Enjoy Machu Picchu in 2 days by train from Cusco, with a relaxed pace, a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley, and a comfortable night in Aguas Calientes before your guided visit to the citadel. This tour is perfect if you want more time than a full-day trip and a smoother way to experience Machu Picchu.
On Day 1, travel by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo and enjoy free time to explore the town, visit the hot springs, the museum, the Butterfly Station, or take a short walk nearby. On Day 2, enter Machu Picchu early with an expert local guide, explore the best of the citadel, and return to Cusco in the afternoon.
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, SpanishMachu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train from Cusco
This Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train is one of the most comfortable and relaxed ways to visit Peru’s most famous Inca citadel. Instead of rushing everything into one long day, you travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes on Day 1, spend the night near Machu Picchu, and visit the archaeological site early the next morning with a professional local guide.
The tour usually departs from Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo train station, depending on the season, weather conditions, train schedules, and availability. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Sacred Valley and follow the Urubamba River into the cloud forest, arriving in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have time to enjoy the town at your own pace. You can visit the hot springs, walk to the Machu Picchu Museum, explore the Butterfly Station, visit Mandor Gardens, browse the local market, or simply rest before your early Machu Picchu tour the next day.
On Day 2, you’ll take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of about 2 to 3 hours. Your Machu Picchu ticket is included, with Circuit 2 requested by default when available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best official alternative available, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
If you want to add an extra hike, you may request Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on ticket availability, entry time, and train schedule. Advance booking is required, and you can only choose one mountain hike.
Tour Highlights
- Relaxed 2-day Machu Picchu experience: More time, less rushing, and a better pace than a full-day trip.
- Scenic train journey: Travel through the Sacred Valley and cloud forest by Expedition train.
- Free time in Aguas Calientes: Explore the town, hot springs, museum, Butterfly Station, Mandor Gardens, or local market.
- Early Machu Picchu visit: Take one of the first buses to the citadel and explore with an expert guide.
- Hotel-to-hotel service: Transportation, train, hotel, bus, entrance ticket, and guided visit are organized for you.
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a local team focused on responsible tourism, clear logistics, and warm service.
Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night by Train: At a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Train Journey – Aguas Calientes
Start with hotel pickup in Cusco and travel to the confirmed train station: Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo, depending on season and availability. Board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, check in at your 3-star hotel, and enjoy free time to explore Machu Picchu Pueblo, visit the hot springs, museum, Butterfly Station, Mandor Gardens, or simply relax.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Early Morning Tour – Return to Cusco
After breakfast, meet your guide and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Enter with your original passport and ticket, then enjoy a guided tour through the most important areas allowed by your assigned circuit. After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes, board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, and continue by vehicle to Cusco.
Train schedules, departure stations, Machu Picchu entry times, and circuits depend on official availability at the time of booking. We recommend booking early, especially if you want the best circuits, morning entry times, or optional mountain hikes.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.
- All transportation from hotel to hotel.
- Round-trip Expedition train.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
- Professional local tour guide.
- Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2.
- Door-to-door coordination and assistance.
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ticket.
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket.
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended.
- Hot springs entrance, museum entrance, Butterfly Station, Mandor Gardens, or optional activities in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips, optional.
Optional Hikes After the Guided Tour in Machu Picchu
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – Additional US$68 per person, approximately 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – Additional US$68 per person, approximately 3 hours round trip.
You can only hike one of these mountains during your Machu Picchu visit. Advance booking is required, and availability depends on the official ticket system, your entry time, and your train schedule.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- Local expert: Travel with a 100% Peruvian tour operator based in Cusco.
- Premium small groups: Enjoy a smoother, more personal experience with better coordination.
- Responsible travel: We promote respectful visits, local employment, and care for protected cultural sites.
- Want a more scenic train? You can request a train upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability.
- Want a full Sacred Valley route? If you want to visit Pisac, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu, consider our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days.
Full Itinerary of the Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour by Train
Day 1: Cusco – Train Journey – Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the confirmed train station. Depending on the season, weather conditions, train schedules, and availability, your train may depart from San Pedro, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo.
During the rainy season, usually from January to the end of April, train departures often operate from Ollantaytambo. In this case, pickup will be earlier or adjusted to the confirmed train schedule, and you will travel by vehicle through the Sacred Valley before boarding the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes.
The train journey is one of the most beautiful parts of the experience. You’ll pass through Andean landscapes, farming valleys, the Urubamba River canyon, and the warmer cloud forest as you approach Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Upon arrival, our team will help you transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, you’ll have free time to enjoy the town at your own pace. You can visit the hot springs, explore the handicraft market, walk to the Machu Picchu Museum, visit the Butterfly Station, take a short walk toward Mandor Gardens, or simply relax before the next day’s early Machu Picchu visit.
Dinner is on your own, giving you the freedom to choose from the many restaurants in Aguas Calientes. We recommend going to bed early, as the next morning is the highlight of the tour: your guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Pick-up: From your hotel in Cusco.
- Train: Expedition train included.
- Departure station: San Pedro, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo, depending on availability and season.
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, meet your tour guide and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes you up the mountain road to the main entrance of the citadel.
At the entrance, you must present your Machu Picchu ticket and original passport. Once inside, your expert guide will lead a clear and engaging tour through the best areas allowed by your assigned circuit.
The guided tour usually lasts around 2 to 3 hours. You’ll explore terraces, viewpoints, temples, sacred spaces, urban areas, and the most important structures of Machu Picchu while learning about Inca history, architecture, and daily life.
We request Circuit 2 by default when available because it offers one of the most complete guided experiences. If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date and time, we will secure the best available official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
After the guided tour, and if booked in advance, you may hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes require separate tickets, are not included in the standard price, and depend on official availability.
After visiting Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have time for lunch on your own, a short walk through town, or some last shopping before boarding the afternoon Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, usually arriving around 7:00 p.m., depending on train schedule and traffic.
- Entrance: Machu Picchu ticket included.
- Bus: Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu included.
- Guided tour: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel included; lunch not included.
- Return train: Expedition train.
- Return: Hotel drop-off in Cusco.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths.
Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train Price and Booking
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a relaxed and well-organized Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train from Cusco. This package includes hotel-to-hotel logistics, Expedition train, a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, shuttle bus, professional guide, and return to Cusco.
Prices are per person in USD and may vary depending on hotel availability, train schedule, Machu Picchu ticket availability, room type, and selected upgrades. You can request a train upgrade, hotel upgrade, private service, or optional mountain hike, subject to availability.
Small-Group Tour: Price Per Person
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$390 |
| Children and students | From US$360 |
Private Tour: Price Per Person
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 participant | US$640 |
| 2 participants | US$520 |
| 3 participants | US$490 |
| 4 participants | US$460 |
| 5 participants | US$440 |
| 6 participants | US$420 |
| 7 participants | US$410 |
| 8 participants | US$400 |
| 9+ participants | Contact us for a special rate |
Private service is ideal for travelers who want more flexibility, a more personal guide experience, or a schedule adjusted to their travel style. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your group size, hotel preference, train schedule, and Machu Picchu ticket availability.
Student and Child Discount
- US$30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their student ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$200 per person to reserve your spot.
- The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using cash, credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us if you would like to verify alternative payment options.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
Before You Book
- Train schedules, departure stations, hotel availability, Machu Picchu entry times, and circuits depend on availability at the time of booking.
- Your passport must be valid and match the information used for your train and Machu Picchu tickets.
- If you want Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, a train upgrade, or a hotel upgrade, request it as early as possible because these options are subject to availability.
- If you have dietary restrictions or special travel needs, please let us know when you make your reservation.
How to Book
- Click the BOOK NOW button and choose your travel date on our calendar.
- Select the tour option that best fits your travel style: small-group or private service.
- Fill in all requested details using your passport information exactly as shown on your passport.
- Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to confirm your payment and send the final tour details.
Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train Packing List
During this Machu Picchu 2-day tour by train, you will travel mostly by vehicle, train, and bus, so you do not need heavy luggage. Pack light with a small carry-on for the night in Aguas Calientes and a comfortable daypack for your Machu Picchu visit.
Train companies have luggage limits, so we recommend a carry-on of about 5 kg / 11 lb. You will handle your own bag between the vehicle, train, hotel, and return train, so choose something easy to carry.
Essentials
What to Put in the Daypack?
Your daypack should stay with you during the train journey, Aguas Calientes free time, and Machu Picchu visit. Keep it small, light, and practical.
- Original passport.
- Machu Picchu ticket and train ticket.
- Water bottle.
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Light warm layer for early morning and evening.
- Personal medication.
- Camera or phone with enough battery.
- Extra cash in Peruvian soles for meals, hot springs, museum, bathrooms, snacks, or souvenirs.
What to Pack for the Night in Aguas Calientes?
- Change of clothes.
- Sleepwear.
- Toiletries in small travel sizes.
- Phone charger and power bank.
- Light jacket or sweater.
- Swimwear if you plan to visit the hot springs.
- Personal medication.
Luggage Tips
In Cusco, check out of your hotel and leave your large suitcase there. Most hotels store luggage for free. If you are changing hotels after the tour, TreXperience offers free luggage storage; you can leave your large bag with us and pick it up when we return.
In Aguas Calientes, leave your carry-on at your hotel reception while you visit Machu Picchu with only your daypack. After the tour, collect your bag before heading to the train station for the return trip.
Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train - Travel Information
Here you’ll find practical information to prepare for your Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train from Cusco: train stations, tickets, circuits, optional hikes, Aguas Calientes free time, luggage, weather, altitude, and responsible travel.
Why choose the 2-day train tour instead of a full-day tour?
The 2-day train tour gives you more time and a smoother pace. Instead of waking up very early, traveling for hours, visiting Machu Picchu, and returning the same evening, you travel to Aguas Calientes on Day 1, rest near the citadel, and visit Machu Picchu early on Day 2.
This is a great choice for families, couples, seniors, photographers, and travelers who want a more relaxed way to enjoy Machu Picchu without adding a Sacred Valley tour.
Route and train stations
This tour starts in Cusco and continues by vehicle and train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town below Machu Picchu. Depending on the season, weather conditions, train schedules, and availability, your train may depart from San Pedro, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo.
During the rainy season, usually from January to April, trains often operate from Ollantaytambo. If this happens, we adjust pickup time and transfer logistics so your journey remains smooth and organized.
Free time in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the town located below the citadel. On Day 1, you will have time to explore on your own after hotel check-in.
Optional activities include the hot springs, local market, Machu Picchu Museum, Butterfly Station, Mandor Gardens, cafés, restaurants, or a relaxed walk around town. These optional activities are not included in the tour price.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. We request Circuit 2 by default when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits through the citadel.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best available official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Your final route depends on official ticket availability, entry time, and train schedule.
For more details, read our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide. You can also review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
You may add Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain after your guided Machu Picchu tour, depending on availability. These hikes are not included in the standard price and require separate tickets.
Huayna Picchu is shorter and steeper, while Machu Picchu Mountain is longer and offers wider panoramic views. You can only choose one extra mountain hike during your visit. Learn more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Expedition train and upgrade options
The standard tour includes round-trip Expedition train service. This is a comfortable and reliable option for traveling between the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes.
Train upgrades to Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, or a luxury train may be available for an additional cost, depending on schedule, route, and availability. If the train ride is an important part of your trip, ask us about the best upgrade for your date.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
This tour includes one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Staying overnight near Machu Picchu allows you to start earlier and enjoy the citadel with a more relaxed pace.
Hotel upgrades are available on request and depend on availability. If you want a more premium experience, we can help you upgrade your hotel, train, or service level.
Altitude
Cusco sits at around 3,400 m / 11,155 ft, where travelers usually feel the altitude the most. From Cusco, you descend into the Sacred Valley and continue to Aguas Calientes, located around 2,040 m / 6,693 ft, in a warmer and more humid cloud forest environment.
Machu Picchu is located at about 2,430 m / 7,972 ft. Most travelers feel more comfortable in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu than in Cusco because both are lower in elevation.
Weather and best time to visit
Machu Picchu can be visited year-round. The dry season, from April to October, usually offers clearer skies and more stable conditions. The rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes, fewer visitors, and more frequent showers.
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are warmer and more humid than Cusco. Bring layers, a rain jacket, sun protection, and comfortable shoes. You can review our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide before choosing your travel date.
Luggage and packing tips
Pack light for this 2-day tour. Train companies limit luggage, so we recommend a small carry-on of about 5 kg / 11 lb and a comfortable daypack for the Machu Picchu visit.
Leave your large suitcase at your hotel in Cusco, or with TreXperience if you are changing hotels. In Aguas Calientes, you can leave your carry-on at hotel reception while you visit Machu Picchu with only your daypack. For more details, review our Machu Picchu packing list.
Responsible travel in Machu Picchu
TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian local operator, and we believe a good tour should also be responsible. Please follow your assigned circuit, respect entry times, stay on marked paths, avoid restricted areas, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Machu Picchu is a protected cultural and natural site. Help preserve it by avoiding single-use plastics, carrying only what you need, and respecting the official visitor rules. For more details, read our Machu Picchu rules guide.
Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train FAQs
What is the Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days by Train?
It is a relaxed 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train. On Day 1, you travel to Aguas Calientes and spend the night near the citadel. On Day 2, you visit Machu Picchu early with a professional guide and return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Is this tour better than a full-day Machu Picchu trip?
It depends on your travel style. The full-day tour is great if you have very limited time. The 2-day tour is better if you want a more relaxed pace, free time in Aguas Calientes, and an early visit to Machu Picchu without rushing the entire experience into one long day.
Where does the train depart from?
The train may depart from San Pedro, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo station, depending on season, weather conditions, train schedules, and availability. During the rainy season, trains often depart from Ollantaytambo, and we adjust the transfer plan accordingly.
Is a hotel included in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. This tour includes one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Hotel upgrades are available on request and depend on availability.
Are Machu Picchu tickets included?
Yes. Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. We request Circuit 2 by default when available. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will secure the best official alternative available, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
Which Machu Picchu circuit will we visit?
We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If it is sold out, we book the best available alternative for your date and entry time. Your guide will adapt the tour to the circuit printed on your ticket.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, depending on ticket availability and train schedule. You can add either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, but not both on the same visit. These hikes require separate tickets and must be booked in advance.
What can I do in Aguas Calientes on Day 1?
You can explore the town, visit the hot springs, walk to the Machu Picchu Museum, visit the Butterfly Station, go toward Mandor Gardens, enjoy cafés and restaurants, or rest at your hotel before the early Machu Picchu visit the next morning.
Are meals included?
Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2 is included. Other meals are not included, giving you freedom to choose where to eat in Aguas Calientes.
Is the Expedition train included?
Yes. The standard tour includes round-trip Expedition train service. Train upgrades to Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, or luxury train service may be available for an additional cost, depending on schedule and availability.
Can I upgrade the hotel or train?
Yes. You can request hotel upgrades, Vistadome train, Vistadome Observatory, or a luxury train experience, depending on availability. These upgrades are ideal if you want a more comfortable or scenic journey.
Do I need to be in good physical shape?
This is an easy to moderate tour. You do not need trekking experience, but Machu Picchu has stairs, uneven stone paths, and some uphill walking. Comfortable shoes and a steady pace are important.
Can children and seniors join this tour?
Yes. This is one of the best Machu Picchu options for children, families, and seniors because the pace is more relaxed than a full-day tour. Please tell us about any mobility concerns when booking so we can advise you properly.
Can I bring large luggage?
No. Large luggage is not recommended because of train restrictions and limited storage. Bring a small carry-on for the night in Aguas Calientes and leave your large suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or with TreXperience if you are changing hotels.
What time do we return to Cusco?
You usually return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m., depending on train schedule, traffic, and final logistics. We recommend not booking flights or long bus trips on the same night.