Tour overview
This tour is the easiest way to see Machu Picchu in a single day. You leave Cusco early and ride a tourist train with panoramic windows along the Urubamba River, through mountains and cloud forest, before heading up to the citadel for a guided tour. You can travel on PeruRail's Expedition or Inca Rail's Voyager. Both are tourist-class trains with great value and similar views. Magone Viajes handles your transfers, train, bus, tickets and guide, so all you have to do is enjoy the day.
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Best time to travel April to October (dry season)
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Maximum altitude About 2,430 m / 7,970 ft (Machu Picchu)
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Physical difficulty Easy to moderate (stone steps and slopes inside the citadel)
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Minimum number of passengers 1 adult
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Maximum number of passengers 15 adults
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Booking lead time 3 to 6 weeks in advance (tickets sell out in high season)
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Permits Only a Machu Picchu entrance ticket with an assigned time and circuit, arranged by Magone Viajes
Highlights
- Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco by tourist train.
- Route: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Expedition (PeruRail) or Voyager (Inca Rail) trains with panoramic windows.
- A guided tour of about 2 to 3 hours along your assigned circuit.
- Perfect if you're short on time or would rather skip the trek.
- Price on request per person, with train, bus and Machu Picchu entrance included.
Itinerary
Pickup in Cusco
We pick you up from your hotel at around 4:00 to 5:00 a.m. and drive about 2 hours to Ollantaytambo station. In some seasons the train departs from Poroy station, near Cusco.
Train ride
The Expedition or Voyager takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba canyon. A complimentary snack or drink, depending on the train, is served on board.
Up to Machu Picchu
In Aguas Calientes your Magone Viajes guide meets you, and you take the Consettur bus up to the citadel, a ride of about 25 to 30 minutes.
Guided tour
You spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring your assigned circuit. Depending on the circuit, you'll see the agricultural sector, the terraces, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the Temple of the Three Windows.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes
You take the bus back down and have free time for lunch, included or on your own depending on the program, and a stroll around town.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon you take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Tips
- Bring your original passport. You'll need it for the train and the Machu Picchu entrance.
- Carry-on luggage on the train is limited to about 5 kg (11 lb), so leave your big suitcase at your Cusco hotel.
- Dress in layers and pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and a light rain jacket, especially from November to March.
- Trekking poles with metal tips, drones and large bags aren't allowed in Machu Picchu.
- Carry some cash in soles for small purchases and for the restrooms, which are outside the citadel.
- If you'd like to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, ask when you book.
What's included
Included
- Pickup from your Cusco hotel and transfer to Ollantaytambo station or, in some seasons, Poroy.
- Round-trip tourist train, Expedition (PeruRail) or Voyager (Inca Rail).
- Round-trip Consettur bus to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Professional Magone Viajes guide.
- Return transfer to your Cusco hotel.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes, if included in the program.
Not included
- Breakfast.
- Lunch, if not included in the program.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
- Upgrades to higher-class trains such as the Vistadome, 360° or Hiram Bingham.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Expedition and the Voyager?
They're the same class of train. The Expedition is run by PeruRail and the Voyager by Inca Rail, and both have panoramic windows and similar prices. Magone Viajes picks whichever has the best schedule and availability for your date.
Is it worth doing in one day?
Yes, if you're short on time, though it's a long day of about 16 hours. For a more relaxed pace, ask for the 2-day version with a night in Aguas Calientes.
Will the altitude affect me?
Machu Picchu sits at about 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). If you've acclimatized in Cusco, you should be fine.
Can I choose my entry time?
It depends on availability. Morning slots sell out first, so book early.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes. It's not very demanding, though there are stairs and uneven ground inside the citadel.
What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. Bring a rain jacket, since large umbrellas aren't always allowed.
