From US$597 per person (3-star hotel, double room), up to US$751 per person (5-star hotel, double room). Prices are per person in US dollars and depend on hotel category and room occupancy.
Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes: Spend the night at the foot of the mountain to rest well and enjoy the local town vibes.
- Unhurried citadel exploration: Visit Machu Picchu in the morning with the best daylight and perfect conditions for photos.
- Scenic round-trip rail: Enjoy a relaxing train ride through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
- Full end-to-end logistics: We manage your entry tickets, bus shuttles, train seats, and hotel for a hassle-free journey.
The 2-Day Machu Picchu by Train Tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu at a more relaxed pace, enjoy the spectacular landscapes, and avoid the rush of a one-day trip. From Cusco, we journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the course of the Urubamba River (Willkamayu), a major tributary of the Amazon that originates in the Andes of Cusco. Along the train journey, admire traditional Andean villages, towering mountains, agricultural fields, and the dramatic transition from the high Andes to the cloud forest.
Unlike the Machu Picchu Full Day from Cusco, this program allows you to spend a night in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), making the tour a much more comfortable and relaxed experience. By staying just minutes from the citadel, we can visit Machu Picchu early, making better use of the morning and enjoying the tour without having to make a long transfer back the same day. After the visit, we will have time for lunch and to return by train to Ollantaytambo, continuing afterward to Cusco, arriving approximately between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
At a glance
- Days: 2
- Highest point: 2430 m
- Price: From US$597 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco, Poroy Train Station, Aguas Calientes
Altitude: 2040 m · Meals: Lunch in Aguas Calientes(Machu Picchu Town) · Overnight: Aguas Calientes(Machu Picchu Town) (2040 m)
At the agreed time, we will pick you up directly from your accommodation and transfer you to the **Poroy** train station. The train departs at **7:25 a.m.** toward the charming town of **Aguas Calientes**, located at the foot of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, on a scenic **4-hour** journey along one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world, enjoying views of the Andes and the cloud forest. Upon arrival, your expert guide will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel, since Aguas Calientes is a pedestrian town, all routes are done on foot.
Around **1:30 p.m.**, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the town's best restaurants, followed by free time to explore cafés, artisan shops, and the well-known hot springs.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Cusco
Altitude: 2430 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
After a nourishing breakfast, you will board the bus to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, enjoying a 25-minute ascent with spectacular views along the way. Your expert guide will lead you on an approximately 2-hour guided tour through the most iconic sectors of the citadel, including temples, plazas, residences, and agricultural terraces, while revealing the history and mysteries of this legendary Inca sanctuary, which remained largely unknown to the outside world until its “rediscovery” in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Optional: if booked in advance, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.
After the visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch at a local restaurant (not included), explore artisan shops, or relax once more in the thermal baths. In the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
What is included
- Permits and entrance tickets Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2), the most complete and popular circuit. Advance booking is highly recommended due to high demand.
- High-quality service and safety Pre-departure briefing. Experienced official bilingual tour guide. First-aid kit and emergency oxygen. 24/7 customer support.
- Accommodation 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, with luggage storage service while you visit Machu Picchu.
- Meals Day 1: lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: breakfast at the hotel.
- Transportation Day 1: pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to Poroy station; Vistadome train Poroy Aguas Calientes. Day 2: Expedition train Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo; transfer to your accommodation in Cusco. Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu.
What is not included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, cost US$75.00 per person each (book in advance).
- Meals Not Included Day 1: breakfast. Day 2: lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco.
- Travel insurance and tips Not included; we recommend purchasing international insurance. Tips are a customary and appreciated practice in Peru.
- Possible Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control Landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, strikes, or other unforeseen events.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 2-Day Train Tour include?
The tour includes the Expedition or Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo, hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast, the bus up to Machu Picchu, the citadel entrance and a bilingual guide. Everything is organized so you only need to enjoy the experience.
Why does the tour depart from Ollantaytambo and not from Cusco?
The train to Machu Picchu departs from Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley), not directly from Cusco. The bus transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is included in the tour and takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
How much time is given to visit Machu Picchu?
On day 2, approximately 3 to 4 hours of guided visit are given at the citadel, plus additional free time before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes and the return train.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, with an additional ticket with very limited quota (only 400 people/day for Huayna Picchu). Let us know when booking and we'll arrange it in advance. Without prior booking, access is not guaranteed.
Is there an option to extend the tour to more days?
Yes. We have Machu Picchu packages of 3, 4 and 5 days that also include the Sacred Valley, Cusco and more exploration time. Check with our team to find the option that best fits your itinerary.
What is the train to Machu Picchu experience like?
The train to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. The route from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1h 30 min) crosses the Sacred Valley and descends through the Urubamba River gorge into the cloud forest, with panoramic windows and views of waterfalls, forested mountains and the torrential river. It is an experience in itself.
What train class is used in the 2-day tour?
The tour uses the Peru Rail Expedition or Vistadome train, depending on availability. The Expedition is comfortable and budget-friendly. The Vistadome has panoramic roof windows for better landscape views. In high season (June, August) we recommend booking at least 3, 4 weeks in advance to guarantee seats.
Are 2 days enough for Machu Picchu?
2 days is the comfortable minimum to visit Machu Picchu: the first day the train takes you to Aguas Calientes (with a free afternoon to explore the town and hot springs), and the second day you visit Machu Picchu with the guide. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in addition to visiting the citadel, 2 days is ideal.
Is the 2-Day Train tour suitable for families?
Yes, it is one of the most chosen packages for families. The train fascinates children of all ages. Machu Picchu is also very photogenic for families and children over 7 enjoy it enormously. Hotels in Aguas Calientes have good options with family rooms.
How does the 2-Day Train differ from the Machu Picchu Full Day and the 2-Day Sacred Valley?
The Machu Picchu Full Day does everything in a single day: early departure from Cusco, a quick visit and return at nightfall. It works, but is very intense and does not include an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. The 2-Day Train adds a first day at Chinchero, Maras and Moray, allowing you to arrive at Machu Picchu relaxed with an overnight in Aguas Calientes and the hot springs. Compared to the 2-Day Sacred Valley: the format is similar but the 2-Day Train prioritizes Maras/Moray/Chinchero instead of Pisac and the market. The choice depends on what you prefer to see on the first day.
Related tours
- Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco by Train, from US$317 per person
- Machu Picchu & Cusco 3 Days, from US$727 per person
- Machu Picchu & Cusco 4 Days, from US$774 per person