Explore One of the Seven World Wonders
Our Machu Picchu 1-Day Tour by Train from Cusco is designed for travelers who want to visit the Inca citadel without staying overnight in Aguas Calientes. The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, transportation to Ollantaytambo, a round-trip train journey, Machu Picchu entrance, a professional bilingual guide, and lunch before returning to Cusco the same day.
To reach the site, you’ll cross the breathtaking Urubamba Valley until the Ollantaytambo train station. There, you’ll take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes and a bus to get to the Royal Inca City. You’ll explore all the most significant sectors with your guide before making your way back to Cusco.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY TOUR?
Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites on Earth, and that means dozens of agencies offering the same tour. So why choose us? Because we don't just take you to Machu Picchu. We make sure you experience it the right way, comfortably, knowledgeably, and without a single thing to worry about.
- The Most Scenic Journey in Peru: Your adventure begins the moment you board the train in Cusco. The route to Machu Picchu winds through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, towering Andean peaks, lush cloud forests, and the rushing Urubamba River rushing past your window. This train ride alone is worth the journey.
- Go Beyond the Photos: Anyone can walk through Machu Picchu, but with our expert licensed guide by your side, you'll truly understand what you're seeing. From the engineering genius of the terraced fields to the astronomical precision of the Inca temples, every stone tells a story worth knowing..
- Truly All-Inclusive, No Surprises: Round-trip train tickets, entrance fees, professional bilingual guide, and meals, everything is included in one simple price. No hidden extras, no last-minute costs, no stressful logistics. Just show up and enjoy every second..
- Skip the Stress, We Handle Everything: We handle every single detail so you can focus on what matters, soaking in one of the greatest wonders ever built.
- Expert Licensed Bilingual Guides: Our guides are certified Machu Picchu specialists who have walked these ancient stones hundreds of times. Fluent in English and Spanish, they bring Inca history, culture, and mythology to life in a way no audio guide or travel book ever could.
Highlights: Best train journey, Machu Picchu
Considerations: Book in Advance
Season: Entire year
Max. Altitude: 2,430m/7,972ft
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Discover the Lost City of the Incas.
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Your adventure begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, where you'll board the legendary train to Aguas Calientes. As the train winds through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, dramatic Andean peaks, ancient glaciers, lush cloud forests, and centuries-old Inca agricultural terraces unfold outside your window, a cinematic journey before the main event even begins.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a bus whisks you up to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. Your expert licensed guide leads you on an immersive 2-hour tour through the most iconic areas of the citadel, royal palaces, sacred temples, and astronomical observatories that have defied time for over 600 years. Discover the extraordinary engineering genius of the Incas and feel the mystical energy of this ancient wonder surround you at every step.
After the guided tour, free time is yours to explore independently. If you booked in advance, this is your chance to conquer Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views over the entire citadel (entrance not included). In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch and explore the charming town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your private transport then returns you directly to your hotel in Cusco — tired, fulfilled, and forever changed by one of the greatest wonders on Earth.
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Machu Picchu Tour. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your cultural tour.
WE INCLUDE
Rainbow Mountain Guide Provides
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Machu Picchu Tour. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Machu Picchu citadel.
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for the Machu Picchu Journey it will be for a specific date.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to Ollantaytambo train station, the bus returning to Cusco once you done with this activity will drop off you at your hotel.
Round Trip Train Ticket
Round trip train tickets are included in your Machu Picchu journey, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. We work with different schedule: 15:20 hrs, or 16:20 hrs train.
Round Trip Bus to Machu Picchu
To make your journey the best experience, we included round trip bus to Machu Picchu.
Equipment
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
We know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include a lunch during this tour of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour is for that we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
Machu Picchu Tour Packing List
We focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Essential Item
- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
- Trekking poles
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MACHU PICCHU 1-DAY TOUR
Here some frequently asked question about Machu Picchu Tours in CuscoHow do I get to Machu Picchu from Cusco in one day?
The most comfortable way is by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride up to the citadel entrance. Our 1-day tour handles every connection, hotel pickup in Cusco, train tickets, bus, guided tour, and return, so you don't have to figure out a single detail.
How long is the train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The train departs from Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco by road) and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Aguas Calientes. The journey passes through the stunning Sacred Valley, ancient Inca terraces, and dramatic Amazonian cloud forests, making the ride itself a highlight of the day.
Is Machu Picchu worth visiting in just one day?
Absolutely. A 1-day tour gives you enough time to explore the most iconic areas of the citadel with an expert guide, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book those tickets well in advance as they sell out months ahead..
What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
April–October is generally drier, while November to March is wetter. Machu Picchu remains open year round, and weather can change quickly even during the dry season. June & August are among the busiest months, so train and entrance availability should be checked early.
How many people visit Machu Picchu per day?
The Peruvian government strictly limits daily visitors to protect the site. Currently, Machu Picchu allows approximately 4,500 visitors per day, divided across morning and afternoon entry slots. This is why booking your tour and entrance tickets as early as possible is essential, especially during peak season.
Do I need to be fit to visit Machu Picchu?
The main guided tour of Machu Picchu involves moderate walking on uneven stone surfaces and stairs. Most healthy adults of any age can comfortably complete the tour. However, if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, a good fitness level is required as the trail is steep and demanding. Machu Picchu sits at 2,430m (7,972 ft), significantly lower than Cusco, so altitude is rarely an issue.
What should I bring to Machu Picchu?
Small day backpack, water bottle, Waterproof jacket or poncho, Comfortable walking shoes, Sunglasses and sunscreen, Camera or fully charged phone, Insect repellent, No tripods, drones, or large backpacks are permitted inside.
Can I visit Machu Picchu without a guide?
Since 2019, a licensed guide is mandatory for all visitors entering Machu Picchu. Independent entry without a certified guide is no longer permitted. Our tour includes a professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) who is a certified Machu Picchu specialist, so you're fully covered.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this tour?
Yes, but you must book your mountain tickets separately and well in advance, as they are strictly limited and sell out months ahead. These tickets are not included in the tour price. Let us know at the time of booking if you'd like to add this and we'll help you secure your spot.
What happens if it rains at Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a year-round destination and the tour operates in all weather conditions. Light rain actually adds a mystical atmosphere to the citadel, with clouds rolling through the ancient ruins creating unforgettable scenery. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho just in case. Tours are only cancelled in extreme weather conditions, which is very rare.
From: USD 345.00 per person
- USD 380.00: Private Tour
- USD 90.00: Upgrade 4 stars hotel
- USD 70.00: Vistadome Returning Train
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Rainbow Mountain Guide. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Rainbow Mountain Guide will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at rainbowmountainguide@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day
Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu Tour Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT TOUR OPERATOR?
As direct local tour operator, we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture, English speakers.
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Modern Private Transportation Travel in comfort and style with our modern, safe, and fully equipped private vehicles.
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Safety First: Our licenced guides and drivers are well trained in customer service. We always carry oxygen tank during our Rainbow Mountain excursions.
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No Hidden Cost: Our prices are set up clearly, and we dont have any hidden cost. Our tour guides always will explain what really is the tour.
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