Machu Picchu Tour with Vistadome Observatory Train – Circuit 2

Machu Picchu Tour with Vistadome Observatory Train – Full Itinerary

Hotel Pickup – Train Station – Aguas Calientes

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center, followed by shared transportation to the train station.

Vistadome Observatory Train Journey

Once at the station, you’ll board the Vistadome Observatory train to the town of Aguas Calientes. This service offers a unique travel experience designed to let you fully enjoy the scenery throughout the journey.

Vistadome Observatory Train Features:

• Train cars with large panoramic windows throughout the journey
• Bar car with access to an open-air balcony. Onboard shows take place in this car, and you can access it during the journey. Drinks are also available for purchase at the bar.
• Open-air balcony, perfect for taking photos
• Comfortable, spacious seats with tray tables
• Live performances featuring traditional music and dances
• Display of garments made from baby alpaca
• Snack and beverage included during the journey

You can choose to travel on the Vistadome Observatory train for the outbound journey, the return, or both, depending on your preference when booking.

If you select it for only one segment, the other will be on a tourist-class train, allowing you to combine a more affordable option with a premium panoramic experience.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes – Transfer to Machu Picchu

Upon arrival, a Guru Explorers representative will be there to guide you and confirm the meeting point for your tour.

From there, you’ll make your way on your own to the boarding area, where you’ll line up to take the bus up to Machu Picchu.

Guided Tour in Machu Picchu – Circuit 2

Once you get off the bus, at the entrance or at a previously arranged meeting point, you’ll meet your guide and group to begin the tour along Circuit 2—one of the most complete routes in the citadel.

Shared tours are available in Spanish for entry times between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm, and in English at 8:00 am and 11:00 am. If you prefer a different schedule or language, a private guided tour can be arranged.

During the tour (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours), your guide will explain the history and key highlights of the site while you explore its main structures and have time to take photos.

Free Time – Return to Cusco

After the visit, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your train schedule, you’ll have free time to have lunch or explore the town at your own pace.

Take this opportunity to walk around, visit the artisan market, or simply relax in this charming town, which is only accessible by train or via Inca trails.

At the scheduled time, you’ll board your return train. Depending on your package, the return journey will be on either the Expedition or Vistadome Observatory train.

After the train ride, a shared transfer will take you back to Cusco, where our team will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in the historic center.

Notes

• Availability: Your itinerary may vary depending on Machu Picchu ticket availability. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season (May–October) and holidays.

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

• Pre-tour briefing one day before departure.
• Machu Picchu entry ticket – Circuit 2.
  Shared guided tour with a professional guide in English and/or Spanish on Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu (for Portuguese or other languages, please check availability).
• All transportation required for the experience:
  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center. If the vehicle cannot access your hotel directly due to traffic restrictions or narrow streets, a nearby pickup point will be arranged.
  • Round-trip shared transportation between Cusco and the train station (private transfer upgrade available).
  • Vistadome Observatory train ticket for either the outbound or return journey. You may request the Vistadome Observatory for both segments when booking as an additional upgrade.
  • Snack and beverage included during the journey on the Vistadome Observatory train.
  • Tourist-class train ticket for either the outbound or return journey.
  • Round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco’s historic center.

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

• Transfers from hotels outside Cusco’s historic center. If you are staying outside this area, a meeting point can be arranged or an additional transfer can be booked for an extra fee.
• Tips for the guide.
• Meals or beverages.
• Additional Machu Picchu entry tickets not mentioned, such as Circuit 3 with Huayna Picchu or Circuit 1 with Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Guide assistance during transfers, in the town of Aguas Calientes, or during activities outside the archaeological site. The guided service is provided exclusively within the Machu Picchu ruins, on Circuit 2. If you would like guide assistance on additional routes, you can request this service at the time of booking.

Upgrade (recommended)

• Private transportation (car or SUV depending on the number of passengers) from Cusco to the train station, round trip: 19 USD per segment per person (based on 3 passengers).

What to Bring for the Machu Picchu Tour:

• We recommend bringing the following: comfortable sneakers with non-slip soles or hiking shoes (high heels and footwear with rigid, thick, or platform soles are not allowed at Machu Picchu), lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and rain gear (especially from November to April). Keep in mind that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes sit at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level (6,561 ft), and weather conditions may vary depending on the time of year.
• Insect repellent (essential for Machu Picchu)
• Passport or ID (must match your reservation details)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Cash in local currency. In Peru, there is usually a small fee to use public restrooms, so we recommend carrying coins or small bills for convenience.

What should you keep in mind when visiting the Machu Picchu ruins?

• What does a shared tour mean?
  • It means you will share the experience with a group of travelers of different nationalities and ages, from both Guru Explorers and other operators. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people from around the world. If you prefer not to share the tour with others, you can request a private tour
  • With the shared tour option, the tour duration may vary depending on the pace of the group.
• Train schedules and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as early as possible.
• Large backpacks, suitcases, and bags are not allowed on the train. Only small bags or backpacks up to 8 kg are permitted. Please check available luggage storage options.
• 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:

• Wheelchair users

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.