Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco: Train & Entrance

Train through the Sacred Valley, then walk the Inca citadel with a guide who knows its history.

A full-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu includes hotel pickup, transport to Ollantaytambo, round-trip train tickets, entrance to the archaeological park, and a 2-hour guided circuit of the citadel. The tour departs at 3:45 a.m. and returns to Cusco around 6 p.m. or 11 p.m. depending on train availability. Book at least two months ahead to secure entry. Entrance times run between 9 a.m. and noon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour to Machu Picchu

• Hotel pick up in Cusco early morning
• Drive to Ollantaytambo through Sacred Valley
• Train ride to Aguas Calientes
• Meet guide and prepare for Machu Picchu visit
• Bus ride to Machu Picchu Sanctuary
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu (2 hours)
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Free time at thermal baths or Stone Chronicles
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Drive back to Cusco

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Cusco hotel before dawn. A comfortable vehicle takes you through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo in about 1 hour 45 minutes, where you board the train for the scenic 1 hour 45 minute ride down to Aguas Calientes. The route follows the Urubamba River and passes through cloud forest. You'll have time in Aguas Calientes to eat breakfast and use restrooms before the bus carries you up to the archaeological park in about 35 minutes.

Once at Machu Picchu, a bilingual local guide leads you through either Circuit 1 or Circuit 2 for roughly 2 hours, depending on your entrance time slot (scheduled between 9 a.m. and noon). The guide explains the historical and architectural significance of the Inca citadel and points out spots for panoramic photos. After the guided portion, you descend by shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you have free time to visit the thermal medicinal baths or explore the Stone Chronicles circuit on your own.

The return train departs Aguas Calientes around 7 p.m., arriving in Ollantaytambo roughly 1 hour 45 minutes later. From there, a vehicle drives you back to Cusco, with arrival typically between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. depending on which train schedule you select. The entire day runs 17 to 18 hours door-to-door.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Cusco.
• round-trip transport to Ollantaytambo in a comfortable vehicle.
• round-trip train tickets (Expedition or Voyager class).
• entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the archaeological park and back.
• a 2-hour guided circuit with a professional bilingual local guide.
• free time in Aguas Calientes to visit the thermal baths or explore independently.
• a first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Machu Picchu Peru Tours

Is this one for you?If you speak English or Spanish, the bilingual guide delivers the tour in both languages, so you follow the history and architecture without translation delays. This suits travelers who want the highlights and the context in one long day without building the itinerary themselves: the train times, the entrance slot, and the return logistics are set.

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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 (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

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.

What's included in the Machu Picchu full-day tour from Cusco?

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip transport to Ollantaytambo, round-trip train tickets (Expedition or Voyager class, subject to availability), entrance to Machu Picchu, the shuttle bus up and down from Aguas Calientes, a 2-hour guided circuit with a bilingual local guide, and a first aid kit. Food and accommodations are not included.

What time does the tour start and when do I get back to Cusco?

Hotel pickup is at 3:45 a.m. Return to Cusco is approximately 6 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the train schedule you choose and overall tour logistics.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health due to the altitude and early start.

What are Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 at Machu Picchu?

Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 are two different guided routes through the archaeological park, each covering the main structures and viewpoints of the Inca citadel. Your guide will lead one or the other depending on your scheduled entrance time between 9 a.m. and noon. Both take approximately 2 hours.

How far in advance should I book?

Book at least two months in advance to guarantee entry to Machu Picchu, as entrance tickets are subject to availability and sell out during peak season.