Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) worth booking?
Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) is a 16-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $460 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $460 per person
Machu Picchu is the finest example of Inca imperial phase architecture left to us by the people who established and ruled over the greatest empire ever seen in the Americas. It is situated in the high mountain forests, b
What you get
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in private car
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning
- Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in private car
- Dinner and lunch and in Aguas Calientes restaurant Indio Feliz
- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
About this experience
Machu Picchu is the finest example of Inca imperial phase architecture left to us by the people who established and ruled over the greatest empire ever seen in the Americas. It is situated in the high mountain forests, between the Andes and the Amazon basin, just over 120 kilometres from the city of Cusco. Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most well-known sacred places, and our one or two-day train tour to Machu Picchu takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world, following the course of the Urubamba River from high Andean plains all the way to the cloud forest that surrounds the ruins of Machu Picchu.
What's included
Included
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in private car
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning
- Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in private car
- Dinner and lunch and in Aguas Calientes restaurant Indio Feliz
- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Not included
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (Optional)
- Snacks and Water
What you'll see and do
Our trip to Machu Picchu leaves the city of Cusco at 6:00 am, as we travel by bus to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the small town located below the ruins of Machu Picchu. The train follows the Urubamba River as the valley narrows to form a sheer gorge and we pass through different climactic zones, with views of majestic mountains and glimpses of ancient ruins. From the station at Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride takes us up to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, the finest surviving example pre-Hispanic architecture and engineering, where we will enjoy a private guided tour lasting around 2 hours, during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After the tour, you will also have time to explore the ruins independently. We will return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and board our train for the return trip to Cusco.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Minka Peru Expeditions
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Machu Picchu is so beautiful!!
Freddy is a kind and serious person, and his work is perfect. Machu Picchu is so beautiful, so if you are traveling, please choose this travel agency.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Thank you very much Minka Peru Expeditions
Our experience with Minka Peru Expeditions and, especially, with our guide Freddy, was simply incredible. He made our trip to Machu Picchu a different, special, and unforgettable experience. Even before traveling, Freddy was always looking out for us, giving us tips on the weather, luggage, and all the details of the trip. He coordinated our transfer from the Cusco airport to Ollantaytambo, the trains, the hotel in Aguas Calientes, and even a wonderful hike to the Cocalmayo hot springs. Everything was perfectly organized. Throughout the trip, he was attentive to our schedules and trains, but always respecting our space and giving us time to enjoy ourselves, take photos, ask questions, and simply live in the moment. In addition, we had very pleasant conversations that made the experience even more personal. What we value most is that Freddy was much more than a guide: he was a true travel companion. Even after our service officially ended, he kept checking on our arrival in Cusco because he really cares about his clients. And, as a final touch, he accompanied us to the airport on the day of our departure. We are very grateful to Freddy and Minka Perú Expeditions for all their attention, professionalism and, above all, for their human quality. We wholeheartedly recommend this agency and Freddy. Machu Picchu is already a magical experience, but experiencing it with someone like him makes it much more special. Without a doubt we would choose them again!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
An excellent experience from start to finish
We had an incredible experience with our guide Freddy during our trip to Machu Picchu. From the first moment, everything was perfectly organized and we did not have to worry about anything. They took care of all the services and were attentive to every detail during the trip, including hotels and trains. Our guide accompanied us and was always attentive to ensure we arrived on time for the trains and buses, which made everything much easier and more relaxed. Furthermore, the attention was very personalized and he was always available to help us and ensure that we enjoyed the experience to the fullest. Something we valued a lot was all the information and knowledge he shared with us about Machu Picchu, its history, and the different places we visited. We had an extra day in Aguas Calientes and the guide recommended we visit the Cocalmayo hot springs, something highly recommended to do if you like adventure; Freddy made sure we did not run out of activities to do during our stay, and that we could enjoy every moment at our leisure. It is also worth clarifying that we were given time to enjoy every moment, take photos, and go at our own pace, without any rush on the part of the guide. Without a doubt, we highly recommend having this experience with them. The organization, personalized attention, and support throughout the trip made everything comfortable, simple, and memorable. Thank you so much for making our visit such an incredible experience! ❤️
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Machu Picchu Private Day Tour, Excellent w/ Minka!
Fantastic experience! Everything was handled and easy! Felt very well taken care of, truly a VIP tour. I do recommend planning for the full day and be ready to spend time in Aguas Calientes.
via Tripadvisor
Machu picchu
Freddy was the best thing that could happen to us is a great person and guide who explained everything in detail characterizes his punctuality, Reynaldo and he took us very early to Ollantaytambo to take the train (we hired him from before traveling and our tickets were bought two months earlier, explained in detail flooded us with history while we were going up the circuit, he was also our photographer, I highly recommend it. We couldn't have found or had a better experience with him.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $460 to $635
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) cost?
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Prices start at $460 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 Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) take?
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Plan for about 16 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 Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private)?
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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 Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 16-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private)?
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Around 2 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 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Machu Picchu by Train (Day Trip - Private) 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, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), 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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