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 may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.
To receive the discount, please send us a photo of both sides of your student card and another photo of your passport after booking. We can help you verify if all the requirements are met. Your student ID must be:
An original student ID issued by the university, made of PVC material.
Include university information, personal student information, your photo, and an expiration date valid only for one year.
Ensure that the expiration date coincides with the year of your visit to Machu Picchu.
You will also need to bring your original student card with you on the day of your visit and verify it at the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Please make sure your student card meets these requirements before applying for the discount.
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is simple: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco to help your body acclimate. If you have already been to a high-altitude destination before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.
Additional Tips for Altitude Acclimatization
Taking care of your body is key to handling the extra challenges that high altitude can create. We recommend the following tips:
Eat healthy food to nourish your body.
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid alcohol to minimize the effects of altitude.
Consider chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea to help relieve any altitude-related discomfort.
The entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are optional add-ons you can purchase in addition to the Machu Picchu visit that is already included in this trek. You can climb one of these mountains after exploring the Machu Picchu ruins for an incredible view of the Inca Citadel from above.
Please send us an email asking about availability. Once confirmed, you can select which mountain you’d like to climb when booking your trek online. Each option is an additional 60 USD.
What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen in the background of all the iconic photos of Machu Picchu. The climb takes approximately 45 minutes, and at the summit, you’ll find more Inca ruins along with breathtaking views of the Machu Picchu ruins below.
The visit to Huayna Picchu lasts around 2 hours, and it is available as an add-on for an additional 60 USD.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer hike that takes you to a much higher vantage point, providing sweeping views of the ruins and the entire surrounding valley. This option offers a more panoramic experience for those who want to see Machu Picchu from above.
Machu Picchu Mountain is also an additional add-on for 60 USD.
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!
Previous hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to support hikers of all fitness levels and experience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Most importantly, make sure to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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
