Machu Picchu Day Trip by Train from Ollantaytambo: Full Guide

Summary

How to Visit Machu Picchu in One Day by Train

If you want to see Machu Picchu but only have one day free, this trip covers it all: scenic train rides from Ollantaytambo, expert guides who know every story behind those ancient stones, enough free time to explore on your own—and no stress about tickets or transport. It’s efficient but never rushed.

What’s the experience like?

We started before sunrise, the air in Cusco still crisp as we shuffled into the van. The drive through the Sacred Valley was quiet—just a few sleepy dogs on the roadside and farmers already out in their fields. Our guide, Julia, pointed out little adobe homes tucked into the hills and explained how this route has connected villages for centuries. By the time we reached Ollantaytambo, the sun was up and you could smell fresh bread from a tiny bakery near the station—locals grabbing breakfast before work.

The train ride itself felt like a trip back in time. We chose the Vistadome for its big windows (worth it if you like watching clouds roll over green peaks). There’s something about that slow chug along the river—the sound of wheels on tracks, flashes of orchids outside, even a hawker selling coca tea at one stop. If you’re on a budget, the Expedition train is just as reliable but with simpler seats. Either way, both trains get you to Aguas Calientes in about three and a half hours.

Aguas Calientes is small—no cars buzzing around, just people walking everywhere or waiting for the bus up to Machu Picchu. I noticed a guy selling maracuya juice right by the main square; perfect after sitting so long. There are plenty of cafés, massage spots (my legs thanked me later), and even an internet café if you need to check in back home. Our assistant met us right at the station with our tickets and walked us straight to the bus stop—it’s all pretty smooth.

The bus winds up through thick cloud forest—sometimes you catch glimpses of waterfalls or hear birds calling above. Once inside Machu Picchu itself, it’s hard not to feel awed by how much is packed into those stone terraces: 140 structures built by Pachacutec’s people around 1460. Julia led us past llamas munching grass and showed us details I’d have missed—the grooves on stones where ropes once pulled them into place, or how sunlight hits Intihuatana at certain times of year.

You get about five or six hours inside—enough for a full guided tour plus time to wander off on your own (I climbed up towards Sun Gate for that classic view). Some folks added Huayna Picchu or Montaña hikes; just check availability ahead of time since spots fill up fast. On our way back down to Aguas Calientes, I grabbed an empanada from a street vendor before catching our return train—honestly hit the spot after all those steps.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

• Pickup from Cusco accommodations
• Drive through Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (3.5 hours)
• Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary (5-6 hours)
• Explore Machu Picchu on your own
• Visit Aguas Calientes town
• Return to Cusco (train and transport)

Top questions

Can I choose my train schedule?

Yes! You can pick your preferred departure and return times when booking—just keep in mind train schedules sometimes shift slightly due to local conditions.

Is there enough time at Machu Picchu?

You’ll have around five to six hours inside the citadel—plenty for a guided tour plus some solo exploring or extra hikes if you want.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport (required for entry), comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, and maybe a light rain jacket—the weather can change quickly up there.

Are meals included?

No meals are included but Aguas Calientes has lots of restaurants and snack vendors near both the station and bus stop.

What’s included

This tour includes roundtrip transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station, your chosen train tickets (Expedition or Vistadome), entrance fee to Machu Picchu citadel, roundtrip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu site, an experienced English-speaking guide for your group (max 16 people), pre-departure briefing at your hotel or our office in Cusco, an assistant waiting for you upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, plus 24-hour phone support if you need anything along the way.