Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Train, Circuit 2 & Pickup

Summary

From Cusco to Machu Picchu by train and bus with local guide

You’ll wake early in Cusco for hotel pickup and ride through mountain valleys by train to Aguas Calientes before heading up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Walk Circuit 2 for those sweeping views and hidden corners, then unwind over lunch before returning by train and private transfer—ending your day with memories that linger long after you’re back in your room.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s tapping gently at my door — it’s still dark out, but I’m already half-awake. Our guide grins and waves me into the van. We’re all a bit quiet at first, clutching coffee cups as we leave Cusco behind. The road to Ollantaytambo is bumpy in places; I kept thinking I’d nap, but the windows fill with misty fields and mountains that don’t really let you look away. At the train station, there’s this hum of voices (mostly Spanish and Quechua) and everyone seems to be carrying snacks or little woven bags. I bought a sweet bread roll from an old woman who nodded at my terrible accent.

The train ride to Aguas Calientes is…well, it’s kind of hypnotic. The river runs right beside us, sometimes so close you feel like you could reach out. Sunlight flickers through the glass roof onto our knees. When we got off in Aguas Calientes — which smells faintly of woodsmoke and coffee — our group found our guide waiting with a sign (I almost missed it). She hustled us onto the bus up to Machu Picchu; there was this nervous excitement in the air, everyone checking passports and tickets again like kids on a field trip.

Inside Machu Picchu itself…it’s hard to explain without sounding dramatic. Our guide paused under one of those steep terraces and pointed out tiny orchids clinging to the stones — she called them “Waqanki,” which means “you will cry” in Quechua (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish). We walked Circuit 2, stopping for that classic photo at the top where clouds drifted just low enough to touch. My legs were shaking a bit from the steps but honestly? Didn’t care. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for birds — I still think about that silence.

We had some free time back in Aguas Calientes before catching the train again. I grabbed a plate of lomo saltado at a busy spot near the tracks; tasted like someone’s home kitchen. The return felt slower somehow — maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. Back in Cusco, someone from the team was waiting outside the station even though it was late (I’d lost track of time ages ago). Not sure if it was exhaustion or just being full of new things, but I slept like a rock that night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco

• Early morning pickup from accommodation
• Transport to Ollantaytambo for train
• Train journey to Aguas Calientes
• Walk to bus station and bus to Machu Picchu
• Show passports and guided Machu Picchu tour
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Free time to eat and explore village
• Board train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
• Transport from train station to Cusco accommodation

Top questions

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

The full tour usually lasts about 15-16 hours including transport from Cusco, but exact times depend on your entry slot for Machu Picchu.

Is hotel pickup included in this Machu Picchu tour?

Yes, morning pickup from your accommodation in Cusco is included.

Which circuit do we visit at Machu Picchu?

Circuit 2 is included if booked early; otherwise Circuit 3 may be assigned depending on availability.

Are entrance fees for Machu Picchu included?

Yes, entry fees for Machu Picchu Sanctuary are included in the tour price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included, but you’ll have free time in Aguas Calientes where there are many restaurants.

Do we travel by train both ways between Cusco & Aguas Calientes?

Yes, tourist train tickets are included for both directions between Ollantaytambo or Poroy and Aguas Calientes.

Will there be a local guide during our visit?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads your group through Machu Picchu.

How big is the group during the guided visit?

The group size is small and private during your guided tour at Machu Picchu.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, all necessary entry fees for Machu Picchu Sanctuary, round-trip tourist train tickets between Ollantaytambo or Poroy and Aguas Calientes, bus transfers up to Machu Picchu itself and back down again, plus drop-off at your accommodation when you return—so you don’t have to worry about any logistics along the way.