howlanders couple observing machu picchu
Side image of the blue Peru Rail Expedition train that transports travelers from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
howlanders boy in a hallway of machu picchu
Image of Machu Picchu mountain and the Inca citadel as seen from above
Small llama on his back looking at the Inca citadel and Machu Picchu
tourists visiting the machu picchu archeological site
machu picchu archeological site
terraces area in the inca city of machu picchu
tourists accessing machu picchu from the upper zone
2 beds in Standard category hotel
Breakfast with view Standard category hotel
Bed Basic category hotel
Reception Basic category hotel
white van Transfer Cusco <> Ollantaytambo
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2 day excursion to Machu Picchu by train

Tour to Machu Picchu by Bus and Tourist Train, with Accommodation and Optional Entry to Machu Picchu

(14 reviews)

🚨 Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out fast! 🚨 Book in advance.

Cusco
2 days
Spanish / English
Starts: From your accommodation in Cusco between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m.
Ends: To your accommodation in Cusco between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.
Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

The 2-day train tour to Machu Picchu is the perfect way to check out the Inca city and chill in Aguas Calientes. You’ll kick things off in Cusco, then head over to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll hop on the iconic train that takes you to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu village. Use your afternoon to explore the Alcomayo waterfalls or just kick back in the hot springs.

And get ready for the best part on day two: visiting Machu Picchu! ✅ If you book with us, you'll get top-notch guides, great train schedules, and access to Machu Picchu for an unforgettable experience. Want all the deets about this 2-day tour from Cusco? We’ve got you covered below!

Tour details

Included

  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket (depending on the selected option)
  • Machu Picchu guided tour
  • Transfer Cusco - Ollantaytambo (round trip)
  • Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (round trip)
  • Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (round trip)
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast (depending on the selected option)

Not included

  • Dinner on day 1
  • Lunch on day 1 and 2
  • Entrance fee to Aguas Calientes hot springs (20 - 25 soles/person)

Important information

🎟️ The tour is available with or without a Machu Picchu entry ticket, depending on the option you select. If you choose the option with entry included, you’ll be assigned the best available time slot and type of ticket.

🚶🏻 If you book the tour without an entry ticket, the guided visit to Machu Picchu will only be included if there’s a group available that matches your time and route. Otherwise, a private guide will be offered at an additional cost.

You can upgrade your tour by adding any of these extras during the booking process:

  • 🚂 Upgrade to first-class train – Upgrade your train tickets to travel in panoramic cars with onboard service and entertainment.
  • 🙋 Upgrade to a private guided tour of Machu Picchu – Instead of joining a group tour, you will have a private guide just for you and your companions.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel more than 15 days before the tour start time you will receive an 70% refund. If you cancel less than 15 days before the tour start time you will receive a 50% refund. After this time, or in case of no-show, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Tour itinerary

PREVIOUS DAY Briefing in Cusco

Briefing in Cusco

The day before the tour starts, you will have a small meeting with the guide in the city of Cusco. He will give you all the tickets and access, explain all the details of the tour and tell you the exact pick-up time for the next day.

He will also explain how you can organize your visit to the Alcomayo waterfalls and the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

tourists strolling through the streets of cusco the day before the tour

DAY 1 Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

From Cusco to Ollantaytambo

The guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Cusco at the agreed time. You will travel by minibus to Ollantaytambo train station, and once there you will be told which train you have to take to get to Aguas Calientes. Please note that the guide will not travel with you on the train.

The trip lasts an hour and a half, passing through spectacular scenery with views of the snow-capped mountains, the Vilcanota River, the semi-tropical zone and the high jungle area.

ollantaytambo train station train to machu picchu

Aguas Calientes

When you arrive at the train station in Aguas Calientes, they will be waiting to take you to your accommodation and will tell you the exact pick-up time for the next day. You can leave your things in the hostel room and take advantage of the afternoon to discover the town of Machu Picchu.

train station and town of aguas calientes

Optional activities you can do in Aguas Calientes

Besides walking through its streets, from Howlanders we recommend you 2 optional activities that you can do during this first day in Machu Picchu town:

  • 💙 Alcomayo Waterfalls : A one-and-a-half-hour hike departing from Aguas Calientes to the great Alcomayo waterfalls.
  • 💙 Aguas Calientes hot springs : Rest and relax in the hot springs of Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is advisable to go before 3:00 pm to enjoy the experience to the fullest because later on it is more difficult to access due to the number of travelers who visit them.
tourists enjoying the hot springs in aguas calientes

DAY 2 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Aguas Calientes

At the time we agreed on, your guide will scoop you up, and then you’ll head to the bus stop with the rest of the crew. You’ll catch the bus that takes you right to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The exact time will depend on when your tickets are scheduled. Get ready to check out one of the new seven Wonders of the Modern World!

high zone of machu picchu on the Machu Picchu 2 day train tour

Machu Picchu

Once you’re in Machu Picchu, you’ll stick to the plan based on your entrance ticket. The route you take will depend on what ticket you have since there are different paths to explore. If your ticket lets you, you’ll get some free time at the end to check out certain areas of Machu Picchu, but just follow the rules they’ve set up. Right now, you can’t wander around freely because they’re keeping things limited to help preserve the site. If you've got any questions about tours or tickets for Machu Picchu, just hit us up!

archaeological ruins of machu picchu during the two hour guided tour

Aguas Calientes

After the guided tour, the guide will say goodbye to the group and you can decide when to return to Aguas Calientes by bus. The guide will have previously given you your bus ticket, which leaves every few minutes from the gate of Machu Picchu.

You will have free time to have lunch in one of the restaurants in Aguas Calientes until the departure of the train, which will take you back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you back to the city of Cuzco, where you will arrive between 18:00 and 21:00.

view of the town of aguas calientes by the river

What to bring to 2 day excursion to Machu Picchu by train tour

Keep in mind that due to the altitude, temperatures can vary quite a bit throughout the day: it’s usually cold in the morning and warm by midday. Also, the rainy season runs from November to March.

We recommend leaving part of your luggage at your accommodation in Cusco and bringing only the essentials, as large bags are not allowed on the train. Lockers are available at Machu Picchu for about 5 soles (approximately $1.50 USD).

Here are our recommendations to help you pack:

  • Small backpack for two days
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Swimsuit and towel (only if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  • Layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes:
    • Base layer: short-sleeved T-shirt
    • Mid layer: sweater or fleece
    • Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu and the train)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal medication and, if needed, altitude sickness pills

Where does the tour 2 day excursion to Machu Picchu by train start

The tour includes hotel pick-up, so you’ll be picked up from your accommodation as long as it’s located in Cusco’s historic center. If the street isn’t accessible for the minibus, the coordinator will walk with you from your accommodation to the designated pick-up point. If your hotel is not in the city center, the minibus won’t be able to deviate much from its route, and a pick-up point as close as possible to your accommodation will be arranged for you.

Questions & Answers

  • Which Machu Picchu ticket is included with my booking?

    If you booked the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train without a ticket, your reservation does not include entrance to Machu Picchu.

    If you selected the option with the ticket included, we will confirm your booking with the best available circuit and entry time.

  • Which is the best Machu Picchu ticket?

    There isn't a single "best" ticket to Machu Picchu — each circuit offers a different experience.

    To help you choose, we recommend reading [this guide about Machu Picchu circuits].

  • What can I do if there are no Machu Picchu tickets available?

    If tickets are sold out, you have a few alternatives:

    • Book the 2-day or 4-day Inca Trail, which uses a different ticket type.
    • Try to secure a last-minute ticket: sometimes a few additional tickets are released, or you might be able to buy one at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes (especially during the low season).

    In these cases, we recommend booking the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley 2-Day Tour without a ticket included, so you can arrive early in Aguas Calientes and improve your chances. Keep in mind that there is a risk you might not get a ticket.

  • Can I book the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train without the entrance ticket?

    Yes, you can book the excursion without including the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

    Just select the "without ticket" option when booking.

    If your ticket allows for a group guided tour, we'll include it at no extra cost. Otherwise, we’ll offer you the option of a private guided tour for an additional fee.

  • Will I be able to take the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu?

    It depends on the ticket and circuit available at the time of booking.

    At Howlanders, we’ll do our best to secure the best circuit so you can take the iconic photo, but we can't guarantee it due to limited availability.

  • Can I customize the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train?

    Yes, you can personalize your experience by adjusting the duration, included services, and more.

    Simply contact us to create your custom experience.

  • When is the best time to book the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train?

    We recommend booking as early as possible, since the most popular Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly.

    Another option is to purchase your ticket independently on the official Machu Picchu website and then book the excursion without the ticket.

  • What is included with the First-Class Train upgrade?

    The upgrade gives you access to a luxury tourist train featuring panoramic windows, onboard entertainment, and a complimentary snack, making the scenic journey between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes even more enjoyable.

  • What does the Private Guided Tour upgrade include?

    Normally, the guided tour at Machu Picchu is conducted in a group of around 15 people.

    If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can upgrade to a private guide, who will lead the tour exclusively for you.

  • Can I add tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

    Yes, but tickets for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are extremely limited.

    They can't be added directly during online booking — you'll need to contact us after reserving or purchase them yourself through the official Machu Picchu ticket website.

  • Do you offer discounts for students or children?

    Yes, students under 25 years old with a valid student ID are eligible for a $20 USD discount.

    Please contact us after booking to request your discount.

  • What type of accommodations are included in the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train?

    • Basic option: accommodations at hotels like Peru Coca B&B.
    • Standard option: accommodations at hotels like Hotel Susanna Inn or Rock Rivers.

  • Is the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train canceled during the rainy season?

    No, the 2-Day Excursion to Machu Picchu by Train is never canceled due to rain.

    Since the journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is by train and not by road, it is not affected by road closures even during heavy rains.

2 day excursion to Machu Picchu by train tour reviews with Howlanders

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