Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco Hotel Pick-Up → Ollantaytambo Train Station → Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Pickup and transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
To begin the Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train, we’ll pick you up at 10:00 am from your hotel in Cusco (pickup from the Sacred Valley is also available). We’ll start the adventure with a comfortable, scenic transfer of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to the historic Ollantaytambo train station.
- If you are staying anywhere in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo, we can also pick you up from any of these locations. Please let us know in advance so we can assign the correct pickup time for your tour.
Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
From Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the 12:30 or 12:55 pm train, bound for Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Upon arrival at the station, a transfer service will be waiting for you with a sign showing your name, ready to take you to your hotel in town for check-in. You’ll arrive at the hotel around 2:00 to 2:30 pm.
Free afternoon to explore town
You’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to walk around and explore the small town of Aguas Calientes, known for its charm and its stunning location surrounded by mountains.
Briefing with your guide at the hotel
Around 7:00 pm, you’ll meet your guide at the hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo for a short orientation and final details. This is the same guide who will lead you to Machu Picchu the following day, and the meeting is meant to cover orientation and last-minute coordination ahead of your second-day tour.
Important Note
Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) is a small town built for tourism. There are no taxis or other transportation services within town, aside from the buses that take visitors from town up to the Machu Picchu citadel. That said, the town itself is well worth exploring on foot, nestled among the mountains with beautiful views.
Day 1 – Tour Inclusions
- Hotel pickup at 10:00 am
- Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station (approx. 1:45 hours)
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (12:30 or 12:55 pm train)
- Pickup from the train station to your hotel
- One night’s accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hotel Pick-Up in Machu Picchu Pueblo → Bus to Machu Picchu Citadel → Guided Tour → Bus Back to Town → Return to Cusco
Early wake-up for sunrise at Machu Picchu
The goal of the second day is to arrive at Machu Picchu around 6:00 am, when the citadel opens, in order to enjoy the sunrise. For this reason, you’ll need to wake up around 4:45 am, have breakfast around 5:00 am, and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to the bus stop
Around 5:30 am, your guide will pick you up to head to the bus stop and line up for one of the first buses to the Machu Picchu citadel. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes.
Entry into Machu Picchu
You’ll arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. Once inside, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the views before starting the guided tour.
Guided tour
Your guide will lead you through the citadel for 2 to 2:30 hours, explaining in detail the history and significance of Machu Picchu. After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to continue exploring on your own.
Optional hike: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
This marks the end of the guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you booked an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can now complete this hike, which takes approximately 3 to 3:30 hours round trip.
Descent to Machu Picchu Pueblo
After visiting the citadel (or completing the mountain hike, if booked), you’ll head to the exit to catch the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, a ride of about 25 minutes. Once in town, you’ll have free time to have lunch on your own before boarding the train back to Cusco.
Luggage pickup and train return
Close to your train departure time, you’ll need to stop by the hotel to collect your belongings, in case you left anything behind. From there, you’ll head to the train station to board the 2:30 pm or 2:55 pm train to Ollantaytambo, a journey of approximately 1:30 hours.
Final transfer to Cusco (or the Sacred Valley)
Once in Ollantaytambo, your driver will pick you up at the train station for the drive back to your hotel in Cusco, a trip of approximately 2 hours, arriving around 7:00 pm. It’s also possible to arrange a transfer to the Sacred Valley — Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo — if you’d prefer to be dropped off there instead.
Important Note
If you booked the additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your visit will extend by an additional 3 to 4 hours. If you visit only the Machu Picchu citadel with the guided tour, the visit ends around 9:00 to 10:00 am, at which point you’ll take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Day 2 – Tour Inclusions
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Hotel pickup
- Bus ride up: Machu Picchu Pueblo → Machu Picchu citadel (25 minutes)
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
- Guided tour of 2 to 2.5 hours inside the citadel
- Bus ride down: Machu Picchu citadel → Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Train at 2:30 pm or 2:55 pm from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Hotel Pickups:
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley is included at the start of the tour. Pickup from your hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo on the second day, for the visit to the Inca citadel, is also included.
Hotel Drop-off
Hotel Drop-off: the tour includes drop-off at your hotel after the tour ends, whether in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley. This also includes drop-off at an Airbnb in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Private Round-trip Transfers
the service includes a private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station, taking approximately 1:45 hours, on the first day of the tour. It also includes a private transfer from the Ollantaytambo train station back to your hotel in Cusco, taking approximately 2 hours, on the second day of the tour. Additionally, if you request pickup or drop-off in the Sacred Valley, this is also included as part of the private transfer service.
Roun-Trip Train: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo
The service includes a round-trip train ticket between Ollantaytambo station and Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train type included in the package is either the Expedition train by PeruRail or the Voyager train by IncaRail. The included train schedule is either the 12:30 pm or 12:55 pm train for the outbound journey, depending on availability, and either the 2:30 pm or 2:55 pm train for the return journey, also depending on availability — these are the schedules included in the package, since currently only two companies offer this train service. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will let you know the exact train times assigned to you, so you have full clarity on which schedule you’ll be using for your trip to Machu Picchu.
Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
The package includes one night’s accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). The hotel we typically use is the Hotel Andino Machu Picchu, although if it’s not available, we’ll provide another hotel of similar category and features. The accommodation includes breakfast the following morning, before starting the guided visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. All of our partner hotels in Machu Picchu Pueblo are carefully selected for their convenient location — close to the town center and the train station — as well as for their comfort, cleanliness, and quality of service, so you can rest well before the demanding second day of your tour.
Round-Trip Bus Tickets: Machu Picchu Pueblo – Inca Cidadel
Round-trip bus tickets are included in this service, covering both the ride up from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the Inca citadel and the ride back down from the citadel to town. It’s important to note that these tickets do not have a fixed departure time or an assigned seat number. You simply need to show up at the bus station, both for the ride up and the ride down, and the bus company will assign you a seat when boarding.
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Citadel
The package includes your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, generally for the 6:00 am time slot, corresponding to Circuit 2 – Classic Circuit / Route 2-A, which allows for a full, complete visit of the citadel. This circuit and time slot are subject to availability at the time of booking. If they’re not available, we will assign you the most convenient circuit and time slot for your visit. The exact circuit and time slot included in your package will be confirmed once your reservation is finalized.
Guided Tour Service at the Machu Picchu Citadel
The package includes a guided tour service within the Machu Picchu citadel. The guide providing this service is an expert in the history of Machu Picchu, with fluent English, so you can fully enjoy the explanation of the citadel. The guided tour lasts 2 to 2.5 hours within the citadel, with enough time for the historical explanation, taking photographs, and generally enjoying the visit.
Breakfast on the Second Day
Breakfast on the second day is included in the tour and will be provided by the hotel where you’re staying. Breakfast service starts at 4:30 am, so you can eat comfortably and get ready with enough time before heading out to visit the Machu Picchu citadel.
Not Included
Meals Not Included
The tour does not include lunch or dinner on the first day, nor lunch on the second day. This gives you the opportunity to take your time exploring the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and enjoy whatever food you prefer, since the town is full of restaurants, cafés, and snack spots, letting you discover on your own what you’d most like to eat.
Extra Expenses
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, additional activities, or any other incidental costs, are not covered by the package, so we recommend setting aside extra funds to cover these optional expenses according to your personal preferences.
What to Pack
What to Pack
Suggested Packing List for the Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour
Below is a suggested packing list for the 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Train, taking into account the baggage restrictions set by the train companies. On the train, you may bring a daypack and one additional suitcase or bag, which can weigh up to a maximum of 8 kilograms, as this is the weight limit allowed for train travel. In addition, please keep in mind that entry into the Machu Picchu citadel only permits a backpack of up to 25 liters.
What to Wear and What to Bring for the 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour
How to Dress
We recommend dressing as follows:
- A beanie/chullo for the cold
- A cap or hat for the sun
- A t-shirt as a base layer
- On top, a fleece or jacket for extra warmth
- Hiking pants (jeans are also a fine option)
- A pair of comfortable socks
- Comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes, though any closed-toe shoe works well; sneakers are also a good option
What to Bring
In addition to these clothing suggestions, we recommend bringing the following:
- A daypack no larger than 25 liters for the visit to Machu Picchu
- Original passport — this is mandatory
- Original student ID, if applicable for the student discount rate
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- An extra jacket or fleece, as it can get quite cold around 6:00 am at Machu Picchu
- An extra t-shirt
- An extra pair of pants
- Sandals, for use at the hotel or in town
- Rain gear or a rain poncho, since the weather can be unpredictable
- A camera or smartphone for taking photos
- Sunglasses
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Snacks
Prices
Pricing
MACHU PICCHU TOUR 2 DAY BY TRAIN PRICES 2026 and 2027 SEASON
The price of the Machu Picchu tour varies depending on the traveler’s category: adult, student, child, or citizen of a CAN (Andean Community) country — namely Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia. Each category has a different rate, based on the official entrance ticket pricing set for Machu Picchu. This price difference exists because Peru’s Ministry of Culture sets different entrance ticket prices depending on the visitor’s category. As a result, the final price of your tour will depend directly on which of these categories applies to you.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU TOUR 2 DAY BY TRAIN & APPLICABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
STEPS TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU TOUR 2 DAY BY TRAIN
- Step 1:
Click the “BOOK ONLINE” button to check availability. You’ll be taken to the calendar and our booking platform. If your desired date is available, select it and proceed with your reservation. - Step 2:
Once you choose your date, you’ll be asked to select your return option (by car or by train), the number of participants, and the type of traveler (adult, student, or child). Then, you can choose whether to pay only the $180 deposit per person (non-refundable) or the full amount. Either option is available. - Step 3:
Next, fill out the personal information form for each participant, including: full name, passport number, WhatsApp number, hotel in Cusco, and more. - Step 4:
After that, you’ll be able to add optional extras if you wish, such Vistadome Train Upgrade, or entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Once you’ve selected any extras, continue to the next step. - Step 5:
Finally, you’ll be directed to the payment form. You can pay with any debit or credit card, and in some countries, bank transfers are also available. Payments by card include a 2.9% transaction fee, which is covered by the client. - Once your payment is completed, you’ll automatically receive a payment confirmation email. Within 24 hours, we’ll send you the final tour confirmation, including all details and your Machu Picchu entry tickets and train tickets, if applicable.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR BOOKING
To confirm your Machu Picchu tour reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $180 USD per person is required. This amount secures your spot on the tour and is used to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and Train tickets
Cancellations:
- If you decide to cancel your tour, the deposit will not be refunded. However, any tickets already purchased (such as the Machu Picchu entrance) can still be used by you on the original date for which they were issued, as tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
- If you paid the full amount for the tour and later cancel, you will receive a refund of the remaining balance, excluding the $180 USD deposit.
Date Changes:
- You may change your tour date as long as there is availability. Please note that new Machu Picchu and train tickets will need to be purchased for the new date, and you will be required to pay a new deposit of $180 USD per person to cover these additional costs.
Remaining Balance Payment:
- If you only paid the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid at least 24 hours before the tour starts. You can pay through:
- Our online booking platform
- Or in person at our offices in Cusco, in cash (USD or soles)
- Card payments are also accepted, with an additional 3.9% processing fee
Customer Support:
- For any changes, cancellations, or modifications to your reservation, please email us at: ? info@machupicchuteam.com
- If you contact us during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), one of our agents will respond immediately.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions BEST MACHU PICCHU 2 DAY TOUR BY TRAIN FROM CUSCO
And The Best
Travel Guide
1. Can I change my booking date?
Yes, as long as there is availability to purchase Machu Picchu entrance tickets for the new date. However, to proceed with the change, you’ll need to pay the required deposit again — $180 USD — since this involves purchasing a brand-new Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Additionally, the change is subject to:
- Train ticket availability for the new date, along with the corresponding change penalty
- Modification of the hotel reservation, which also carries its own penalty
For these reasons, if you wish to change your travel date, you’ll need to pay the $180 deposit again, in addition to any applicable train and hotel penalties.
2. What happens if I cancel my reservation?
If you cancel your reservation at least 72 hours before the tour’s start date, we will not refund the $180 USD deposit per person. However, if you already paid the full amount for the tour, we will refund the remaining balance, deducting only the $180 USD deposit per person.
3. Can I book my own hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, or what if I already have one booked?
Yes, you can book your own hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, or use one you’ve already booked independently. In that case, we’ll apply a $30 USD discount per person to the tour price. You’ll simply need to let us know which hotel you’re staying at so we can properly coordinate the transfer and guide.
4. Can I start and end the tour in the Sacred Valley?
Yes, you can start the tour from any location in the Sacred Valley and also end it there. It’s also possible to combine different start and end points — for example, starting in Cusco and ending in the Sacred Valley, or the other way around: starting in the Sacred Valley and ending in Cusco. All of these combinations are possible with Machu Picchu Team.
5. Can I bring all my travel luggage on the trip?
It is possible to bring all your luggage on the train, though this may involve an additional cost, since the train service only allows hand luggage: one backpack and one small bag, totaling no more than 8 kilograms.
6. Can I store some of my luggage at Machu Picchu Team’s office? What if I’m staying at a different hotel?
Yes, Machu Picchu Team has a free storage service at our office in Cusco, where you can leave your extra luggage. You can also hand it over to your driver, who will transport it and drop it off at our Cusco office. At the end of your tour, you can pick it up at our office, which is open from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. If your tour starts at one point and ends at another (for example, starting in Cusco and ending in the Sacred Valley), we can also manage the logistics for your luggage: the driver who picks you up from the train station can wait with your luggage and transport it to the Sacred Valley, or vice versa. Just let us know in advance so we can coordinate the details.
7. I have a different hotel in Cusco than the one I originally provided — can you drop me off there instead?
Yes. If you started the tour from one hotel in Cusco but would like to be dropped off at a different one upon your return, this is possible. You just need to inform us in advance so we can coordinate with the driver and make sure you’re dropped off at your preferred hotel when returning from Machu Picchu.
8. Do I need to bring printed tickets for Machu Picchu and other services?
No, this isn’t necessary. Tickets for Machu Picchu, the train, and the bus don’t need to be printed — you can show them digitally from your phone, since each one includes a QR code that is scanned for verification. If you’d still prefer physical copies, you can stop by our office in Cusco, where we’ll provide printed tickets that are equally valid for verification at each checkpoint.
9. What happens if I changed my passport and now have a new passport number?
If you’ve changed your passport number, please let us know at least 72 hours before the start of the tour, so Machu Picchu Team can update the number on your tickets. We also recommend bringing both passports — the old and the new one — if the change was recent, since both documents can be used to verify that the tickets are registered under your name.
10. How far in advance should I book to secure the best Machu Picchu entry time?
We recommend booking at least 4 months in advance, since tickets for the best circuits and entry times tend to sell out quickly. It’s also possible to book just a few weeks ahead, though in that case, your Machu Picchu entry time will depend on whatever availability remains at the time of booking.
11. Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to my tour?
Yes, you can add one of these two optional tickets to your tour — either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain — for an additional cost of $65 USD. Only one of the two mountains can be included per tour, not both. To add this option, we recommend booking in advance or checking with us on availability, so we can arrange your tour in the best possible way.
12. Can I upgrade my train to the Vistadome?
The trains included by default in the Machu Picchu tour are the Expedition or the Voyager. It is possible to upgrade to the Vistadome train, as long as you request it at the time of booking. The additional cost is $45 USD for a one-way trip, or $70 USD for round-trip service. The Vistadome offers more panoramic views and includes snacks and beverages during the journey.
13. What type of vehicles do you use for this service?
We use modern tourist transportation, which may include vans, minivans, or buses, depending on group size. All of our vehicles are officially authorized for tourist service, equipped with air conditioning, and operated by licensed drivers.
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