Machu Picchu Tour by Train - 2 Days / 1 Night

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).

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.