Start Point
from Cusco
Service
Private Service
Type
Duration
2 days
Tour Machu Picchu by train 2D/1N
Live the exciting adventure that the Tour to Machu Picchu by train has for you:
Visit the most important attraction of Cusco and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, enjoying at the same time the impressive views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Vilcanota River, by train.
This 2-day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train transports you through the geography, history and mystics of archaeological sites and the wonderful essence of the Inca Sanctuary, to rest in Aguas Calientes, an exceptional tourist town, which you can only reach by walking or by train.
As an addition to the tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel, you can choose two more circuits that suit your tastes, the type of experience you want, as well as the budget. The Entrance Ticket to the extreme adventure Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, which includes the visit to the Inca City + the Huayna Picchu Mountain, whose summit is located at 2,693 m.s.n.m. (8,835 feet); or choose the highest altitude excursion, Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain located at 3,082 meters above sea level (10,111 feet).
Being one of the destinations with the highest demand in South America, the coordination of schedules, choice of train service, selection of places to visit, purchase of tickets in advance and planning are a guarantee of success and enjoyment of this adventure.
As part of the private tour, we can adapt the schedule for your comfort and rhythm, you also enjoy the tour exclusively with your private group and our professional guide.
Itinerary
Route
Machu Picchu Tour Itinerary:
Once the tour is booked with Guru Explorers, we will take care of acquiring train tickets and entrance tickets to the attractions of Machu Picchu. Taking into account availability, we adapt the itinerary as best as possible to the time you choose.
DAY 1:
Pick up from Hotel - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
This tour begins when we pick you up from your hotel to head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in shared transport for approximately 1.5 hours. There, you will arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Once there, depending on the train schedule you chose, you will have the afternoon free to have lunch, explore the town of Aguas Calientes, visit the handicraft market, the Botanical Garden, the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum of Machu Picchu or enjoy the thermal baths.
At nightfall, around 7:00 p.m., our guide will provide you details of the tour for the next day, define the meeting point and clarify any doubts that may arise.
DAY 2:
Breakfast - Visit to Machupicchu
After breakfast, it’s time to take the tourist bus to Machu Picchu, where you'll enjoy a guided tour with a private guide. He will show you the main temples, stairways, squares, roads, and other amazing spaces of this architectural complex, such as the Intiwatana.
Lunch - Return to Cusco
You will return to Aguas Calientes on the tourist bus, and depending on the itinerary, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch or stroll around Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to the Ollantaytambo station. Once there, you will board the shared transport to Cusco station, where our private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the historic center of Cusco.
The charm of traveling with Guru Explorers is precisely having the accompaniment of experts who know the place and give you in their stories, guide and history, the personalized and unforgettable experience of discovering the Cradle of the Inca Empire.
Note:
Availability
The itinerary may vary according to the availability of train tickets and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. Passengers are recommended to book as far in advance, especially in high season (June - September) or on holidays.
Train ticket
As it is a private tour, train ticket upgrades are available for both outbound and return. Preferences will be consulted, and the type of train for the route can even be reserved.
Additional Information
Includes
Price of the Machu Picchu Tour includes:
- Briefing one day before the tour.
- Shared transport from accommodation in the historic center of Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station. Sometimes, access to the chosen accommodation is limited due to the narrow streets of the city; if that’s the case, the guide will suggest a nearby point for pickup.
- Round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes in Expedition category or round-trip train ticket Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes in Voyager category. (Round-trip train tickets must be from the same company and category. You can request a category upgrade from our advisors.)
- Round-trip bus ticket (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu).
- Entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Center.
- Private tour with a professional guide in English and/or Spanish at Machu Picchu (for Portuguese or other languages, please inquire about availability).
- Shared transport from Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco Station. You can request an upgrade to private transport from our advisors.
- Return from Cusco Station to your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco via private transport
Not included
Price of the Machu Picchu Tour excludes:
- Transfer from hotels outside the city of Cusco, such as Urubamba, Pisac or others available; you should check if there are any extra charges with Guru Explorers.
- Tip for the guide.
- Beverages.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (It can be added in the reservation process).
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can book a buffet lunch with our advisors.
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Entrance ticket to hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
What to Bring
What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Tour?
- Consider that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are above (2,000 masl / 6,561 ft); its climate varies according to the time it is visited.
- It is recommended to choose: comfortable shoes, light clothing, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, rain gear (especially in November - April).
- Repellent against insects (important in Machu Picchu)
- Passport or DNI.
- ISIC card if you are a student.
- Travel insurance.
- Bathing suit and towel (optional for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, video cameras).
- Cash (local currency).
Considerations
What considerations you should have when taking the Machu Picchu Tour:
- You must choose the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in the purchase process. Prices vary if you are not part of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia).
- The train schedule and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
- By regulation of the train company, it is not allowed to carry backpacks, suitcases or large bags. The only things allowed are small bags or backpacks up to 5-6 kg.
- For the transfer from Cusco, you should consider that sometimes, access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pick-up point.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the travel itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
- “Guru Explorers” values your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policies:
- Take the following into account:
- The Ministry of Culture does not make refunds for the entrance to Machu Picchu, Montaña Machu Picchu or Montaña Huaynapicchu.
- The train company charges an administrative fee of 10% for cancellations.
- Cancellations within 11 days or more in advance, a penalty of 90 USD per person will be charged, which includes administrative concepts, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train company fee.
- Cancellations with 4 to 10 days in advance, will receive 50% of the amount paid.
- Cancellations with 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
- There are no refunds for entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Date changes:
- Take the following into account:
- Date changes are subject to the availability of train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Price difference will be charged for train tickets, if applicable. (Guru Explorers does its best to avoid increases)
- In the event of the new date of the tour to Machu Picchu is in a different year from the original, the ticket will be lost and an additional 50 USD per person will be charged to buy a new one.
- For changes of dates notified 11 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 15% will apply, which includes change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
- For changes of dates notified 4 to 10 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 25% will apply, which includes a change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
- It will not be possible to make date changes 3 days or less in advance.
- There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.
Why choose us
The experience that makes you live the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature.
We want to be part of that experience that you will live on the Tour to Machu Picchu by train.
If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:
QUALITY:
When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.
EXPERIENCE:
To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!
TRANSPARENCY:
We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.
SECURITY:
You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.
FLEXIBILITY:
Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.
PASSION:
Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.
Do you want a different trip to Machu Picchu? We won't keep you waiting!
FAQ
How is the weather in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located a thousand meters or 3,280 feet below the city of Cusco and is in part of the jungle or jungle, so the rain can appear at any time of the year. The usual maximum temperature can reach 28 ° C (82 ° F) and the minimum, which is usually in the early morning, can reach -2 ° C (-36 ° F).
Can I go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu without a bus?
The option of walking up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is available in the private service if desired. In the group service, due to the itinerary schedules, the entire group must go together with the outward journey, so they would only have the possibility to return walking, if they wish.
As an additional note, it will also depend on the physical condition of each person (take into account that they will also walk in Machu Picchu). The bus takes approximately 25 minutes to go up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, those who decide to walk up take approximately 1 hour, depending on their physical condition.
Can I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?
Sure! you can send a message at the time of booking to be able to buy train tickets on the most convenient days. They also have the option of booking a hotel through us specifying the category of accommodation.
Can I add lodging in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, they can add it within the purchase process. For any questions, you can contact an advisor or write us an email to info@guruexplorers.com
What's the difference between the Expedition tour train and the Vistadome?
The Expedition tourist train, like the Vistadome, belongs to the PeruRail company.
The Expedition is the base category that we offer on our tours. If you want an upgrade to Vistadome or another train service, you can select it in the purchase process.
Below we describe the main characteristics of each one:
Expedition
- Comfort: leather seats and regular footwell.
- View: nice panoramic view, however, not as wide as the Vistadome train.
- Snacks: for each passenger it includes a basic snack, which is generally a cake and a drink.
Vistadome
- Comfort: more space for the feet and arms compared to the expedition train. Those who depart from Ollantaytambo, have seats distributed in rows for two passengers; For those departing from Poroy, they generally have 4-passenger group seating available, positioned face-to-face with a shared table in the middle.
- View: they have fully panoramic windows where the landscape is much better appreciated, including the roof.
Snacks: snacks are generally served on dishes and include fruit, local bread, hot or cold drinks. - Extra: cultural presentations are usually offered such as typical Peruvian dances and fashion shows with garments made with alpaca fiber.
For more information on these or other trains to Machu Picchu, you can enter this link.
What is the luxury train to Machu Picchu?
The luxury train is the Hiram Bingham, inspired by the 1920s, which departs from Poroy station. If you are interested in taking a tour to Machu Picchu with this luxurious and exclusive service, enter the following link to see the complete itinerary!
What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (in the language of the Incas) is one of the most important attractions in Cusco, considered one of the most fascinating short walks in the world. For those who do not know, the classic photo of Machu Picchu, shows the Huayna Picchu Mountain in all its splendor, so as you can imagine, when you reach the top, you have all the fabulous view of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
This walk is in high demand and the entrance tickets to access them are limited, so it is recommended to make a reservation at least 3 or 6 months in advance depending on whether it is high season. Keep in mind that at Guru Explorers we consider this hike to be moderate to difficult. Check availability when making the reservation or contact info@guruexplorers.com if you have any questions.
Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain is not allowed for children under 12 years old.
What is the difference between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain?
The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains are two additional sections to the visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Below we will show some characteristics of both walks:
Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Tickets per day: 400
- Altitude: 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Walking time: approximately 2.5 hours (round trip)
- Restrictions: not allowed for children under 12 years old
Machu Picchu Mountain
- Tickets per day: 800
- Altitude: 3,082 m (10112 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Walking time: approximately 3.5 hours (round trip)
- Restrictions: allowed for all ages
For more information, visit our article Main Differences between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.
What is the difference between Machu Picchu Ciudadela and Machu Picchu Mountain?
When we talk about Machu Picchu, they can be confused between the Citadel of Machu Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain.
The Citadel includes the ruins themselves and the classic tour to the incredible wonder, where you can take the classic photo and have it as a postcard.
The Mountain of Machu Picchu is an additional hike that can be done on the same day of the visit depending on the availability of tickets to do it.
What objects are prohibited from entering the Tour to Machu Picchu?
If you want to access the citadel of Machu Picchu, you must bear in mind that you cannot enter with the following objects: selfie sticks, bag or backpack that exceeds 40 x 35 x 20, umbrella, alcoholic beverages or cigarettes in general, baby stroller , drones, etc.
Need help planning that long-awaited trip?
WE DESIGN YOUR EXPERIENCE IN PERU TOGETHER
guru explorers