The Expedition train is a great choice for travelers looking for a comfortable, simple, and reliable ride to Machu Picchu. It offers spacious seats, ambient music, and a guided audio tour, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery on the way. It is perfect for those who want a smooth journey with good service and excellent value.

The Vistadome train takes the experience a step further with large panoramic windows that open up wider views of the mountains, river, and beautiful Andean landscapes. Along with the audio tour, onboard music, and snack service, it also adds special cultural touches on selected return trips. This is a great option for travelers who want the train ride to feel like part of the adventure, not just transportation.

The Vistadome Observatory is the most complete and memorable option. It includes the panoramic experience of the Vistadome, plus an observatory car and live traditional music and dance onboard. In simple terms, Expedition is best for comfort and value, Vistadome is best for scenery and a more special ride, and Vistadome Observatory is best for travelers who want the most immersive and exclusive journey to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu has 3 main circuits, and each one offers a different experience. Circuit 1 is best for panoramic views. It takes you to the upper terraces, where you get the classic postcard photo and the widest views of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 2 is the most complete option and usually the best choice for first-time visitors. It combines the main viewpoint area with the central part of the citadel, so you get both the iconic views and a broader visit through Machu Picchu itself.

Circuit 3 focuses on the lower part of the citadel, where some of the most impressive buildings are located, including the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, and the water fountains. It is a great choice for travelers who want to explore the royal and urban area more closely.

If Circuit 2 is sold out, the best alternative is to combine Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 with separate tickets. Even so, every circuit gives you access to something special, and every visit to Machu Picchu is unique.

The best time to travel to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October. You should book well in advance to get the best entry times to Machu Picchu and the best schedules on the Vistadome train. However, if you travel during the low season, you can still have a great experience.

Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest, where the weather can be unpredictable. Rain can happen at any time of the year, so you should always be prepared for sun, rain, and mosquitoes. As long as you come prepared, you will enjoy the trip.

One of the main benefits of the low season is better prices and fewer people at the tourist site. You can also avoid the long bus and train lines in Machu Picchu. You just need to be prepared for all kinds of weather while traveling.

Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day before this tour, though ideally 2 or 3 days in advance to adjust to the altitude. On your first day, you can stay in Cusco and explore the city on a short tour. Then, you can travel to the Sacred Valley, visit its best places, and, if possible, stay overnight in Ollantaytambo or return to Cusco.

Regular departures are from Cusco, where the tour usually starts around 5:00 a.m., depending on your final train schedule. From there, you will travel by car to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Please note that the departure station may vary depending on the train schedule, the season, and your Machu Picchu entry time.

If you stay at a hotel in the Sacred Valley, especially near Urubamba or, even better, a hotel in Ollantaytambo, your departure will be later since you will already be closer to the train station. Our recommendation is to travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley one day before the tour, explore the area, and stay overnight in Ollantaytambo near the town center. This way, you can visit more places, spend the night in a different location, and avoid traveling back and forth.

There are several extra hikes you can do after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. These include Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, the Sun Gate, and the Inca Bridge. You can also hike down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. For this last hike, we recommend going in a group rather than alone, and being careful when crossing the road or railway. Please note that, depending on your train schedule, some extra hikes may not be possible. To join an early-entry hike, you may need to take one of the earliest trains, which could also mean a different train class.

• Huayna Picchu is the most popular extra hike after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. It is usually only possible if you take an early 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. train. This hike is part of Circuit 3.
• Machu Picchu Mountain is the longest extra hike and reaches the highest point in the Machu Picchu area. It is only possible if you take a very early train schedule. This hike is part of Circuit 1.
• Huchuy Picchu is the shortest extra hike in Machu Picchu and is only available during the dry/high season. It is part of Circuit 3.
• The Sun Gate is the famous entrance used by hikers on the Classic Inca Trail. It is a unique experience because you hike back toward the Sun Gate along part of the Classic Inca Trail route. It is included in Circuit 1 and is only available during the dry/high season.
• The Inca Bridge is only available during the dry/high season. It follows a narrow path and takes around 45 minutes each way. It is part of Circuit 1.

If you would like to add any of these extra hikes, please contact us before booking or immediately after booking so we can check availability. Each extra hike requires an additional entry ticket, and prices may vary.

We have departures every day in small groups. However, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Some dates might sell out at least 6 months in advance, especially Circuit 2 and the best train schedules. If Machu Picchu tickets are sold out, it is not possible to provide this tour. There is no waiting list.

The arrival back to Cusco is around 7:30 pm. The final time will depend on the train schedule and traffic on the return. We recommend not booking flights or buses on the same night of return, because sometimes there are train delays and there is no alternative exit route.

Yes, you need to provide correct passport details at the time of booking, and bring this passport on the date of the tour. You will be requested to show it to board the train and also to enter Machu Picchu. Only passport numbers can be updated on your Machu Picchu tickets; no names or last names can be updated. Do not use nicknames or short names; enter details exactly as in your passport when booking.

The Machu Picchu day trip by Vistadome is an easy tour. You will travel comfortably in our modern van, travel on the panoramic train, and of course, in Machu Picchu you will be walking around for about 2 hours on a guided tour. Note that in Machu Picchu there are stairs up and down, and you need to have good shoes, comfortable clothes for hiking, and a small backpack. 

No. You need to book in advance in order to get Circuit 2. If it is sold out, we offer you the available ticket, like Circuit 3, and Circuit 1 subsequently. Machu Picchu tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and it is not possible to prebook them. This rule applies to all tour operators and the public.

Meals are not included in this tour. During the train ride on the Expedition, you will get some snacks. You will need to pack some snacks and water for the Machu Picchu tour. And after the Machu Picchu tour, you will have free time in Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch on your own before going to board the Vistadome train.

Yes, it is possible; however, you must coordinate with our sales team to see if it is possible or not depending on train schedules and Machu Picchu entry ticket availability. Do not book Huayna Picchu on your own; to arrive for the early shift, we might need to book earlier trains.

Traveling with large suitcases is not allowed under train regulations and is not comfortable. Since you travel on a day trip and return on the same day, we recommend you leave all your stuff at the hotel. In case you change hotels, you can leave the luggage with us and we will deliver it to your next hotel after the tour. Travel to Machu Picchu with a comfortable light backpack where you can put water, snacks, sun protection, rain gear, an extra spare T-shirt, money, and important documents.