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.
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 tour price varies by traveler category: adult, student, child, or citizen of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, or Colombia. Discounted rates require valid supporting documents during booking and on the travel date.
Addons & Upgrades
Addons & Upgrades
Personalize your Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train with optional services such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or a Vistadome train upgrade. These options have an additional cost, must be requested when booking, and will be coordinated with your itinerary without affecting the main tour program.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry – $65 USD
Climb the peak behind Machu Picchu for panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valleys, passing ancient Inca ruins along the way. Limited to 400 visitors per day across 4 time slots (7:00–10:00 AM); we typically secure the 9:00 or 10:00 AM slot. This is an unguided round trip lasting 2–2.5 hours, with steep sections not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Advance booking is recommended — we handle the reservation for you.
Machu Picchu Mountain Entry – $65 USD
Standing at 3,080 meters, this separate peak offers spectacular panoramic views of the citadel from a different angle than Huayna Picchu. Limited to 400 spots per day across two time slots; we usually secure the 8:00–9:00 AM slot, right after your guided tour. The round trip takes 3–3.5 hours along original Inca stone pathways. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Vistadome Train Upgrade One Way – $45 USD
Upgrade your one-way return trip (Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo) to the panoramic Vistadome train, featuring large windows, a glass roof, and onboard entertainment with live music and traditional dance — a memorable close to your journey.
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
How to Book the Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train from Cusco
Booking the Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train from Cusco is quick and secure. Since Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train seats, and hotel availability in Machu Picchu Pueblo are limited, we recommend reserving your spot as early as possible, particularly during peak season.
Step 1: Check Availability
Click the BOOK NOW button to access our real-time availability calendar and booking platform, then select your preferred travel dates. Availability depends on Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train seats, and hotel accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo. A date shown on the calendar is not fully guaranteed until our reservations team confirms all required services.
Step 2: Select the Number and Type of Travelers
Indicate the total number of participants and choose the appropriate traveler category for each one:
- Adult
- Student
- Child
Travelers requesting the student rate must meet the official eligibility criteria and submit a clear photo of both sides of a valid university ID. You may then choose to pay either:
- A USD 180 non-refundable deposit per person, or
- The full tour price
This deposit covers the purchase of the non-refundable Machu Picchu entrance ticket and train tickets required for your reservation.
Step 3: Provide Traveler Information
Fill out the booking form with accurate details for every participant, including: Full name, exactly as it appears on the passport, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, WhatsApp number with country code, Email address, Hotel or accommodation in Cusco, Special requests or relevant medical information. Accurate passenger data is essential, since Machu Picchu, train, and hotel tickets are issued based on this information.
Step 4: Choose Optional Upgrades
Depending on availability, you can add extra services to your reservation, such as:
- Vistadome train upgrade
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance
- Upgraded hotel category in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Other available entrance or train upgrades
These add-ons carry an additional cost and are subject to availability from the corresponding government entities, train companies, and hotels.
Step 5: Complete Your Payment
Once you’ve reviewed your reservation, proceed to our secure payment platform. Accepted payment methods include debit or credit cards; bank transfers may also be available in select countries or when arranged in advance with our reservations team. Online card payments carry a 3.99% processing fee, covered by the traveler. After payment, you’ll automatically receive an email confirming the transaction. Our reservations team will then verify service availability and send your final tour confirmation, typically within 24 hours. Your confirmation will include:
- Pick-up details
- Train schedules
- Machu Picchu entrance time
- Confirmed circuit
- Hotel details in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Meeting instructions
- Remaining payment balance
- Important travel recommendations
Booking In Person at Our Cusco Office
You’re also welcome to book directly at our office: Machu Picchu Team Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco — one block from the Plaza de Armas. Our staff can help you check availability, review Machu Picchu circuit options, choose train and hotel upgrades, complete traveler information, and arrange payment in person.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Deposit and Booking Confirmation
A non-refundable deposit of USD 180 per person is required to initiate your reservation. This deposit covers the purchase of the Machu Picchu entrance ticket and train tickets. These services are issued for a specific traveler and travel date, and are generally non-transferable, non-changeable, and non-refundable.
Your reservation is considered fully confirmed only once:
- The required payment has been received.
- Machu Picchu, train, and hotel availability has been verified.
- Our reservations team has issued written final confirmation.
Cancellations and Refunds
The USD 180 deposit per person is non-refundable under any circumstance, as it covers the purchase of non-refundable entrance and train tickets. If you cancel after paying the full tour price, the remaining balance may be refunded, minus: The USD 180 deposit per person, Services already purchased or confirmed (including the Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel), Card-processing fees, Bank charges, Currency-conversion costs, Any other non-recoverable expenses. Any Machu Picchu or train tickets already issued remain valid only for the original passenger and confirmed date, in accordance with the regulations of the corresponding authorities and service providers.
Date Changes
Requests to change your travel dates are subject to availability of Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train seats, hotel accommodation, guides, and transportation. Because previously issued tickets generally cannot be modified or refunded, changing your tour date requires purchasing new Machu Picchu and train tickets. As a result, a new USD 180 deposit per person will apply, and any difference in the total tour price must be covered by the traveler.
Name and Passport Information
Full names must exactly match the traveler’s passport. Please double-check all information before submitting your booking form. If you renew or replace your passport after booking, notify us immediately — updating the passport number may be possible, subject to the regulations of the train company and Machu Picchu authorities. Name changes or transferring a reservation to another person are generally not permitted.
Remaining Balance
Travelers who pay only the deposit must settle the remaining balance at least 24 hours before the tour begins. Payment can be made:
- Through our online payment platform
- In person at our Cusco office
- In cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles)
- By debit or credit card, subject to the applicable processing fee
Failure to pay the balance within this timeframe may result in the suspension or cancellation of any services not yet issued.
Optional Upgrades
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Vistadome trains, hotel upgrades, and other optional services are subject to availability. Once an optional ticket or upgrade has been purchased, its cost becomes non-refundable and generally cannot be transferred to another traveler or date.
Train, Entrance, and Hotel Schedules
Train departure times, Machu Picchu entrance times, assigned circuits, and hotel check-in/check-out schedules depend on availability at the time your reservation is processed. Machu Picchu Team may adjust transportation, train schedules, or hotel arrangements as needed to align with your confirmed entrance time. Any changes will be communicated to you before the start of the tour.
Customer Support
For booking changes, cancellations, passport updates, or other reservation inquiries, please contact us: Email: info@machupicchuteam.com, WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700. Our customer service team is available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. All requests must be submitted in writing so they can be properly reviewed and documented.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions MACHU PICCHU 2 DAY TOUR BY TRAIN FROM CUSCO
1. Can I Change or Cancel My Reservation?
Date changes are possible only when Machu Picchu tickets, trains, and hotel rooms are available for the new date. Because new tickets must be purchased, a new USD 180 deposit per person is required, in addition to any train or hotel change fees. For cancellations made at least 72 hours before departure, the deposit remains non-refundable; travelers who paid the full amount may receive the remaining balance after applicable deductions.
2. Can I Book My Own Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo?
Yes. You may stay at a hotel booked independently in Machu Picchu Pueblo. In this case, a USD 30 discount per person will be applied to the tour price. Please provide the hotel name and address in advance so we can correctly coordinate the guide, transfers, and meeting arrangements.
3. Can I Start or Finish the Tour in the Sacred Valley?
Yes. The tour may begin or end in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, Calca, or another confirmed location in the Sacred Valley. You may also start in Cusco and finish in the Sacred Valley, or begin in the Sacred Valley and return to Cusco. Advance notice is required to organize the transportation correctly.
4. What Are the Luggage Allowance and Storage Options?
Train services generally allow one backpack or small bag weighing up to approximately 8 kilograms. Larger luggage may require prior authorization and an additional charge. Machu Picchu Team also offers free luggage storage at our Cusco office, and we can coordinate the transfer of your bags when your starting and finishing locations are different.
5. Can I Change My Hotel, Passport Details, or Ticket Format?
You may request drop-off at a different hotel by informing us in advance. Passport-number changes should be reported at least 72 hours before departure, and travelers should carry both the old and new passports when possible. Machu Picchu, train, and bus tickets may be presented digitally using the QR code, although printed copies are also available at our Cusco office.
6. How Early Should I Book and Which Optional Upgrades Are Available?
We recommend booking at least four months in advance to obtain better Machu Picchu circuits and entrance times. Subject to availability, you may add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for USD 65. You may also upgrade from the Expedition or Voyager service to the Vistadome train for USD 45 one way or USD 70 round trip.
7. What Type of Transportation Is Used?
We use authorized tourist vehicles such as cars, vans, minivans, or buses, depending on the number of travelers. All vehicles are operated by licensed drivers and selected to provide safe and comfortable transportation between Cusco or the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo train station.
Travel Guide
Gallery
Photo Gallery
7 REASONS TO BOOK THE MACHU PICCHU 2 DAY TOUR BY TRAIN WITH MACHU PICCHU TEAM
1. Direct Local Tour Operator
Machu Picchu Team is a local tour operator based in Cusco. We coordinate your transportation, train tickets, hotel, Machu Picchu entrance, bus tickets, professional guide, and complete tour logistics directly.
2. Competitive and Transparent Prices
We offer competitive prices with clearly explained inclusions, optional upgrades, and additional costs. The final rate is based on the traveler category, selected hotel, train service, and available Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
3. Small Guided Groups at Machu Picchu
The guided visit inside Machu Picchu is organized in small groups of up to 10 travelers. This allows for clearer explanations, better communication, personalized assistance, and a more enjoyable experience.
4. Convenient Door-to-Door Transportation
We provide coordinated pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station. At the end of the tour, our driver will meet you at the station and take you back to your confirmed accommodation.
5. Flexible Pick-Up and Drop-Off in the Sacred Valley
The tour may begin or end in Cusco or at a confirmed location in the Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, or Calca. You may also begin in Cusco and finish in the Sacred Valley, or arrange the journey in reverse.
6. Professional Guides and Carefully Organized Logistics
Your Machu Picchu visit is led by a licensed bilingual guide with extensive knowledge of Inca history, architecture, culture, and archaeology. Our operations team coordinates every stage of the trip to ensure that your transfers, trains, hotel, entrance time, and guided visit work together correctly.
7. Personalized Assistance from Our Cusco Office
Our team provides support before, during, and after your tour from our centrally located office at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco, one block from the Plaza de Armas. We assist with reservations, payments, tickets, schedule changes, luggage storage, optional upgrades, and any questions related to your journey.
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