Tour Machu Picchu by train Full day

Itinerary for the Temple of the Sun Machu Picchu Tour

Important: The itinerary will depend on the availability of entry times for Machu Picchu and the selected train categories.

04:00 - 12:00: At Bus Station - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

By having booked the tour with Guru Explorers, we will make the arrangements to buy the train tickets and the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, taking into consideration your needs and appropriate, as far as possible, to the availability of services.

The starting time of the tour depends on the coordination that takes place and the availability of tickets by the time the trip is booked. On this shared tour, there's a bus service from the train company who will take you to the train station round way (in the morning and afternoon when you come back from the tour).

From the city of Cusco, the departure usually occurs between 03:45 and 04:30. The passenger is picked up from their hotel in central Cusco and taken to the Cusco station to board the shared bus to the train station. The bus journey to the Ollantaytambo train station takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. If the group is in the town of Ollantaytambo, we can assist in organizing transport to the train station if needed.

The exciting train trip lasts 1.5 hours until you reach the tourist town of Aguas Calientes, where our guide awaits you at the train station to give you the instructions and meeting point for the shared tour experience to Machu Picchu.

Once the time arrives, you will queue at the Aguas Calientes bus station to board the tourist transport to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. With the tour guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the best of Circuit 2, including fountains, temples, stairways, and architectural spaces of this enigmatic archaeological site and much more!

The tour guide will explain the history and all the interesting details of Machu Picchu during a tour that lasts approximately 2.5 hours, and you will also have time to take the best photographs.

13:00 – 19:00: Free Time - Return to Cusco

After connecting with the natural, mythological, and architectural magic of Machu Picchu, the return journey begins to the tourist town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch or enjoy the hot springs on your own until the time of your return train to Ollantaytambo.

After this train journey, you will board shared transport to the central station in Cusco, where our private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The day before, we will share an explanatory video to help you navigate quickly. If you prefer, you can request private and direct transport from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco for an additional cost.

Note: 

Availability

The itinerary for your Temple of the Sun Machu Picchu trip may vary depending on the availability of train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets. We recommend planning ahead and booking in advance, especially during peak season (May - October) or on holiday dates.

Shared guided tours can only be in English or Spanish for Machu Picchu hours from 7 am to 12 pm (English), and 7 am to 2 pm (Spanish).

Private guided tours are available as an upgrade option at any time.

Train ticket

In some cases, the best available train times may depart from San Pedro or Poroy train stations.

Train category upgrades are available at an extra cost.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour includes: 

• Briefing one day before the tour.
• Shared transportation from your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the Ollantaytambo Train Station. Sometimes, access to your chosen accommodation is limited due to the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pick-up point.
• Round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes Category Expedition or round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes Category Voyager. (Round-trip train tickets must be from the same company and category. You can request an upgrade in category from our advisors.)
• Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Center. Circuit 2
• Shared tour with a professional guide in English and/or Spanish at Machu Picchu (for Portuguese or other languages, please check availability)
• Shared transportation from Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco Station (you can request an upgrade to private transportation from Ollantaytambo Station to your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco through our advisors).
• Private transportation from Cusco Station to your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour excludes:

• Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco
• Tips for the guide.
• Beverages.
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner or other food not specified in the itinerary.
• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (can add on the purchase process).

Extra (recommended)

• Private transportation for up to 3 people (car) from Cusco City to Ollantaytambo (round way) : 90 USD 
  • Hotel pick up and drop off

What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Tour?

• Consider that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are above (2,000 masl / 6,561 ft); its climate varies according to the time it is visited.
• It is recommended to choose: comfortable shoes, light clothing, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, rain gear (especially in November - April).
• Repellent against insects (important in Machu Picchu)
• Passport or DNI.
• Travel insurance.
• Cash (local currency).

What considerations you should have when taking the Machu Picchu Tour:

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

• It means that you can share the tour with a group of tourists from different nationalities and ages, both from Guru Explorers and other operators. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with travelers from various parts of the world! If you prefer a tour where you do not share with others, please request the Private Tour option.
• In the shared tour option, the duration of the tour may vary depending on the pace of the group members, therefore, we provide an approximate schedule.

Other Considerations:

• The train schedule and access to Machu Picchu, may vary, depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
• By regulation of the train company, it is not allowed to carry backpacks, suitcases or large bags. The only thing allowed are small bags or backpacks up to 7-8 kg.
• For the transfer from Cusco, you should consider that sometimes, access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; If this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pick-up point.
• Childs must be accompanied by an adult.
• The return time may also fluctuate depending on traffic in the area.; therefore, we provide an approximate schedule. 
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the trip itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
• Guru Explorers value ​​your time and strive to respect the tour schedule; however they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed: 

• Pets.
• Smoking.
• Large suitcases or bags.

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs

Cancellation Policies:

• Cancellations within 14 days or more in advance, a penalty of 130 USD per person will be charged, which includes administrative concepts, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train company fee.
• Cancellations with 7 to 13 days in advance, the penalty is 60% of the total price of the tour.
• Cancellations with 6 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
• There are no refunds for entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain ,Huayna Picchu Mountain or other additional entrance tickets.

Date changes:

• For changes of dates notified 14 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 90 USD will apply, which includes change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
• For changes of dates notified 7 to 13 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 120 USD will apply, which includes a change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
• It will not be possible to make date changes 6 days or less in advance.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

The experience that makes you live the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature. 

We want to be part of that experience that you will live on the Tour to Machu Picchu by train. 

If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for. 

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations. 

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to Machu Picchu? We won't keep you waiting!

How is the weather in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located a thousand meters or 3,280 feet below the city of Cusco and is in part of the jungle or jungle, so the rain can appear at any time of the year. The usual maximum temperature can reach 28 ° C (82 ° F) and the minimum, which is usually in the early morning, can reach -2 ° C (-36 ° F).

Can I go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu without a bus?

The option of walking up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is available in the private service if desired. In the group service, due to the itinerary schedules, the entire group must go together with the outward journey, so they would only have the possibility to return walking, if they wish.

As an additional note, it will also depend on the physical condition of each person (take into account that they will also walk in Machu Picchu). The bus takes approximately 25 minutes to go up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, those who decide to walk up take approximately 1 hour, depending on their physical condition.

Can I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?

Sure! you can send a message at the time of booking to be able to buy train tickets on the most convenient days. They also have the option of booking a hotel through us specifying the category of accommodation.

Can I add lodging in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, they can add it within the purchase process. For any questions, you can contact an advisor or write us an email to info@guruexplorers.com

What's the difference between the Expedition tour train and the Vistadome?

The Expedition tourist train, like the Vistadome, belongs to the PeruRail company.

The Expedition is the base category that we offer on our tours. If you want an upgrade to Vistadome or another train service, you can select it in the purchase process.

Below we describe the main characteristics of each one:

Expedition

• Comfort: leather seats and regular footwell.
• View: nice panoramic view, however, not as wide as the Vistadome train.
• Snacks: for each passenger it includes a basic snack, which is generally a cake and a drink.

Vistadome

• Comfort: more space for the feet and arms compared to the expedition train. Those who depart from Ollantaytambo, have seats distributed in rows for two passengers; For those departing from Poroy, they generally have 4-passenger group seating available, positioned face-to-face with a shared table in the middle.
• View: they have fully panoramic windows where the landscape is much better appreciated, including the roof.
• Snacks: snacks are generally served on dishes and include fruit, local bread, hot or cold drinks.
• Extra: cultural presentations are usually offered such as typical Peruvian dances and fashion shows with garments made with alpaca fiber.

For more information on these or other trains to Machu Picchu, you can enter this link.

What is the luxury train to Machu Picchu?

The luxury train is the Hiram Bingham, inspired by the 1920s, which departs from Poroy station. If you are interested in taking a tour to Machu Picchu with this luxurious and exclusive service, enter the following link to see the complete itinerary!

What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (in the language of the Incas) is one of the most important attractions in Cusco, considered one of the most fascinating short walks in the world. For those who do not know, the classic photo of Machu Picchu, shows the Huayna Picchu Mountain in all its splendor, so as you can imagine, when you reach the top, you have all the fabulous view of the citadel of Machu Picchu. This walk is in high demand and the entrance tickets to access them are limited, so it is recommended to make a reservation at least 3 or 6 months in advance depending on whether it is high season. Keep in mind that at Guru Explorers we consider this hike to be moderate to difficult. Check availability when making the reservation or contact info@guruexplorers.com if you have any questions.

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain is not allowed for children under 12 years old.

What is the difference between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain?

The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains are two additional sections to the visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Below we will show some characteristics of both walks:

Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Tickets per day: 400
• Altitude: 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Walking time: approximately 2.5 hours (round trip)
• Restrictions: not allowed for children under 12 years old

Machu Picchu Mountain

• Tickets per day: 800
• Altitude: 3,082 m (10112 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking time: approximately 3.5 hours (round trip)
• Restrictions: allowed for all ages

For more information, visit our article Main Differences between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.

What is the difference between Machu Picchu Ciudadela and Machu Picchu Mountain?

When we talk about Machu Picchu, they can be confused between the Citadel of Machu Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain. The Citadel includes the ruins themselves and the classic tour to the incredible wonder, where you can take the classic photo and have it as a postcard. The Mountain of Machu Picchu is an additional hike that can be done on the same day of the visit depending on the availability of tickets to do it.

What objects are prohibited from entering the Tour to Machu Picchu?

If you want to access the citadel of Machu Picchu, you must bear in mind that you cannot enter with the following objects: selfie sticks, bag or backpack that exceeds 40 x 35 x 20, umbrella, alcoholic beverages or cigarettes in general, baby stroller , drones, etc.