Machu Picchu tour 2 days by train

Aguas Calientes, Peru

Enjoy Machu Picchu at a more relaxed pace on this 2-day train tour from Cusco, with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and a guided visit the next morning.

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 2 days

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

Spanish, English

Group size

1–16 travelers

Full description

Discover Machu Picchu without trying to fit everything into one long day. This 2-day train tour from Cusco gives you more time to enjoy the journey, relax in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu fresh the following morning.

On Day 1, travel by Expedition Train through the Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the town at your own pace, visit the local market or hot springs, or simply relax before your Machu Picchu adventure.

On Day 2, take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu and explore the citadel with an expert local guide during a 2.5-hour guided tour. We request Circuit 2 by default whenever available for the classic Machu Picchu experience. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will reserve Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, choosing the best official option available for your date and entrance time.

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes and take the Expedition Train back, followed by transportation to your hotel in Cusco.

Tour Highlights

  • Small-group tour with an expert English-speaking local guide.
  • More relaxed experience than a one-day Machu Picchu tour.
  • Scenic round-trip journey aboard the Expedition Train.
  • Overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Round-trip shuttle bus to Machu Picchu and hotel-to-hotel transportation.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket and early morning guided tour.
  • Approximately 2.5 hours exploring Machu Picchu with your guide.

Schedule may vary depending on confirmed train and entrance times.

Itinerary

Cusco – Train Journey – Aguas Calientes. We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the confirmed train station. Depending on the season, train schedule, and availability, departures may operate from San Pedro, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo. During the rainy season, usually from January through April, trains often depart from Ollantaytambo. In this case, pickup time will be adjusted, and you’ll travel by vehicle through the Sacred Valley before boarding the Expedition Train. Enjoy a scenic journey through Andean valleys, along the Urubamba River, and into the cloud forest before arriving in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Our team will assist you with hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the town, visit the hot springs or local market, take a short walk, or simply relax before your Machu Picchu visit the next morning. Tour Details. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Meals: Not included. Difficulty: Easy

Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco. After breakfast, meet your guide and take an early shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, present your original passport and Machu Picchu ticket. Your guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, following the official circuit confirmed for your visit. Explore terraces, viewpoints, temples, sacred spaces, and important Inca structures while learning about Machu Picchu’s history and architecture. We request Circuit 2 whenever available because it offers one of the most complete guided experiences. If it is sold out, we’ll reserve the best available option on Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Travelers with tickets booked in advance may also hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. These optional hikes require separate tickets and are not included. After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and enjoy free time for lunch or shopping. Later, board the Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, where our team will meet you for the transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. Expected arrival is around 7:00 p.m., depending on the train schedule and traffic. Tour Details. Machu Picchu tour: Approximately 2.5 hours. Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu citadel). Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Meals: 1
  • Transfer
  • Entrance fee
  • Hotel-to-hotel transportation from Cusco
  • Round-trip Expedition Train
  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Round-trip Machu Picchu shuttle bus
  • Professional local guide
  • Hotel breakfast on Day 2

Not included

  • Meals: Any meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended, but not included.
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña tickets
  • Optional activities in Aguas Calientes
  • Extra Upgrades:Panoramic Train Upgrade: Upgrade to the Vistadome or Vistadome Panoramic Train.
  • Private Tour: Upgrade to a private experience with your guide accompanying you from Cusco and back. Contact us for details.

Important information

Meeting point

Aguas Calientes, Peru

Don’t forget

Book Early: Reserve your tickets and tour in advance, especially during peak season. Passport Details: Required for each traveler at the time of booking: Passport name Passport number Expiration date Country Train & Pickup Times: Departure, pickup, and return times depend on the confirmed train schedule. We also provide pickup from Airbnbs and other locations in Cusco’s Historic Center. Acclimatize First: Spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your visit. Walking: Travelers should be comfortable with stairs and uneven stone paths at Machu Picchu. Children: Must be accompanied by an adult. Hotel: The included 3-star hotel is based on double or twin occupancy. Single-room supplement is 35$ per room. Optional Mountains: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Montaña require separate tickets and advance booking. Daypack: Bring a small backpack of up to 25 liters for your essentials; larger bags must be stored in lockers on the day of your Machu Picchu visit.. Passport or ID: Bring the original passport or ID used to make your booking; it is required to enter Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Ticket: Provided on the day of your tour. Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers for changing temperatures. Rain jacket or poncho: especially during the rainy season Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Insect Repellent: Recommended for mosquitoes and other insects. Water Bottle: Carry a refillable bottle to stay hydrated. Snacks: Bring light snacks or energy bars. Camera: Perfect for capturing the scenery and special moments. Cash: Carry some cash, as card payments may not always be available. Travel light and bring only what you need for the day. Weather around Machu Picchu can change quickly, so comfortable layers and rain protection are always recommended.

Cancellation policy

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