Machu Picchu from Cusco: Day Trip by Train & Guided Tour

Summary

Full-day Machu Picchu journey by train with expert guide and local stories

You’ll start early with hotel pickup in Cusco before riding the panoramic train through mountain valleys toward Machu Picchu. Walk ancient stone paths with a local guide who shares real Inca stories, then take time for your own quiet moments among the ruins. Everything’s arranged — transport, entry tickets, even that first cup of coffee if you need it — so all you have to do is look around and let it sink in.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet Cusco was when we left — barely any light in the streets, just that chilly mountain air. The van picked us up right at our hotel (I was half-awake, honestly), and then we drove through these winding valleys toward Ollantaytambo. I kept thinking the sun would come up sooner, but it waited until we were already at the train station. There was this mix of sleepy travelers and locals selling hot coffee that smelled almost burnt but somehow comforting. Our guide, Julia, handed out tickets and made sure nobody got lost in the shuffle.

The train ride to Aguas Calientes is something I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. It’s not just about getting there — you’re literally watching the landscape change outside your window: green hills turning into cliffs, clouds moving like slow animals. Julia pointed out little villages and ruins along the way; she even taught us how to say “thank you” in Quechua (I totally forgot it five minutes later). When we got off, Aguas Calientes felt humid and loud — people everywhere, buses honking, someone grilling corn on a street corner. We followed Julia through the crowd to catch our bus up to Machu Picchu itself.

I’d seen photos of Machu Picchu before but standing there is different — everything feels bigger and quieter than you expect. The stones are cold if you touch them early in the day. Julia walked us through the main areas for about three hours; she told stories about Pachacuti and showed us where water channels still work after centuries. At one point I just stood still while everyone else took photos — there’s this weird silence between groups passing by that makes you feel like maybe you’re alone up there for a second.

Afterwards we had some free time to wander or just sit on a terrace and stare at those steep green peaks. I tried to sketch something in my notebook but gave up because nothing really fits on paper. On the way back down to Aguas Calientes, my legs were tired but I didn’t care — someone in our group bought fresh mango slices from a woman by the bus stop and shared them around. Sweetest thing I tasted all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Machu Picchu

• Pick up from hotel in Cusco
• Travel to Ollantaytambo train station
• Board train to Aguas Calientes
• Take bus to Machu Picchu site
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu (3 hours)
• Free time to explore Machu Picchu
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Transport back to Cusco hotel

Top questions

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

The full day tour typically lasts around 14-15 hours including all transfers.

Is pickup from my hotel in Cusco included?

Yes, round-trip transport from your hotel in Cusco is included.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets separately?

No, admission tickets to Machu Picchu are included in your tour price.

Will there be a local guide during the visit?

Yes, an expert professional guide accompanies you throughout Machu Picchu.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; you'll have free time at Aguas Calientes for meals or snacks.

How do we get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

You’ll take a shuttle bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu site and back down after your visit.

Can I explore Machu Picchu on my own?

After your guided tour (about 3 hours), you'll have free time to explore independently before returning.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels except wheelchair users due to site access limitations.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, round-trip transport by van and scenic train rides between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, entry tickets for Machu Picchu itself, shuttle bus transfers between town and ruins, plus an expert local guide who brings every story alive along the way.