Machu Picchu 2 days Tour by Train

When contemplating a visit to Machu Picchu, the challenge often lies in balancing desire with practicality—especially when short on time or planning last-minute. This 2-day train tour from Cusco presents an appealing solution, promising a safe, efficient, and thoroughly enjoyable way to see one of the world’s most iconic wonders. Our review aims to unpack every facet of this journey, helping you decide if it fits your travel style and expectations.

What we particularly like about this tour is its seamless combination of transportation modes—bus, train, and guided visits—all coordinated to maximize your time at Machu Picchu. Plus, the inclusion of a professional English-speaking guide ensures you’ll get rich insights into the site’s history and myths. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour does not include overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes, so travelers must make their own arrangements if they wish to stay longer.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a well-organized, hassle-free visit with a focus on the main attraction. It’s particularly appealing for those booking on short notice, or travelers who prefer a structured day with clear timings. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or just want the highlight of Peru without the fuss, this option offers genuine value.

Key Points

• Efficient two-day itinerary designed to fit last-minute plans
• Includes roundtrip train and bus transportation with a guide
• Not including overnight hotel stay in Aguas Calientes, offering flexibility
• Well-rated (5/5) with consistent positive reviews for organization and professionalism
• Ideal for solo travelers or small groups (max 10 travelers)
• Pricing at $380 per person, emphasizing good value for a comprehensive experience

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour

Why Choose a Train-Based Tour?

Traveling by train remains one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to reach Machu Picchu. It allows you to unwind after an early start and enjoy the stunning Andean landscapes, making the journey itself part of the adventure. Compared to hiking or bus-only options, train travel offers a predictable, comfortable trip—especially valuable if you’re pressed for time or want to avoid strenuous routes.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Early Start, Bus, and Train Journey

The tour begins with a very early pickup from your Cusco hotel at 3:45 am, which might seem brutal, but the advantage is arriving at Machu Picchu early in the morning—when the site is less crowded and the weather is often cooler and clearer. From Cusco, you’ll take a bus to Ollantaytambo, a small town that acts as the gateway for train travelers. This bus ride is part of the experience, offering a glimpse of local life and the rugged landscape.

Once in Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the train—a smooth ride that typically lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours—heading towards Aguas Calientes. This segment is cherished by travelers for its panoramic views, with lush terraces, rushing rivers, and mountain peaks whipping past the window.

Arriving in Aguas Calientes by mid-morning, you’ll be asked to return in the afternoon to collect your entry ticket to Machu Picchu for the next day. This step is crucial, as the tour uses this time to secure your entrance and prepare for the guided visit. We appreciate that this planning step is integrated into the itinerary, reducing stress for travelers.

Tip: The tour recommends planning a third day in Aguas Calientes as a contingency—if the site is overly crowded or if tickets for the second day are unavailable. Keep this in mind, especially during peak seasons.

Day 2: The Grand Visit

The second day is the highlight. You’ll start with a bus ride up to Machu Picchu, usually early in the morning to beat the crowds. The guided tour, lasting around 2 hours, provides a focused exploration of the site’s key features, and the guide will share insights into its construction, purpose, and myths.

The tour includes a group visit to Circuit 2 Llaqta, which is one of the designated routes you might choose to explore further on your own later, depending on your ticket. Afterward, you’ll descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes, have some free time for lunch (not included), and then board the train back to Ollantaytambo.

From Ollantaytambo, a bus will transfer you back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas. This full-circle logistics plan minimizes hassle and makes sure you see everything without needing to navigate transport alone.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The inclusive elements—bus transportation, roundtrip train transfer, entrance to Machu Picchu, and a professional guide—are the backbone of the tour. These components are carefully selected to ensure comfort, safety, and a meaningful experience.

However, meals are not included, so you’ll need to plan for lunch on your own on Day 2. Also, hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes is not part of the package, giving you flexibility to choose your own stay or extend your visit if desired. Gratuities remain optional but appreciated, especially for guides and drivers.

Timing and Group Size

The tour operates daily, with opening hours from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, aligning well with standard visiting hours. The group size is limited to 10 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience and allowing guides to give personalized attention.

This small-group approach is appreciated by travelers who prefer less crowded, more engaging tours. The maximum number of travelers also helps maintain safety and comfort, especially in these post-pandemic times.

Pricing and Value

At $380 per person, this tour offers a competitive price point for a comprehensive two-day experience with expert guides and all transportation included. When you consider the cost of separate tickets, transport, and guide fees, the package often represents good value, especially given the convenience and peace of mind it provides.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

The overwhelming majority of reviews give this tour a full 5-star rating, often praising its organization, seamless connections, and professional staff. For example, one reviewer, Lina_Z, mentioned, “Tour was well organized, the rail and bus connections were seamless, staff are very professional, I like it.” Such comments reflect the tour’s strength in reliability and quality.

Travelers also appreciate the easy logistics—being picked up from their hotel and transported smoothly across multiple modes—saving them from the hassle of booking separate tickets or navigating complex schedules.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

The main consideration for potential travelers is the early start; a 3:45 am pickup might be tough for some, particularly if you’re not an early riser or have jet lag. Also, since overnight in Aguas Calientes is not included, those wanting to spend more time exploring the town or acclimatizing should plan accordingly.

Another aspect to keep in mind is ticket availability. The tour recommends reserving about 13 days in advance—ideal for planning but perhaps challenging during peak season or last-minute bookings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who value organized logistics, want a guided experience to enhance their understanding of Machu Picchu, and are okay with a fast-paced, two-day schedule. It works especially well for those booking close to their travel date, as it minimizes the hassle of planning individual transport and tickets.

If you prefer a more leisurely or extended exploration, or wish to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, you might prefer other options that include hotel stays or longer visits.

The Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour by Train offers an efficient, reliable way to experience one of the world’s greatest wonders without the stress of separate bookings or complicated logistics. Its small group size, professional guides, and seamless transportation make it a standout choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups aiming to maximize their time at Machu Picchu.

The experience is well-balanced—giving you enough time to enjoy the site, learn its stories, and still return comfortably to Cusco. The downside of early mornings and lack of overnight stay is mitigated by the overall convenience and solid value.

This tour is perfect if you want a trusted, structured visit with expert guidance, especially when planning last-minute. It’s a fantastic way to check Machu Picchu off your bucket list with minimal fuss but maximum enjoyment.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited time? Yes, it condenses the visit to two days, making it ideal for those on a tight schedule.

What transportation is included? The package includes touristic bus transportation, roundtrip train transfer, and bus up/down Machu Picchu.

Are entrance tickets included? Yes, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is part of the package.

Can I book this tour last minute? It’s recommended to book about 13 days in advance, but last-minute bookings are possible depending on ticket availability.

Does the tour include accommodation in Aguas Calientes? No, it does not include overnight hotel stays in Aguas Calientes.

What is the group size? The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What time does the tour start? Pickup from Cusco begins at 3:45 am; the tour operates daily from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Is food included? No, meals are not included; you should plan to buy lunch on your own on Day 2.

What if I want to stay longer in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes? You should plan and book extra nights yourself or consider other packages that include hotel accommodations.

Is tipping expected? Tipping is optional but appreciated for guides and drivers, especially given their professionalism and effort.

This 2-day Machu Picchu train tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see this wonder with high praise from past travelers. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick visit or prefer a guided, hassle-free experience, it’s worth considering for your Peru adventure.