Machu Picchu Full Day by Train – Circuits 1, 2 (Afternoon) or 3

Machu Picchu Full Day by Train – Circuits 1, 2 (Afternoon) or 3 - Image 2

Machu Picchu Full Day by Train – Circuits 1, 2 (Afternoon) or 3

Visit Machu Picchu on a full-day trip by train through the Sacred Valley. The journey begins with a pick-up in Cusco and a transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo, followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus takes you to Machu Picchu for a guided visit with a private guide. Depending on ticket availability, the tour follows Circuit 1 (Panoramic), Circuit 2 in the afternoon, or Circuit 3.

After the visit, you return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, with transportation waiting to bring you back to Cusco in the evening.

Tour Information

Itinirary

Cusco → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco

Pickup & Transfer to the Train Station:
Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco early in the morning. A driver will take you to the train station where you board a tourist van to Ollantaytambo. From there, you take the train to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River through the mountains and cloud forest.

Meeting the Guide & Bus to Machu Picchu:
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will meet your guide either at the bus station in town or directly at the entrance of Machu Picchu, depending on the coordination made in advance. If meeting in town, the guide will accompany you on the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu.

Guided Visit of Machu Picchu:
Inside Machu Picchu, the guide leads a 2-hour guided tour, explaining the terraces, temples, and history of the citadel.

Return to Aguas Calientes:
After the visit, you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch or a short walk around town.

Train & Return to Cusco:
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where tourist transport will be waiting to bring you back to Cusco, arriving in the evening near the main square.

Tour Details

Duration: Full Day (approximately 14–16 hours).
Start Time: Around 3:30–4:30 AM (hotel pickup).
Return Time: Approximately 8:00–10:00 PM in the evening.
Starting Altitude: Cusco – 3,400 m (11,155 ft)
Train Departure Point: Ollantaytambo – 2,792 m (9,160 ft)
Town at the Base of Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes – 2,040 m (6,693 ft)
Site Altitude: Machu Picchu – 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
Walking Time: Around 1–3 hours inside Machu Picchu during the guided visit and personal exploration. (Depending of the circuit)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (mostly walking paths and some stairs inside the site).
Group Size: Up to 10 participants per guide.

Inclusions:

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1, Circuit 2 Afternoon, or Circuit 3 – depending on availability)
Pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco and transfer to the train station
Round-trip train ticket between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Private professional guide for the guided visit inside Machu Picchu
Briefing the day before the tour with delivery of all tickets (train, bus, and entrance)

Not Included

Meals and drinks
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Entrance to additional hikes inside Machu Picchu (such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)

What to Pack:

Original passport (required for the train and entry to Machu Picchu)
Tickets provided during the briefing (train, bus, and Machu Picchu entrance)
Cash in Peruvian soles for meals and small purchases in Aguas Calientes
Small backpack
Reusable water bottle
Power bank for your phone
Light jacket or fleece
Rain jacket or poncho (recommended during the rainy season)
Comfortable long pants
Walking shoes or sneakers with good grip
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Snacks (optional)
Insect repellent (optional)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between this tour and the Circuit 2 Morning tour?
The main difference is the entry time and circuit at Machu Picchu.
The Circuit 2 Morning tour enters earlier in the day and follows the most complete route through the site.

This tour may include:

Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Upper terraces with the classic viewpoint of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 2 (Afternoon): Similar route to the morning circuit but with an afternoon entry.
Circuit 3 (Lower Circuit): Visits the lower sector of the archaeological site and temple areas.

The exact circuit depends on ticket availability at the time of booking.

Where does the train depart from?
For this full-day trip, the train departs from Ollantaytambo. Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is included.

How long is the train ride?
The journey between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

How long is the guided visit inside Machu Picchu?
The guided visit inside Machu Picchu lasts around 2 hours, depending on the circuit assigned.

Is the bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is included.

Is the guide private or shared?
The visit includes a private professional guide for your group.

How much walking is involved?
All circuits include stone paths, stairs, and uneven surfaces. Walking is moderate but manageable for most visitors.

Is the tour suitable for older travelers?
Yes. Many older travelers visit Machu Picchu. You can walk at your own pace, and it is possible to avoid steeper sections depending on the circuit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Families regularly visit. Children must be supervised due to stairs and uneven ground inside the ruins.

Will the altitude affect me?
Most travelers spend time acclimatizing in Cusco before visiting. Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude, so many people feel better there. Drinking water and walking slowly helps.

Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
These hikes require separate entrance tickets with limited availability and must be reserved in advance.

Are there bathrooms inside Machu Picchu?
No. Bathrooms are located outside the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Can I buy snacks or water inside Machu Picchu?
No. Food and drinks are not sold inside the archaeological site. Bring water and light snacks, but consume them outside the ruins area.

Are there restaurants or ATMs in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. Aguas Calientes has restaurants, cafés, and ATMs, although prices are usually higher than in Cusco.

Can I stay longer in Aguas Calientes after the tour?
Yes. You can change your return train to a later date, subject to availability and possible price differences.

When is the rainy season?
The rainy season is generally November to March. The tour runs normally, but bringing a rain jacket or poncho is recommended.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring your original passport, comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket or rain jacket depending on the season. A small backpack and a power bank for your phone are also useful.

From:

$ 315.00

All Machu Picchu tours require a Get a Quote, as the base price is calculated for one person.