About this experience
Our two-day train adventure to Machu Picchu takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world. With the Urubamba River on your side, you’ll travel all the way to the tropical forest that surrounds Machu Picchu and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the high Andes. You’ll have extra free time to explore Machu Picchu town and have the option to visit the relaxing Hot Springs or the Machu Pichu museum and botanical garden, before the majestic Lost City of the Incas.
At a glance
- Duration: 48 hr
Planning perspective
How I’d plan this experience
If you want to reach Machu Picchu without compressing the whole outing into a single day, this two-day train itinerary gives you an overnight in Aguas Calientes and a guided visit the following morning. I’d choose it when you value having the main transport and entrance arranged together, but want to keep your expectations realistic: meals and the uphill bus are not included, and the overnight stay is in a shared-room hostel unless you request a private room.
Who this two-day plan suits
The format suits travellers who would rather break up the journey from Cusco than race to the site and back in one day. The first day includes a drive to Ollantaytambo, a train to Aguas Calientes and a night there; the second is centred on Machu Picchu. I think that overnight makes the most sense if you’re comfortable with a simple, shared accommodation setup and an early start.
There is some physical effort involved: the itinerary describes stone steps on the walk from town to the site and recommends at least moderate fitness. If that sounds like too much, the bus is presented as an alternative, but it is an extra cost.
Know what is included—and what is not
The package includes the train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes in both directions, transport between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, a guide, Machu Picchu entry and the hostel. That makes it a practical choice if you prefer a coordinated itinerary over assembling each leg yourself.
My advice is to budget separately for meals and the uphill and downhill bus: neither is included. Mountain add-ons are separate too, and access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu is subject to availability. Don’t assume those extras come with the standard entrance.
Plan around the early start and fixed logistics
Day one is not a late, leisurely departure: pickup is listed for 10:00 am, followed by the 12:55 pm train from Ollantaytambo. Breakfast is not provided, so eat beforehand or bring snacks. The exact pickup time is communicated by chat, and you’re asked to be ready at reception.
There is a briefing with the guide the day before, when entrance and transport tickets are handed over. I’d treat that briefing as an important part of the plan, not an optional detail, and keep the morning flexible enough for the scheduled entry and walk-or-bus decision.
A real trade-off: little downtime, limited flexibility
Aguas Calientes is an overnight stop with restaurants and shops, but the itinerary itself recommends getting an early night before the site visit. The overview mentions free time and optional hot springs or a museum and botanical garden, yet I’d see those as possibilities rather than a guaranteed, spacious afternoon.
The bigger commitment is the cancellation policy: all sales are final, with no refund for cancellations. Choose this only if the two-day schedule and non-refundable terms work for you.
Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary and traveller feedback · Updated October 27, 2026
Plan your experience
Set aside 48 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.
Machu Picchu Train From Cusco Guide
Plan the Machu Picchu train from Cusco with clear advice on bimodal routes, entry tickets, train classes, timings, baggage, and booking order.
Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco
A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar
What is included
- Transfer
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Mini-bus from Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Professional tour guide
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Hostel in Aguas Calientes (shared rooms)
Not included
- Bus tickets up and down Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain - Subject to availability
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain - subject to availability
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Meals
Itinerary and highlights
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Passengers must be ready at the reception at the indicated time.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Yapa Explorers
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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Traveller reviews and photos
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