Tour a Machu Picchu de 2 Días en Tren
Make your visit to Machu Picchu more comfortable and special by traveling by train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes and spending the night close to the ancient citadel. This 2 day train tour is a great option for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu comfortably, without a long hike and without dealing with an exhausting almost 10 hour day trip from Cusco.
On Day 1, the experience begins with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River through mountains, Andean villages, and beautiful landscapes. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will have the afternoon free to rest, explore the town, visit the hot springs, the butterfly garden, or simply take your time preparing for the next day’s visit. On Day 2, you will enter Machu Picchu early with an expert local guide, explore the highlights of the citadel, and return to Cusco in the afternoon.
- Tour location: Machu Picchu, located above the town of Aguas Calientes in the Cusco region.
- Tour type: Train journey, cultural visit, and short walk inside Machu Picchu.
- Best for: Couples, families, seniors, first-time visitors, and travelers who prefer to avoid long hikes.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. No trekking is required, but you will walk on stone steps, uneven paths, and some uphill and dowhill sections inside Machu Picchu.
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
- Language: Spanish and/or English.
- Service type: Small group or private service, depending on availability and the traveler’s preference.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes, according to the selected category.
- Train: Tourist train service, with the option to upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability.
Tour Highlights
- Machu Picchu on a comfortable 2-day experience.
- Travel by train through the Sacred Valley.
- Spend one night in Aguas Calientes, close to Machu Picchu.
- Avoid a rushed itinerary from Cusco.
- Explore Machu Picchu with a professional local guide.
- Learn about Inca history, architecture, and culture.
- Enjoy an ideal experience for travelers who prefer comfort and good organization.
- Return to Cusco after a complete and relaxed visit.
Why Travelers Love This Tour
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to explore two of the most iconic destinations in the Cusco region in just two days: the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Many travelers prefer this option because it offers a more relaxed pace than a typical day trip to Machu Picchu. Instead of waking up before dawn in Cusco, rushing to catch the train, exploring the citadel, and returning late the same evening, you'll enjoy a more comfortable journey through the Sacred Valley, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu the following morning feeling refreshed and ready to fully enjoy the experience. This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour by train is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a well-organized itinerary that combines comfort, cultural discovery, and unforgettable scenery.
What Makes This Experience Special?
This tour is about much more than simply visiting Machu Picchu it's about experiencing the journey along the way.
Throughout the tour, you'll visit traditional Andean villages, remarkable Inca sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, ancient agricultural terraces, local markets, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. You'll also learn why the Sacred Valley played such an important role in the Inca Empire and why it remains culturally significant for local communities today.
With the guidance of a professional local expert, every destination becomes more meaningful. You'll not only see archaeological sites and beautiful scenery, but also gain a deeper understanding of the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage that make this region so unique.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to enjoy this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour 2 days experience is between April and October, during the dry season. These months typically offer clearer skies, excellent mountain views, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and photography.
The tour is also available from November through March, during the rainy season. During these months, the landscapes become greener and more vibrant, creating spectacular scenery throughout the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Travelers should be prepared for occasional rain and bring a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is an excellent option for couples, families, first time visitors to Peru, culture enthusiasts, and travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu without hiking the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or other multi day routes.
It's also ideal for travelers with limited time in Cusco who want a complete experience that includes both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu while traveling at a comfortable pace.
What's Included
Everything is arranged for a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey to Machu Picchu.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Transportation from Cusco to the train station
- Tourist train to Aguas Calientes
- Overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Round-trip shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Professional local guide
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on availability
- Transportation back to your hotel in Cusco
- Assistance and support before and throughout your trip
What's Not Included
The following services are not included in the tour price:
- Lunches and dinners, unless specifically requested or included in your reservation
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Entrance permits for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, u
- less requested and confirmed in advance
- Any services not specifically listed in the Included section
A Quick Note About Optional Hikes
If you'd like to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, be sure to let us know when booking. These permits are separate from the standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket, availability is limited, and they often sell out well in advance especially during the high season.
Day 1: Scenic Train Journey to Aguas Calientes
Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Pickup time varies depending on train schedules and the season. From there, you'll travel by tourist transportation to the train station, typically located in Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
As you leave Cusco behind, you'll begin to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley, passing traditional villages, agricultural fields, and dramatic Andean scenery. Upon arrival at the station, you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes, an essential part of this Machu Picchu 2-day tour by train.
The train follows the Urubamba River through a spectacular canyon, offering beautiful views throughout the journey. As you travel closer to Machu Picchu, the scenery gradually changes from high altitude mountain landscapes to the lush cloud forest that surrounds the ancient citadel.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our team will assist you with your hotel check in. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may explore the town, browse local markets, visit the butterfly sanctuary, relax in the hot springs, or simply prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Spending the night in Aguas Calientes allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
- Meals: Not included unless specified in your reservation.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes based on your selected category.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Elevation: 2,040 m (6,693 ft).
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the shuttle bus bound for Machu Picchu. The ride takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes along a winding mountain road surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking scenery.
Upon arrival, you'll begin a guided visit of Machu Picchu with a professional local guide. The route will depend on the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket, which is why we strongly recommend booking early to secure the best available options.
During your visit, you'll explore the authorized sectors of the citadel while learning about the history, architecture, engineering, and spiritual significance of one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites.
You'll discover ancient terraces, temples, ceremonial areas, stone pathways, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains.
After the guided tour, you'll return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your train schedule, you'll have free time for lunch, shopping, or exploring the town before boarding your return train.
Later, you'll travel back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our transportation service will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Maximum Elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft).
- Visit Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours inside Machu Picchu, depending on the assigned circuit.
About Machu Picchu Visitor Circuits
To help protect the archaeological site and manage visitor flow, access to Machu Picchu is organized through different visitor circuits. Each route follows a specific path and provides access to different viewpoints, temples, terraces, and archaeological sectors.
For this tour, we always try to secure the best available circuit based on your travel date. However, all tickets are controlled by Peru's Ministry of Culture and availability can be limited, especially during the high season.
Whenever possible, we aim to reserve Circuit 2, as many travelers consider it one of the most complete ways to experience Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route
If you're hoping to capture the classic postcard view of Machu Picchu, this route is a great option. It focuses on the upper viewpoints, offering spectacular panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.
Approximate visit time: 1 hour
Circuit 2 – Classic Route
This is often the preferred route for first-time visitors because it offers a balanced experience of Machu Picchu. You'll enjoy iconic viewpoints while also exploring some of the site's most important archaeological sectors.
Approximate visit time: 2.5 hours
Circuit 3 – Royal Route
This route focuses on the lower section of Machu Picchu, where you'll find temples, ceremonial areas, residential structures, and other important architectural features. It's an excellent choice for travelers interested in learning more about how the site functioned during Inca times.
Approximate visit time: 2 hours
Important Information
All Machu Picchu tickets are issued with a specific date, entry time, and circuit. Once tickets have been issued, changes are subject to official regulations and ticket availability.
Because the most popular routes can sell out months in advance, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you're planning to travel during the high season.
What to Bring
To make the most of your 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour, we recommend packing light while bringing a few essentials for comfort throughout the journey.
- Original passport
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack or daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Personal medications
- Camera or smartphone
- Cash in Peruvian soles for meals, snacks, souvenirs, and personal expenses
- Comfortable clothing for both the train ride and your visit to Machu Picchu
Important
Your original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match the information used when your entrance ticket was issued.
We also recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. Even during the dry season, it's a good idea to carry light rain protection, as weather conditions in the cloud forest can change quickly.
Optional Services & Upgrades
Customize your 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour by Train with one of the following upgrades and optional experiences.
Train Upgrades
Your tour includes standard tourist train service to Aguas Calientes. If you'd like a more scenic or premium experience, you can upgrade your train service, subject to availability.
Expedition or Voyager Train – Included Service
A comfortable and reliable option with spacious seating and large windows for enjoying the journey through the Andes.
| Vistadome Train – From USD 45 per person | Enjoy larger panoramic windows, enhanced views of the Sacred Valley, and complimentary onboard snacks. |
| Vistadome Observatory Train – From USD 70 per person | One of the most scenic ways to travel to Machu Picchu, featuring panoramic coaches, an observation car, and onboard entertainment. |
| Hiram Bingham Luxury Train – From USD 450 per person | Travel in style with gourmet dining, live music, premium service, and one of South America's most exclusive rail experiences. |
Optional Hiking Permits
| Huayna Picchu Mountain – From USD 75 per person | Climb the iconic peak overlooking Machu Picchu and enjoy breathtaking views of the citadel and surrounding mountains. Permits are extremely limited and often sell out months in advance. |
| Machu Picchu Mountain – From USD 75 per person | A scenic hike offering panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the surrounding Andes. Ideal for travelers looking to add an extra adventure to their visit. |
Important Information
All upgrades and additional permits are subject to availability at the time of booking. We strongly recommend reserving optional services as early as possible, especially during the high season, when train upgrades and mountain permits can sell out quickly.
Absolutely. This tour is a great choice for families, couples, and travelers of all ages. Since there are no long hikes involved, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to experience both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace.
No. You don't need hiking experience or a high fitness level to enjoy this tour. However, you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain, stone pathways, and stairs during your visit to Machu Picchu.
A 2 day experience gives you more time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed. You'll explore the Sacred Valley, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu the following morning feeling rested and ready to fully enjoy the experience. Many travelers find this option more comfortable and rewarding than trying to do everything in a single day.
Yes. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included in the tour price and will be reserved based on official availability at the time of booking.
Yes. Depending on availability, you may upgrade to the Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, or Hiram Bingham train for a more scenic or premium travel experience.
Yes. Both hiking options can be added to your reservation, subject to permit availability. Because spaces are limited, we recommend requesting these permits as early as possible.
Yes. We can arrange this tour as a private service for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience, greater flexibility, and dedicated attention from their guide.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you're traveling during the high season or would like to secure Circuit 2, specific train schedules, hotel upgrades, or permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
If Circuit 2 is unavailable for your travel date, we'll reserve the best alternative available through the official Machu Picchu ticketing system. All circuits offer a unique experience and access to important areas of the archaeological site.
Yes. Depending on your train schedule, you'll have time to explore Aguas Calientes, enjoy a meal, browse local shops, or simply relax before continuing your journey.
Discover the best of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on a well-paced, unforgettable journey that combines history, culture, breathtaking scenery, and the comfort of traveling by train. Contact us today and let our team help you plan your perfect Peru adventure.
