The 2-day Machu Picchu Tour by train is the perfect way to explore the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll travel by bus and train from Cusco through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, arriving in Aguas Calientes with time to explore the town, visit the hot springs, or take a short hike. The next day, you’ll tour the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
Tour Type Small Group Tour
Duration 2 Days / 1 Night
Accommodation 3-star Hotel
Average Group Size 6- 8 people
Season All year round
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Destinations Machu Picchu
Tour Language English, SpanishOverview of the Machu Picchu 2 days Tour
This Machu Picchu 2 days Tour by train takes you on a captivating bus and train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Dive deep into the history of this iconic 15th-century Inca fortress, exploring its intricate architecture, rich heritage, and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
On the first day, you’ll embark on a bus & train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. This approximately 4.5 hour ride gives you ample opportunity to soak in the mesmerizing scenery en route. Arriving in Aguas Calientes by the afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel, after which you can explore the town or unwind in your room.
Rise and shine early on the second day to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. Spend your morning marveling at one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological wonders: Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and a van back to Cusco.
Tour Highlights:
- Small-group tours ensure personalized service.
- A comfortable way to visit Machu Picchu.
- Door-to-door service: start and finish at your hotel.
Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night by Train: At a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Aguas Calientes
Take a scenic bus and train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River.
Check into your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Enjoy free time exploring the town, visiting the hot springs, and shopping for souvenirs.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up early and board a bus to Machu Picchu.
Witness the sunrise over the citadel.
Embark on a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Enjoy free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.
Board the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and the van to Cusco.
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
- All transportation from hotel to hotel.
- Round-trip Expedition train.
- 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
- Professional tour guide.
- Door-to-door service.
Not Included:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Meals.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Optional Hikes After the Guided Tour in Machu Picchu:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person (approx. 2 hours round-trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$68 per person (approx. 3 hours round-trip).
Full itinerary of the Machu Picchu 2 days Tour
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m. and take you to the San Pedro train station, where you will board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes. The journey from the heights of Cusco to the cloud forest, where Machu Picchu is located, takes about 4.5 hours.
During the rainy season, from January to the end of April, all tours will depart from Ollantaytambo. In this case, pick-up will be from your hotel at 8:00 a.m., and you will travel to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes. This itinerary also applies when the trains from Cusco are sold out. The available train stations are San Pedro, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo.
During the trip from Cusco, you will enjoy views of the city as you pass through the highest mountains. You will also see the plains of Anta, the Pomatales Canyon, and Ollantaytambo as you follow the Urubamba River snaking its way to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo).
You will arrive in Aguas Calientes around noon and transfer to your hotel to check in. Later in the afternoon, you can explore the town on your own and take optional hikes to the Machu Picchu Museum, the Butterfly Station, or the Mandor Gardens. You can also relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Dinner is on your own in the evening, and you will rest early for the next day's tour of Machu Picchu. The hotel is included; we work with selected accommodations in Aguas Calientes, such as Ferre Machu Picchu or similar.
- Pick-up from the hotel
- Train ticket included
- Meals: Not included
- Accomodation: 3-Star Hotel
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, meet your tour guide, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, and arrive at the main gate of this great citadel. To enter Machu Picchu, you must present your entry ticket and original passport.
Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour lasting around 2.5 hours, exploring the best of the Machu Picchu citadel: the terraces, Guardhouse, viewpoints, temples, and palaces. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own or hike the extra mountains: Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (both optional, not included).
We include Circuit 2 by default, as it is the most comprehensive. However, if it is sold out, we will offer the best option available, which can be Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. We strongly suggest that all guests secure their Machu Picchu trip as early as possible, as tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. There, you can have lunch, explore the town, and shop. In the late afternoon, you will board the Expedition Train for a 1.5-hour journey to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private van to Cusco. You should arrive back at your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu included
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Return train: Expedition Train
- Tour Guide: Machu Picchu Tour
Price for the Machu Picchu 2-day Tour
Price per person:
- From US$380 - Adults
- From US$350 - Children and students
Booking and Payment
Deposit: US$200 per person (to reserve your spot). The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco in cash or by any credit card.
Student Discount:
- US$ 30 off
Applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To receive the discount, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date (expired IDs are not accepted).
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, please submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Machu Picchu 2-day Packing List
During this two-day Machu Picchu tour, you will travel mostly by train and bus to Machu Picchu. Pack very light in a small carry-on and bring a comfortable daypack as well.
Essentials:
Below is a list of items you need to bring for the Machu Picchu tour.
- Daypack: A comfortable daypack for hiking in Machu Picchu.
- Passport: Bring your original passport.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You will do a lot of walking on day 2.
- Rain jacket or poncho: Be prepared for sudden showers.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be intense in the cloud forest.
- Insect repellent: There may be mosquitoes and other insects in the area.
- Camera: Capture the amazing views and scenery during your tour.
- Cash: Bring small denominations for souvenirs, food, and other expenses.
- Medications: Pack enough prescription medication for the entire trip.
- Snacks and water: Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay energized and hydrated.
In your carry-on:
Your carry-on will stay in the hotel on day 2 during the Machu Picchu tour. Check out and store it before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu.
- Clothes for 2 days: Pack lightweight layers for both warm and cool weather.
- Warm clothing: Bring a fleece jacket or sweater.
- Personal care items: Include travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.
- Electronics: Bring your phone, camera, any other devices, and chargers or adapters.
- Travel pillow: A travel pillow can make your journey more comfortable.
- Reading materials: Bring a book, e-reader, or magazines for the trip.
Pack light, as you will carry your own luggage during the trip. Most hotels in Aguas Calientes can store larger bags while you explore Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu tour 2 days by train Travel Information
Location
This Machu Picchu 2 days tour starts in Cusco and continue through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the gateway town below the citadel. From January to April, departures typically connect via the Ollantaytambo train station.
Altitude
Cusco sits at around 3,400 m / 11,155 ft, which is usually where travelers feel the altitude the most. From there, you descend into the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo (about 2,792 m / 9,160 ft) and continue by train to Aguas Calientes (around 2,040 m / 6,693 ft), a warmer and more humid town in the edge of the cloud forest. On tour day, you’ll take a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu (about 2,430 m / 7,972 ft). Overall, the route drops from Cusco’s high elevation into a lower, milder climate.
Weather
Expect cool mornings and sunny midday in the dry months (April - October), with more stable conditions; in the wet months (November to March), afternoon showers are common and trails/stone paths can be slick.
Temperatures usually feel cooler in Cusco and milder in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, where the air is more humid.
Best time to visit
For clearer skies and more predictable travel conditions, the dry season (April–October) is the most popular. For fewer crowds and good conditions, April and October are great shoulder months.
The rainy season (January–March) can still be rewarding, but plan for showers and occasional schedule changes (as your itinerary notes, departures often route via Ollantaytambo).
Tourist sites to visit
Your main highlight is Machu Picchu (we include Circuit 2 by default when available), where you’ll explore sweeping terraces, classic viewpoints, sacred temples, and the royal sectors.
In Aguas Calientes, you can also add a few great stops on your own time, such as the hot springs, the Butterfly Station, Mandor Gardens, and the Machu Picchu Museum.
Altitude sickness
The biggest challenge is usually Cusco’s altitude (not Machu Picchu). Arrive in Cusco with time to acclimatize if possible, walk slowly, hydrate, eat light, and avoid heavy alcohol your first day.
If you’ve had altitude symptoms before, talk with your doctor about prevention, then enjoy that the route drops to a lower altitude in Aguas Calientes town, where many travelers feel noticeably better.
Tour to Machu Picchu — 2-Day FAQs
Planning to visit Machu Picchu but only have two days? Here is a suggested plan to make the most of your trip, along with answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare.
What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a 2,430 m (7,972 pies) mountain ridge. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Inca emperor Pachacuti built the site, which was later abandoned after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
The most iconic way to reach Machu Picchu is by hiking the Classic Inca Trail. This four-day trek takes you through the stunning Andes and concludes at the ancient citadel, passing pristine rainforests, small villages, and remarkable archaeological sites.
If hiking is not for you, the train is the best alternative. Trains depart from the Cusco, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo stations, offering a comfortable and scenic journey to Machu Picchu.
What are the opening hours?
Machu Picchu is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry times are scheduled by the hour: 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Each visitor may remain in the citadel for about two hours.
What are the circuits in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is divided into several circuits, each highlighting different features:
- Circuit 1: Includes Machu Picchu Mountain, the Sun Gate, and the Upper Terrace—ideal for the classic postcard view, but it does not access the main archaeological site.
- Circuit 2: The longest route, covering the main viewpoints, the Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Palace of the Inca, water fountains, and more.
- Circuit 3: Explores the lower sector and offers optional hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Great Cavern, and Huchuy Picchu Mountain. This circuit is also included with Inca Trail permits.
When is the best time to visit?
Machu Picchu is impressive year-round. The dry season (May–September) offers the clearest weather but is also the busiest. The shoulder months (April and October) balance moderate crowds with generally good weather. The wet season (November–March) sees fewer visitors; just come prepared for rain.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry to Machu Picchu costs USD 50 for adults and USD 25 for students. Access to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain is USD 68 per person.
What else can I do near Machu Picchu?
Consider these nearby experiences:
- Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas for ruins, villages, and stunning scenery.
- Hike the Inca Trail for an iconic multi-day trek.
- Explore Cusco, the former Inca capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How far in advance should I arrive in Cusco?
Plan to arrive in Cusco at least two days before your Machu Picchu tour to acclimatize to the altitude and explore local attractions such as Sacsayhuamán, Q'enko and Cusco city.
Where should I stay before the tour?
Most travelers stay in Cusco, the nearest major city with an airport. It offers rich history, culture, and ample accommodation. Alternatively, you can stay in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, close to the train station.
Where should I stay after the tour?
Returning to Cusco is recommended, as onward tours, buses, and flights all depart from the city.
Can I store my luggage in Cusco?
Yes. Most hotels offer luggage storage for a small fee, and TreXperience can store your bags free of charge.