Full Day Tour Machu Picchu by Train

Machu Picchu Tour Itinerary:

04:00 - 13:00: Pick up from hotel - Transport to Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Once the tour is booked with Guru Explorers, we will take care of acquiring train and entrance tickets to the attractions of Machu Picchu. Taking into account availability, we adapt the itinerary as best as possible to the time you choose.

Depending on where you come from; the itinerary will have a starting time. From the city of Cusco it begins between 03:00 - 04:00, when our guide passes by your group to the accommodation to start the trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, for about 1.5 hours to the train station. In the event that part or all of the private group is in Ollantaytambo, the transfer starts around 04:30.

The train journey to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, a representative from Guru Explorers will be waiting for you and will guide the group to the bus stop for the transfer to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Once at Machu Picchu, you will meet our specialized guide at the entrance or at a designated meeting point, as previously coordinated.

On the guided tour you visit the most important places, including the main temples, stairways, squares, roads, among other amazing spaces of this architectural complex, such as the Intiwatana.

After the guided tour, you have free time to explore this extraordinary World Heritage Site on your own. Our guide will indicate where and at what time they will meet again for the return.

13:00 – 21:00 : Lunch - Return to Cusco

In the tourist bus you return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch and continue the adventure in this town, which can only be accessed by train or walking. Here you will have the possibility to relax your body in its hot springs, after having toured the Wonder of Machu Picchu

After that we will return on the train to Ollantaytambo, where private transport awaits them for arrival in Cusco around 21:00 p.m.

Note: 

Availability

The itinerary may vary according to the availability of train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. Passengers are recommended to book as far in advance, especially in high season (June - September) or on holidays.

Train ticket

Being a shared group tour, train ticket upgrades are available with the return train. Being so, due to the schedules, it will be better to leave with the whole group on the same train in the morning.

Price of the Machu Picchu Tour includes: 

• Briefing one day before the tour.
• Transfer from accommodation in the historic center of Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Sometimes access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby point to look for them.
• Return to the lodging (private tours) or Plaza "Regocijo" (One block away from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco).
• Professional guided tour in English and Spanish in Machu Picchu. (for Portuguese or other languages, ask for availability)
• Transportation (round trip) from Cusco - Ollantaytambo.
• Entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Center.
• Train Ticket (round trip) from Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (Expedition / Voyager Category)
• Tourist bus ticket (round trip) Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu.
• First aid kit and oxygen.

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.

 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.
• ISIC card if you are a student.
• Travel insurance.
• Bathing suit and towel (optional for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, video cameras).
• Cash (local currency).

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

• You must choose the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in the purchase process. Prices vary if you are not part of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia).
• 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 things allowed are small bags or backpacks up to 5-6 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.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the travel itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
• “Guru Explorers” values ​​your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable 

Not allowed:

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

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs.

Cancellation Policies:

• Take the following into account:
  • The Ministry of Culture does not make refunds for the entrance to Machu Picchu, Montaña Machu Picchu or Montaña Huaynapicchu.
  • The train company charges an administrative fee of 10% for cancellations.
• Cancellations within 11 days or more in advance, a penalty of 90 USD per person will be charged, which includes administrative concepts, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train company fee.
• Cancellations with 4 to 10 days in advance, will receive 50% of the amount paid.
• Cancellations with 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
• There are no refunds for entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Date changes:

• Take the following into account:
  • Date changes are subject to the availability of train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Price difference will be charged for train tickets, if applicable. (Guru Explorers does its best to avoid increases)
  • In the event of the new date of the tour to Machu Picchu is in a different year from the original, the ticket will be lost and an additional 50 USD per person will be charged to buy a new one.
• For changes of dates notified 11 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 15% will apply, which includes change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
• For changes of dates notified 4 to 10 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 25% 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 3 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.