Machu Picchu one-day tour from Cusco by train, all included

Hotel pickup at dawn, train through the mountains, two hours exploring the ruins, lunch in town, back to Cusco by evening

A one-day guided tour of Machu Picchu departing from Cusco with hotel pickup starting at 3:30 a.m., scenic train transport to Aguas Calientes, a two-hour guided tour of the site with a professional guide in English or Spanish, and return train and road transport to your hotel. The tour runs 16 hours total and includes all entry tickets, bus rides to the ruins, and train fare. You choose between Expedition or Voyager train service at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Machu Picchu day trip by train

• Hotel pick-up early morning
• Drive 2 hours to Ollantaytambo station
• Board scenic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
• Bus ride 30 minutes to Machu Picchu
• 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo for lunch
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Travel back to Cusco hotel

The experience

The day starts before dawn with pickup from your Cusco hotel between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., followed by a two-hour drive to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you board the train for a scenic ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), where staff greet you with a personalized sign. A 30-minute bus ride then takes you up to the ruins themselves.

Once at Machu Picchu, a professional guide leads a two-hour exploration of the site, covering its history and layout while leaving time for photos. After the tour, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. The final leg is a two-hour drive back to your Cusco hotel, where you arrive after a full day of travel and sightseeing.

All transport is included: the drive to the train station, both train journeys (your choice of Expedition or Voyager service), the bus rides up and down the mountain, and the return drive to Cusco. Entry to Machu Picchu and the guide are also included. Hotel pickup means no need to arrange your own way to the station, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in Cusco.
• transport by road to Ollantaytambo station.
• scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes (Expedition or Voyager service, your choice).
• bus transport up and down the mountain to Machu Picchu.
• entry ticket to Machu Picchu.
• return train and road transport to your Cusco hotel.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or SpanishAvailable from 12 Dec · 04:00

Guide in English or SpanishAvailable from 12 Dec · 05:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and SaturdayDepartures at 04:00 and 05:00

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 48 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tour Machu picchu best

Is this one for you?The early 3:30 a.m. start and 16-hour day suit travelers who want to see Machu Picchu without staying overnight in the Sacred Valley, fitting the ruins into a single day from Cusco. If you prefer a slower pace or want to explore the area more deeply, a multi-day trek or an overnight stay near the site would be a better fit.

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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 (8 to 17 years); Child (3 to 7 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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

Hotel pickup runs between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. depending on where you're staying in Cusco. You return to your hotel after the final drive from Ollantaytambo, completing the full day in 16 hours.

What's the difference between the Expedition and Voyager train options?

Both trains run the same route from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back. The Expedition is a standard service, while the Voyager offers a more comfortable experience. You select which one suits your preference at checkout.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You eat at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes after your guided time at Machu Picchu, and you arrange and pay for it separately.

Do I need to be in good physical shape for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The main physical demands are the early morning start, the bus ride up the mountain, and walking around the ruins during the two-hour guided tour.

What happens if I have a medical condition or am pregnant?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. If you have any health concerns, check with the operator before booking.