Expedition Train to Machu Picchu Tour

The Expedition Train to Machu Picchu Tour is one of the most popular, comfortable, and accessible travel options to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in a single day from Cusco.

This experience combines an overland trip through the beautiful Sacred Valley, a scenic train ride aboard PeruRail’s classic Expedition Train skirting the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, and a complete guided tour of the most iconic sectors of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu comprises the months of the dry season, from April to October. During this period, sunny days, clear skies, and a lower probability of rain predominate, allowing you to appreciate the citadel and landscape with perfect visibility.

During the rainy season (November to March), the cloud forest vegetation looks intensely green and the landscapes are lush, although carrying a poncho or waterproof jacket is recommended due to rainfall.

The tour is conducted as a Full Day excursion with a total duration of approximately 18 to 19 hours. Passenger pickup at their respective hotels in Cusco begins very early in the morning, at 03:30 am.

The trip concludes at night, returning to the city of Cusco around 10:10 pm, dropping you off near the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) or at your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

The Expedition Train is designed to offer a highly comfortable and safe travel experience. Its carriages feature comfortable seats upholstered in folk-patterned fabric, central tables, and large upper and side windows to admire the Andean landscape.

Additionally, the carriages feature air conditioning, relaxing ambient music, and designated overhead luggage racks to carry light hand baggage.

Yes, it is completely worth it if you have a tight itinerary in Cusco and wish to visit the Inca wonder in an organized, safe manner while optimizing your travel time.

Thanks to the coordination of private transport, Expedition train schedules, and Consettur buses, you will enjoy the citadel with ample time for the guided tour and taking unforgettable photos.

The physical difficulty level inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is classified as moderate. The tourist circuit requires walking on foot along Inca stone stairways, uneven platforms, and irregular paths.

Specialized mountain athletic training is not required, but having an active basic physical condition to ascend and descend steps during approximately 2 and a half hours of guided tour is necessary.

The total distance walked on foot inside the Inca citadel ranges between 2 and 4 kilometers (1.2 to 2.5 miles), depending strictly on the official entrance circuit assigned on your tourist ticket.

The stretches are completed progressively with continuous pauses where the professional bilingual guide explains the history, architecture, and ceremonial purpose of each site.

Yes, because Machu Picchu was strategically built on the ridge of a mountain slope, Inca architecture integrates numerous sections of carved stone stairs.

Advancing at a serene pace, using hiking footwear with good grip, and holding onto the available handrails in areas with higher elevation changes is advised.

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, while the town of Aguas Calientes is located at 2,040 m (6,692 ft).

Both points feature a considerably lower altitude than the city of Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft), making breathing much more comfortable and oxygenated during the visit.

Yes, the Expedition Train to Machu Picchu Tour is completely suitable and recommended for **children, seniors, and entire families** enjoying good health.

The use of Consettur buses avoids steep uphill hikes from the town to the ruins, guaranteeing an accessible route for all ages.

Dressing in **comfortable layered clothing** is suggested to easily adapt to thermal variations. In the early morning in Cusco, the weather is freezing, while in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, the temperature is usually warm and humid.

Bring light trekking pants, long-sleeve cotton or breathable synthetic shirts, and a windbreaker or light coat in your carry-on luggage.

Wearing **trekking sneakers or sports shoes** with rubber non-slip soles is an essential requirement. The Inca stones can become slippery if moisture or drizzle is present.

Entering with flat, inflexible-soled footwear, flip-flops, or high heels is not permitted for personal safety and heritage conservation reasons.

In your daypack, you should include your **original passport or ID document** (essential to board the train and enter the sanctuary), sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, hat, waterproof jacket or rain poncho, and water.

Remember to bring your camera or mobile phone fully charged, plus cash in Peruvian Soles for your lunch in Aguas Calientes.

Yes, Peruvian Ministry of Culture regulations establish that the maximum size allowed for backpacks entering Machu Picchu must not exceed **40 x 35 x 20 cm (15.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 in)**.

If you bring larger luggage, you must leave it in paid storage lockers available before the entrance control point at the gate.

Booking at least **30 to 60 days in advance** is recommended, especially if you plan to travel during peak season (May to October).

Official entry passes to Machu Picchu and seats on PeruRail trains have strictly and legally limited capacities that sell out quickly.

The risk of altitude sickness in Machu Picchu is extremely low, as the citadel is located at only **2,430 m (7,972 ft) above sea level**, an altitude considerably lower than the city of Cusco.

Most travelers experience an immediate feeling of lung relief and increased energy upon descending into the cloud forest area.

Yes, the entire program is designed with the highest organization standards. You will have permanent assistance from our staff and accompaniment from a **professional bilingual guide** from your arrival in Aguas Calientes.

Likewise, our private transport and guides carry a basic first-aid kit to treat any contingency or fatigue along the way.

Being located in a subtropical cloud forest zone, the presence of small biting midges (manta blanca) is common. Applying **insect repellent** to exposed arms, neck, and ankles is mandatory.

Equally, apply **50+ factor sunscreen** before entering the citadel and wear a hat to protect yourself from UV radiation during the outdoor walk.

The town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) features a **primary healthcare center**, well-stocked pharmacies, and rapid assistance posts managed by local authorities.

Additionally, Consettur buses and the sanctuary entrance station feature evacuation protocols and medical support in case of major emergencies.

If you feel dizzy, fatigued, or have an upset stomach during the guided tour, you must **inform your assigned guide immediately**.

The guide will look for a shaded rest area with stone seating to allow you to quietly recover your strength before continuing the circuit tour.

Your booking guarantees a comprehensive tour package including hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip private tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo station, and **PeruRail Expedition tourist train tickets (round trip)**.

Likewise, it includes the **Consettur bus pass up and down**, official entry ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, professional bilingual guide service, and permanent assistance.

The tour cost **does not include** meal services (breakfasts, lunches, or dinners), entry to additional mountains (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), entry to Aguas Calientes hot springs, personal expenses, or tips.

We suggest bringing **cash in Peruvian Soles** to cover your lunch at the various restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

Yes, after completing the guided tour of the Inca citadel and descending on the Consettur bus to Aguas Calientes, you will have **free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure**.

In town, you will find a wide gastronomic offer ranging from tourist buffet restaurants to pizzerias and traditional Peruvian eateries.

Due to strict government regulations by PeruRail, Consettur, and the Ministry of Culture, **train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance passes are nominative, personal, and non-transferable**.

Any date modification or cancellation is subject to rules and penalties dictated by these institutions. We suggest confirming the accuracy of your details and dates before issuing your reservation.

The reservation process is extremely agile. You can contact us directly through our official **WhatsApp** channel, fill out the web contact form, or send us an email.

You must provide your full names, valid passport or ID number, desired travel date, and make the corresponding payment to process the immediate purchase of your tourist ticket.

During the guided tour, you will explore the most momentous sites of the Inca civilization: the **Temple of the Sun**, Intihuatana solar clock, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, and extensive agricultural terracing sectors.

Your professional bilingual guide will reveal the secrets of their ancient stone engineering, astronomical alignment, and the spiritual purpose of the citadel.

Yes, the itinerary includes passage through upper viewpoints of the Inca citadel, where you will obtain the iconic **postcard photograph** with the terraces and Huayna Picchu mountain in the background.

Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone battery fully charged and sufficient memory space to impeccably store your memories.

Yes, it is possible, but it requires **purchasing a special entrance ticket several months in advance** that includes access to these summits.

If you are interested in taking any of these additional mountain hikes, you must inform our advisors at the time of the initial quote.

During your free time in Aguas Calientes, you can explore the colorful **Artisan Market**, stroll through the town’s picturesque main square, taste local cuisine, or relax in the **medicinal hot springs** pools a few minutes from downtown.

These activities will complement your day perfectly before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo station.

It is considered the ideal choice because it offers a perfect balance of **comfort, excellent onboard service, first-class panoramic views, and a highly competitive rate**.

If you wish to visit the Wonder of the World in a pleasant, safe way while optimizing your travel budget, the Expedition Train to Machu Picchu Tour is your best choice de Semana Santa.