Machu Picchu by Train from Cusco (2 Days)

Group of travelers sitting at the Machu Picchu viewpoint, waving in front of the citadel
Machupicchu Travel Cataleya travelers at the Machu Picchu viewpoint, with Huayna Picchu in the background
Traveler in the citadel of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu in the background
Two travelers looking at the citadel of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint
Family with children at the Machu Picchu viewpoint
DURATION 2 Days
DEPARTURE Hotel in Cusco – 3 blocks from the Main Square.
GROUP SIZE 1 - 10 people
MAX. ALTITUDE 3399 m.s.n.m.
DIFFICULTY Easy
Updated every 30 minutes

Machu Picchu ticket availability

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Source: official availability of the Ministry of Culture of Peru · last reading 24 Oct · 00:43 (Peru time)

The beginning of the journey

This Machu Picchu experience is a relaxed and leisurely tour. You can choose your preferred schedule, as we can arrange your pick-up at almost any time of day, whether in the morning, at noon, or around 2:00 p.m. This tour is especially popular among older travelers who prefer to enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace without rushing.

  • On the first day, we will simply pick you up from your hotel, take you by van to Ollantaytambo, and then you will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will spend the night. The following day, you will visit Machu Picchu, either in the morning or afternoon.
  • Travel through the impressive Sacred Valley on your way to the train station, passing through charming Andean villages.
  • Experience the spectacular change in scenery, climate, and ecosystems as you enter the Peruvian cloud forest. The train journey offers unforgettable views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. During the journey, you will see the Vilcanota River on your right and the lush jungle on your left—and perhaps even spot some wildlife!
  • If you take an early train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will have the option to enjoy the hot springs, explore the streets, boulevards, and main square before checking into your hotel.
  • Explore the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu: Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Incas as you explore the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. Experience the grandeur of this historic treasure as you discover its secrets and legends during a guided tour filled with fascinating details.
  • Experience history and culture in every corner of the citadel: Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the passageways and structures of the citadel, including iconic sites such as the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Acllahuasi, the Temple of the Condor, and the water fountains.

Itinerary

On this day, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at the scheduled time. We will then begin an approximately 2-hour journey by private transportation through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. There, you will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly known as Aguas Calientes). The train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo takes approximately 2 hours.

The train journey offers breathtaking views of the Urubamba River, which winds through remote Andean villages and agricultural lands.

We will accommodate you in a private hotel room with a private bathroom in Aguas Calientes. If you arrive early, you will have the opportunity to visit the hot springs. However, if you arrive around 7:00 p.m., it will already be too late to visit them. For this tour, we recommend taking the midday train, giving you enough time to visit the hot springs and explore Machu Picchu Pueblo.

You can also take advantage of the day to explore the town’s streets, visit the main square, and enjoy the hot springs, which are open from 4:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Later in the evening, our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby to provide you with information about the following day’s itinerary.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our guide will pick you up at the scheduled time for your Machu Picchu visit. We will take a 25-minute bus ride uphill from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Once at the main entrance of Machu Picchu, our guide will assist you through the security checkpoint. You will need to present your original passport or Peruvian ID (DNI), along with your entrance ticket.

We will then enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through the citadel. During the tour, we will show you some of the main Inca ruins, including the Main Plaza, the ceremonial center, the remains of temples, agricultural terraces, and other important sites.

After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo. You will then board the train back to Ollantaytambo train station. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and arrange your transportation back to Cusco.

After visiting the archaeological sites, you will have some free time to explore the citadel. Alternatively, you can hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers a unique view of the citadel. This viewpoint is traditionally associated with travelers arriving via the Inca Trail. The round-trip hike from the citadel takes approximately two hours.

If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our local expert will assist you with the entrance. Please note that tickets for these mountains can be reserved when booking the tour, at an additional cost.

What's included

Included

  • Hotel pick-up. Hotel pick-ups begin at 4:00 a.m. The pick-up time can be arranged in advance.
  • Transportation from Cusco City to the Ollantaytambo train station, and back on the return journey.
  • Round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Expedition or The Voyager, subject to availability). You can upgrade your train journey to the Vistadome or 360° train for an additional $100.00 USD per way.
  • 1 night of accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • 1 breakfast.
  • Professional and experienced tour guide, licensed in Tourism (Spanish, English, or Portuguese).
  • Bus service from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu (round trip).
  • Machu Picchu entrance tickets (Circuit 2 or 3, subject to availability).

We recommend that travelers make their reservation at least 3 months in advance to enjoy Machu Picchu Route 2, which allows approximately 2.5 hours to explore Machu Picchu, visit the agricultural sector (where you can take some of the best photos), and capture the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s House. Booking in advance also allows us to secure train tickets with better schedules and better views whenever available.

Not Included

  • Access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain
    • An additional $60.00 USD for international visitors or $45.00 USD for Peruvian visitors is required (subject to availability). If you would like a guide to accompany you to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, an additional $60.00 USD per group of 1–10 people is required.

    • If you would like to include Huayna Picchu Mountain, please check availability first, as spaces are limited.

  • Vistadome or 360° Train
    • $45.00 USD per way.

    • The Vistadome Train offers a comfortable and panoramic journey to Machu Picchu, with large windows that allow you to enjoy the Andean scenery throughout the trip. It also includes snacks, beverages, and an onboard show featuring traditional dances, adding a cultural touch to the journey. On the other hand, Inca Rail’s 360° Train is designed to provide an even more immersive visual experience, thanks to its larger panoramic windows and open-air observatory car, ideal for taking photos and enjoying the natural surroundings up close. This service also offers snacks made with local ingredients and an onboard entertainment system, making the journey comfortable, modern, and immersive.

  • Vistadome Observatory Train
    • $100.00 USD per way.

    • PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory takes the traditional Vistadome experience a step further by featuring an exclusive observatory car with even larger windows, a glass roof, and an open-air balcony where you can admire the scenery without obstructions. On certain departures, this service also offers live Andean music and traditional dance performances, providing a more immersive and special experience for travelers looking for something different on their journey to Machu Picchu.

  • Entrance to the hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Breakfast, lunch, or beverages. (After visiting Machu Picchu, you can choose to have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo.)
  • Snacks.
  • Tips (optional).

Recommended to bring

What to Bring

  • Passport, identification document, or Peruvian ID (DNI).

Identification documents are required to enter Machu Picchu.

  1. Train ticket and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  2. Sunglasses and sunscreen.
  3. 1 personal backpack.
  4. Cash for personal expenses.
  5. Appropriate clothing. If it is cold or windy, we recommend bringing a jacket, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.
  6. Insect repellent.
  7. Good walking shoes.
  8. 1 bottle of water.
  9. Peruvian soles (cash).

Frequently asked questions

About Machu Picchu

  • Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Historic Sanctuary of Peru, and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
  • Its majestic and ingenious architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
  • Machu Picchu was built by Inca Pachacútec and his people around the year 1460.
  • After being forgotten for many years, American explorer Hiram Bingham arrived at Machu Picchu in 1911 during an expedition and brought the site to worldwide attention.
  • The most important structures at Machu Picchu include the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
  • In 1913, Machu Picchu received worldwide attention when the National Geographic Society dedicated its entire April issue to the newly discovered city.