Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train

Outty Ranking 47 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews15 hoursFrom $450
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train worth booking?

Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train is a 15-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $450 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
15 hours
From
$450 per person

For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

What you get

    About this experience

    For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
    • Ticket to enter Machu Picchu
    • Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo
    • Guided tour to Machu Picchu
    • Transport – Cusco – Ollantaytambo and back
    • Hotel Pickup with in the historical center of Cusco.
    • Professional bilingual tour guide

    Not included

    • Meals

    What you'll see and do

    1. Cusco

      Hotel Pickup (3:55am) At 3:55am, hotel pick-ups will begin, so make sure you're up early and ready to go. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the train station in Ollantaytambo.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Ollantaytambo

      Ollantaytambo Train Station (6:40am) Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, you’ll catch the 6:40am train, which will take you to Aguas Calientes. The journey will take about 1.5 hours, and you'll arrive in Aguas Calientes around 8:00am.

      90 minutes here

    3. Aguas Calientes

      Aguas Calientes (8:00am) Once you arrive at the train station in Aguas Calientes, your guide will meet you and take you to the bus for the ride to Machu Picchu. The bus ride is about 30 minutes, and you should arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu around 8:45am.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Machu Picchu

      Machu Picchu Arrival (Around 8:45 AM) You’ll arrive at Machu Picchu around 8:45 AM. After entering, your bilingual guide will take you on a tour of the ancient city, covering all major areas, lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours. Free Time at Machu Picchu After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Wander and enjoy the views. If you wish, exit for a snack at the café and re-enter. Your ticket is valid all day, so explore at your leisure. Optional Huayna Picchu Hike If you'd like extra adventure, hike the Huayna Picchu mountain (tickets must be booked when purchasing Machu Picchu entry). The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and is unguided. The entrance window for Huayna Picchu is from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, so if you choose it, your guided tour will be quicker to finish in time.

    5. Aguas Calientes

      Return to Aguas Calientes Once you’ve finished exploring Machu Picchu, you'll descend back to Aguas Calientes, the town named for its hot springs.

    6. Cusco

      Return Train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo After your time in Aguas Calientes, you have two options for returning: You can take the 4:12 PM train directly to Cusco.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Ollantaytambo

      Alternatively, you can take the 7:00 PM train to Ollantaytambo (the journey is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). If you take the 7:00 PM train to Ollantaytambo, a mini-bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco. The drive takes about 90 minutes.

      Pass by without stopping

    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 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Minka Peru Expeditions

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, photo 2Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, photo 3Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, photo 4Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, photo 5Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, photo 6Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    M1032WTkimberlyl · December 2023

    100% RECOMMENDED

    I had an excellent experience, all the tours were very complete accompanied by the history of the places, Fredy the guide planned our itinerary perfectly where we never had to worry since we arrived in the country about planning, his company is comfortable and he advises you and Supports you at all times by resolving doubts and guiding the trip according to your requirements. In my opinion, I highly recommend the travel agency and the guide Fredy.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    RocioEBoller · August 2023

    An unforgettable experience

    Hello. I would like to tell you that our experience with this agency and with the guide Fredy Callanaupa was EXCELLENT. We liked not only the punctuality, kindness and experience but also the more human side of him. Being a long trip and climbing Machu Picchu was very demanding, he gave us the best advice to make the experience the most rewarding and wonderful.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    IgorPutin · July 2019

    Great Trip

    This was the highlight of our trip. Fredy guided us right from the moment we landed in Cusco. He was friendly and went beyond his way to help. We enjoyed a lot and would recommend Minka to our folks back home

    via Tripadvisor

    Bobabenakova · July 2019

    Nice Day Trip

    Freddy from Minka organised this extremely well. He is a gem of a person and an well experienced guide. The hotel in Aguas Calientes was basic but super comfortable. Everything went smooth. All thanks to Freddy and team.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    15 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)29
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train cost?

    +

    Prices start at $450 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 Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train take?

    +

    Plan for about 15 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 Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train?

    +

    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 Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 15-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 15-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train?

    +

    Included: Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back; Ticket to enter Machu Picchu; Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo; Guided tour to Machu Picchu; and Transport – Cusco – Ollantaytambo and back. Not included: Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Ultimate 1-Day Machu Picchu Adventure by Train.

    Pick your date