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

Includes entrance fee to Machu Picchu, transportation by train + bus and lodging in Aguas Calientes

(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

  • Transfer Cusco - Ollantaytambo (round trip)
  • Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes in the selected category (round trip)
  • Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (round trip)
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • 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 includes entry to Machu Picchu and transportation on a tourist train. When you book, the best available schedules and entry types will be assigned to you. If you already have an entry ticket and don’t want to include it in your reservation, please contact us.

You can enhance your tour by adding one of these extras during the booking process:

  • 🎫 Additional entry to other circuits – In addition to the general entry included in the tour, you will receive a second ticket to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain without a guide.
  • 🚂 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 : 10 soles/person.
  • A one-and-a-half-hour hike departing from Aguas Calientes to the great Alcomayo waterfalls.
  • 💙 Aguas Calientes hot springs : 20-25 soles/person.
  • Rest and relax in the hot springs of Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is advisable to go before 15:00 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.

✅ If you have selected the extra "private transfer Ollantaytambo - Cuzco" the driver will be waiting for you when you leave the train.

✅ If you have selected the extra "Vistadome Train" the train ride will be in first class on a panoramic train.

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

  • Will I be able to take the typical photo in Machu Picchu?

    From Howlanders we understand how important it is to capture those memorable moments during your visit to Machu Picchu, that's why we will do our best to confirm your reservation with the best available circuit and take the classic picture with the majestic citadel in the background.

  • Can I book the tour without including the Machu Picchu entrance ticket?

    Yes, it is possible to book the tour without including the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. If you have purchased your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, please contact us before booking and we will guide you on how to make a reservation without including the entrance ticket. It will be essential that the purchased entry time is compatible with the tour schedule.

  • Is it possible to have a discount on the price of entrance, train or accomodation if I have already booked them in advance?

    Yes, we offer various discounts depending on the services you do not want to include. If you want to customize your tour, contact us.

  • What is the difference between the trains?

    There are two companies that operate the route between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town): Inca Rail and Peru Rail. Their trains are for tourist, with panoramic windows and circulate at low speed to be able to appreciate the landscape during the route. They offer mainly 2 categories, the standard category, called Expedition or Voyager and the superior category called 360 or Vistadome. In case you want a more luxurious category or customize your tour, contact us.

  • What is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu?

    Any time of the year is a good time to visit Machu Picchu. During the months of June to September, it is the dry season and you will avoid possible rainy days but there are more tourists for being in high season. If you want to know each of the steps you will do during the tour read this article from our blog where we explain you personally all the adventure.

  • Has this tour ever been canceled in the rainy season?

    No, the tour is never cancelled due to the weather. The stretch between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) is done by train and not by road, which sometimes can be closed, especially in the rainy season.

  • When to book the tour?

    During Easter and the months from June to September, it is high season. In order to ensure good timetables on the trains it is advisable to book more than a month in advance. In the case of including Huayna Picchu we recommend booking more than 3 months in advance.

  • Do you offer discounts to students or children and other groups?

    Yes, we offer a 20 USD discount to children and students under the age of 25 who have a valid student card. The student discount is applied at the entrance to Machu Picchu but the organization in charge of managing the tickets is very demanding, so it is necessary that the card includes the period of validity, otherwise the discount will not be applied.

  • Is it possible to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco the next day?

    Yes, it is possible to include one more night in the accommodation in Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) and adapt the transport back to Cusco. You simply have to select the accommodation you want as an extra.

  • What are the accommodations in each option?

    The basic accommodation option * includes hotels such as Peru Coca B&B, while the standard accommodation option *** includes hotels like Hotel Susanna Inn or Rock Rivers.

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

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