Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Private Train & Flexible Circuits

Summary

Winding through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu by train

You’ll travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley by private van and scenic train before exploring Machu Picchu with a local guide on your chosen circuit. There’s no rushing—you can linger on ancient terraces or pause for photos as long as you want. Includes hotel pickup, entry tickets, round-trip train and bus rides, plus stories that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll see the first sun hit the peaks,” our driver said as we left Cusco before sunrise. I was still half-asleep in the van, but his voice had this quiet pride—like he’d seen it a hundred times and still cared. The Sacred Valley looked washed in blue-grey light, little villages waking up as we passed. I kept trying to catch glimpses of llamas out the window (spotted two, maybe three?), and honestly, I didn’t expect the drive to feel so peaceful. There’s something about that early morning chill and the sound of tires on old roads that makes you feel like you’re sneaking into history.

Ollantaytambo station was already busy when we arrived—people juggling backpacks and tickets, vendors selling coffee that smelled strong enough to wake anyone. Our guide, Rosa, found us right away (she waved a sign with my name and grinned like she knew how nervous I was). The train ride along the Urubamba River felt almost unreal—windows fogged up now and then, jungle green everywhere. Rosa pointed out where the mountains start to close in around Aguas Calientes; she called it “the gateway.” We got off and walked five minutes through town—steam rising from street food stalls, someone laughing in Quechua behind us—and then caught the bus zigzagging up toward Machu Picchu itself.

I’d read about “circuit 2” being best for first-timers. Rosa did her best to get us that route (she said it’s always worth asking), but honestly any circuit here feels like stepping into another world. The stones were cool under my hands; mist drifted over terraces; sometimes all you could hear was wind or someone’s quiet “wow.” Rosa told stories about Pachacuti and lost temples—her voice echoing a bit off old walls. At one point she laughed at my rain poncho (“good style!”) because it started drizzling for five minutes and then stopped just as fast. I still think about standing there looking down at those green slopes—it didn’t feel real.

We took our time heading back down to Aguas Calientes (no rush at all), grabbed lunch near the market where everything smelled like fresh cilantro and grilled corn, then wandered until it was time for our train back. By evening I was tired but wired—like my brain hadn’t caught up with what I’d seen yet. If you go, bring your passport (they check!), some soles for snacks, and don’t worry if you forget how to say “thank you” in Spanish—the smiles work either way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Machu Picchu full day tour

• Pick up from Cusco hotel
• Drive to Ollantaytambo train station
• Board train to Machu Picchu town
• Meet guide at Machu Picchu town
• Walk to bus station
• Bus ride to Machu Picchu site
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
• Bus back to Machu Picchu town
• Train ride to Ollantaytambo
• Transport back to Cusco hotel

Top questions

How long does the Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco take?

The full day tour lasts approximately 15-16 hours including transfers between Cusco, Ollantaytambo station, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu site visit, and return.

Is hotel pickup included for this Machu Picchu tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Cusco is included at the start of your day trip.

Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?

Your entrance ticket is booked based on availability; circuit 2 is prioritized if possible but circuit 1 or 3 may be assigned.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, bring your original passport as it’s required for ticket checks at Machu Picchu.

Is lunch included during the Machu Picchu day trip?

No set lunch is included; you'll have free time in Aguas Calientes to eat where you choose.

Are train tickets included in this package?

Yes, round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are included.

How do we get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

A bus ticket up and down between Aguas Calientes town and Machu Picchu site is provided.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cusco with a private transfer to Ollantaytambo station, round-trip scenic train tickets to Aguas Calientes, entry fees for Machu Picchu with pre-booked circuit access based on availability (circuit 2 if possible), guided exploration with an English or Spanish-speaking local guide, round-trip bus tickets up to the archaeological site—and drop-off back at your hotel after returning by train and van in the evening.