MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT (BY TRAIN)

We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station. From there, you will board the bus to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will take the train to Aguas Calientes, a town located near the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The departure time will depend on train ticket availability.

This train journey is considered one of the most impressive experiences for travelers visiting our country. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes as the route descends into a lush cloud forest environment at 2,040 meters above sea level. After approximately four hours, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, and you will walk to your assigned hotel, since there are no taxis in town.

Afterward, you will have free time to relax and explore the town at your own pace. Aguas Calientes is nestled in a deep green valley crossed by a river and offers a wide variety of cafés and restaurants. This 2-day Machu Picchu tour also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes, helping you feel refreshed and ready for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

At around 7:00 p.m., you will attend an informative briefing with the guide who will accompany you on your tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

To fully appreciate the serenity of Machu Picchu, it is best to arrive early in the morning. For that reason, we will depart at 5:30 a.m. after breakfast.

To reach Machu Picchu, you may either hike up on foot, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, or take the bus up to the ruins. The bus fare is $12 per person one way or $24 round trip. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes along a steep and winding road with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Upon arrival, our guide will lead you through the most important areas of this remarkable Inca city, including the impressive Intihuatana (the sundial), the Temple of the Sun, the urban sector, and the agricultural area. For many years, Machu Picchu was considered a legend until explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered its ruins in 1911. Perched at 2,430 meters above sea level in a lush mountain cloud forest, Machu Picchu is set in an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It was likely one of the greatest urban achievements of the Inca Empire at its peak, with massive walls, terraces, and ramps that seem to have been carved naturally into the mountainside.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own. If you wish, you may also hike Huayna Picchu, the iconic peak seen in many classic photos of Machu Picchu. The climb to the top takes about one hour along steep stairways and can be challenging, but the panoramic view from the summit is truly rewarding.

After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch and browse the local handicraft shops. If you prefer, you may also relax in the hot springs located in the upper part of town.

Finally, at around 4:20 p.m., we will board the train back to Cusco. You will arrive after nightfall, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation. During high season, the return train schedule may vary depending on demand and ticket prices.