Machu Picchu is a historic Inca citadel located in the Cusco region of Peru, high in the Andes Mountains above the Sacred Valley. About 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cusco, it is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
This remarkable destination in Peru is not only an important historical and cultural site but also a breathtaking place that draws travelers from all over the world. Visitors can explore the fascinating Inca civilization and admire its impressive achievements in architecture, engineering, and urban planning.
Our train tour to Machu Picchu offers one of the most scenic journeys in Peru, combining comfort and convenience with spectacular landscapes. On this one-day adventure, you will travel along the Urubamba River on a scenic train ride, passing through lush cloud forests and dramatic Andean scenery, with panoramic windows perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Upon arrival in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride takes you to Machu Picchu, where an expert guide will lead you on a tour of the archaeological site. During the visit, you will learn about the history, mysteries, and grandeur of this Inca citadel while enjoying breathtaking viewpoints that reveal the full majesty of Peru’s most iconic archaeological treasure.
This one-day tour by train to Machu Picchu is perfect for travelers seeking a complete, comfortable, and memorable experience, combining history, culture, and the stunning natural beauty of the Andes in a single unforgettable day.
Inquire now to secure your permit for this once-in-a-lifetime journey!
You will depart from Cusco early in the morning (around 3:00 a.m.) to visit the town of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley. From there, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes. The train journey offers stunning views and lasts just under two hours.
Next, you will take a bus up to Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy a guided tour and learn about the Inca civilization, visiting all the main highlights of the ruins (approximately 2 hours). After the guided tour, you and your guide will part ways. If you have booked an additional hike, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have time to complete the hike and explore the site independently. There are also several areas to explore that are not included in the guided tour, such as the Inca Bridge and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
In the afternoon, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and then board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you safely back to Cusco.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events beyond our control. Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience on your Machu Picchu by Train tour, we recommend bringing the following items:
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
Group Service (minimum 2 people)
Private Service (minimum 2 people)
Group vs. Private Treks: What’s the Difference?
Student Price
The student discount is available for all students worldwide, as long as they meet the official requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount applies only to the purchase of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
General Requirements for International Students
Student’s full name
Student’s photo
University name
Requirements for Peruvian Students
How to Request the Student Price
To receive the discount, you must send at the time of booking:
⚠️Important: If you send your student card after booking, you will not be eligible for the discount.
Why Our Prices Are Fair and Worth It
Our prices reflect the quality of the experience and the respect for our local team. By choosing us, your payment ensures fair wages for our Tour Guides, cook, porters, drivers and office staff, supporting sustainable and professional tourism. This way, you enjoy an unforgettable tour while helping tourism truly benefit the people who make it possible.
It is possible to add a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on your one-day Machu Picchu tour by train. Both hikes require an additional entrance ticket, and advance booking is essential since permits are limited and often sell out months in advance.
Huayna Picchu is the most famous peak overlooking Machu Picchu. The hike is steep and challenging, taking approximately 45–60 minutes, but it rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel. Only 400 permits are available per day, divided into specific time slots, so early planning is necessary.
Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer but less steep trail, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. From the top, you will enjoy stunning views from a higher vantage point. This hike is ideal for travelers who prefer a slower pace and want to explore more of the surrounding landscape.
Important notes for including either hike on a one-day tour:
👉 If you would like to include the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike in your tour, let us know when booking, and we will take care of all the arrangements to ensure you make the most of your visit to this Wonder of the World.
To fully enjoy your train journey and visit to Machu Picchu, it’s important to travel light and bring only the essentials. Keep in mind that both the train company and the archaeological site have luggage restrictions.
Main recommendations:
👉 Packing light will make your experience more comfortable and help preserve the safety and order of Machu Picchu.
If there is a delay or change in the train schedule to Machu Picchu, there’s no need to worry: although rare, these situations may occur due to weather conditions or operational reasons.
Here’s what you should know:
👉 At Andes Peru Expeditions, we take care of all the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy your journey.
For the 1-day Machu Picchu train tour, we work mainly with the two railway companies that operate the route: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both provide high-quality tourist services with different comfort levels.
👉 This tour includes the Expedition train by default, but you can upgrade to the Vistadome or a higher category with Inca Rail upon request at the time of booking.
The main difference between the Expedition train and the Vistadome train on the Machu Picchu excursion lies in comfort level and onboard services:
🚆 Expedition Train (Peru Rail)
🚆 Vistadome Train (Peru Rail)
👉 In short: the Expedition is practical and comfortable, while the Vistadome provides a more scenic and cultural journey. You can easily upgrade your train ticket to Vistadome when booking your tour.
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Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
Machu Picchu is a very popular destination. If you're planning to trek there, make sure to check ticket availability in advance.
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