Visit Machu Picchu in a day with a fascinating train journey from Ollantaytambo station.
Ollantaytambo is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 76 km from the city of Cusco. Known as the living Inca city and the gateway to Machu Picchu, its train station offers one of the highest frequencies of departures, providing travelers with more options and flexibility..
Thanks to its strategic location, it makes a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco or the Sacred Valley easy, efficiently combining ground transportation and train travel. Additionally, it is the perfect connection point for visiting Machu Picchu after exploring the Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray, or for those who prefer to stay overnight in the Sacred Valley during their trip to Peru.
SUMMARY
Visit Machu Picchu in a day with a fascinating train journey from Ollantaytambo station.
Ollantaytambo is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 76 km from the city of Cusco. Known as the living Inca city and the gateway to Machu Picchu, its train station offers one of the highest frequencies of departures, providing travelers with more options and flexibility..
Thanks to its strategic location, it makes a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco or the Sacred Valley easy, efficiently combining ground transportation and train travel. Additionally, it is the perfect connection point for visiting Machu Picchu after exploring the Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray, or for those who prefer to stay overnight in the Sacred Valley during their trip to Peru.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
The journey begins with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Cusco, and even less from various points in the Sacred Valley. From there, we will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), nestled at the foot of the majestic Machu Picchu mountain at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level.
During the train ride, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, featuring towering mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque villages along the Urubamba River.
Upon arriving in Machu Picchu Pueblo, we will take the bus up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where a guided tour led by an expert in Incan history and mysteries will begin. You will explore stunning viewpoints, ancient trails, and sacred temples, each offering spectacular panoramic views, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
At the end of the guided tour, we will take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will have time to enjoy lunch and relax before boarding the train and ground transportation back to Cusco at the scheduled time.
Approximate Distances:
Cusco - Ollantaytambo: 76 km / 1 h 40 min by car
Urubamba (Sacred Valley) - Ollantaytambo: 19 km / 30 min by car
Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu Pueblo: 45 km / 1 h 45 min by train
Machu Picchu Pueblo - Machu Picchu Inca City: 30 min by bus
Optional hikes to waynapicchu:
If you are interested in hiking to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain during your one-day trip to Machu Picchu, it is important to know that this hike is quite demanding and requires good physical condition. You should be prepared to walk on steep terrain and climb steep stairs. Additionally, the hike can be challenging if you have a fear of heights, as there are narrow sections exposed to cliffs. However, if you are in good shape and have the right mindset, this hike will be a memorable and breathtaking experience.
Huayna Picchu Mountain (Young Mountain)
Huayna Picchu is located north of the citadel at an altitude of 2,693 meters (8,835 feet), and its entrance is from within Machu Picchu itself. The hike is of moderate difficulty, covering approximately 300 meters (984 feet) along a steep path with stone steps. Along the way, you will see ancient Incan structures and agricultural terraces perfectly built into the mountainside.
From the summit, you will enjoy a privileged and complete view of the entire Machu Picchu citadel. Due to its strategic location, it is believed to have served both astronomical and religious functions, as well as a control point for the Inca civilization.
Entry Information & Schedule
There are two entry time slots between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, each limited to 75 visitors. Reservations must be made well in advance to secure a spot and ensure it aligns with your scheduled visit to the citadel.
You can hike independently before or after your guided tour of Machu Picchu, or you may request the assistance of a personal guide for a more enriching experience.
Tour Inclusions:
Hotel pickup
Transfers Cusco – Train Station – Cusco
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Guided tour of the Inca citadel
Round-trip bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Round-trip train tickets
Not Included in the Tour:
Meals
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (need a new tickets55 usd )
Expenses not mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel accommodation in Cusco
What Should We Bring for Our Trip?
General Items:
Passport or Identification Document
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight backpack for personal belongings
Cell phone/Camera
Personal snacks
Personal medication
Mosquito repellent
For Cold or Rainy Weather:
Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket/Rain poncho
For Sunny Weather:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Long-sleeve shirts or blouses (recommended)
Hat or cap
Recommendations
Here are some important recommendations to keep in mind before your trip to Machu Picchu.
Visiting the Inca citadel is a dream for many travelers, so we provide the following useful tips:
Weather Conditions: Cusco has two distinct seasons: rainy season (November to March) and dry season (April to September). The rainiest month is February.
Entrance & Train Tickets: Machu Picchu entry times are subject to availability, and train schedules depend mainly on your entry time to the citadel.
Altitude Sickness: The trip to Machu Picchu is ideal for gradual acclimatization, as the site is located in the cloud forest at approximately 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in Aguas Calientes and 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) in the Inca citadel.
Starting & Ending in the Sacred Valley: This tour can begin and end in the Sacred Valley, depending on your hotel location. We take care of all planning to ensure a seamless experience.
Overnight Stay in Aguas Calientes: If you wish to spend a night in Aguas Calientes before or after visiting Machu Picchu, there are various accommodation options available, from budget to luxury hotels, as well as numerous restaurants. Contact us for assistance with your travel plans.
Suitable for All Ages: This trip is recommended for both children and seniors, as the difficulty level is minimal.
