MACHU PICCHU FULL-DAY TOUR BY EXPEDITION TRAIN
One Day. One Legendary Journey. One Memory for Life. Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu and return in a single extraordinary day, leaving the city before sunrise and journeying deep into the Andes through the spectacular Sacred Valley, along the Urubamba River aboard the Expedition Train, and into the mysterious cloud forest until you finally stand before the legendary sanctuary of Machu Picchu. With Peru Hikers, every detail of your journey is carefully coordinated, from your hotel pick-up and private transportation to your train journey, Machu Picchu entrance, and expert local guide, ensuring a smooth, authentic, and unforgettable experience from start to finish. You don’t just visit Machu Picchu—you experience the journey that leads you there. Small Groups. Big Experiences. 100% locally owned | Local expert guides | Private transportation | Carefully planned journeys
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK
Machu Picchu is a limited and highly sought-after experience, and entrance tickets and train seats are subject to availability. If you are looking for Circuit 2, the most complete and popular experience of Machu Picchu, we strongly recommend booking 5–6 months in advance, especially during high and peak travel seasons. If you are planning your visit within a shorter time frame, please contact us by email or WhatsApp and our team will check the best available options for your dates. To process your reservation, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture requires the passport information of every traveler, so we need a clear photograph or scanned copy of each traveler’s passport. All details provided must exactly match the original passport presented during the journey. Once Machu Picchu tickets are issued, Peruvian regulations are strict: tickets are personal, non-transferable, and generally non-refundable, and changes are subject to the regulations and availability established by the Ministry of Culture. Train tickets are also issued for a specific passenger, date, and schedule and may be subject to restrictive modification and cancellation policies. Please note that submitting a booking request does not guarantee Circuit 2, a specific train departure, or a particular schedule until Peru Hikers has secured the tickets and provided written confirmation. Our team will always do our best to secure the best available option for your journey
Why Travel with Peru Hikers?
LOCAL PEOPLE. REAL KNOWLEDGE. JOURNEYS THAT MATTER.
Choosing the right travel company can make the difference between simply visiting Machu
Picchu and truly experiencing it. At Peru Hikers, we are a 100% locally owned Cusco tour operator dedicated to creating authentic, meaningful, and carefully organized journeys through the Andes. Our local expertise, professional service, and passion for Peru come together to make every step of your adventure smooth, personal, and unforgettable.
100% Locally Owned
We are proudly based in Cusco and deeply connected to the land, culture, and communities
of the Andes. When you travel with Peru Hikers, you travel with people who know Peru
from the inside and are proud to share their home with you.
Local Expert Guides
Our guides do more than tell you the history of Machu Picchu. They bring the Andes to life
through local stories, traditions, culture, and personal knowledge. With Peru Hikers, you
experience Machu Picchu through the eyes of people who call the Andes home.
Trusted by Travelers
Our travelers recognize us for our knowledgeable guides, excellent organization, punctual service, and personal attention. Peru Hikers is proudly rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor, reflecting the experiences of travelers who have explored Machu Picchu and the Andes with our team.
Every Detail Carefully Planned
From your early-morning hotel pick-up to your return to Cusco, we coordinate the essential
details of your journey. Your transportation, train connections, Machu Picchu entrance,
professional guide, and assistance are organized so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Comfortable & Personal Service
We believe an unforgettable adventure should also be comfortable and stress-free. Our
private transportation and personalized service give you greater flexibility and peace of
mind throughout your journey.
We Care About Your Experience
For us, you are more than a booking. We want you to feel welcomed, informed, and
supported from the moment you make your reservation until you return to Cusco. Your
experience matters to us, and we are here to make it truly special.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience one of the world’s most iconic destinations without staying overnight
Travel through dramatic Andean landscapes, ancient terraces, mountain valleys, and traditional communities.
Enjoy a spectacular train ride
through the Andes and into the lush cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu.
Walk through the ancient
sanctuary with a knowledgeable local guide who brings Inca history, culture, and
traditions to life.
See impressive temples, ceremonial plazas,
terraces, sacred spaces, and extraordinary stone engineering.
Relax after your Machu Picchu visit, enjoy
lunch, explore the town, or browse its local shops before your return journey.
Board the Expedition Train back to
Ollantaytambo and continue your journey with private transportation to your hotel.
From your early-morning hotel
pick-up to your return to Cusco, every detail is coordinated by Peru Hikers.
What Makes This Experience Special?
CUSCO, OLLANTAYTAMBO , MACHU PICCHU & CUSCO
Your adventure begins before sunrise, when your Peru Hikers guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 6:00 a.m. From here, we begin our approximately 70 km (43 mi) journey through the beautiful Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo, passing traditional villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, and ancient Inca terraces along
the way.
After arriving in Ollantaytambo, we board the Expedition Train and continue deeper into the Andes. For approximately 1.5 hours, the train follows the Urubamba River, taking us from the highlands into the lush cloud forest. Along the way, you will see towering mountains, Inca terraces, small communities, and the landscape gradually changing as we approach Machu Picchu.
We arrive in Aguas Calientes, where your guide will meet you and accompany you to the official bus. The scenic 25–30-minute ride takes us up the mountainside to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
And then, the moment arrives: Machu Picchu appears before you.
Together with your local expert guide, we enter the legendary Inca sanctuary and spend approximately 2–3 hours discovering its temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred spaces. As
we walk through the ancient city, your guide will bring its history to life, explaining the remarkable architecture, engineering, spirituality, and connection with the surrounding mountains.
After the guided visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time to
enjoy lunch and explore the town at your own pace before beginning our journey back to
Cusco.
In the afternoon, we board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, generally departing around 3:00–4:00 p.m., depending on the train schedule available for your booking. We recommend booking early, as earlier reservations provide greater flexibility when selecting your preferred train schedule.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your private vehicle and driver will be waiting for you. We
then begin the approximately 70 km (43 mi) journey back to Cusco. Depending on your
confirmed train schedule and road conditions, we expect to arrive between 8:30 and 10:30
p.m.
From the first light of day in Cusco to the final return at night, every moment is part of the adventure. One day, one legendary destination, and a journey through the heart of the Andes that you will remember forever.
What's Included & Not Included
YOUR COMPLETE MACHU PICCHU EXPERIENCE
- Pre-tour briefing
- Pick-up from your Cusco hotel
- Private transportation to Ollantaytambo
- PeruRail Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Official round-trip shuttle bus
- Approximately 2–3-hour guided visit
- Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo
- Private transportation back to Cusco
- Permanent Peru Hikers assistance
- First-aid kit
- Emergency oxygen in the road vehicle
NOT INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
- Vistadome Train upgrade
- Vistadome Observatory upgrade
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional gratuities
MAKE YOUR DAY EXTRAORDINARY
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
Make your Machu Picchu journey even more memorable with our optional upgrades, designed to give you greater comfort, flexibility, and personalization. Enhance your railway experience with the panoramic Vistadome Train or enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Vistadome Observatory, upgrade to a private Machu Picchu guide for an experience dedicated exclusively to your group, or add an unforgettable mountain adventure with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to ticket availability. You can also make your day more relaxed with a lunch reservation in Aguas Calientes, choose a convenient Sacred Valley pick-up or drop-off instead of Cusco, or transform your adventure into a more leisurely experience with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Whatever you choose, our team will help coordinate the details so you can enjoy Machu Picchu your way. All upgrades are subject to availability and may require a different schedule.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MACHU PICCHU FULL-DAY TOUR BY EXPEDITION TRAIN
Is this tour really possible in one day from Cusco?
Yes. This is a full-day journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back. We leave Cusco
early in the morning, travel by private transportation to Ollantaytambo, continue by
Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu with a professional local guide,
and return to Cusco the same evening.
Because it is a long day, we recommend being prepared for an early departure and a late
return.
What time does the tour start?
Hotel pick-up in Cusco is generally between 4:30 and 6:00 a.m. The exact pick-up time
depends on your confirmed train departure and Machu Picchu entrance schedule.
Your final personalized itinerary will be provided after your reservation is confirmed.
What time will we return to Cusco?
We generally expect to arrive back in Cusco between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. However, the
exact return time depends on your confirmed train schedule, connections, and road
conditions
Which train is included?
The tour includes the PeruRail Expedition Train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas
Calientes in both directions.
If you prefer a more panoramic railway experience, you can request an upgrade to the
Vistadome Train or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability.
How long is the train journey?
The Expedition Train journey between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes takes
approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the confirmed train service.
The route follows the Urubamba River, passing dramatic mountains, Inca terraces,
traditional communities, and gradually changing from the high Andes into the lush cloud
forest.
How long will we spend at Machu Picchu?
Your guided visit will take approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the circuit and entrance
time assigned to your reservation.
Your local expert guide will accompany you through the sanctuary and explain its history,
architecture, spirituality, engineering, and connection with the surrounding mountains.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
Your entrance ticket will include one of the official Machu Picchu circuits available for
your travel date.
Circuit 2 is the most complete and popular option, particularly for first-time visitors.
Because tickets are limited and assigned according to availability, we cannot guarantee
Circuit 2 until your ticket has been successfully purchased and confirmed.
If Circuit 2 is important to you, we strongly recommend booking 5–6 months in advance.
Can I choose my Machu Picchu circuit?
You may request your preferred circuit when making your reservation, and our team will
always do our best to secure it.
However, circuits are controlled by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, and availability is
limited. Your circuit is confirmed only once your official Machu Picchu ticket has been
issued.
How far in advance should I book?
For travelers who specifically want Circuit 2, we recommend booking 5–6 months in
advance, especially during high and peak travel seasons.
For other dates or circuits, availability may sometimes be found with less notice. If you are
traveling soon, contact us by email or WhatsApp and we will check the best available
options for your dates.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. You must bring your original passport used for your reservation.
Your passport information must exactly match the information provided when purchasing
your Machu Picchu and train tickets. Your original passport may be required for both the
train journey and entrance to Machu Picchu.
Why do you need a copy of my passport?
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture requires traveler identification information to
process Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
We need a clear photograph or scanned copy of each traveler’s passport so that the
reservation information can be entered correctly.
Please make sure all information is clear and matches the original passport you will carry
during the trip.
Can Machu Picchu tickets be changed or transferred?
Machu Picchu tickets are personal and non-transferable and are subject to the regulations
established by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Once tickets have been issued, changes and cancellations may be restricted, and tickets are
generally non-refundable.
Train tickets are also issued for a specific passenger, date, and schedule and are subject to
the railway operator’s modification and cancellation policies.
Is breakfast included?
No. Breakfast is not included.
Because the tour begins very early, we recommend having breakfast at your hotel before
departure if possible, or asking your hotel to prepare a breakfast box for the journey.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
After your Machu Picchu visit, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch.
Our team can recommend restaurants according to your preferences, budget, dietary needs,
and available time.
Is the bus to Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The tour includes the official round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and
Machu Picchu.
The journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes each way and follows the mountain road
up to the entrance of the sanctuary.
How difficult is this tour?
The tour is classified as Easy to Moderate.
You do not need previous trekking experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on stone paths, stairs, and uneven surfaces at Machu Picchu.
The biggest challenge for many travelers is not the walking itself but the long duration of the day and early departure from Cusco.
Do I need to be acclimatized before this tour?
We recommend spending at least 1–2 days in Cusco or another high-altitude destination
before the tour, particularly if you are arriving from sea level.
Although Machu Picchu itself is lower than Cusco, you will begin your day at
approximately 3,399 m / 11,152 ft in Cusco, so allowing your body time to adjust can
make the journey more comfortable.
What should I bring?
We recommend traveling light with a small daypack containing:
- Original passport
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone
- Portable power bank
- Personal medication
- Some Peruvian soles for
- personal expenses
Pack light. Dress in layers. Travel comfortably. Experience more.
Can I bring a large backpack to Machu Picchu?
We recommend bringing only a small daypack.
Large bags may not be permitted inside Machu Picchu, and storage lockers are available at
the entrance for permitted belongings that you do not want to carry during your visit.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, you can request an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to ticket availability.
These additional hikes require a different schedule and may affect the timing of your Machu Picchu visit and return journey. We recommend requesting them as early as possible.
Can I upgrade to the Vistadome Train?
Yes. The Vistadome Train and Vistadome Observatory can be requested as optional
upgrades, subject to availability.
These services offer a more panoramic and enhanced railway experience through the
Andes.
Can I have a private guide?
Yes. A private Machu Picchu guide can be arranged as an optional upgrade for travelers
who want a more personalized experience dedicated exclusively to their group.
Can I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, we can arrange an overnight stay in Aguas
Calientes instead of returning to Cusco the same day.
This option allows you to spend more time in the Machu Picchu area and avoid the long
return journey on the same day.
Can I be picked up or dropped off in the Sacred Valley?
Yes. A Sacred Valley pick-up or drop-off can be arranged as an optional service instead
of returning directly to Cusco.
Please let us know your preferred location when making your reservation so we can
coordinate the transportation and schedule.
Is transportation private?
Yes. Your road transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo is provided by private
vehicle and professional driver.
This gives you a more comfortable and personalized experience before and after your train
journey.
What happens if my preferred train schedule is unavailable?
Our team will check the available train and Machu Picchu entrance options for your
requested date.
Because train departures and Machu Picchu entrance times are limited, we cannot
guarantee a specific train schedule until your reservation has been confirmed.
We recommend booking early because earlier reservations generally provide greater
flexibility when selecting available schedules.
Is the tour available every day?
Yes. The tour is available daily, subject to Machu Picchu entrance and train ticket availability.
Availability can become very limited during peak travel periods, so advance booking is
strongly recommended.
What happens after I send my booking request?
Once we receive your request and passport information, our team will check the availability
of the Machu Picchu entrance, requested circuit, train schedule, and transportation.
Your reservation is considered confirmed only after Peru Hikers has secured the required tickets and provided written confirmation.
Are gratuities included?
No. Gratuities are not included and are completely optional.
If you feel your guide, driver, or support team provided exceptional service, gratuities are
always appreciated but never required.
What if I am traveling alone?
You can still book this experience as a 1-traveler reservation. Our pricing is based on the
number of travelers in the booking.
For the current rate, please refer to our Price section.
What makes Peru Hikers different?
We are a 100% locally owned Cusco tour operator with local expert guides and a strong
connection to the Andes.
Our goal is not simply to take you to Machu Picchu. We want to make the entire journey—
from your first pick-up in Cusco to your return at night—smooth, meaningful, personal,
and unforgettable.
Small Groups. Big
Experiences. Peru Hikers — Journeys That Change You.
PREPARATION IS KEY
The Ultimate Peru Trekking Packing List
Original Passport
Daypack (20L - 30L)
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Warm Layers
Rain Protection
Sun Protection
Insect Repellent
Water Storage
Personal Essentials
Cash (Peruvian Soles)
FROM US$319 PER PERSON <br> Best value for groups of 8+ travelers
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience one of the world’s most iconic destinations without staying overnight
Travel through dramatic Andean landscapes, ancient terraces, mountain valleys, and traditional communities.
Enjoy a spectacular train ride
through the Andes and into the lush cloud forest surrounding Machu Picchu.
Walk through the ancient
sanctuary with a knowledgeable local guide who brings Inca history, culture, and
traditions to life.
See impressive temples, ceremonial plazas,
terraces, sacred spaces, and extraordinary stone engineering.
Relax after your Machu Picchu visit, enjoy
lunch, explore the town, or browse its local shops before your return journey.
Board the Expedition Train back to
Ollantaytambo and continue your journey with private transportation to your hotel.
From your early-morning hotel
pick-up to your return to Cusco, every detail is coordinated by Peru Hikers.
