Machu Picchu Tour with Vistadome Observatory Train – Circuit 2

Itinerary for the Machu Picchu Tour with Vistadome Observatory Train

Important: The itinerary may vary based on the availability of entry times to Machu Picchu and the selected train categories.

04:30 – 09:15 AM: Hotel Pickup – Bus Station – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Upon booking the tour with Guru Explorers and submitting the necessary travel documents, we will handle the purchase of train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets, taking into account your needs and, if possible, adapting them to the best itinerary.

The tour start time will depend on the coordination made and ticket availability at the time of booking. The tour begins with a private transfer from your accommodation in the center of Cusco to the bus station, where there is a bus service provided by the train company that will take you to the train station both ways.

The bus journey to the Ollantaytambo train station takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. If the group is in the town of Ollantaytambo, we can assist in arranging transport to the train station if necessary.

The exciting journey on the Vistadome Observatory train lasts 1.5 hours until you reach the town of Aguas Calientes. This train offers a unique panoramic experience, with wide windows and an observation car that allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the landscape, along with live music and dance performances. An unforgettable experience!

09:15 AM – 01:30 PM: Arrival in Aguas Calientes – Transfer to Machu Picchu – Circuit 2 Tour

Upon arrival at the central station of Aguas Calientes, a Guru representative will be waiting for you at the train station entrance to provide instructions on how to board the bus to the Machu Picchu ruins, as well as information about the meeting point for the shared tour experience at Machu Picchu.

Once it’s time, you will queue at the Aguas Calientes bus station to board the tourist bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. With the tour guide, you will have the opportunity to explore the best of Circuit 2, including fountains, temples, staircases, and architectural spaces of this enigmatic archaeological site.

The tour guide will explain the history and interesting facts of Machu Picchu during a 2:00 / 2:30-hour tour, during which you will also have time to take the best photographs.

01:30 – 08:00 PM: Free Time – Return to Cusco

After exploring the impressive Inca archaeological center, you will start the return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch or explore the attractions while waiting for your train back to Ollantaytambo.

Make the most of your stay in this town, which is accessible only by rail or hiking along Inca routes.

Depending on the tour package you choose, the return will be on the Expedition or Vistadome Observatory train, heading to the Ollantaytambo station; from there, you will take the bus back to Cusco, arriving approximately at 19:00.

Notes:

Availability

The itinerary of your trip may vary depending on the availability of train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets. We recommend taking precautions and booking in advance, especially during high season (May – October) or during holidays.

Train Ticket

Among the options, you can choose the Vistadome Observatory train for either the outbound or return journey. In such cases, the complementary train would be the Expedition train.

Trains to Ollantaytambo: Availability and Alternatives

Trains departing to and arriving from Ollantaytambo station are subject to availability. If there are no trains available, you can choose alternative services that depart from other stations.

The price of the Machu Picchu tour with Observatory train includes: 

• Briefing One Day Before the Tour
• Transfer from your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco. Due to limited access through the narrow streets of the city, the guide may suggest a nearby point for pickup.
• Shared Professional Guided Tour in English and Spanish at Machu Picchu (other languages are available for private tours).
• Shared Transportation (round trip) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• Circuit 2 Entry Tickets to Machu Picchu (subject to availability).
• Vistadome Observatory Train Tickets (round trip, or one-way depending on the package and availability).
• Snacks on the Observatory Train.
• Tourist Bus Tickets (round trip) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Transportation from Cusco Station to your hotel in the historic center of Cusco

The price of the Machu Picchu tour with Observatory train does not include:

• Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco
• Tips for the guide
• Beverages
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any other meal not specified in the itinerary
• Additional Machu Picchu entries not mentioned, such as Circuit 3 with Huayna Picchu or Circuit 1 with Machu Picchu Mountain

Additional (Recommended):

• Private transportation for up to 3 people (car) from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco to Ollantaytambo (round trip): 90 USD

What to Bring for the Machu Picchu Tour:

• Consider that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are located at approximately 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level; the climate varies depending on the time of year you visit.
• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear (hard soles are not allowed in the Citadel), lightweight clothing, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and rain gear (especially from November to April).
• Insect repellent (important for Machu Picchu)
• Passport or ID (matching the reservation details)
• Student card approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture
• Travel insurance
• Swimwear and towel (optional for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash (local currency)

What Considerations Should You Have When Traveling to the Machu Picchu Ruins?

• Train schedules and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as early as possible.
• Due to train company regulations, carrying backpacks, large bags, or suitcases is not permitted. Only small bags or backpacks up to 7-8 kg are allowed.
• For the transfer from Cusco, please consider that sometimes access may be limited due to the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pickup point.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Remember that, since these are outdoor activities, the natural features of the landscape may vary depending on weather conditions and the natural daylight. Each visit is an authentic experience, where nature reveals itself in unique and unrepeatable ways.

Not Allowed:

• Pets
• Smoking
• Large bags or suitcases

Not Recommended For:

• Individuals in wheelchairs

According to Peruvian regulations, foreign tourists may be exempt from the local tax IGV (VAT). As a formal and registered travel agency, we are required to submit to the local authorities a copy of the document you used to enter the country, as well as your date of entry. For this reason, a few days before your arrival, we will contact you to request a photo of that document and ask you to let us know the date you entered Peru. If we do not receive this information, we will be required to add the 18% corresponding to the IGV tax. 

Thank you for your cooperation!

Cancellation Policies:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 150 USD.
• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 200 USD.
• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

Date Changes:

• More than 15 days: The penalty is 90 USD.
• Between 7 and 15 days: The penalty is 120 USD.
• Less than 7 days: The penalty is 100% of the total.

There will be no refunds in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

Force Majeure Policy:

• Guru Explorers values your time and makes every effort to follow the itinerary. However, it may be affected by force majeure events such as weather conditions, rain, natural disasters, protests, roadblocks, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, no refunds or compensation will be provided, as these are unforeseeable and unavoidable situations. Nonetheless, we will do everything possible to offer efficient alternatives and solutions for your enjoyment. Any additional costs resulting from changes or alternative activities will be the responsibility of the client and not Guru Explorers.