Experience Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace on this 2-day tour, designed for travelers who prefer more time to soak in the journey. Ride the scenic train through the Sacred Valley, spend a night in charming Aguas Calientes, and explore the Lost City of the Incas with an expert local guide.
Overview
Trip Summary
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Day 1: Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hotel pick-up and transfer from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo station, where you board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town, followed by an evening briefing with your guide.
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Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco
Early breakfast and bus up to Machu Picchu for a 2–2.5 hour guided tour of the citadel, followed by free time inside the sanctuary according to your circuit, with the option of hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Highlights
✦ Relaxed 2-Day Experience
Explore Machu Picchu without the rush of a one-day tour.
✦ Scenic Train Journey
Travel through spectacular Andean and cloud forest landscapes.
✦ Stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Enjoy an overnight stay in the town at the foot of the citadel.
✦ Expert Local Guide
Discover the history, architecture, and mysteries of the Inca civilization.
✦ More Time at Machu Picchu
Better opportunities for photography and optional mountain hikes.
✦ All Transportation Included
Hotel pickup, transfers, train tickets, bus tickets, and guided visit are all arranged for you.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Scenic Train Journey via Ollantaytambo)
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Hotel Pickup & Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 10:00 and 10:30 AM. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley, pickup can also be arranged. Enjoy a comfortable drive through the beautiful Andean landscapes to Ollantaytambo Train Station, taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Scenic Train Journey
Board your panoramic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). During the 1.5-hour journey, admire breathtaking views as the scenery changes from the Sacred Valley to the lush cloud forest alongside the Urubamba River.
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Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel. Check in, relax, and prepare for the next day’s unforgettable visit.
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Free Afternoon in Aguas Calientes
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Walk through the charming streets of Aguas Calientes, browse local markets, visit cafés, or simply relax while surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
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Evening Briefing
Around 7:00 PM, meet your professional guide at the hotel for a short briefing. You’ll receive important information about your Machu Picchu visit, entry time, bus departure, and recommendations for the following day.
DAY 1 Technical Specifications
Places to Visit: Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)
Estimated Duration: Approximately 3-3.5 hours of travel (transfer + train)
Transport: Private vehicle and panoramic train
DAY 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco
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Early Breakfast & Bus to Machu Picchu
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will accompany you to the bus station. A 25-minute shuttle ride brings you to the entrance of Machu Picchu, where your unforgettable experience begins.
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Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Explore the Lost City of the Incas on a 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour. Visit its most iconic temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and viewpoints while learning about the fascinating history, engineering, and culture of the Inca civilization.
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Free Time & Optional Mountain Hikes
After the guided tour, enjoy free time according to your entrance circuit. If you booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, continue with your optional hike for even more spectacular panoramic views.
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Return to Aguas Calientes
Take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch (not included), pick up your luggage from the hotel, or explore the town before your train departure.
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Train Back to Ollantaytambo
Board your afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, enjoying one last scenic journey through the Sacred Valley.
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Transfer Back to Cusco
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Station, our driver will meet you and transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco or, if requested, to a hotel in the Sacred Valley, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Machu Picchu adventure.
DAY 2 Technical Specifications
Places to Visit: Machu Picchu Citadel
Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft) - Machu Picchu
Estimated Duration: Approximately 2-2.5 hours (guided tour)
Inclusions
What's Included in Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days
Transportation & Transfers
Hotel Pickup: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley at the beginning of the tour, plus hotel pickup in Machu Picchu Pueblo on Day 2.
Hotel Drop-off: Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley after the tour. Airbnb accommodations are also supported.
Private Round-trip Transfers: Private transportation between your hotel and Ollantaytambo train station on both travel days.
Round-trip Train Tickets: Round-trip Expedition (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo. Train schedules depend on availability.
Round-trip Bus Tickets: Round-trip bus tickets between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the Machu Picchu Citadel.
Accommodation & Meals
1 Night Hotel: One night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, including breakfast on the second day.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel on the second morning before visiting Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Visit
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Circuit and entry time are assigned according to availability at the time of booking.
Professional Guided Tour: Expert English-speaking guide for a 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour inside Machu Picchu.
Support
24/7 Assistance: Support from our local team before and throughout your tour.
What's Not Included in Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days
Lunches & Dinners: Lunch and dinner on Day 1, and lunch on Day 2 are not included.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Optional mountain hikes require a separate entrance ticket and advance reservation.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, drinks, laundry, and any personal purchases.
Tips: Gratuities for your guide and driver are optional but appreciated.
Additional Services: Any service, activity, or transportation not specifically listed in the Included section.
Prices
Category
Price per Person
Adult
$370.00 USD
Student
$350.00 USD
Minor
$350.00 USD
Discount Policy
Minors: Travelers under 17 years old automatically qualify for the student rate. University Students: To access the student price, your card must be a physical plastic card featuring the university name, your full name, photograph, and an expiration date valid through your visit date (and not expiring after 2028). You must be under 25 years old at the time of your visit. Note: ISIC cards or digital IDs are not accepted. Please email a photo of your valid physical ID to info@andeanmoments.com for verification and your discount code.
Example of an accepted physical student ID
Add-ons
Price
Huayna Picchu Mountain Subject to permit availability -- book in advance.
$60.00 USD
Machu Picchu Mountain Subject to permit availability -- book in advance.
$60.00 USD
Vistadome Train (One Way) Upgrade from the standard tourist train on one leg of the journey.
$45.00 USD
Private Guide for Machu Picchu A more exclusive experience
$40.00 USD
Private Tour Prices
Group Size
Price per Person
2 People
$580.00 USD
3 People
$550.00 USD
4 People
$530.00 USD
5 People
$480.00 USD
6 People
$445.00 USD
Packing List
Essentials
Original passport
Student ID (if applicable)
Daypack (maximum 25L)
Cash (Peruvian Soles)
Personal medication
Clothing
Lightweight t-shirt
Comfortable hiking pants
Light fleece or warm jacket
Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
Comfortable socks
Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers
Sandals (for the hotel)
In Your Daypack
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Camera or smartphone
Phone charger or power bank
Sunglasses
Sun Protection
Sunscreen
Sun hat or cap
Lip balm with SPF
Personal Care
Mosquito repellent
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Basic toiletries
Optional but Recommended
Extra t-shirt
Extra pair of pants
Small umbrella (optional)
Waterproof bag or dry bag for electronics
Important Notes
Train companies allow one carry-on bag of up to 8 kg.
Backpacks larger than 25 liters are not permitted inside Machu Picchu.
Wear comfortable clothing in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between morning and afternoon.
Travel Guide
Travel Information for the Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days
What Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
The dry season from May to September offers the best weather with clear skies. April and October are excellent months with fewer crowds.
How Much Luggage Can I Bring?
Train companies allow one carry-on bag up to 8 kg, and backpacks inside Machu Picchu must not exceed 25 liters.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable layered clothing, hiking shoes or sneakers, a light jacket, and bring a rain jacket since mountain weather can change quickly.
How High Is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,972 ft) above sea level, making it much lower than Cusco and generally easier to visit.
How Can I Prepare for the Tour?
Bring your original passport, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, carry some cash in Peruvian soles, and arrive well-rested before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days
Is hotel pickup included
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Cusco and most locations in the Sacred Valley.
Is the entrance ticket included
Yes. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included and assigned according to availability.
Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Yes, but an additional ticket and advance reservation are required, subject to availability.
Do I need to bring my passport
Yes. The original passport used during booking is mandatory for entry to Machu Picchu.
Is this tour suitable for children and older travelers
Yes. Since there is very little walking and most transportation is by train and bus, this tour is suitable for families, children, and older travelers with normal mobility.
Experience Machu Picchu without the exhaustion of trekking on this relaxed, effortless 1-day tour by train — perfect…
Diverse Tour Packages for Every Budget
Explore our diverse range of tour packages, meticulously crafted to suit various budgets and preferences. Whether you seek adventure or cultural immersion, we have the perfect itinerary to fulfill your travel desires.
Culinary Delights
Indulge in gourmet Peruvian cuisine prepared by our skilled chefs, renowned for their expertise in crafting hearty and delicious meals. Our culinary offerings are a highlight of the Andean Moments experience, ensuring a memorable dining experience throughout your journey.
Environmental Commitment
Join us in our annual environmental cleanup initiatives, aimed at raising awareness and fostering a sustainable approach to tourism. Through our efforts, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and support the well-being of rural Andean communities.
Max Altitude
2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Trip Length
2 Days
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Physical Level
Easy
Trip Style
Cultural & Scenic Tour
Lodging Type
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hotel Pickup: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley at the beginning of the tour, plus hotel pickup in Machu Picchu Pueblo on Day 2.
Lunches & Dinners: Lunch and dinner on Day 1, and lunch on Day 2 are not included.
