Unforgettable 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Train from Cusco

Today is the highlight of your Machu Picchu 2-day tour. Depending on your entrance ticket time, your guide will recommend the best hour to wake up. If you have the early slot, you’ll rise around 4:00 a.m. to catch one of the first buses up to the ruins and witness the sunrise over the sacred citadel.

Your professional guide will provide a 2-hour walking tour, covering the most important temples, viewpoints, and historical facts of Machu Picchu. This short Machu Picchu tour is both informative and unforgettable.

If you’ve chosen to add the hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability and extra cost), you’ll have time afterward to complete the hike and explore the site at your own pace.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus and enjoy some free time before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a private van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, completing your Machu Picchu travel package between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

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When booking a Machu Picchu tour by train, it’s important to understand the different types of trains available and choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and travel style. Currently, there are three main train services that operate between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo):

🚆 Expedition (PeruRail)

This is the most affordable and practical option. It offers comfortable seats, panoramic windows, and a casual atmosphere. Ideal for budget travelers who still want a safe and pleasant experience on their way to Machu Picchu.

🚆 Vistadome (PeruRail & IncaRail)

A more complete experience with larger panoramic windows to enjoy the views, onboard snacks, and cultural presentations on some schedules. Perfect if you’re looking for more comfort and a stronger visual connection with the Andean landscape.

🚆 Hiram Bingham (PeruRail)

A luxury train inspired by the 1920s, featuring elegant wagons, gourmet meals, live music, and exclusive access to certain services in Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for a high-end, all-inclusive experience, this is the ideal option.

🚆 The 360° & The First Class (IncaRail)

The 360° features wide panoramic windows and an open-air observation carriage. The First Class service includes gourmet dining, drinks, live music, and personalized attention. These are excellent premium alternatives to the Hiram Bingham.

How to choose the best train?

It depends on three main factors:

• Budget: If you’re looking to save money, Expedition is a solid choice. If you can invest more, consider Vistadome or a luxury experience.
• Desired comfort level: For travelers who value comfort, panoramic views, and exclusive service, Vistadome or luxury trains are the best options.
• Travel style: Adventurous travelers often go with Expedition; those seeking a cultural or romantic experience usually prefer Vistadome or First Class.

At Andes Peru Expeditions, we help you choose the best option based on your preferences and take care of every detail of your Machu Picchu tour by train for an unforgettable journey.

The main difference between the Machu Picchu tour by train 2 days and a one-day tour lies in the pace, comfort, and time available to fully enjoy the experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best option for your trip:

🕐 Duration and travel pace

• 1-day tour: This is ideal if you have limited time in Cusco. It starts very early (around 4:00 a.m.) and returns late at night (around 9:00 p.m.). The entire journey is completed in a single day, which can be exhausting.
• 2-day tour: Offers a more relaxed experience. On the first day, you travel by train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night there. The visit to Machu Picchu takes place the following morning, with more time and less pressure.
• 🏞️ Experience in Aguas Calientes
• With the 2-day tour, you’ll have time to explore Aguas Calientes, relax in the hot springs, browse the artisan market, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
• On the 1-day tour, there’s no time to visit the town, as the focus is on a quick visit to Machu Picchu.

📸 Time at Machu Picchu

The Machu Picchu tour by train 2 days allows you to enter the citadel early in the morning (first entrance group), helping you avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.

On the 1-day tour, entry times depend on train and ticket availability and may coincide with the busiest hours.

😌 Comfort and rest

• The 2-day tour gives you time to rest before visiting Machu Picchu, making the experience more enjoyable and less tiring.
• On the 1-day tour, the early wake-up and long travel day can be physically demanding.

Which one should you choose?

• If you’re short on time and in good physical condition, the 1-day tour is fast and budget-friendly.
• If you prefer a more relaxed journey with time to enjoy every part of the experience, the Machu Picchu tour by train 2 days is the best choice.

At Andes Peru Expeditions, we offer both options with transportation, entrance tickets, and a professional guide included. You choose the pace — we handle the rest!

Yes, absolutely! At Andes Peru Expeditions, we offer the option to customize your Machu Picchu tour by train based on your interests, travel time, and preferred travel style. Our goal is to provide you with a unique and personalized experience. Here are some ways you can customize your tour:

🗓️ Add extra days

You can extend your tour by spending additional nights in Aguas Calientes or the Sacred Valley. This gives you more time to explore, rest, and avoid peak visiting hours.

🏞️ Include additional visits

You can enhance your train trip to Machu Picchu with visits to other stunning destinations such as:

• Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras)
• Cusco and surrounding sites (Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay)
• Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
• Humantay Lake
• Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu (subject to availability)

🛏️ Choose your accommodation

We can include hotel stays that match your preferences — from budget-friendly to boutique or luxury hotels in Aguas Calientes or Cusco.

🚆 Select your train type

Customize your journey by choosing from Expedition, Vistadome, 360°, First Class, or the exclusive Hiram Bingham train.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Private or group tours

You can choose between a private tour (ideal for families, couples, or small groups) or a shared group tour with other travelers.

How to get started?

Just let us know how many days you have and what you’d like to see. We’ll take care of organizing your custom Machu Picchu tour by train, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

Booking your Machu Picchu tour by train with Andes Peru Expeditions is easy and secure. Just follow these simple steps:

📝 1. Choose your preferred tour and date

Browse our tour options (1-day, 2-day, or custom tours) and select your desired travel date. If you’re unsure, our team will be happy to guide you.

📩 2. Contact us to check availability

Reach out via WhatsApp, email, or the contact form on our website. We’ll confirm availability for trains, Machu Picchu entrance tickets, and accommodation (if included).

💳 3. Make a deposit payment

To confirm your reservation, we require a partial deposit (payable by transfer, credit card, or PayPal). The remaining balance is due before the tour begins.

📧 4. Receive your official confirmation

Once we receive your deposit, we’ll send you a confirmation email with all the tour details: itinerary, train schedules, entrance ticket info, travel tips, and more.

How far in advance should I book?

• High season (May to September): We recommend booking at least 1 to 2 months in advance, as trains and Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly.
• Low season (October to April): You can book as little as 1 to 2 weeks in advance, though it’s still best to plan ahead for better availability and train schedules.

Important: If you want premium train services (Vistadome, First Class, or Hiram Bingham) or a custom itinerary, we recommend booking even earlier.

At Andes Peru Expeditions, we take care of the entire process so you can enjoy a smooth and unforgettable experience.