MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY WITH EXPEDITION TRAIN
Experience Machu Picchu in a single day from Cusco on a comfortable journey through the Sacred Valley aboard the Expedition tourist train. Travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then continue by bus to the iconic Inca citadel for a guided visi... read complete
Itinerary
Day 1 — Cusco / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
- 4:00 am: Time to visit Machu Picchu! Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and private transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- 6:10 am: Board the Expedition train toward Aguas Calientes, traveling through the Sacred Valley and along the Vilcanota River toward the cloud forest.
- 8:00 am (approx.): Arrive in Aguas Calientes, where your guide or transfer will meet you and accompany you to the bus station.
- 8:30 am: Take the bus for approximately 30 minutes up to Machu Picchu.
- 9:00 am: Enter Machu Picchu and begin your guided visit of approximately 2 to 3 hours. Explore the main sectors of the citadel, including its temples, plazas, terraces and ceremonial areas.
- 12:00 pm: Finish your guided visit and take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
- 1:00 pm: Free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch and to explore the town before your afternoon train.
- 2:30–3:45 pm: Board your Expedition train back toward Ollantaytambo. The exact departure time will depend on the train schedule assigned to your booking.
- 4:30–5:30 pm (approx.): Arrive at Ollantaytambo train station, where your private transportation will be waiting for the return journey to Cusco.
- 7:00 pm (approx.): Arrive back at your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your Machu Picchu Full Day experience.
Distance: approx. 112 km / 70 mi round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Highest point: Machu Picchu, 2,430 m / 7,972 ft | Meals: Not included
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.
- Private transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo train station.
- Round-trip Expedition tourist train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Guiding
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the guided visit of Machu Picchu.
Permits & Entrance Fees
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
What’s Not Included
- Lunch and drinks — left open so you can choose your own restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain tickets — bookable as optional add-ons, subject to availability, at an extra cost.
- Tips for your guide and driver — always appreciated, entirely at your discretion.
- Travel insurance — recommended, but arranged independently.
- Personal expenses — souvenirs, bottled water, snacks, etc.
- Train upgrades — Vistadome or other premium train services are available at an additional cost, subject to availability.
FAQS
How difficult is the Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour?
It’s an easy to moderate experience. There is no long-distance hiking, but you’ll walk through Machu Picchu on uneven paths and stairs. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
How long is the Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour?
It’s a full-day experience of approximately 15 hours, starting early in the morning from Cusco and returning in the evening. The schedule allows enough time to travel to Machu Picchu, explore the citadel and return to Cusco the same day.
What train do I take to Machu Picchu?
You’ll travel aboard the Expedition tourist train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. It offers comfortable seating and large windows so you can enjoy views of the Sacred Valley, Vilcanota River and surrounding mountains.
Where does the train leave from?
The train departs from Ollantaytambo train station. Your private transportation from Cusco to the station is included in the tour.
How do I get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
You’ll take the official bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and climbs through the cloud forest.
How long is the guided visit of Machu Picchu?
Your guided visit takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the circuit assigned. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the main temples, plazas, terraces and ceremonial areas.
What circuit of Machu Picchu is included?
The Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included, with the specific circuit determined by the ticket available at the time of booking. Circuit 2 is generally preferred for a classic guided visit when available.
Will I have free time in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. After your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes and have free time for lunch and to explore the town before your afternoon Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo.
Are meals included?
No. Lunch and drinks are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose your own restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
These require separate tickets and are subject to availability. If you would like to add one of these mountains, let us know when booking so we can check the available options.
What should I bring on the Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour?
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you used to book your trip)
- A small backpack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Personal medication
- Water bottle
- Cash for lunch and personal expenses
Can I do this tour if I have just arrived in Cusco?
Yes, but keep in mind that the tour starts very early and is a long day. If possible, allowing some time to acclimatize before the tour will make the experience more comfortable.
Is the Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children can join the tour, although it is a long day with an early start and several hours of travel. They should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and stairs at Machu Picchu.
Can I visit Machu Picchu without a guide?
A guide is required for the organized visit to Machu Picchu. Your professional bilingual guide will accompany you through the archaeological site and explain its history, architecture and cultural significance.
Why Choose Us Velflor Travel
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
Go off the beaten track. Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and insider tips, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
Discover our enchanting world your way. Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences through their comprehensive knowledge of each destination.
All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team. Tell us your travel dream and we will create an itinerary packed with the best experiences your destination has to offer.
Your dedicated and personal trip coordinator is available around-the-clock throughout your trip to accommodate requests, take care of the details, and handle any unforeseen situations.
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