Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

Overview

Exploring Machu Picchu Full Day Tour takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world. Following the route of the Urubamba River all the way to the cloud forest that surrounds Machu Picchu Full Day you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the high Andes throughout the course of the journey. On arrival to Aguas Calientes you are met by your guide and go up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour of the site.

In the 15th century, the Incan Emperor Pachacútec built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu (“old mountain”). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River.

Tour Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train

It was probably abandoned by the Incas because of a smallpox outbreak and, after the Spanish defeated the Incan Empire, the city remained ‘lost’ for over three centuries. It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Briefing between 5pm – 7pm the evening before the trip in our office, explaining all tour details from our guide.

Activities: Cultural, Adventure
Shuttle to Ollantaytambo Station: 1½ hour by bus from Cusco.
Shuttle to Aguas Calientes: 2 hour by Train from Ollantaytambo.
Difficulty Levels: 2 of 5
Hiking distance: 2 km / 1.2 miles
Hiking time: 2½ hour approximately.
Maximum Altitude: 4200 masl. / 13779 ft.
Departures Day: Daily Departures.
Starts: Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM
Ends: Drop-off at Cusco around 22:15 PM

Price Includes

Professional English speaking Tour Guide
All transfers from and to your hotel
Train Journey: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Bus Journey: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Bus ride: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu

Price Excludes

Meals
International or domestic flights
Tips or extra expenses

Itinerary

Day 1Machu Picchu full day Tour

Leaving from Cusco very early in the morning (around 04:00am!) we’ll travel by bus (2 hours) to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley where we’ll board our train (aproximately 06:15) to Aguas Calientes. With beautiful scenery throughout the journey the train journey itself is an experience. Following the course of the river down the Sacred Valley you’ll arrive to Aguas Calientes and head straight up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour. The tour lasts for about 2 hours during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel.

After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself. There are various areas that are not included in the tour such as the Inca bridge, you can ask your guide for suggestions. Later in the afternoon you take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (aprox. 2 hours) and then carry on by bus to Cusco (another 2 hours).

Train (Expedition class) back to Cusco time: 16:55pm (to be confirmed depending on season and on the availability).

Expected arrival time in Cusco: 21:00pmish.
Itenirary

04:00 – 05:30
Transfer from hotel to Ollantaytambo by bus.
Itenirary

05:00 – 07:30
From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by train.
Itenirary

07:45 – 08:30
Reception in the Aguas Calientes train station.
Itenirary

08:30 – 09:00
Bus journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Itenirary

09:30 – 11.30
Guided tour of one of the New 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
Itenirary

11:30 – 18:00
Free time to go back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, see the town, or relax in the Hot Springs.
Itenirary

18:30 – 20:20
Return to Ollantaytambo by train.
Itenirary

20:30 – 22:15
Return to Cusco by bus for your overnight in Cusco.

Photos

Tour Map Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train FAQs

Weather and Climate

Cusco has two seasons: the dry and wet season. The dry season begins in April and lasts until October. Days are generally sunny at this time of year, while the nights can be cold. The average daytime temperature is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 60 Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures can drop to below zero (below 32 Fahrenheit).

The wet season is warmer with higher average precipitation and runs from November to March. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (60 to 68 Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures are a little higher compared to the dry season. While temperatures in Cusco are far from tropical, when the sun shines temperatures can easily exceed 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Whatever season you arrive, do not forget sun block as there is little wind during most of the year and the sun is very strong at this level of altitude.