Machu Picchu in 1 Day from Cusco: Train and guided tour

Board the train through the Sacred Valley, then walk the Inca citadel with a guide

This full-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco includes hotel pickup, the Expedition Train round trip to Aguas Calientes, bus transport to the citadel, and a guided 2-hour tour of the sanctuary with a bilingual guide. The day starts early in Cusco and returns by evening, with free time to explore independently and optional time at the hot springs if the schedule allows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Machu Picchu full day tour

• Pick up from Cusco hotel
• Travel to Ollantaytambo train station
• Board Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes
• Arrive in Aguas Calientes
• Take bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch and free time
• Optional visit to Machu Picchu hot springs
• Return train to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer back to Cusco

The experience

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a 1 hour 45 minute drive to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, the Expedition Train carries you 1 hour 30 minutes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas: the views alone justify the early start. You arrive in Aguas Calientes around 9:00 a.m., where your bilingual guide meets you and takes you to the bus station for the 25-minute ascent to Machu Picchu Citadel.

At Machu Picchu, a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours walks you through temples, plazas, and terraces while explaining the history and construction of the Inca sanctuary. The guide covers the main circuit, including the Guardhouse where the famous photograph is taken. After the tour ends, the rest of the afternoon is yours to photograph, explore independently, or hike Machu Picchu Mountain if you want a steeper challenge with fewer crowds. If time permits before the return train, you can relax in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes.

The return journey mirrors the morning: bus down to Aguas Calientes, Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, then van transfer to your Cusco hotel. The full loop, pickup to hotel return, spans a full day, so expect to be traveling outside Machu Picchu itself for a significant portion of the itinerary.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Cusco and return transfer to your hotel.
• round-trip van transport between Cusco and Ollantaytambo train station.
• round-trip Expedition Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• guided tour of the sanctuary lasting approximately 2 hours with a professional bilingual guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 09:00

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Kontiki Hikes

Is this one for you?The early start and full-day travel schedule (1 hour 45 minutes to the train, 1 hour 30 minutes by train, 25 minutes by bus, then the reverse on the way back) means you fit Machu Picchu into one day from Cusco, but most of that day is in transit. Choose this tour if you want to see the citadel without staying overnight in Aguas Calientes, and if you can handle the pace and the early morning departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Expedition Train like on the way to Aguas Calientes?

The Expedition Train takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, offering views of the landscape as it descends toward Aguas Calientes. It is a standard tourist train service, not a luxury option, and the journey is part of the experience rather than a quick transfer.

How much time do I spend actually at Machu Picchu?

The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering the main temples, plazas, and terraces. After that, you have free time to explore on your own, take photographs, or hike Machu Picchu Mountain if you choose. The total time at the citadel depends on how much you explore independently.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The bus ride up to Machu Picchu is 25 minutes, and the guided tour involves walking around the citadel on uneven terrain. If you opt for Machu Picchu Mountain, that is a steep, challenging hike. The early start and full day of travel also demand stamina.

Is breakfast or lunch included?

Breakfast and lunch are not included in the tour price. You will have time to eat in Aguas Calientes before or after visiting the citadel, and there are restaurants and cafes available in the town.