2 Days 1 Night in Machu Picchu with Tourist Train and Entrance

Travelers dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu often face a multitude of choices — from full multi-day treks to quick day-trips. For those seeking a balance of comfort, convenience, and authentic experience, the 2-day Machu Picchu tour with tourist train offers a compelling option. While it’s not the cheapest way to visit this iconic site, it provides a well-organized, enriching experience that’s accessible to most.

Our review is based on a popular package rated 5.0/5 with 52 reviews, recommended by 96% of travelers. The package covers transportation, entrance fee, guided tour, and one night in Aguas Calientes, making it ideal for those who want to see Machu Picchu without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. But, like all travel experiences, it has its nuances. Here’s what you need to know before booking.

Two standout features: comfort and authenticity

First, the comfort of this tour is noteworthy — you’re transported in a private pickup from Cusco, and the train journey is included, meaning no stress about booking separate tickets. Second, the guided tour of Machu Picchu ensures that you get meaningful insights into this incredible site, not just a hurried walkaround.

However, one potential drawback is the limited time at the site, with only a guided 2.5-hour tour on the second day. If you’re eager to explore independently or want to spend more time on the terraces, the schedule might feel a bit tight.

This tour suits travelers who value hassle-free arrangements, reliable logistics, and a balance of guided and free time — especially if you’re short on days but want the full Machu Picchu experience.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip train tickets from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and entrance to Machu Picchu.
• One night in Aguas Calientes, providing a relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy the town.
• Guided 2.5-hour tour of Machu Picchu offers insight into the site’s significance.
• The pickup and drop-off service simplifies logistics; no need to worry about how to get to Ollantaytambo or the bus to Machu Picchu.
• Price around $280 per person, which balances affordable luxury with practical logistics.
• The tour is often booked about 36 days in advance, indicating good planning ahead is necessary.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Cusco to Aguas Calientes

The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco, a major plus for travelers who dislike dealing with multiple transport arrangements. The pickup time is flexible, allowing you to choose a convenient morning slot. From there, you’re driven roughly two hours to the Ollantaytambo train station — this scenic drive is a good primer for the landscapes ahead.

Once at Ollantaytambo, the journey continues aboard a comfortable tourist train (Expedition or Voyager), which takes about 90 minutes. The train ride itself is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the Peruvian countryside, lush valleys, and glimpses of local life.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you’re transferred to your hotel, giving you time to settle in and explore at your leisure. The town is a charming hub filled with cafes, markets, and thermally heated baths, if you’re feeling indulgent.

Day 2: The Majesty of Machu Picchu

After breakfast, you’ll take a bus ride up to Machu Picchu’s entrance — a short but scenic trip as the bus climbs the mountainside. The guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, covering the main alleys, passageways, and highlights of the site.

A few travelers who reviewed this experience appreciated the guide’s insights, noting that “we’ll take a two and a half hour guided tour through the alleys and passageways of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World,” giving them a meaningful overview rather than just a walkaround.

You’ll see iconic spots such as the Intihuatana stone, the temple of the sun, and the sacred plaza — all with explanations that enhance appreciation for the architecture and purpose.

After the guided tour, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes for some free time — perhaps to visit the local market or relax in a cafe — before heading back by train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus takes you back to Cusco, completing the loop.

Overall Transport and Timing

This package’s timing is designed to maximize your experience without being overly rushed. The train journey is approximately 1.5 hours each way, which is a good compromise — longer than a day-trip train but not so lengthy as to exhaust you. The bus to Machu Picchu is included in the tour, making the logistics seamless.

Accommodation

The tour includes one night in Aguas Calientes, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Travelers can choose their own hotel or stay at a recommended one, but it’s expected you’ll arrive in the afternoon and depart early on the second day.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers’ comments add valuable perspective. One wrote, “This company continues to display full calendar availability and accept bookings, despite not actually offering the tour,” highlighting the importance of booking with reputable providers. The overall review score of 4.8/5 shows most travelers are satisfied — praising the smooth logistics and scenic train ride.

Some travelers remark that the tour’s value lies in its convenience. “We loved the way everything was organized, from hotel pickup to train tickets,” said one. Others appreciated the guided tour, noting that “knowing the history made the experience richer,” and “the guide was very knowledgeable.”

However, some reviews point to cancellation issues — notably, a reviewer who experienced the tour being unavailable despite booking in advance. It’s worth checking availability and cancellation policies before confirming.

The Cost and Its Value

At approximately $280 per person, this tour strikes a good balance between affordability and comfort. When you factor in transport, entrance fee, guided tour, and hotel stay, it offers a comprehensive package that minimizes your need to organize separate tickets and transfers.

Compared to DIY options, which might involve figuring out train schedules, bus tickets, and hotel bookings individually, this package simplifies everything, saving you time and potential stress.

Although it’s not the cheapest option, the value for convenience and guided insight is compelling — especially for first-time visitors or those short on time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want hassle-free logistics, guided insights into Machu Picchu, and a comfortable overnight stay. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer organized transportation rather than navigating local buses and train stations alone.

If you’re comfortable with a guided tour of limited duration and don’t mind the 2-hour bus ride, this package offers a good mix of discovery and comfort. It’s less suited for travelers wanting to explore Machu Picchu independently or spend more time at the site.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Machu Picchu tour with train travel and hotel stay offers a smart way to visit one of the world’s most famed archaeological sites without the complexity of full DIY planning. The included train journey, guided tour, and overnight accommodation deliver an experience that’s both authentic and convenient, with enough flexibility for some free time.

While the logistics are well thought out, travelers should be mindful of limited time at the site and verify availability due to past booking issues. Still, the overall value — especially for those wanting a guided, comfortable introduction to Machu Picchu — makes this a highly appealing choice.

If you’re seeking a balanced mix of guided insight, scenic train travel, and relaxed pacing, this tour is likely to meet your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories of these remarkable ruins.

FAQ

Does this tour include transportation from Cusco?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, making the journey to Machu Picchu seamless and stress-free.

What is the train journey like?
The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes lasts about 1.5 hours. Travelers often find it comfortable, with beautiful scenery along the way.

Is there a guided tour of Machu Picchu?
Yes, the package includes a 2.5-hour guided tour of the site, offering insights into its structures and history.

Do I need to arrange my own tickets?
No — round-trip train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu are included in the package, simplifying your planning.

Can I stay longer in Aguas Calientes?
The tour includes one night in Aguas Calientes, with free time available on the first day and after the guided tour on the second day.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?
The tour provider states that if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, assuming they’re comfortable with the schedule and the physical demands of bus and train travel.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is operated by Huaynapicchu, contactable at +51933508882 or via email at [email protected].

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-organized, scenic, and culturally enriching way to experience Machu Picchu. It balances guided discovery with free time, all while keeping logistics straightforward. Perfect for those who want a reliable, comfortable introduction to this incredible site, it’s a worthwhile investment in a memorable adventure.