Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Private Guide & Train

How do you see Machu Picchu without spending two days on the mountain?

You get hotel pickup in Cusco, a train ride through the Sacred Valley, a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu's main sectors with a professional guide, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and return transport to your hotel. The fixed itinerary means no decisions once you leave. Just show up at your hotel at the pickup time and the rest unfolds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour of Machu Picchu

• Transfer from hotel to Ollantaytambo station
• Board tourist train to Aguas Calientes
• Meet guide at Aguas Calientes bus station
• Ascend by bus to Machu Picchu entrance
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu sanctuary
• Return by bus to Aguas Calientes
• Enjoy included lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Board train back to Ollantaytambo
• Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel

The experience

You start before sunrise. The driver picks you up from your Cusco hotel and takes you to Ollantaytambo train station, about 90 minutes away. From there, a tourist train carries you through the Sacred Valley and into the high jungle: the landscape shifts as you climb, and by the time you reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the base, you've already crossed into a different world. The whole journey feels long until you realize it's the only way to do this in a day without hiking for hours.

Your guide meets you at the station and walks you to the bus that climbs the switchbacks up to Machu Picchu's main entrance. The two-hour guided tour covers the major sectors: the temples, the agricultural terraces, the viewpoints where you can actually see the whole site laid out. Your guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, and knows which angles matter and which crowds to avoid. You're not rushing. You're just moving with intention. After the tour, you head back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Julian restaurant, included in the price, so you're not hunting for food or worrying about what's safe to eat.

The afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo leaves you time to breathe. Your driver is waiting when you arrive, and the ride back to Cusco takes you through the same valley you crossed that morning, except now you've been inside the ruins. You're back at your hotel by evening. The whole day is choreographed (hotel pickup, train schedules, guide timing, lunch, return transport), so you don't have to coordinate any of it yourself. Train times vary depending on the day, but the operator always picks the schedule that gives you the most time at the site without leaving you stranded.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Cusco, train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and return in tourist class, bus transport to the site entrance, regular entrance to Machu Picchu, a private guided tour in your chosen language (English, Spanish, or Portuguese), and lunch at Julian restaurant in Aguas Calientes village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ANDEAN PERU EXPLOOR

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Machu Picchu in one day without arranging trains, entrance fees, guides, or meals separately: the fixed schedule and included transport mean you only have to show up at your hotel on time.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

139 verified traveler reviews

5 ★132

4 ★4

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the full day trip?

Approximately 12 hours from hotel pickup to return, including travel time, the guided tour, and lunch.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, train tickets (Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and back), bus to the site entrance, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, a two-hour guided tour, and lunch at Julian restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The guided portion involves walking on stone paths and some stairs, but the pace is set by the group and the guide manages the route.

What time does the day start?

Hotel pickup is early morning (exact time depends on train schedules, which vary by date). Train schedules are chosen to maximize your time at Machu Picchu.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included at Julian restaurant in Aguas Calientes village after the guided tour.

What if I want to hike instead of taking the bus?

This tour uses the bus to ascend to Machu Picchu. If you want to hike, you would need a different tour designed around the Inca Trail or alternative hiking routes.