Full Day Train Tour to Machu Picchu

Why You’ll LOVE this trip:

Incredible Scenic train ride through the Andes

Once in a lifetime experience guaranteed!

The quickest way to experience Machu Picchu

See it all in just 1 day (Cusco-Machu Picchu – Cusco)

Expert local guide

Learn more about Machu Picchu than written in any guidebook with truly local insights

Small groups

We guarantee a personalised unique experience for you unlike other large group operators

Stress-free, all-included

Private pickup in Cusco, luxury train, comfortable bus, Machu Picchu entry tickets, local guides and more…just sit back and have an incredible day!

The Yapa Guarantee

Yapa means “extra” in Quechua (the ancient language of the Inca’s). We go above & beyond (extra) to guarantee you a once in a lifetime experience

Small group
tours

Local tour
operator

1,000+
reviews

Empowering
women

Sustainable
tourism

Detailed Itinerary

Full day: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

Early morning

6:30 AM: Pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco.
Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to the train station.

Morning

Train ride to Aguas Calientes with views of valleys, rivers, and Inca terraces.

Late morning

Arrive in Aguas Calientes.
Bus up to the Machu Picchu entrance.

Midday

Guided tour of Machu Picchu with an expert guide.
Explore key temples, terraces, and viewpoints for those iconic mountain panoramas.

Afternoon

Return to Aguas Calientes.
Free time to relax, explore, or grab a bite at a local café.
Board the return train and enjoy the scenery back through the Sacred Valley.

Early evening

Arrive in Ollantaytambo for private transfer back to Cusco.
Arrival back to Cusco: Approx. 8:30 PM (may vary depending on train schedule and traffic conditions)
Drop-off in the Cusco Historic Center (Plaza Regocijo area) located one block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas). Please note that evening vehicle access in Cusco can be challenging due to traffic patterns and street restrictions within the center which make accommodation drop-offs impossible.

NOTE

Yapa tours are ALL INCLUSIVE (trains, buses, guides, entry tickets food & more).

We are experts at all the logistics, planning and more so you can focus on simply enjoying your once in a lifetime experience!

More details below.

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What’s included

When you book with Yapa, everything is taken care of – no stress, no surprises, just an incredible Machu Picchu experience led by expert local guides.

Personalized Pre-Tour Briefing

We'll contact you the morning before departure to arrange a convenient time

Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu

Skip the hassle and secure your spot at this world wonder

Expert-Guided Tour (2 Hours)

Led by a professional, bilingual guide who will bring Machu Picchu’s history to life

Roundtrip Bus Transfers

Seamless transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

Comfortable Train Journey

Scenic rail transport through the stunning Andean landscapes

Convenient Pick-Up in Cusco

Direct pick-up from your hotel or hostel

Return Transfer to Cusco

Train and private mini-van transportation back to Cusco, with drop-off in the city center

24/7 Support Team

Expert on the ground team available via WhatsApp and Email anytime

Optional add-ons

Upgrade one leg of the train journey to the Vistadome/360° luxury train with panoramic windows, snacks and a local cultural dance show onboard - $65 (subject to availability)

Not included

Meals

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Frequently Asked Questions

How physically fit do I have to be for this 1 Day Tour?

Minimal walking is required; just be comfortable walking for an hour or two with stairs and uneven paths.

How many people will be in my tour group?

All of our Machu Picchu tours have a maximum of 10 people for a truly personalized, authentic experience.

If looking to book a private group tour, contact us, and we’ll organize one for you.

Is this tour a good option for solo travelers?

Yes, 100%. A great thing about our tours is that they are made up of like-minded travelers and are a great way to meet people and share the experience of Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is accessible 365 days a year. The rainy season is in February, but you still get amazing views.

Low Season is November to February, which many travelers like, as there are smaller crowds, but really, any time is a great time to visit Machu Picchu.

Note: The Classic Inca Trail is unavailable in February; all other tours and treks operate as normal.

What should I pack for this 1 Day Tour?

There are a few essentials everyone should bring:

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Small backpack (under 20L)
Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses
Water bottle and light snacks
Bug spray
Camera or phone (drones are not allowed)

We will send you a more detailed packing list, including any extra items you might need, after you book.

Is this Machu Picchu tour suitable for older travelers and families?

Yes. The 2-day train tour is one of the most accessible ways to visit Machu Picchu. While there are stairs and uneven paths, it does not require trekking experience.

The Yapa Promise

Yapa Explorers is locally owned and female-led, ensuring an authentic, personalized, and seamless experience.

The “Yapa” extra mile – We obsess over the details, unlike other companies.
100% operated by us – No middlemen. We control the quality of every guide, meal, and transfer personally to ensure you get exactly what you booked.
100% confirmed departures – We never cancel a confirmed trip due to low numbers. Once you book, your departure is guaranteed.

We are more than just a tour operator—we are a group dedicated to exceptional service, expert guiding, and responsible tourism.

Every trek with us supports the local community, ensuring that both our travelers and the people behind the journey benefit from every step.

We promise you can trust that every detail is taken care of – all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

Planning to travel to Machu Picchu within the next 8 weeks?

Entry tickets sell out in advance and last-minute bookers may have to slightly adjust their itinerary (e.g. earlier or later train).

Don’t worry – Yapa will make sure your dream trip to Machu Picchu happens, unlike other operators.

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DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Easy

ICONIC PHOTO SHOT

Yes

PICKUP TIME CUSCO

10:00 AM

SACRED VALLEY TOUR & RUINS

SLEEP

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from: $354

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