Machu Picchu from Cusco

Machu Picchu Full Day From Cusco

For this dream journey, there are various train schedules and service categories - from standard options to luxury experiences - all designed to make your visit truly special.
There are also different routes and entry times to Machu Picchu, and we’ll take care of arranging everything in the best possible way for you.
Below, you’ll find our recommended option to help you make the most of this unforgettable day.

Suggested Itinerary 

Day 1: Cusco – Poroy – Machu Picchu

• 5:30 AM: Transfer from the hotel to the train station in Poroy.
• 6:40 AM: Train journey to Aguas Calientes
• 9:54 AM: Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
• 10:30 AM: 30-minute bus ride to the top of the mountain where Machu Picchu is located.
• Tour: Guided tour of the Inca citadel
• 15:20  or 16:43 hrs: Return to Cusco by train and transport.
  
  
   

Detailed

  Estimated schedule: 5:30 - 20:30 hrs

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the Poroy train station, located just 30 minutes away by transport. From there, you’ll board the train toward the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), this is a picturesque village located at the foot of the mountain where the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located.
During the 3-hour and 15-minute train ride, you'll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, including traditional Andean communities dedicated to agriculture and livestock, majestic mountains, and charming villages along the Urubamba River - all in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to accompany you on a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu. According to your assigned entry time, you’ll present your tickets and Passport to begin the guided tour.
You will explore this magical archaeological site for approximately two hours, walking through ancient temples, plazas, trails, and viewpoints that reveal the magnificence of the Inca civilization.
After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch or take a short walk around town if time permits, before boarding the return train to Cusco.
At the scheduled time, you’ll begin the return journey by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel approximately four hours later.

Note: Return train schedules on the same route are subject to the entry time on your Machu Picchu ticket and may be at 15:20, 16:43, or 17:23.
Alternatively, you can return to Ollantaytambo Station, which offers more departure times until 21:50 hrs. From there, you will be transferred by private transport to Cusco.

 Included Services: 

  Pick-up from your hotel
  Transfers Cusco – train station – Cusco
  Entrance to Machu Picchu (We prioritize Route 2 for the visit, and if it sells out, we go with Route 3)
  Official tour guide in Machu Picchu
  Round-trip bus (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
  Round-trip tourist train of your choice
 

Not Included:

• Meals .- You can enjoy breakfast at your hotel or ask for a box breakfast to take with you on the train. In Aguas Calientes, you'll also find a variety of restaurants and cafés perfect for lunch or dinner
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.- You'll need to purchase a new ticket and spend the night in Aguas Calientes. Since availability is limited, we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Here, we’ll provide you all the information you need.
• Expenses not mentioned in the program.- These are personal expenses not covered by the program, including meals, train rescheduling fees, medical costs or medication, and entrance to optional attractions like the hot springs

What to Bring? 

Due to varied climates on this Machu Picchu full-day tour, we recommend bringing:

  Passport or ID
  Comfortable walking shoes
  Light backpack for personal belongings
  Mobile phone/camera
  Personal snacks
  Personal medication
  Mosquito repellent

For cold or rainy weather:

  Warm clothing
  Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

For sunny weather:

  Sunscreen
  Sunglasses
  Long-sleeve shirts
  Hat or cap
 

 Additional recomendations:

• The weather, the region has two well-defined seasons: the rainy season, which runs from November to April, and the dry season, which lasts from May to October.
• This train route operates during the dry season (May to October), as during the rainy season, service is provided from the Ollantaytambo station.
• Book in advance, as entry tickets to Machu Picchu are limited.
• If you wish to hike one of the mountains - either Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain - you will need to spend at least one night in Aguas Calientes.
• Whether before or after visiting the Inca citadel, staying a night in the town of Aguas Calientes is a great option. There is a wide range of accommodations available, from budget to luxury hotels, as well as         many restaurants.
• This tour is recommended for both children and adults, as the level of difficulty is minimal.
• As for altitude sickness, Machu Picchu is a great place to acclimate. Located in the cloud forest, Aguas Calientes sits at around 2,000 meters (6,560 ft) above sea level, and the citadel itself is at 2,400 meters (7,875 ft).
• One of the most luxurious trains, the Hiram Bingham, departs along this route.
   

 Price Per Person

Prices will vary depending on the number of people in your group and the type of train service you choose. There are different categories of trains - from standard and panoramic services, to more exclusive options that include observation cars. At the highest level is the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, which offers an elegant and unique journey by train.

Types of Train to Machupicchu

Currently, there are two companies that offer train services to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both operate from different stations located in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: San Pedro (in Cusco’s historic center), Poroy (about 20 minutes from the city),  Ollantaytambo (in the heart of the Sacred Valley) and Aguas Calientes town or Machupicchu villages.