Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu on this comfortable and scenic 2-day train journey from Cusco. This guided tour is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to visit the Lost City of the Incas, offering the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Traveling by train through the Sacred Valley, you’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes on your way to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Spend the night here, with time to unwind in the hot springs or explore the local museum before your early morning visit to the citadel.
On day two, your local expert guide will lead you through the ancient Inca site, sharing stories and history that bring Machu Picchu to life. With fewer crowds in the early morning, you’ll experience the magic of the site in a more peaceful setting.
This tour includes Expedition Class train tickets, but you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for panoramic views and a more immersive ride.
Peru Amazon Trips World is a locally owned travel agency company based in Cusco. We believe in providing excellence, quality, and direct attention to our customers. From the beginning, we set out to be leaders, respecting principles and values, ethical, professional, and of total quality.
Check our reviews on TripAdvisor to see why this is one of our most recommended experiences.
Looking for more adventures? Don’t miss our Manu National Park expeditions to the Amazon or our breathtaking Rainbow Mountain hiking.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
09:00 AM
This 2-day tour to Machu Picchu begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll drive through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas in our private transport until we reach Ollantaytambo train station.
Here, you’ll board a train bound for Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.
The scenic two-hour train ride offers enchanting views of the Urubamba River winding through picturesque Andean villages, lush valleys, and terraced farmlands.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a member of our team will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel.
You’ll have some free time to explore the town. You may choose to visit the renowned hot springs (for which the town is named) or the Machu Picchu Site Museum, a lesser-known but fascinating introduction to Inca history.
In the evening, our local expert guide will meet you at your hotel to go over the itinerary for the next day and answer any questions you may have.
We’ll start the day early in the morning to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. The hotel staff will provide you with a boxed breakfast to take with you.
From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a 25-minute uphill bus ride to the main entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Upon arrival, our local expert guide will assist you through the security checkpoint, where your entry ticket will be verified against your original passport — make sure to have it with you.
Thanks to our early entry time, you’ll often be among the first groups to enter the site, giving you a chance to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu — a truly unforgettable experience.
To secure your spot at Machu Picchu, we recommend purchasing tickets online 2 to 3 months in advance. This will allow you to choose the date and time that best suit your plans, avoiding any last-minute issues. Tickets sell out quickly, so if you plan to buy them directly in Cusco, you risk not being able to get them.
Booking recommendations based on the tour option:
Machu Picchu + Mountain, Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu + Lower Temples: Book 2 to 3 months in advance.
Machu Picchu Classic Route, Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace): Book 3 to 4 months in advance.
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Temples, Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon, Machu Picchu + Inti Punku: Book 1 to 2 months in advance.
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu: Book 1 month in advance.
Important considerations:
Tickets during the high season can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.
You can make reservations for tickets for the next year if you wish.
Access to Machu Picchu is only allowed with a pre-purchased ticket.
No tickets are sold at the Machu Picchu entrance, so it’s essential to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Plan your Machu Picchu tour by train with this traveler’s guide. Discover the best time to visit, recommended schedules, train options, ticket types, and essential tips to make the most of your experience.
During the dry season (April to October), the best time is between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for stable weather and excellent light for photos. In the rainy season (November to March), the ideal visiting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., when the morning fog usually clears.
The dry season —from April to November— is considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is more predictable, trails are firm, and panoramic views are clearer. However, since this is the busiest time, it’s wise to book your Machu Picchu train tour well in advance.
Visitor numbers peak in June, July, and August, coinciding with international school holidays and local celebrations like Inti Raymi. Train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets sell out quickly during this time, so advance booking is essential.
Travel tip: Always carry your ticket and passport, as both are required at the entrance.
Yes. Daily capacity is limited, and tickets often sell out weeks in advance, especially in peak season.
Each ticket includes different circuits and hiking difficulty levels.
Important: no re-entry is allowed once you exit.
Not always mandatory, but highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors. A certified guide adds depth to the experience by explaining Inca history, architecture, and culture. Some routes, like Huayna Picchu, may require a guide.
Visitors can stay for about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the selected circuit or if hiking one of the mountains.
Less common than in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) since Machu Picchu is at 2,430 m / 7,972 ft. Still, it’s wise to acclimatize for 1–2 days before visiting.
Large backpacks (over 20 L) are not allowed inside. You can store them at hotels in Aguas Calientes or use lockers near the main entrance.
No. Restrooms are only available outside the main gate, so use them before entering.
Food is not allowed to protect the site’s integrity. Reusable water bottles are permitted; plastic bottles are discouraged.
Drones and professional equipment require a permit from Peru’s Ministry of Culture. Personal photography is allowed but without flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
