Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth booking?
Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a 14-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $327 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 14 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (14)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $327 per person
Discover the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu on a full-day tour from Cusco, featuring scenic train travel and a fascinating guided exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your adventure with an early hote
What you get
- Round-trip Tourist Train Tickets
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off in Cusco
- Tour Assistance
- Professional Bilingual Tour Guide
- Round-trip Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 02)
About this experience
Discover the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu on a full-day tour from Cusco, featuring scenic train travel and a fascinating guided exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your adventure with an early hotel pickup for a transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Board a comfortable train for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of breathtaking views of the Andes and lush landscapes before reaching Aguas Calientes. After a 30-minute bus ride to the citadel, enjoy a guided tour highlighting the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, and the iconic Intihuatana stone. Afterward, explore Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
What's included
Included
- Round-trip Tourist Train Tickets
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off in Cusco
- Tour Assistance
- Professional Bilingual Tour Guide
- Round-trip Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 02)
Not included
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Cusco
Your journey begins very early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco between 03:30 and 04:10 a.m. Our tourist transport will take you to the train station located in Ollantaytambo, traveling through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley. During the drive, you will pass through traditional Andean villages and beautiful mountain scenery while heading toward the Sacred Valley. This transfer ensures you arrive on time to board the train to Machu Picchu.
Pass by without stopping
Ollantaytambo
At approximately 06:10 a.m., you will board the tourist train operated by PeruRail or Inca Rail, typically the Voyager or Expedition service. The train ride lasts around 1 hour and 40 minutes, following the course of the Urubamba River while passing through spectacular Andean landscapes, lush cloud forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. This railway journey is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in South America.
Pass by without stopping
Aguas Calientes
Around 07:50 a.m., you will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes. Your guide or local representative will meet you at the train station and escort you to the bus station. You will then board the official shuttle bus operated by Consettur, which takes about 30 minutes to ascend the mountain through a winding road leading to the entrance of the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
15 minutes here
Machupicchu cusco
At approximately 09:00 a.m., your guided tour of Machu Picchu begins. You will explore the archaeological site following Circuit 2 Machu Picchu, considered the most complete and panoramic route within the citadel. During the 2 to 2.5-hour guided visit, your professional guide will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit important sectors of the citadel, including agricultural terraces, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, ceremonial areas, and ancient residential sectors. You will also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire citadel and the surrounding mountains, with the Urubamba River flowing far below the canyon.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Aguas Calientes
After the guided tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Here you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch included), explore the small town, visit the local handicraft market, or relax before boarding the train back to the Sacred Valley.
180 minutes here
In the evening, you will return to the train station around 17:50 to board your return train departing approximately at 18:20. During the return journey, you will once again travel along the scenic railway following the Urubamba River while enjoying the beautiful Andean landscapes as the sun begins to set over the mountains.
120 minutes here
Cusco
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station (around 20:05–20:20), our transport will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. The drive back to the city takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with arrival at your hotel expected around 22:30
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Planet Odysseys
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Important Booking Notice This tour includes the highly requested Circuit 2 Machu Picchu, which offers the classic panoramic viewpoint and the most complete visit inside Machu Picchu. Due to limited daily availability, we strongly recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to secure this circuit. Once Circuit 2 tickets are sold out, only alternative circuits may remain, which do not include the classic Machu Picchu viewpoint, or tickets may be completely sold out. Last-minute reservations (within a few days) may still be possible depending on ticket availability, but the itinerary, circuit, or price may differ from this listing.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
8 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Day Trip to Machu Picchu
This was an incredible experience from start to finish! The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu was comfortable and offered beautiful scenery along the way. Everything was well organized, and the guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful throughout the day. Machu Picchu itself was absolutely breathtaking and definitely lived up to expectations. The whole tour was smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cusco and wanting to experience Machu Picchu in a convenient and memorable way!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really happy to hear that you had such a great day exploring Machu Picchu with us. It’s wonderful to know that everything went smoothly, from the train journey to the visit to Machu Picchu itself. We’ll also be sure to share your kind words with our guides they’ll be very happy to hear them! Thank you for choosing Planet Odysseys for such a special day, and we hope you take home some beautiful memories from Peru.
via Tripadvisor
A Trip to Remember
I had an absolutely wonderful experience on this trip. The breathtaking scenery, warm and welcoming people, and outstanding service made it truly special. The food was excellent, and the views were simply spectacular at every turn. Our tour guide, Elvis, was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and an excellent communicator. His expertise added so much to the experience. Overall, it was a memorable journey filled with beautiful moments that I’ll never forget.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful review! We’re really happy to know that you had such a memorable journey with us and enjoyed the scenery, food, and the warm welcome along the way. And thank you especially for mentioning Elvis! We’ll definitely share your kind words with him. He’ll be very happy to know that his knowledge and way of sharing the experience made your day even more special. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope the memories of Machu Picchu stay with you for a very long time. All the best, and we hope to see you again in Peru!
via Tripadvisor
A Memorable Machu Picchu Adventure
This was one of the best days of our trip to Peru. The journey from Cusco by train was comfortable and offered incredible views along the way. Once we arrived, Roxana and Elvis made sure we knew where to go and helped us throughout the visit. Their knowledge of Inca history really added to the experience, and they also helped us capture some beautiful pictures. Machu Picchu was breathtaking, and this tour was absolutely worth it!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re really happy to hear that your day at Machu Picchu was one of the highlights of your trip to Peru. We’ll definitely share your kind words with Roxana and Elvis. They’ll be very happy to know that their help, stories about Inca history, and even the pictures made your visit more special. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’re so glad you felt the tour was worth it. We hope you’ll come back to Peru one day and create many more beautiful memories!
via Tripadvisor
The Best Train Journey Ever
Visiting Machu Picchu was truly an unforgettable experience. The train journey was easily one of the best rides I’ve ever taken punctual, spotlessly clean, and offering breathtaking mountain views the entire way. A huge shoutout to Miluska, who was incredibly attentive and always prompt over WhatsApp, ensuring the entire trip ran seamlessly from start to finish. 100% recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your journey to Machu Picchu was such a memorable experience, and that you enjoyed the train journey and the beautiful mountain scenery along the way. It was truly a pleasure assisting you and making sure everything went smoothly throughout the day. Your kind words about our communication and attention mean a lot to us! Thank you for choosing Planet Odysseys and for recommending us so warmly. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in Peru! Warm regards, The Planet Odysseys Team
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Train Journey
We had a wonderful time on our full-day Machu Picchu tour. The train ride through the beautiful Andean scenery was one of the highlights, and arriving at Machu Picchu was truly special. Elvis was an excellent guide friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all our questions. His explanations made the ancient site much more meaningful. Everything went smoothly, and we would definitely recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Deaar Guest, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the beautiful train journey and the unforgettable experience of arriving at Machu Picchu. It’s wonderful to hear that Elvis’s friendly guidance and knowledge brought the ancient site to life and made your visit even more meaningful. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Thank you for recommending Planet Odysseys—we hope to welcome you on another adventure in Peru! Regards, Ram
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $327 to $443
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Planet Odysseys, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.1.
See everything Planet Odysseys runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $327 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 Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco take?
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Plan for about 14 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 Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu 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 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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Around 5 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 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu 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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