Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco worth booking?
Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $425 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $425 per person
Experience Machu Picchu in One Day! Start your adventure with a scenic train ride through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. From there, take a short bus ride to the legendar
What you get
- Round Trip train from : Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
- Round trip Transport from : Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco.
- Round trip Bus from: Aguas Calientes - Machu pícchu - Aguas Calientes .
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide:
- Entrance ticket to Machu picchu. (subject to availability.)
- Hotel pick-up :
About this experience
Experience Machu Picchu in One Day! Start your adventure with a scenic train ride through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. From there, take a short bus ride to the legendary Inca citadel and enjoy a guided tour of its temples, terraces, plazas, and breathtaking viewpoints, while learning the fascinating history of the Inca civilization. After your tour, enjoy some free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch or shopping before returning to Cusco in the evening, taking with you unforgettable memories of one of the world’s most iconic wonders. Highlights: Scenic train ride through the Andes and Sacred Valley Guided tour of Machu Picchu Explore ancient temples, terraces, and plazas Free time in Aguas Calientes Return to Cusco in the evening with unforgettable memories. Highlights: Scenic train ride through the Andes Guided tour of Machu Picchu Explore ancient temples and terraces Free time in Aguas Calientes
What's included
Included
- Round Trip train from : Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
- Round trip Transport from : Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco.
- Round trip Bus from: Aguas Calientes - Machu pícchu - Aguas Calientes .
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide:
- Entrance ticket to Machu picchu. (subject to availability.)
- Hotel pick-up :
Not included
- Food and drinks (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, wine, soft drinks )
What you'll see and do
Machu Picchu
You’ll be picked up from your Cusco hotel around 4:00 a.m. and taken to Ollantaytambo to board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. From there, a short bus ride takes you to the entrance, where your adventure begins. Enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring terraces, temples, plazas, and breathtaking viewpoints while learning the fascinating stories of the Inca civilization. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some free time before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 7:00 p.m. It’s a full day you won’t forget!
960 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- PERU TRAVEL COMPANY
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) student card if applicable) green card if you are student
- Note: you have to bring your student card to Machu Picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machu Picchu control point
- Travel Insurance card is essential
- Hiking boots, Sandals or Flip Flops
- Water proof jacket, Rain Poncho, T-shirts, Shorts pants, Comfortable trousers, Sun hat, Sun Block Sunglasses,Insect repellent 15 % of deet at least - no malaria risk reported, Toilet Paper, Personal Medication, flashlight (it is useful for early mornings), Plasters, Sandals, Bathing suit for hot springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes
- Emergency money at least 200- 300 extra soles (USD$120)
- Walking poles (with rubber tips). They can also be hired from us (walking poles are not allowed into Machu Picchu city)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Machu Picchu on a budget
Great tour. I really wanted to see Machu Picchu while spending as little money as possible. Peru Travel Company delivered and helped me accomplish my goal. The only added cost you can skip to save even more money which I did not do was take the train in. Honestly, it’s worth it though. The train ride goes through the mountains and offers great views of snow capped peaks. Once I made it to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Mach Picchu, my hostel had been pre-booked through Peru Travel Company and I even got a free breakfast the next day. I opted not to take a guided tour which I recommend if you want to take your time and not feel rushed. Overall, my experience with Peru travel company was awesome. I would recommend using them for all of your travel needs in Peru.
Response from the operator: Thank yo Michaell for traveling with us and for taking the time to review our service ! we apreciate your recommendation and it means so much for us that you enjoyed your trip, thnk you and we will be in touch with you best regards Peru Travel Company TEAM
via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip
We asked package of Machu Pichu and Cusco tour. They organize our trip very good, and we really enjoyed our trip. We got private guid at Machu Pichu and Cusco. They both were excellent. I think price is reasonable. We recommend. Thank you for both guide!!
via Tripadvisor
The tour operator met us the night...
<p>The tour operator met us the night before our day trip to Machu Picchu to give us the logistics of our day. It began at 3 AM with a 1.5 hr van ride to Ollantaytambe where we boarded a train for an additional 1.5 hr ride to Aguas Calientes aka Machu Picchu Village.We were met there by Javier, our tourguide, who led us to the end of the queue, which after 1 hour, twenty minutes, led us to the buses which would take us to the ruins of the citadel of Mach Picchu Javier left us at this point. It rained steadily the entire time we waited in line, and we all ended up buying cheap 5 Soles ponchos.<br/> Reaching the citadel, we climbed to the summit of Machu Picchu mountain, an arduous journey ending a bit over 10,000 ft above sea level, and 2000 feet above the citadel. It rained throughout the entire climb, an we were worried that there would be nothing to see from the top due to clouds obscuring the view. But about the time we reached the top about noon, the rain was tapering off, and the visibility improved. The trip down the mountain was much more enjoyable as we were no longer surrounded by fog and rain.<br/> Back at the citadel we met up with our guide again who gave a wonderful tour of the ruins. Javier is an experienced guide and is very well informed regarding the history of the citadel and of the Incan culture in general. I recommend asking for him by name if you take this trip. <br/> Afterwards we returned to Aguas Calientes, where we had a dinner before the train and van rides back to our hotel which we reached at about 9:30 PM.<br/> It was a very long tiring day, and unfortunately, the tour operator did not prepare us for the weather we encountered. It was colder and rainier than we expected oviously, the weather varies depending on the season, but our guide said our experience was not atypical for August,I suggest bringing a change of clothes for after the rain ends. <br/> Machu Picchu is something that should be on everyone's bucket list, and doesn't disappoint.</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $425 to $445
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $425 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Trip to Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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