Discover the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in just one day by bus and train, departing from the city of Cusco. If you don’t have many days to spend in Cusco, this excursion is your best option. You’ll explore Machu Picchu quickly and affordably, without compromising the quality of the tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting point in Cusco city — 03:50
We will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel, provided your accommodation is located in Cusco’s historic centre.
Bus departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo — 04:20
This bus ride takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and it will drop you off at the Ollantaytambo train station.
Board your train in Ollantaytambo — 06:10
At the Ollantaytambo train station, the IncaRail team (or Peru Rail) will help you out with all the boarding process, there is nothing to worry.
Train departure from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes — 06:40
This train journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Andes and the high jungle throughout the trip. The train seats are incredibly comfortable, and the carriages feature large panoramic windows.
Aguas Calientes (2040 m.a.s.l.) is the closest town to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
Arrival of the train at Aguas Calientes city — 08:01
The Aguas Calientes train station is located in the heart of the town, so you won’t have any trouble finding the main points of interest.
Breakfast
In Aguas Calientes, you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can have breakfast, with prices ranging between 15 and 25 Peruvian soles per person. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also visit the Aguas Calientes market.
Please, note that breakfast is not included in this full-day tour.
Board your bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel — 10:10
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu. To reach the Inca citadel, all you need to do is take the local buses (we will send you all the details about these buses privately). This bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
The bus station is located on Avenida Los Hermanos Ayar, very close to Plaza Manco Cápac.
Meet your tour Guide — 11:00
At 11:00 in the morning, your local guide will be waiting for you outside the main entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located at 2,400 m.a.s.l.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu — 11:00 to 13:00
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is divided into three circuits, and we offer Circuit 2. However, if that route is unavailable, we will provide you with Circuit 3 instead.
Check the Notes section to view all types of tickets for Machu Picchu.
Free time in Machu Picchu
Consider that after the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will have some time to stay inside Machu Picchu. Consider that this is not possible sometimes, it will all depend on the park rangers.
Board your bus to return to Aguas Calientes
The buses leave from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes city every 15 minutes.
Lunch
There are many restaurants in the town of Aguas Calientes—choose the one that best suits your preferences. Prices may vary between 25 to 50 Peruvian soles per person.
Please, note that lunch is not included in this full-day tour.
Board your train on your own — 15:40
Everyone knows the train station in the town of Aguas Calientes, so you won’t get lost. There are no vehicles in this town, so you’ll need to walk to the train station.
Train departure from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo — 16:12
The trains depart punctually, so you need to be at the station half an hour before 16:12.
Board your bus — from train to bus — 18:30
The IncaRail team (or PeruRail) will help you with all the boarding process, there is nothing to worry about.
Arrival to Cusco city + Transfer to your hotel — 20:15
Upon your arrival in Cusco, your Driver will be waiting for you in order to take you to your hotel.
Tour ending place in Cusco — 20:30
This tour ends in the lobby of your hotel in the historic center of Cusco city.
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- US dollars ($).
- Indicative.
- Group Tours = group service, shared.
| People | Group Tours |
|---|---|
| 1 | From $290 per person |
If you want your guided tour of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to be 100% private, let us know (the price will vary).
DETAILS
| Details | Group Tours |
|---|---|
| Group size of the MP guided tour | 5 a 10 pax. |
| Schedule of the entire excursion | 03:50 to 20:30 |
| Days of operation | Every day |
| Language of the MP guided tour | English or Spanish — You choose |
| Bus capacity: Cusco-Ollantaytambo | 30 pax. |
| Wagon capacity: Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes | 30 a 52 pax. |
| Bus capacity: Aguas Calientes-MP | 30 pax. |
| Included | Group Tours |
|---|---|
| Pick up from your hotel in Cusco | ✅ |
| Professional Guide for MP | ✅ |
| 24/7 Customer Service | ✅ |
| Meal | ❌ |
| Accommodation | ❌ |
| Bus: Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco | ✅ |
| Bimodal train: Voyager o Expedition | ✅ |
| Bus: Aguas Calientes-MP-Aguas Calientes | ✅ |
| Ticket MP (Circuit 2 — subject to availability) | ✅ |
| Drop off at your hotel in Cusco | ✅ |
Accessibility: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Original passports.
- MP tickets — digital photo is ok.
- Rain ponchos.
- Sweaters.
- Caps or hats.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A bottle of water.
- Mosquito repellent.
Restrictions:
- Drones.
- Bigger backpacks than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 in).
- Walking sticks.
- Umbrellas.
- Tripods.
- Selfie sticks.
- Baby strollers.
- Leaning against Inca walls.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Types of Machu Picchu tickets
On this full-day tour to Machu Picchu, we offer Circuit 2; however, if this route is unavailable, we will provide Circuit 3.
Circuit 1 – Panorámico:
- Ruta 1-A: Ruta Montaña Machu Picchu: It requires 4 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 1-B: Ruta Terraza Superior: It requires 2 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 1-C: Ruta Portada Intipunku (available only in high season): It requires 4 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 1-D: Ruta Puente Inka (available only in high season): It requires 4 hours to visit it.
Circuit 2 – Circuito clásico:
- Ruta 2-A: Ruta clásico diseñada: It requires 2 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 2-B: Ruta terraza inferior: It requires 2 hours to visit it.
Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu realeza:
- Ruta 3-A: Ruta Montaña Wayna Picchu: It requires 4 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 3-B: Ruta realeza diseñada: It requires 2 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 3-C: Ruta Gran Caverna (available only in high season): It requires 4 hours to visit it.
- Ruta 3-D: Ruta Huchuy Picchu (available only in high season): It requires 4 hours to visit it.
Pick-ups and timings
- All the times mentioned in the itinerary section of this tour are approximate and may vary depending on the availability of Machu Picchu tickets and train schedules.
- Pick-ups are only available for hotels located in the historic centre of Cusco; otherwise, we will arrange a meeting point at your convenience.
- All pick-ups and meeting points are coordinated one day before the tour.
Vehicle type and seats
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Peru.
- Clean and modern ones.
- Sedan looking auto, 4×4, H1, Van, Renault and Mercedez Benz (it will depend on the group size).
Seats:
- You reserve a seat in the bus, not a specific number of seat.
Entrance ticket discounts
Kids, minors, students and Peruvians may have discounts but an official ID is required to show:
- Kids and minors: Bring their official passaports to prove their age.
- Students: Bring your offficial passport and goverment issued ID.
- Peruvians: Bring your oficial ID.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to changes without prior notice due to the availability of Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, weather conditions, strikes, or any other events that may disrupt the normal operation of the tour. See also our terms.
CANCELLATIONS
Notify us at least 7 days in advance for a partial refund; otherwise, 100% of the tour price will be charged. See also our terms.
REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
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