Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel, has captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. This 2-day train journey from Cusco promises to unveil the breathtaking beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Ollantaytambo’s picturesque town, board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, and embark on an early morning guided tour of Machu Picchu – all while enjoying the convenience of transportation, accommodation, and meals. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this intimate tour offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you marveling at the wonders of this ancient Inca wonder.
Key Points
- This 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu includes a scenic train ride, early access to Machu Picchu, and one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention.
- On the first day, guests will travel by minibus to Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes, with free time to explore or visit the hot springs.
- The second day starts with an early bus ride to Machu Picchu, where a guided tour is provided, followed by free time for further exploration or hiking.
- The tour includes breakfast, transportation, and entry to Machu Picchu, allowing for a well-rounded and hassle-free experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1 Highlights
- Day 2 Highlights
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Considerations
- Pricing and Availability
- Customer Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Documents Do I Need to Bring for This Tour?
- Can I Book This Tour for a Single Traveler?
- Is There an Option to Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
- How Difficult Is the Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
- Is It Possible to Book This Tour for a Private Group?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This 2-day tour from Cusco to the iconic Machu Picchu site provides travelers with the opportunity to maximize their experience at the UNESCO World Heritage landmark.
The small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience. Travelers will enjoy early access to Machu Picchu, allowing them to explore the site before the crowds arrive.
The tour includes overnight accommodations and breakfast in Aguas Calientes, as well as transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the train journey to Aguas Calientes, providing a seamless and convenient experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Details
The tour kicks off with a departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minibus, allowing travelers to sit back and admire the scenic countryside.
From there, the journey continues by train to Aguas Calientes, providing stunning views along the way.
Upon arrival, the afternoon is free for optional activities, such as visiting the Machu Picchu museum or relaxing in the hot springs.
The second day starts early with a bus ride to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, followed by free time for exploration, photography, or an optional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
Day 1 Highlights
The tour begins with a departure from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minibus, allowing travelers to sit back and admire the scenic countryside along the way.
Upon arrival, participants embark on a train journey to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll have the afternoon free to explore.
Visitors can choose to visit the Machu Picchu museum or relax in the nearby hot springs, though these activities aren’t included in the tour price.
This first day sets the stage for the main event – the guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu the following morning.
Day 2 Highlights
On the second day, an early morning bus takes travelers to Machu Picchu for a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours. This allows visitors to explore the iconic ancient site when it’s less crowded and the light is ideal for photography. After the guided tour, there’s free time to wander and capture more photos or attempt the challenging hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The afternoon brings the train journey back to Ollantaytambo and the transfer to Cusco, completing this remarkable 2-day experience.
| Activity | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour | 2 hours | Explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide |
| Free Time | 3 hours | Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain |
| Train Journey | Afternoon | Scenic ride back to Ollantaytambo |
| Transfer to Cusco | Afternoon | Complete the 2-day tour |
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour’s inclusions cover the essentials for a memorable Machu Picchu experience.
Breakfast and one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes are included, ensuring you’re well-rested for the day ahead.
Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back is provided, as well as entry to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
The guided tour of Machu Picchu is also part of the package, allowing you to maximize your time at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
However, activities like visiting the Machu Picchu museum and climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain aren’t included, giving you the flexibility to customize your experience.
Important Considerations
Travelers should be aware that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
The tour starts early in the morning, with a 4:00 AM pickup from hotels within the historic center of Cusco. The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
It’s important to note that the tour doesn’t include the entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, which are an optional activity.
Pricing and Availability
The tour price starts from $407.00 per person.
This 2-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco has an overall rating of 5.0 out of 15 reviews. The majority of these reviews, 14 out of 15, are 5-star ratings, with only one 3-star rating.
Feedback indicates the tour offers a well-planned experience and delivers on its promises.
The tour includes breakfast, one night’s accommodation, transportation, and entry to the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, this small-group tour allows for a more personalized experience at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu.
Customer Reviews
Overwhelmingly positive reviews paint a picture of a well-executed tour that delivers on its promises. Of the 15 reviews, 14 are five-star ratings, with only a single three-star review. Customers consistently praise the efficient planning, early access to Machu Picchu, and the overall tour experience. The breakdown of reviews is as follows:
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5-Star | 14 |
| 4-Star | 0 |
| 3-Star | 1 |
Reviewers highlight the small group size, scenic train journey, and the freedom to explore Machu Picchu at their own pace after the guided tour. The tour’s inclusions, such as breakfast and accommodation, also receive positive feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Documents Do I Need to Bring for This Tour?
For this Machu Picchu tour, travelers should bring their passport and any required entry permits. The tour operator will provide instructions on any other necessary documents. Proper planning ensures a seamless experience at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Can I Book This Tour for a Single Traveler?
Yes, this 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco can be booked by single travelers. The tour has a small-group size of up to 15 participants, providing a personalized experience for solo adventurers.
Is There an Option to Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Aguas Calientes. The tour includes 1 night’s accommodation, but you can book additional nights if you want to spend more time exploring the area around Machu Picchu.
How Difficult Is the Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
The hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is challenging, with steep inclines and uneven terrain. It’s not recommended for those with health issues or a fear of heights. However, the views from the top are breathtaking.
Is It Possible to Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, it’s possible to book this tour for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours with customizable itineraries and group sizes up to 15 travelers. Pricing may vary based on group size and specific requirements.
2-Day: Machu Picchu by Train From Cusco
“Let me be clear, I booked this experience on short notice, on the order of weeks instead of months ahead. If you aren't planning months ahead and a…”
Recap
This intimate 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train offers an unforgettable experience. Travelers can witness the breathtaking beauty of the ancient Inca site and capture stunning photographs during the guided tour. With included transportation, accommodation, and meals, this adventure provides a hassle-free way to explore the wonder of Machu Picchu. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for those seeking an immersive journey into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
