Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – RETURN TO CUSCO
Full-Day Tour: Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco – Via Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes
Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu in just one unforgettable day, with all logistics carefully arranged to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and enriching adventure. This full-day journey combines scenic landscapes, cultural discovery, and expert guidance—from the moment you leave Cusco until your return in the evening.
🌄 Early Morning Pickup – Between 3:45 and 4:15 AM
- Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 3:45 and 4:15 AM.
- If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley (e.g., Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, or Calca), please contact us via WhatsApp at +51 974 217 700 to arrange your transfer.
- A comfortable tourist vehicle from Machu Picchu Reservations will take you on a scenic 1 hour and 45-minute drive through the Andean mountains to the Ollantaytambo train station.
🚆 Train to Aguas Calientes – Departure at 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM
- Upon arrival at the station, our driver will assist you in boarding your train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- The train journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours, following the winding Urubamba River and passing through breathtaking Andean landscapes.
👋 Arrival & Briefing in Aguas Calientes
- Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting for you at the train station with a sign displaying “Machu Picchu Reservations” or your name.
- You’ll receive important instructions for your visit and then have 20–30 minutes of free time to use the restroom, grab a coffee, or pick up some snacks before heading up to the site.
🚌 Bus to Machu Picchu – 30 Minutes
- After regrouping, you’ll take the 30-minute bus ride up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
- Estimated arrival at the site is between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, depending on your train time and bus queue.
🏛️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Approximately 2.5 Hours
- Entrance to Machu Picchu is included and usually assigned to Circuit 1 or 2 or the one which was avalible when you booked, which offer the most iconic views.
- If those are not available, you’ll be booked on Circuit 3 or 4 as an alternative.
- Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour led by a licensed, knowledgeable guide who will walk you through the history, architecture, and hidden stories of this ancient Inca wonder.
- You’ll visit temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and viewpoints, with time for photos and reflection.
🚍 Return to Aguas Calientes – 25 to 30 Minutes
- After your visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, a short 25–30 minute ride.
- You’ll have free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant.
🚆 Return Train to Ollantaytambo – Departure at 2:30 PM or 3:20 PM
- Your return train to Ollantaytambo departs around 2:30 PM or 3:20 PM, depending on availability.
- The ride back lasts about 1.5 hours through the same beautiful route.
🚗 Private Transfer Back to Cusco – Arrival Between 6:30 and 7:00 PM
- At Ollantaytambo station, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name.
- You’ll be driven back to your hotel in Cusco, a ride of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, arriving around 6:30 to 7:00 PM.
📌 At a Glance: Your Day Summary
- 🕓 Hotel pickup in Cusco: 3:45 – 4:15 AM
- 🚆 Train departure from Ollantaytambo: 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM
- 🏛️ Machu Picchu entry & guided tour: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
- 🚆 Return train to Ollantaytambo: 2:30 PM or 3:20 PM
- 🚗 Arrival in Cusco: Around 6:30 – 7:00 PM
🌟 Why Choose This Tour?
This carefully curated one-day itinerary offers you the perfect balance of comfort, cultural immersion, and convenience, making it possible to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in just one day—stress-free and fully guided from beginning to end.
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
✅ What’s Included in Your Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour
Private Transportation from Your Hotel
- Enjoy a comfortable 1 hour and 45-minute ride from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac) to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
Train Ticket to Aguas Calientes
- Travel aboard the scenic Expedition (6:10 AM) or Voyager (6:40 AM) train.
- This 1.5-hour journey through the Andean landscape offers breathtaking views as you head to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu Entrance
- Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, take a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu—the highlight of your day!
Machu Picchu Entry + Guided Tour
- Includes entry to Machu Picchu (typically Circuit 1 or 2, subject to availability at the time of booking).
- Entry time is usually scheduled for 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM.
- Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour led by a professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish), who will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Inca citadel.
Return Bus to Aguas Calientes
- After your visit, descend back to Aguas Calientes by comfortable tourist bus.
- You’ll have some free time to relax, explore, or enjoy lunch before boarding your train.
Return Train to Ollantaytambo
- Return on the Voyager (2:30 PM) or Expedition (3:30 PM) train.
- If your Machu Picchu entrance is later, we’ll adjust your train ticket to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM accordingly.
Private Transfer Back to Your Hotel
- Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, our driver will greet you with a sign bearing your name and the Machu Picchu Reservations logo.
- You’ll be driven back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes).
- ✅ Prefer to be dropped off in the Sacred Valley? Just let us know in advance—we’ll gladly accommodate your request.
Not Included
🥐 Breakfast
- Bring some light snacks for the journey, such as fruit, energy bars, or a sandwich. You can also purchase coffee and breakfast items at the train station before departure.
🍽️ Lunch
- After your visit to Machu Picchu, you’ll have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at your own pace. The town offers a wide variety of local and international restaurants, with options to suit all preferences and budgets.
What to Pack
What to Pack
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR MACHU PICCHU FULL-DAY TOUR BY TRAIN
Being prepared is key to enjoying your day at Machu Picchu. With changing weather and a full day of travel and exploration, here’s a simple packing list to make your experience smooth and stress-free:
- Passport: Required for entry to Machu Picchu – don’t forget it!
- Student ID: If you booked with a discount, bring your original physical student card.
- Train & Entrance Tickets: Print them or save digital copies on your phone for easy access.
- Daypack: A light, comfortable backpack for carrying your essentials.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain or wind.
- Sturdy Walking Shoes: Use shoes with good grip for uneven and slippery paths.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—UV rays are strong at high altitudes.
- Insect Repellent: Especially useful in Aguas Calientes and surrounding areas.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a refillable bottle.
- Snacks: Pack light, high-energy snacks like nuts, fruit, or energy bars.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture the incredible scenery and moments.
- Cash in Soles: Useful for shopping, meals, or tipping.
Packing Tips:
- Pack light and bring only the essentials to stay comfortable.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip so you can dress appropriately.
- With this list, you’ll be ready to enjoy a memorable and hassle-free adventure to Machu Picchu!
Prices
Pricing
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY TOUR BY TRAIN PRICES (GROUP SERVICE) – 2025 SEASON
The price of the Machu Picchu tour varies depending on your traveler category—whether you are an adult, a student, or a citizen of a CAN Community country (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia). Each category has a different rate based on the official Machu Picchu ticket pricing.
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY BY TRAIN REGULAR PRICE:
- STUDENT: $250 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $250 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $270 USD per person
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY BY TRAIN ESPECIAL PRICE FOR CAN:
- STUDENT: $230 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $230 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $250 USD per person
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Reservation
HOW TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY TOUR BY TRAIN & APPLICABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
STEPS TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY BY TRAIN
- Step 1:
Click the “BOOK ONLINE” button to check availability. You’ll be taken to the calendar and our booking platform. If your desired date is available, select it and proceed with your reservation. - Step 2:
Once you choose your date, you’ll be asked to select your return option (by car or by train), the number of participants, and the type of traveler (adult, student, or child). Then, you can choose whether to pay only the $180 deposit per person (non-refundable) or the full amount. Either option is available. - Step 3:
Next, fill out the personal information form for each participant, including: full name, passport number, WhatsApp number, hotel in Cusco, and more. - Step 4:
After that, you’ll be able to add optional extras if you wish, such Vistadome Train Upgrade, or entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Once you’ve selected any extras, continue to the next step. - Step 5:
Finally, you’ll be directed to the payment form. You can pay with any debit or credit card, and in some countries, bank transfers are also available. Payments by card include a 2.9% transaction fee, which is covered by the client. - Once your payment is completed, you’ll automatically receive a payment confirmation email. Within 24 hours, we’ll send you the final tour confirmation, including all details and your Machu Picchu entry tickets and train tickets, if applicable.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BOOKING
To confirm your Machu Picchu tour reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $180 USD per person is required. This amount secures your spot on the tour and is used to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and Train tickets
Cancellations:
- If you decide to cancel your tour, the deposit will not be refunded. However, any tickets already purchased (such as the Machu Picchu entrance) can still be used by you on the original date for which they were issued, as tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
- If you paid the full amount for the tour and later cancel, you will receive a refund of the remaining balance, excluding the $180 USD deposit.
Date Changes:
- You may change your tour date as long as there is availability. Please note that new Machu Picchu and train tickets will need to be purchased for the new date, and you will be required to pay a new deposit of $180 USD per person to cover these additional costs.
Remaining Balance Payment:
- If you only paid the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid at least 24 hours before the tour starts. You can pay through:
- Our online booking platform
- Or in person at our offices in Cusco, in cash (USD or soles)
- Card payments are also accepted, with an additional 3.9% processing fee
Customer Support:
- For any changes, cancellations, or modifications to your reservation, please email us at: 📧 machupicchureservations@gmail.com
- If you contact us during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), one of our agents will respond immediately.
Gallery
Photo Gallery
Why Choose Machupicchu Reservations
Why Choose Machupicchu Reservations
Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.
Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.
Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Reservations is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.
Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.
Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.
Choose Machu Picchu Reservations for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.
Talk to an Specialist
One of our specialists will attend your travel request as soon as possible.
Enquire Private Tour Get a Custom Response by WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor
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