Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu

Embark on an adventure to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and take on the challenge of Huayna Picchu Mountain during this one-day journey from Cusco.

Tour Overview

On the day of your excursion, you'll be collected from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 am. The early departure is sure to be rewarding, setting the stage for a day filled with remarkable experiences and stunning views!

Our first stop is Ollantaytambo, where we'll board a train to Aguas Calientes. This train ride of approximately an hour and a half will guide you through the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian Andes, best enjoyed from the spacious windows and glass-topped carriages.

Arriving in Aguas Calientes around 7:40 am, we’ll then take a bus that will lead us from the town to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once inside this incredible Inca Lost City, you’ll be directed to Huayna Picchu, where you can ascend to its awe-inspiring summit. You will have four hours to explore the mountain and appreciate the extraordinary vistas from its height of 2,500 meters.

After your hike, we will regroup for a guided exploration of the lower area of the archaeological site. This three-hour tour will immerse you in the captivating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following the guided section, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy almost five hours of free time to wander the town at your own pace. Enjoy a meal at a local eatery or browse the traditional crafts market!

As the day draws to a close, we will catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, and subsequently return to Cusco, where you'll be taken back to your hotel after this 19-hour adventure.

Train Experience

This journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is conducted aboard a tourist class train (either Expedition or Voyager).

Hotel Pickup Information

Pickup will occur between 4:00 and 4:30 am from hotels located in the historic center of Cusco. For those staying outside of this area, we will meet at the entrance of the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas.

Stations and Travel Times

Trains departing to and from Cusco will operate from either the Poroy station (30 minutes from Cusco) or the Ollantaytambo station (an hour and a half from Cusco), depending on availability. Please note that during the rainy season (December to March), the Poroy station is closed, and we will arrange bus transportation to Ollantaytambo instead. We will notify you with the precise pickup time from your hotel and the train station once your booking is confirmed.

The transfer durations may vary based on the train station used. The travel time from Poroy to Aguas Calientes is approximately 4 hours, while the journey from Ollantaytambo takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Essential Information

In the event that the activity is cancelled due to strikes or adverse weather conditions, we will offer you an alternative date for your tour. Should rescheduling not be an option, you will receive a full refund, excluding the entrance fee to Machu Picchu (approximately 200 PEN), which is not refundable.

For this experience, the following route will be provided. Please find the maps for the routes below:

• Alternative Route 3

If you wish to access the location featured in the promotional image, note that there is an entrance fee of 65 USD per person for Route 1. Additionally, hiring a local guide is optional. If you opt for a guide, you will be informed of the payment process upon arrival, which will depend on the number of participants and their language preferences.

Day Trip to Machu Picchu

Please keep in mind that tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain tend to sell out rapidly. If tickets are unavailable on your preferred travel date, or if you wish for a more conventional experience at Machu Picchu, please consider our Day Trip to Machu Picchu.

Last-Minute Availability

If you're unable to secure dates that work for you, you also have the option to book a last-minute 2 or 3-day excursion to Machu Picchu.