Machu Picchu Day Trip: Private Tour from Cusco with Train & Lunch

Summary

Private Machu Picchu day trip by train from Cusco with guide

You’ll start early in Cusco with hotel pickup before heading by private car and train to Machu Picchu for a guided circuit tour. Walk ancient terraces with your local guide, then enjoy free time to explore on your own before lunch in Aguas Calientes. This day trip leaves you with more than photos—it lingers in small memories you won’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed my pickup because my alarm didn’t go off—so there I was, brushing my teeth with one hand and shoving socks into my bag with the other when the driver called. He just laughed and said not to worry, “es normal.” The drive from Cusco was quiet at first, still dark outside, but then you see the hills waking up. Our guide, Diego, pointed out little things along the way—old stone walls, a woman selling tamales at a crossroads. I bought one just because it smelled so good (corny and sweet, still steaming).

At Ollantaytambo station it felt like everyone was half-asleep but buzzing anyway. The train ride to Aguas Calientes is something else—windows full of green cliffs and misty river bends. Diego told us stories about the Incas as we watched the clouds drift lower over the valley; he switched between English and Spanish so easily that even when I zoned out a bit (I blame the altitude), I never felt lost. There’s this moment where you catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu mountain through the window and nobody says anything for a second—it’s just quiet except for the click of someone’s camera.

When we got off the bus at Machu Picchu’s entrance, I realized I’d forgotten sunscreen (classic me). Diego handed me his extra—“You’ll thank me later,” he said. The private tour itself is about two and a half hours but honestly it goes by fast. We followed Circuit 2 (I think? They said sometimes it changes if tickets run out), weaving through stone terraces and narrow steps while Diego explained how they built everything without mortar. He made us stop and close our eyes near the Temple of the Sun to listen to birds—just wind and soft voices in Quechua from another group nearby.

I wandered on my own for a bit after—the light was different every five minutes, sometimes gold on gray stone or sudden patches of blue sky. Lunch back in Aguas Calientes was simple but perfect: trout with lime and some kind of herby potato thing I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried). The train home was quieter; everyone sort of spaced out watching dusk fall over the mountains. Even now, weeks later, there’s this moment stuck in my head—the hush before stepping onto those ancient stones—and yeah, it makes me want to go back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Machu Picchu private tour

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Drive to Ollantaytambo train station
• Take train to Aguas Calientes
• Meet representative and transfer to bus station
• Bus to Machu Picchu entrance
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time to explore Machu Picchu
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
• Transfer back to Cusco hotel

Top questions

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

The tour lasts all day—from early morning pickup (around 4:30–6:30 am) until evening return (5:30–9:30 pm) to your hotel in Cusco.

Is hotel pickup included for this Machu Picchu day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included unless your hotel is in an area where vehicles can’t reach—in that case they arrange a nearby meeting point.

What is included in this private Machu Picchu tour?

The tour includes round-trip transfers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station, train tickets to Aguas Calientes, bus up to Machu Picchu, entry ticket (circuit subject to availability), guided tour (about 2.5 hours), free time at Machu Picchu, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and return transport.

Which circuit do you visit at Machu Picchu?

Circuit 2 is booked if available; otherwise Circuit 1 or 3 may be offered depending on ticket availability at booking time.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

Yes—a traditional Peruvian lunch is included at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu.

How do you get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

You travel by private car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station (about 1.5 hours), take a scenic train ride (~1 hour 45 min) to Aguas Calientes, then board a bus up to Machu Picchu itself.

Do you have free time inside Machu Picchu?

Yes—after your guided tour (about 2–2.5 hours), you’re allowed extra time to explore along your assigned circuit before exiting.

Can children or older adults join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, private transfer to Ollantaytambo station for the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, entry tickets for Machu Picchu (circuit based on availability), round-trip bus between town and ruins, a private guided tour lasting about two and a half hours plus free exploration time inside Machu Picchu itself—and finally a traditional Peruvian lunch before heading back by train and car to your hotel that night.