Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train

Machu Picchu, twice as smooth. This 2-day train-based plan takes you from Cusco to Aguas Calientes with a guided sunrise arrival at the citadel, plus a full guided segment once you’re inside. I like that the “hard parts” are handled—entrance and a professional guide—so you’re not juggling tickets while you’re tired from altitude. I also like that it includes end-to-end transport and one night in Aguas Calientes with dinner and breakfast, so you’re not scrambling for a hotel after a long travel day.

One thing to consider: you’ll do the climb to the top early, and the return is on foot (bus up/down isn’t included). I’d plan for sore legs, good shoes, and a slower pace after Machu Picchu since the day runs long.

This runs as a small group (up to 15), with a set pickup from your Cusco hotel at 9:00 am on Day 1. The big upside is timing: you’re set up to catch sunrise, then you still get time to wander the ruins on your own before the long trip back to Cusco late at night.

Key things to know before you go

• Sunrise timing with early meeting: you start the day up at about 4:00 am, then a ~40-minute ascent to Machu Picchu.
• A guide for the first big chunk inside: plan on about 2 hours of guided touring, with time after for your own exploring.
• Train round trip to Aguas Calientes: you go Ollantaytambo ⇄ Machu Picchu town by train.
• One night in Aguas Calientes with dinner + breakfast: helpful when you’re tired and altitude is a factor.
• No bus shuttle for the return: everyone walks back down, so pack accordingly.

Why the train to Aguas Calientes is the smart way in

Taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes turns the journey into part of the experience instead of just transit. You avoid the stress of arranging multiple legs on your own, and you get a more relaxed day structure: Cusco to Ollantaytambo, train onward, then settled time in town.

This is also where the value shows. At $399 per person, you’re not only paying for a ride—you’re paying for the “setup”: guided entrance to Machu Picchu, professional guidance once you’re there, and the logistics from Cusco through the whole loop. For many people, that’s worth more than chasing cheaper train tickets and sorting everything separately.

Cusco pickup at 9:00 am and Day 1’s Andean-to-hot-springs flow

Day 1 starts with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 9:00 am. From there, you head toward Ollantaytambo for the train to Aguas Calientes. The plan is built so you’re moving during daylight hours, with views of snow-capped peaks and Inka ruins on the route when you’re on the transfer legs.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the group is gathered and taken to your lodging. Around 6:00 pm, you’ll share a dinner with the group, followed by free time to explore town or soak in the hot springs if you want. This is a genuinely useful break. After you spend the day traveling, having a simple evening option—food, then a walk around town or the soak—keeps your first day from feeling chaotic.

A practical tip: if you’re sensitive to noise, ask yourself whether you’re the kind of traveler who can sleep through sound. The package includes one night in Aguas Calientes lodging (listed as a hostel in the inclusions), and some people have reported thin walls and trouble resting.

The 4:00 am start: your sunrise run to the Machu Picchu entrance

Day 2 begins early—up around 4:00 am—because sunrise at Machu Picchu isn’t a casual stroll. After getting started, you’ll do an ascent to the citadel that takes about 40 minutes. The tour guide is waiting for you at the entrance so you’re not trying to find your way in the dark.

Here’s why this matters: sunrise access is one of the main reasons people pay for guided packages. You get to focus on the moment—mist, light changes, and that first view—without worrying about timing, tickets, or where to line up.

This early start can be a shock if you’re not used to altitude. Pack layers and go easy with breakfast if your stomach feels cautious. The early climb is short in distance, but it’s not the time for showy pacing.

Guided citadel tour (about 2 hours) and time to wander

After the sunrise moment, the guide leads a tour for about 2 hours. This is your structured time to understand what you’re seeing: how the site was used, where to look, and how different areas connect.

Then the schedule opens up. After the guided portion, you’re free to explore the citadel at your own pace for as long as you want. That matters because Machu Picchu isn’t a checklist stop for most people—it’s a place where you’ll keep noticing details as the light shifts.

If you like taking photos, this is also your window to slow down and get angles without feeling rushed. If you prefer quiet moments, you can choose where to pause after the group heads on.

One note that affects comfort: bus transportation between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes isn’t included for the return. That means your guided portion and free time should factor in that you still have a walk coming later. Plan to keep energy for the descent.

Leaving Machu Picchu: walking back, train to Ollantaytambo, and late arrival in Cusco

Once your time in Machu Picchu is done, you return walking to Aguas Calientes to pick up your backpack. Then you take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation brings you back to Cusco.

The day is long. The arrival window in Cusco is typically around 9:30 pm to 10:00 pm, depending on train availability. In other words, don’t schedule anything important on your Day 3 morning unless you enjoy running on caffeine and stubbornness.

Because the return includes walking, wear shoes with grip and think about traction. Machu Picchu can be uneven underfoot, and your legs will be tired after sunrise and the site walk. The earlier you plan for comfort, the better the last stretch feels.

Price and what $399 really buys you

$399 per person is not a budget price, but it’s also not just paying for the view. You’re paying for a bundle of stuff that usually costs time and stress to assemble on your own:

• Pick-up from your Cusco hotel for the Day 1 start
• Round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu town
• Entrance to Machu Picchu plus a professional guide
• One night in Aguas Calientes with dinner and breakfast included

Also, the entrance is described as being handled with advance timing (with booking about 2 months in advance noted), with more options if needed through contact. That’s a clue that the operator tries to secure access ahead of time, which is critical for Machu Picchu.

What’s not included helps you budget honestly:

• Day 1: breakfast and lunch aren’t included
• Day 2: lunch and dinner on the last day aren’t included
• No bus shuttle up/down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (you walk)

If you’re the kind of traveler who values a smooth plan, this price can feel fair. If you’re already comfortable buying your own entrance and train, you might find cheaper ways—but you’ll spend more time coordinating and accepting more risk around timing.

Small-group energy and the guide names to watch for

This is capped at 15 travelers, which usually keeps the experience from feeling like a moving crowd. With a group of this size, you can ask questions and still keep a decent pace.

In past experiences shared about this operator, names like Carlos and Nixon came up as helpful contacts from Mega Expeditions, and a guide named Jorge was singled out for being especially knowledgeable and great with photos. I can’t promise you’ll get the same people, but it’s a good sign when you see consistent staff showing up in feedback for smooth coordination.

One extra practical upside mentioned in feedback: having someone to message for help (including outside normal hours) can reduce stress when you’re dealing with early departure times.

Practical tips so you’re not miserable at the wrong times

A few things I’d do to make this plan feel easier:

• Bring layers for 4:00 am: sunrise starts early, and you can go from chilly to warm quickly.
• Pack for walking: since bus up/down isn’t included, treat Day 2 like a hiking day.
• Plan for uneven energy: you’ll do a 40-minute ascent early, then a guided tour (~2 hours), then a walk back down.
• Eat wisely on Day 1: breakfast and lunch aren’t included, so plan how you’ll handle meals before pickup and after arrival.
• Don’t rely on hot springs as a recovery tool: it’s optional free time, but it’s not a replacement for rest if sleep is your problem.

If your lodging in Aguas Calientes is noisy, as some people have described, pack earplugs. It’s a tiny thing that can save your whole next day.

Who should book this Machu Picchu 2-day train tour?

This suits you if you want:

• Sunrise access with a guide and a clear plan
• Train-based logistics so you’re not stitching together transport all day
• A small group experience with about 15 people max

It’s also a good match if you’d rather spend energy looking at Machu Picchu than comparing train times and entrance ticket rules.

Consider thinking twice if:

• You want a mostly seated experience. Day 2 has real walking and climbing.
• You need lots of free, unscheduled time. The plan is structured, especially early morning.
• You’re booking through a reseller and you want absolute ticket certainty. If you book outside the operator directly, I’d read the fine print and confirm who holds the Machu Picchu access.

Should you book this Machu Picchu tour?

I’d book it if you value sunrise timing, guided entry inside Machu Picchu, and smooth transport from Cusco through Aguas Calientes and back. At $399, the price makes sense when you factor in entrance, a professional guide, train logistics, and meals with one overnight stay.

I’d hesitate if you’re not comfortable with early starts, walking back down, and the reality that Aguas Calientes lodging quality can vary. For some travelers, that matters as much as the ruins.

If you do book: treat Day 2 like a workout day, pack for comfort, and make peace with a late arrival back in Cusco. Then Machu Picchu can be the main event, not a logistics stress test.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

It’s a 2-day experience, with timing that can vary slightly based on train availability.

Where is the pickup in Cusco and what time does it start?

The tour includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 9:00 am on Day 1.

What train route is included?

Round-trip train transportation is included from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes area) and back.

What’s included for Machu Picchu access?

Machu Picchu entrance fees and a professional guide are included, with the entrance described as being organized in advance.

Is breakfast, lunch, and dinner included?

Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch isn’t included on the first day, and lunch and dinner aren’t included on the last day.

Do you take a bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu?

No. Bus up and down is not included, and everyone walks.

How early do you start on Day 2?

The group gets up at 4:00 am on Day 2 to start the trek to Machu Picchu.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.