Info Cusco to Machu Picchu by Train
Overview Machu Picchu by Train
A 2-day Machu Picchu by train tour offers a compact yet enriching experience. The journey begins with a scenic train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll spend the night in a local hotel before exploring the awe-inspiring Inca citadel the next day.
The tour includes guided visits to key archaeological sites, with free time to explore and enjoy the stunning surroundings. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a comfortable and efficient way to discover Machu Picchu.
Reservation Recommendation:
It is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance to secure the best circuit available. If the circuits are sold out, the only option will be to purchase a ticket in Aguas Calientes, subject to availability.
The circuits correspond to the entrance to Machu Picchu, so booking in advance is essential to guarantee your visit.
Itinerary Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days
We will pick you up at 8:00 am and drive for 1.5 hours to the village of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From there, we will board our train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have free time to explore the village and have lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included).
In the evening, we will gather for a group dinner and discuss our plans for the following day with our guide. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning, we will take the shuttle bus up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” This remarkable site is renowned for its intricate Inca architecture, including various quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. Rediscovered on July 24, 1911, by US researcher Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca civilization.
After a guided tour, you will have time to explore this magical place on your own.
For those who have pre-booked to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will do so at your designated time (1st group: 6 am to 8 am, 2nd group: 9 am to 11 am).
Later, we will take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We will then board our train to Ollantaytambo, where our transfer staff will pick us up and take us back to our hotel in Cusco.
📦 What is Included in the Machu Picchu by Train Tour?
🏨 Accommodation
Last night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes will be at a 2-star hotel. The hotel will be comfortable, clean, and safe, featuring Wi-Fi, a take-away breakfast, and a private bathroom with hot water. Upgrades to higher-quality hotels are available upon request.
🍽️ Meals
Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 are included.
We can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan. Please inform us in advance of any specific preferences so we can make the necessary arrangements.
🚗 Transportation
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Machu Picchu shuttle bus (round trip).
- Train ticket (round trip) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
👥 Local Guides & Team
- All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience and are certified.
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu with a professional guide fluent in English/Spanish.
📝 Tickets & Briefing
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included.
- Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide at our office to review all the details of your tour. The briefing will take place between 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00 at our office in Cusco the day before departure.
❌ What Is Not Included?
🍴 Meals & Activities
- Meals: Lunch and breakfast on Day 1, as well as lunch and dinner on Day 2, are not included. You can visit local restaurants for these meals at your own expense.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: You can choose to add a visit to one of these mountains to your itinerary for $60.00 per person. Please inform us in advance so we can check availability.
📝 Other
- Tips for your guides.
- National or international flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
FAQs Cusco to Machu Picchu by Train
If you are a student, you could get a discount of $20 USD on the Machu Picchu ticket, as long as you meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is non-negotiable.
To apply, send us a photo of both sides of your student ID and another of your passport after making the reservation. The student ID must be original, issued by your university, and meet the following requirements:
- PVC material
- University information
- Photo and full name
- Valid expiration date, for one year only
- Must match the year you visit Machu Picchu
- Issued by a recognized university
You must also bring your original student ID for the control at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
Example of a student card meeting all the requirements.
We have sent you a confirmation email with all the details regarding your trekking adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
The day before your departure at 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, please visit our office located at Portal Espinar Nro 163 to attend an informative briefing. During this meeting, our professional guide will provide you with all the necessary information about your trek and will be available to answer any last-minute questions you may have.
We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes such as rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, along with delicious soups and fresh fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have many vegetarian travelers and our cooks offer great options to accommodate them. We can also cater to all other dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication. Just let us know your needs in advance!
Yes, you can absolutely get to Machu Picchu without hiking. Many travelers choose to take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, a shuttle bus takes you up to the entrance of the archaeological site.
This option is perfect for those who prefer not to trek, as this tour does not include any hiking. It offers a comfortable and scenic way to reach Machu Picchu while still experiencing the magic of this world wonder.
Machu Picchu is located at approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level.
Yes, it is generally safe for tourists. Just follow standard safety guidelines, respect the site rules, and stay on marked paths.
Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” in Quechua, referring to the mountain above the Inca city.
Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people.
Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.
🧳 Packing List Machu Picchu by Train
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
