Machu Picchu by Train – 2 Days

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take the most amazing scenic train in the Andes
  • Spend a night at the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
  • Have the most wonderful day at Machu Picchu Citadel with our Yapa Explorers expert

Price from:

$ 354 USD

Book Now

Click here to get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.

Group

2 to 8 people

Difficulty

Easy

Max. Altitude

7,972 ft / 2,430 m

Start / Finish

Cusco / Cusco

Overview:

Our two-day train adventure to Machu Picchu takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world. With the Urubamba River on your side you’ll travel all the way to the tropical forest that surrounds Machu Picchu and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the high Andes. You’ll have extra free time to explore Machu Picchu town and have the option to visit the relaxing Hot Springs or the Machu Pichu museum and botanical garden, before the majestic Lost City of the Incas.

Detailed Itinerary

IMPORTANT NOTICE: LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS (LESS THAN 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE TOUR DATE):

If you reserve a Machu Picchu tour within 4 weeks of the departure date - there is likely some adjustments we must make to the itinerary so we can help you to secure an entrance to the ruins. We strongly recommended for all travellers to book a Machu Picchu tour well in advance (3+ months) to avoid these requirements.

As Machu Picchu tickets sell out in advance, the authorities are currently releasing a very limited number of entrance tickets at the Aguas Calientes ticket office for the next day. To acquire one of these last minute tickets there is a queue system in Aguas Calientes. We will assist all last minute reservations with this process.

The circuit you can usually expect to do at Machu Picchu is Circuit 1 or 2. However, this is not a guarantee, there is a small risk Circuit 1 & 2 are sold out even at the Machu Picchu ticket office in which case the traveller would need to pay an additional 48 soles to purchase a Circuit 3 or 4 entrance ticket. We have no way of impacting on that in advance and it will depend on the availability and queue on the day.

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We’ll pick you up from your hotel/hostel at 10:00 to make our way to Ollantaytambo. Once at the Ollantaytambo station, you’ll take the 2-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes at 12:55pm. Once you arrive to Aguas Calientes, our staff will be waiting for you to welcome you to this small town, give all the details necessary and take you to the hostel where you’ll spend the night.

You’ll have all afternoon and evening to explore Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu pueblo, which serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. You’ll find everything you need – restaurants, shops, and even bars. Just make sure to get a good night’s sleep, as you’ll need all your energy for the big day tomorrow!

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We’ll start the day early to be one of the firsts to arrive to Machu Picchu. The walk up the stone steps from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. During the walk up you’ll get to witness the beautiful sunrise and amazing views as you get higher and higher. Alternatively, you can take the 15 minute bus ride to the citadel (not included).

Upon arrival, your guide will begin the 2-hour tour throughout the ruins. Your guide will teach you everything about the Incas and their culture while taking you around areas such as Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, and the Royal Quarters

After the 2-hour tour, you’ll have some free time to explore, take pictures, or just walk around the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

As the day comes to an end, at around 6:00pm you’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then a private mini-van back to Plaza San Francisco in Cusco.

What’s Included

  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Professional, experienced, bilingual tour guide
  • Hotel/hostel pick-up
  • Drop-off in Plaza San Francisco - center of Cusco
  • Transportation by mini-van to Ollantaytambo
  • Transportation by train to Aguas Calientes
  • Transportation by train and mini-van back to Cusco
  • 1 night basic hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • 1 breakfast
  • Briefing at our office (this will be done the night before your tour)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • First day’s meals and last day’s lunch & dinner
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

  • Bus tickets up and down from Aguas Calientes village to the Machu Picchu site entrance - $24 USD
  • Huayna Picchu ticket - $60 USD (request in advance)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain - $60 USD (request in advance)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the group size?

Our tour departs with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8 people.

If looking to book a private group tour or solo tour, contact us and we’ll organize one for you.

Do you arrange trips for solo travelers?

There’s nothing like that feeling of discovering a new place all by yourself and we can help you with that. Whether looking to travel alone part of a journey or the whole trip, simply contact us and we’ll create the perfect plan.

What To Bring

  • Original passport
  • Original Student ID (if you booked as a student)
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Aluminum/reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication
NEED ADVICE?

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question of this trip.

Contact us here

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take the most amazing scenic train in the Andes
  • Spend a night at the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
  • Have the most wonderful day at Machu Picchu Citadel with our Yapa Explorers expert

Price from:

$ 354 USD

Book Now

Click here to get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.