Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train: Honest Review

Okay, so you’re dreaming of Machu Picchu, huh? That’s a pretty great dream to have, is that right? And a full-day tour by train from Cusco probably sounds pretty awesome too. Getting up close to that ancient city nestled up in the Andes is, in a way, on almost everyone’s bucket list these days, after all. But, is that convenient, seemingly glamorous, “first-class” train trip actually worth your hard-earned cash? This is what this is all about: an in-depth look at the Cusco full-day tour to Machu Picchu, with some helpful thoughts and hints. Hopefully this gives you a hand in figuring out if it’s the right way to make your Machu Picchu dreams a reality.

What’s Included In The Tour Package

A typical “Cusco Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu By First Class Train” offers a number of features. Typically, these are the standard elements that you might find included: First, there’s the round-trip train ticket on a train that is supposed to be fancy, from either Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Keep this detail in your mind: depending on where your train takes off, a bus transfer from Cusco to the train station and back may also be provided, which of course, influences the total length of the tour. So you’ve got your bus ride. Also included will likely be a round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu’s entry. The ticket to actually enter Machu Picchu is another one. Lastly, what tour would it be without the guidance of a professional? That’s typically included as well, plus assistance from tour operators, so too it’s almost, taken care of if anything might go sideways.

Alright, so let’s unpack this a little. The train is meant to be your “first class” ride – picturing panoramic views, comfy seats, maybe that’s your expectation, is that right?, and possibly even some fancy snacks. The bus rides? Well, they’re necessary evils because Machu Picchu sits way, way up high on a mountain, basically. That certified guide? They’re there to share stories, drop some historical facts on you, that. It’s like your own walking, talking Wikipedia, except hopefully with jokes and a better grasp of reality, arguably. So, on paper, that seems to be a solid deal, more or less. But what’s it like when you actually live it? What is the whole truth, more or less?

The Actual Experience: A Step-By-Step Breakdown

Here’s how a Cusco Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by train actually plays out. The adventure is usually starting super early – we’re talking pre-dawn hours – with a pickup from your Cusco lodging. Be prepared, because depending on the tour operator and time of year, some mornings will be chilly. You will feel as if you got out of bed way too soon, is that right? A bus normally then hauls you through that gorgeous Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo (or occasionally Poroy). Now, the ride could be nice – think rolling hills and cute little Andean villages – but often that also just ends up being kind of sleepy and bumpy, still. I am just leveling with you.

When you finally reach the train station, then, you’ll climb aboard your “first class” train. That is not the part where you should have sky-high hopes. Trains such as these do tend to be comfortable, yeah, well they aren’t as good as other trains for one. The Vistadome and the Belmond Andean Explorer trains are indeed nice for some scenic views. The train snakes its route along the Urubamba River, offering really pretty glimpses of the countryside as you start slowly getting closer to the jungle. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu), expect what appears to be, basically, controlled chaos, so too it’s almost, you would find that happening, I guess. You meet with your guide, then get herded onto a bus for the steep, zigzagging ride up to Machu Picchu itself. Then after all the chaos, arguably, you find that you have finally gotten there.

And now… there it is. Machu Picchu. The lost city in all its glory. The stone buildings and that scenery definitely do not disappoint. That tour is, in effect, designed to provide you the classic hits – the Sun Gate, the Intihuatana stone, the Principal Temple. What a guide really gives you is historical context, sharing those stories of the Incas and, actually, what life was like way back when. The trip normally is a couple of hours, just a little, with free time to wander and snap photos, just. After what seems like not nearly enough time, it’s time to head back to Aguas Calientes for your train ride back to Cusco.

First Class Train: Is It Really “First Class”?

Let’s talk regarding the “first class” aspect, shall we? The train trip up to Machu Picchu is offered via several providers, and what they brand as “first class” could change a bit from provider to provider. It could indicate slightly wider seats, big windows (lovely to drink up the landscape), and maybe a snack or beverage service. So be informed, because, compared to trains elsewhere across the globe, this isn’t exactly going to blow you away, usually. Think “comfortable and decent” as opposed to “pure luxury”. A comfortable journey with views, basically.

However, these first-class trains have some definite advantages. For one thing, they’re far more convenient. Trains are normally on time, for example. Furthermore, the viewing platforms allow for great vistas of the nearby environment. This trip lets passengers sit back and have an easier trip than going on a public shuttle or trekking along the Inca Trail, both are totally acceptable alternatives, arguably.

What Could Be Better

No tour is totally spot on. A “Full day” tours can often actually leave one feeling kind of rushed. All that transit time eats into the real time you are permitted to spend exploring Machu Picchu itself. You will spend many, many hours going to and from just to see the site for an afternoon, just. Another watch out for, as well, is hidden charges. Even if your tour says “all inclusive,” a few sneaky businesses might, arguably, slip in additional costs for drinks, snacks, or actually, “better” seats on that train.

Additionally, remember what crowds you will find! Machu Picchu is amazingly very popular, and tour groups will usually visit right when it is busiest, still. Which means battling other groups for the best photograph locations, then standing in those tight queues, or not getting that alone time that you had envisioned when seeing those gorgeous Incan structures.

Cost vs. Value: Is It Worth It?

Ok, that, very important question: is a Cusco full-day tour to Machu Picchu via a first-class train worth your hard-earned dough? I mean that depends on your priorities and how much you would like to spend, just. Opting for the full-day tour offers speed and, actually, convenience above all else, and maybe that ease will justify the price if you’re limited on time. That train ride might be lovely as well.

That being said, it may pay to think about some alternatives. Remaining overnight in Aguas Calientes, that, lets you experience Machu Picchu at a less crowded time, plus allowing you more time there in total. Think about trekking a part of the Inca Trail – the famous trek – for an adventure that is more active, physical and connected to the countryside itself. If funds are a thing for you, then consider going by public transportation; be careful because the bus, obviously, takes far longer but will save you a large amount of cash. Assess how much time you want there and weigh that out against the expense and make an informed decision, finally.