Machupicchu by train – 2 days- 1 night

Discover Machu Picchu with a 2-Day Train Tour from Cusco

Traveling to Machu Picchu doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. This two-day, one-night tour offers a well-organized way to explore the legendary Inca site without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Starting from Cusco, you’ll be picked up early in the morning and driven to Ollantaytambo, where you board a train for Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The next morning, you’ll ascend the citadel with a knowledgeable guide, learning about its history and significance. The package is priced at $430 per person, making it a competitive choice for those seeking a balanced mix of comfort, convenience, and authentic experience.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it handles the logistics—no need to fuss over train schedules, bus tickets, or tickets to the site. Plus, the small group size (maximum of 10 travelers) makes for a more intimate experience, allowing everyone to ask questions and enjoy the scenery. The early access to Machu Picchu, before the crowds arrive, is particularly valuable for those who want to enjoy the site at a more relaxed pace.

However, a consideration is that this tour is quite full, and the schedule is tight. If you’re the type who prefers more flexibility or a less hurried pace, you might find this tour slightly compressed. That said, it’s ideal for travelers who want a concise but comprehensive experience, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights.

This tour suits travelers who value guided insight, efficient planning, and a chance to experience Machu Picchu with fewer crowds. Whether you’re in Cusco for a short visit or just want a well-organized trip without the fuss, this experience offers a solid balance of adventure and comfort.

Key Points

• All logistics handled: From transport to tickets, everything is taken care of, making the trip stress-free.
• Early access to Machu Picchu: Beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
• Small-group experience: Limited to 10 people, ensuring a more personal, engaging tour.
• Expert-guided visit: Learn about Machu Picchu’s history from a knowledgeable guide.
• Stunning scenery: Pass through the Sacred Valley and Urubamba River en route.
• Value for the price: Includes train, bus, and entry tickets, plus meals.

A Detailed Look at the Machu Picchu Train Tour

Why Choose a 2-Day, 1-Night Tour?

Traveling to Machu Picchu can feel complicated if you try to arrange everything independently. This tour simplifies your visit by bundling transportation, tickets, and guided insights into one seamless package. Plus, it offers the advantage of early morning access, which many travelers appreciate. The moment you enter Machu Picchu before the crowds, you get a real sense of the site’s majesty, and it’s easier to take photos or simply absorb the atmosphere without throngs of travelers.

Day 1: From Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup around 8:00 am, followed by a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, a charming Inca town with impressive archaeological sights. The drive takes about two hours, giving you a chance to enjoy the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Many reviewers mention appreciating the opportunity to stop at Ollantaytambo for photos and a quick bite. Passing through the river Urubamba and lush farmland, the journey offers a taste of the Peruvian countryside before reaching the train station.

Once at Ollantaytambo, you’ll board a comfortable train heading toward Aguas Calientes. The train ride is often praised for its scenery—views of mountains, river valleys, and terraced hillsides. This leg of the trip is about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the experience can be quite enjoyable, especially if you settle into a window seat.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you’ll transfer to your hotel where you can relax and prepare for the early start the next day. Many reviews highlight the quality of the accommodations, which are described as top-notch and warm. The night includes a briefing about the next day’s plans, giving you a chance to ask questions and confirm timings.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return

Early in the morning, you’ll take a bus up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride offers spectacular views and takes about 30 minutes. The guided tour of roughly two hours introduces you to the site’s main features, architecture, and significance—an informative experience that many reviewers say is worth the price of the tour.

Following the guided exploration, you’ll have free time to explore further on your own. Some travelers choose to climb Huayna Picchu or the Inca Bridge if they’ve arranged it in advance, though this might require additional tickets. The key is to enjoy the site’s majesty at your own pace, knowing that your return journey is already scheduled.

Lunchtime is spent back in Aguas Calientes before heading to the train station for the return trip. You’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, arriving in Cusco around 7 pm. The entire day is well-paced, with most reviews appreciating the smooth transfer from start to finish, thanks to the careful planning.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers all the essentials: breakfast and lunch, round-trip transportation from Cusco, train tickets, bus tickets to Machu Picchu, a guided tour, and entry tickets. These inclusions provide excellent value, eliminating the need for travelers to buy tickets separately or worry about reservations.

What isn’t included are personal gratuities, additional meals, or extra costs such as optional hikes or souvenirs. The tour is designed for convenience rather than luxury, but the quality of the guides and transport is consistently praised.

The Experience of Guides and Small Groups

One of the standout features is the knowledgeable guides. Multiple reviews mention how guides like Ruti and Coco made the experience memorable through helpfulness and a friendly attitude. The max group size of 10 enhances this, allowing for more personalized attention and questions. This intimacy is a big plus for travelers wanting to learn more about the site rather than just taking selfies.

Timing and Group Size: Why It Matters

The tour begins at 8:00 am, giving plenty of time to beat the crowds at Machu Picchu. Small groups foster a more relaxed atmosphere, making it easier to hear the guide and absorb information. Some reviewers note that the tour’s schedule is quite structured, so if you prefer more flexibility or longer exploration time, you might find it a bit brisk.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers eager for a guided, hassle-free visit to Machu Picchu, especially those who value early access and small-group intimacy. It’s perfect for people with a limited amount of time in Peru but who want a comprehensive, well-organized experience. If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides and scenic travel through the Sacred Valley, this tour will meet your expectations.

Summary of Value and Suitability

In terms of value, this tour offers an all-in-one package that includes transportation, entry tickets, meals, and a guided tour. This convenience, combined with the early access to Machu Picchu, makes it an attractive option for many travelers. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, which many reviews find enriching.

While the schedule is quite packed, it’s designed to maximize your time at one of the world’s most iconic sites. If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized trip that balances guided insights with free time, this tour meets those needs without breaking the bank.

If you’re traveling solo or with a small group, and you want a smooth, informative sightseeing experience that handles all the logistics, this tour delivers. It’s particularly well-loved by travelers who want to see Machu Picchu in a way that’s as memorable as it is efficient.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a fair amount of walking and bus rides, especially for those with mobility issues.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 10, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows the guide to give more personalized attention.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast on Day 2 and lunch are included in the package, which adds convenience and better value.

How early do we visit Machu Picchu?
You’ll start the ascent early in the morning after breakfast, giving you a head start before large crowds arrive.

What transportation is used?
You’ll be transported by private vehicle from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and by bus up to Machu Picchu.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour is structured, but you can extend your stay or add optional hikes, though these aren’t included in the standard package.

What happens if it rains?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

This 2-day Machu Picchu tour combines stunning scenery, expert guidance, and smooth logistics, making it a practical choice for many travelers. It’s ideal if you want a guided experience that brings you close to the site’s grandeur without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.