Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train

Machu Picchu rewards early risers. This two-day trip from Cusco combines train travel through the Sacred Valley, one night in Aguas Calientes, and an early walk to the citadel. I like that the main transport, entrance arrangements, guide, dinner, breakfast, and hotel are bundled together. I also like the planned Sun Gate visit and the chance to see the mountains and Inca ruins from the train rather than rushing straight to the site.

The weak spot is coordination. One booking was handled beautifully by Carlos and Nixon, with guide Jorge earning special praise, but another visitor had trouble finding the station pickup, dinner host, and entrance arrangements. You also walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu instead of taking the shuttle bus, so this is not the easiest choice if you want a relaxed morning.

Key points before you book

• The trip begins at 9:00 a.m. in Cusco, with transport to Ollantaytambo and a tourist train to Aguas Calientes.
• The second day starts around 4:00 a.m., followed by an uphill walk of about 40 minutes to Machu Picchu.
• A professional guide leads about two hours inside the citadel, with time afterward for your own exploring.
• Your $399 price includes transport, train tickets, entrance arrangements, one hotel night, dinner, breakfast, and fees.
• You walk both ways between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, since the shuttle bus is not included.
• The group can have up to 15 people, and the full return to Cusco may not happen until 9:30 or 10:00 p.m.

Why this two-day plan works

This tour is built for people who want Machu Picchu without committing to a multi-day trek. You leave Cusco in the morning, sleep near the ruins, visit Machu Picchu early the next day, then return to Cusco that night.

That schedule saves you from trying to visit the citadel as a day trip from Cusco. A same-day visit means a very early departure, long transport connections, and little room for delays. Here, you get a night in Aguas Calientes, the small town below Machu Picchu, so the main visit begins close to the entrance.

The price is $399 per person. That is not a budget independent trip, but it can be fair if the operator handles the parts that are hard to coordinate. Your fare covers the Cusco hotel pickup, private ground transportation to and from Ollantaytambo, round-trip train travel, Machu Picchu admission arrangements, a guide, one night in Aguas Calientes, dinner, breakfast, and taxes.

The value depends heavily on execution. If every transfer works, you are paying for convenience and support during a complicated two-day route. If you are comfortable arranging train tickets, lodging, admission, and transport yourself, you may find the package less attractive. Machu Picchu tickets are limited, so the cost also reflects the work of securing the required entry.

Book well ahead. The operator asks for about two months of advance notice for the standard Machu Picchu entrance, and confirmation is subject to availability. The experience is often booked 33 days ahead, but that is not a guarantee that a last-minute reservation will work.

Day 1: Cusco to Ollantaytambo by road

Pickup begins at 9:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. The route heads toward Ollantaytambo, an old Inca town and the departure point for the train to Aguas Calientes.

The road portion takes about five hours according to the schedule. That makes the first day more than a simple transfer. You will spend a large part of the day seated in the vehicle, with the scenery doing most of the entertaining.

You may see snow-capped Andean peaks, steep mountain valleys, and Inca ruins associated with the classic Inca Trail. The route gives you a useful sense of how remote Machu Picchu is, even though the train makes the trip far easier than walking the full trail.

Breakfast on the first day is not included, and lunch is also excluded. Eat before pickup or carry food with you. The package includes dinner that evening, but you should not expect the tour price to cover every meal between Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

The train ride to Aguas Calientes

At Ollantaytambo, you board a tourist train for Aguas Calientes. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip because the route follows the Urubamba River through dramatic mountain scenery.

The train is also a practical choice. It replaces a long hike and lets you reach the town in time for dinner and a short evening break. Train schedules can affect the return, so the final arrival in Cusco is not fixed to the minute.

When you reach Aguas Calientes station, the planned arrangement is for someone to meet you and take you to the hotel. This is a small, walkable town, but station confusion can still be stressful when you have luggage and no local bearings. Save the operator’s contact information before you leave Cusco, and confirm the name of the hotel and the person meeting you.

The lodging is described as a hostel night rather than a clearly defined hotel category. One booking received excellent care from the company, including help with luggage, but the room in another case was noisy enough to make sleep difficult. Keep your expectations practical: this overnight stay is mainly a base for Machu Picchu, not a reason to choose the tour.

An evening in Aguas Calientes

Dinner with the group is planned for around 6:00 p.m. Afterward, you have free time to walk around town or visit the hot springs.

The dinner arrangement deserves a little caution. It is included, but the meeting process has not always been clear. A late arrival by a partner representative and poor communication about the menu can make a simple meal feel more complicated than it should.

Aguas Calientes is useful because everything is close together, including the train station, restaurants, hotels, and the road toward Machu Picchu. Your evening will be short, especially if you intend to rise at 4:00 a.m., so treat the hot springs as an option, not an obligation.

Pack your day bag before dinner. Keep your passport, entrance details, water, and anything needed for the early walk where you can reach them quickly. You will not want to sort luggage in the dark.

Day 2: the 4:00 a.m. walk to Machu Picchu

The second day is the heart of the trip. You rise around 4:00 a.m. and walk uphill from Aguas Calientes toward Machu Picchu. The ascent takes about 40 minutes.

This is not a flat stroll. You are walking before sunrise, after a short night, and gaining height on steps and an uphill route. If you are reasonably fit, it is manageable, but it will feel demanding for some people. Wear shoes with a firm grip and carry only what you need.

The appeal is clear. You are aiming to reach the ruins early, with the guide waiting at the entrance. The schedule is designed to give you a chance to see the morning light and visit the Sun Gate. The exact sunrise conditions can depend on weather, crowd flow, and your pace, so think of sunrise as the goal rather than a promise.

The shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is not included. The instructions say that everybody walks, both up and down. This saves money, but it adds effort at the most important part of the trip. If you have knee trouble, limited mobility, or simply dislike steep early walks, ask the operator about alternatives before paying.

Inside the citadel with a guide

The organized visit includes Machu Picchu admission and a professional guide. The guided portion lasts about two hours, giving you a framework for understanding the temples, terraces, stonework, and setting.

That guide time matters. Machu Picchu can look like a collection of beautiful walls if you do not know what you are seeing. A good guide helps connect the structures to Inca engineering, ceremony, agriculture, and the wider mountain route.

Jorge received especially strong praise for his explanations and for helping with photographs. The company contacts Carlos and Nixon were also credited with quick, thoughtful support and help with luggage. Those personal touches can make a major difference in a trip that involves several tickets and handoffs.

Still, confirm exactly who will meet you at the entrance and what the guide’s name is. One booking was told that there was no guide beyond ticket handling, which conflicts with the advertised professional guide service. The safest approach is to get the meeting instructions in writing before departure.

After the guided tour, you have free time to explore the citadel on your own. The amount of time depends on the entry schedule and the train you are assigned, so do not assume you can remain inside without limit. Follow the guide’s instructions about the permitted route and exit arrangements.

Returning to Cusco by train and bus

When you finish at Machu Picchu, you walk back down to Aguas Calientes to collect your backpack. You then board the train to Ollantaytambo.

At Ollantaytambo, ground transport takes you back toward Cusco, with the stated drop-off at San Francisco Square. Arrival is expected around 9:30 to 10:00 p.m., depending on train availability.

That is a very long second day, listed at about 14 hours. You may be tired by the time you reach Cusco, so avoid scheduling an early activity the following morning. Lunch and dinner on this final day are not included, and you should plan to buy food during the return journey or at a stop.

The late arrival also matters if you have a flight the next morning. The package includes transport to San Francisco Square, not necessarily a transfer to an airport or another hotel. Confirm the final drop-off point if you are carrying large bags or staying outside central Cusco.

How reliable is the organization?

This is where the tour has its biggest range of outcomes. The best experience includes prompt contact after booking, a video call to explain the plan, helpful staff, smooth luggage handling, and a strong guide. The worst experience involves a last-minute cancellation because Machu Picchu tickets could not be obtained.

The entrance is listed as included, but confirmation remains subject to availability, especially if you book less than two months ahead. The cancellation terms are strict: the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. That makes early confirmation especially important.

Do not wait until the day before to ask for the train time, hotel name, pickup instructions, or guide meeting point. Ask for all four. Also confirm whether your ticket includes the Sun Gate route you expect, since Machu Picchu circuits and entry times can control what you are allowed to see.

The operator provides a 24-hour contact option, which is useful when a station pickup or dinner meeting becomes unclear. That support does not replace clear instructions, but it gives you a place to turn when plans change.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this trip if you want the main Machu Picchu experience without planning every connection yourself. It suits someone who values a prearranged train, hotel, entrance, guide, and transport package more than a quiet schedule or luxury lodging.

It is also a good fit if you are comfortable with an early start, a 40-minute uphill walk, and a late return to Cusco. A small group of up to 15 people keeps the outing more manageable than a large coach tour, though the pace may still be shared.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed room quality, precise communication, or a flexible cancellation policy. I would also hesitate if you have mobility concerns, since the standard plan excludes the shuttle bus and requires walking up and down.

Should you book the $399 package?

Book it if the operator confirms your Machu Picchu entrance, train times, hotel, guide, and station meeting point well before the trip. The package can be good value when Carlos, Nixon, or another coordinator gives you clear support and the guide service works as planned.

Do not book blindly. The combination of a non-refundable policy and limited entrance availability makes this a trip where written confirmation matters. If you prefer total control, compare the cost of buying your own train tickets, lodging, entrance, and transport.

My call: this is a promising, well-priced way to reach Machu Picchu by train, with an excellent guide experience possible and a thoughtful two-day structure. I would book only after confirming the details, and I would bring patience, a small day bag, sturdy shoes, and food money for the meals not covered.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup begins at 9:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two days. The first day is scheduled for about five hours, and the second day is scheduled for about 14 hours.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Is Machu Picchu admission included?

Yes, the package includes Machu Picchu entrance arrangements, but confirmation depends on availability. The operator asks for booking about two months ahead for the standard entrance.

Is a guide included at Machu Picchu?

Yes, a professional guide is included, with about two hours of guided touring inside the citadel.

Is the train included?

Yes, round-trip tourist train transportation between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes is included.

Is the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu included?

No. The bus up and down is not included, and the standard plan has you walk both ways.

Are meals included?

Dinner on the first evening and breakfast at the accommodation are included. Breakfast and lunch on the first day, plus lunch and dinner on the final day, are not included.

What happens if I cancel?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid will not be refunded.