientes, then bus up to Machu Picchu for five to six hours with a professional guide and free time to explore. The return train departs at your chosen time, landing you back in Cusco the same evening. Everything (transport, entry, guide, and briefing) is included and confirmed before you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Machu Picchu6h · entry included
2. Aguas Calientespass by
3. Sacred Valley of the Incaspass by

Machu Picchu full day train trip

• Pick up from Cusco accommodations
• Travel through Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Arrive at Ollantaytambo train station
• Take train to Aguas Calientes
• Explore Aguas Calientes town
• Bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
• Free time to explore Machu Picchu
• Return by bus to Aguas Calientes
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer back to Cusco accommodations

The experience

You've just landed in Cusco or woken up in your hotel, and you have one day to reach Machu Picchu. The pickup happens early (your accommodation or the office), then the drive heads south through the Sacred Valley before reaching Ollantaytambo, where the train station sits. The Machu Picchu train itself takes about 3.5 hours to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the ruins. You choose between the Expedition train (budget-friendly) or the Vistadom, a panoramic car with ceiling windows and 1920s Pullman-style decor that costs a bit more but lets you watch the mountains and birds the whole way down.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, an assistant meets you at the station. From there, a bus carries you up to the citadel entrance: no walking the steep path unless you want to. Your guide, English-speaking and officially trained, leads you through the 140 structures: the Intihuatana sundial, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows. You get five to six hours total at Machu Picchu, which includes the guided tour plus time to explore on your own or tackle optional climbs like Huaynapicchu or Montaña if you have the legs for it. The group stays under 16 people, so it doesn't feel like you're shuffling through a crowd.

The return train leaves Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon or evening (you pick the time that works with how long you want to stay), and you're back in Cusco by night. The whole day is confirmed the evening before at a briefing, so there's no guessing about train times or what's included. Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back, the train ticket both ways, the bus up and down, entrance to the citadel, and the guide are all sorted.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from your Cusco accommodation, round-trip transport to and from Ollantaytambo train station, a round-trip train ticket to Aguas Calientes (choice of Expedition or Vistadom), an assistant meeting you in Aguas Calientes, round-trip bus service from the town to Machu Picchu, entrance fee to the citadel, a guided tour with an official English-speaking guide, five to six hours at the site for both guided exploration and independent time, and a pre-departure briefing to confirm all schedules and logistics.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:00 and 05:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ukukus Travel***

Is this one for you?This works well if you're based in Cusco and have one day for Machu Picchu without arranging separate train tickets, guides, or timing yourself: the fixed itinerary and included transport mean you show up and the logistics are handled.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the train ride to Aguas Calientes?

About 3.5 hours from Ollantaytambo. The Vistadom panoramic train offers views through ceiling windows. The Expedition is the budget option.

How much time do you spend at Machu Picchu?

Five to six hours total, including a guided tour and time to explore on your own. Optional climbs like Huaynapicchu or Montaña can extend your stay if you choose.

What's included in the tour?

Round-trip transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, round-trip train ticket, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus up and down from Aguas Calientes, English-speaking guide, and an assistant waiting in Aguas Calientes.

What's the group size?

Maximum 16 people for the guided portion at Machu Picchu.

Do I need to walk up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?

No. A bus takes you from the town to the citadel entrance. You can walk if you prefer, but it's not required.

Can I choose what time to return to Cusco?

Yes. You select your return train time based on how long you want to stay at Machu Picchu. Options are confirmed at a briefing the night before.

Is the guide included?

Yes. An official, English-speaking guide leads the tour through the main structures. You also have free time to explore independently.

What if I want to climb Huaynapicchu or Montaña?

These are optional activities available at the citadel. Your guide can advise, but they're not part of the standard tour package.

Is there a briefing before the tour?

Yes. You'll have a pre-departure briefing either at your accommodation or at the office the evening before, where all details and train times are confirmed.

Is 24-hour support available?

Yes. The operator provides telephone support 24 hours a day for any questions or changes during your trip.