We will begin our Machu Picchu full day tour with a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley. You will take the Vistadome train, which offers panoramic windows to enjoy the stunning landscapes on the way. The train to Machu Picchu will take about 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the natural beauty around you.
Upon arrival at the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu pueblo), we will meet our local tour guides. They will lead us to a bus that will take us up to Machu Picchu’s entrance. The journey to Machu Picchu will be a short 20-minute ride, offering more impressive views as we climb the mountain.
Once at the Machu Picchu site, we will explore the ancient Inca citadel. Our guides will share fascinating insights into its history, architecture, and significance. After the tour, we will have free time to roam around and capture the beauty of Machu Picchu.
Later, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where we will board the Vistadome train for our return trip. On the way back, the panoramic windows will offer more stunning views of the valley. We will end our Machu Picchu day trip with a transfer back to Cusco, wrapping up this amazing adventure.
Hotel pick-up in Cusco
4:40 AM.
Our full-day adventure begins at 4:40AM early in the morning, where we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will then board a comfortable bus for a scenic ride through the Sacred Valley. The journey will take us to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town that serves as a key point for our train ride to Machu Picchu. The drive showcases stunning views of the Andes and the valley, giving us a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes ahead.
In this town, we will board the Vistadome train, a comfortable and scenic ride to Machu Picchu. Its large panoramic windows will let us enjoy stunning views of the valley during the journey. The train ride will pass through lush greenery, impressive river views, and towering mountains. This two-hour ride is fun and relaxing as we travel to Aguas Calientes, the town that takes us to Machu Picchu.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will be met by our guide at the station. From here, we are going to board a bus that will take us up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
The 20-minute bus ride offers more incredible views as we ascend into the clouds toward the famous Inca citadel. As we near Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel, excitement will grow as we prepare to explore this New Wonder of the World.
Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, we will begin our guided tour of the site. Our guide will take us to Machu Picchu’s top spots, including the Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, and Intihuatana stone. These areas showcase the Inca human development architectural brilliance and their profound connection to astronomy and nature.
We will explore the history of Machu Picchu, understand its construction, and discuss various theories about its purpose. The guide will share stories about the people who once lived here and the advanced engineering behind the citadel. As we walk around huge stones, we can take lots of pictures of the pretty gardens and tall mountains.
After the guided tour, we will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on our own. You can walk along the terraces, visit other parts of the site, or just relax and enjoy the calm surroundings. The spectacular views of the Andean peaks and the deep valleys below will make this time truly unforgettable.
After our visit to Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes by bus. There, you will have some free time for lunch and relaxation.
The town has places to eat Peruvian food, and we will have a chance to look for nice souvenirs in the markets. Aguas Calientes is a small town, but it has a vibrant atmosphere and plenty to offer.
In the late afternoon at 5pm, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. During this journey, we can reflect on our time at Machu Picchu and enjoy the scenic views of the valley once more. The Vistadome train gives us another chance to enjoy the beautiful views and see the nature around us.
Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, we will transfer to a bus that will take us back to Cusco. After a beautiful drive, we will reach Cusco in the evening and take you back to your hotel, ending our trip to Machu Picchu.
Our trip to Machu Picchu is special, with amazing train rides, a cultural tour, and a lot of time to enjoy the surrounding nature.
Distance traveled: 245 km (152 miles)
We recommend having a guide to fully experience the history and significance of Machu Picchu. The package includes a guided tour.
The tour does not include these hikes, but you can book them separately if available. Additional fees apply.
The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours, followed by free time to explore and take photos on your own.
Yes, the tour is great for most people, but it’s a good idea to ask your doctor if you feel sick because of the high place.
Kindly notify us in advance of any dietary restrictions you may have. The tour does not include meals, but we will recommend some great restaurants for you to enjoy.
Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. We recommend bringing a rain poncho or umbrella, as the tour will continue rain or shine.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. However, the site is open year-round.
The ride is about 20 and 30 minutes.
What a fantastic day! The journey was seamless and efficient. The Vistadome train was super comfortable and had amazing views along the way. We felt like we entered another world as we traveled through the Sacred Valley.
Our guide was incredibly informative and shared so many fascinating details about Machu Picchu and its history. The site itself was awe-inspiring, and we took so many photos. The free time in Aguas Calientes was a nice touch, giving us a chance to relax and explore. A perfect way to experience Machu Picchu in a day.
The Vistadome train added a luxurious touch to our trip. The views from the train were stunning and the journey was comfortable. When we got to Machu Picchu, we were amazed! Our guide told us all about the place and why it’s so special.
The 2-hour guided tour was just enough to see all the highlights. The town of Aguas Calientes is charming, and we enjoyed some delicious food before heading back to Cusco. An absolutely unforgettable experience!
