Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
Machu Picchu Full-Day Train Adventure
Maximize your time with this all-inclusive day trip to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Relax on a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley before arriving at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a professional guided tour of the citadel’s most iconic sites—including the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza—with all logistics, transfers, and entrance fees handled for you.
- Duration: 15 hours
- Highlights: Scenic Urubamba Valley train, 2.5-hour guided tour, round-trip transport from Cusco.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to the Train Station.
Entrance Ticket
Machu Picchu
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Bus Ticket
Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Train Ticket
Round way Train ticket to Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition, Vistadome, upon request +US$160)
Bus Transfer
Transfer train station to hotel in Cusco
What’s not included
Meals
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/15.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
Huaynapicchu entrance fee
if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies (US$ 80)
$400
Itinerary
Day tour to Machu by Train: Machu Picchu Full-Day Train Adventure
This tour starts at 6:10am in Ollantaytambo train station, after reach Machu Picchu at 7:40am you will take a 30min bus ride to Machu Picchu archeological site, there you will meet your tour guide who will guide you two hours in a half, after that you can climb up Huaynapicchu and spend the rest of the day by your selves exploring the site.
In the afternoon you have to take the train back to Poroy, there we will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Crucial 2026 Updates: Choosing Your Ticket
The Peruvian government now strictly enforces Circuits. You must choose your circuit when you buy your ticket online (at the official site: tuboleto.cultura.pe).
Circuit 2 (Classic Route): Must Book This if it's your first time. It includes the "Classic Postcard View" from the Guardhouse and a full tour of the urban and religious sectors.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Best for those who want the highest views or are hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, but it does not allow you to walk through the actual stone ruins/houses.
Circuit 3 (Royalty/Lower): Best for those with mobility issues or those hiking Huayna Picchu. It explores the bottom part of the city but lacks the classic "high" view.
Choosing Your Train Experience
Two main companies operate this route: Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
The Budget Option (Expedition / Voyager): Comfortable cars with standard windows. Perfect if you want to save money for a nice dinner in Cusco later.
The Luxury Option (Vistadome / 360°): These have massive panoramic windows (including the ceiling). On the return journey, they usually feature a live fashion show and traditional Saqra dancing in the aisles.
The VIP Option (Hiram Bingham / First Class): Includes gourmet meals, an open bar, and live music. This is a "bucket list" luxury experience.
Important Tips for a Smooth Day
- Book 2–3 Months Ahead: Tickets for the "Classic" Circuit 2 sell out months in advance, especially for the morning slots.
- The "Bimodal" Secret: If you can't find a train departing directly from Cusco (San Pedro/Poroy), look for "Bimodal." This just means the train company provides a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where you then hop on the train.
- Altitude Prep: Machu Picchu (2,430m) is actually lower than Cusco (3,400m). However, the day is long and tiring, so stay hydrated and take a cocoa tea (mate de coca) before you leave.
- Don't Forget: You must have your original physical passport to enter the site. They will not accept photos or photocopies.
- Toilet Alert: There are no bathrooms inside the Machu Picchu ruins. Use the ones at the entrance gate before you scan your ticket!
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
