GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 2 Days/1 Night
Size of group: Small group-maximum 10 hikers in Machu Picchu.
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Archaeological and Cultural Tour.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Climate: Warm and/or Wet.
Altitudes of the Walk: 3400 msnm (city of Cusco) going down to 2400 msnm (Machu Picchu)
Tour dates: daily departures.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 m.a.s.l. (7,874 ft) and was one of the most important political, religious, administrative, and cultural centers of the Inca Empire. Today it is the most visited archaeological site in Peru, welcoming close to 2 million visitors per year. The site stands out for the quality of its architecture: stone pavements, temples, dwellings, agricultural terraces, storehouses, canals, and fountains, all built using a masonry technique that continues to be studied.
This 2-day excursion organized by Incredible Peru Tours begins in Cusco with the train journey to Aguas Calientes, from where a bus travels up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. During the guided tour a local guide will explain the history and architecture of the site. After the guided tour there is free time to explore the site independently. Subject to availability, it is possible to book a Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket as an optional add-on.
Access to the site is regulated by the Ministerio de Cultura del Perú with limited daily entry quotas, so booking in advance is recommended.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site, managed by the Ministerio de Cultura del Perú with limited daily entry quotas.
- Learn about the history and architecture of the site with the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide.
- Train journey with views of the valley, canyons, mountains, and mountain forest between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Suitable for couples, groups of friends, families, and travelers interested in nature and history.
- Machu Picchu entry ticket included.
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels in Cusco.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book your Machu Picchu tour at least 4 months in advance, as entry tickets have limited availability and sell out quickly.
- Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day before the excursion to acclimatize.
- Keep in mind that Cusco is located at 3,400 m.a.s.l.
- Review your personal items in advance to make sure you have everything needed for the tour.
- Visit our office in the historic center of Cusco the day before the tour at 7:00 p.m. to attend the pre-tour briefing with your guide.
- If you have no place to leave your luggage during the excursion, you can use the free storage facility at our office.
- Carry valid identification documents, as these will be required at checkpoints and at the Machu Picchu entrance.
- If you have any questions or wish to have more information about this Tour, please do not hesitate to contact us: WhatsApp: +51 984525006/+51 984683047 or write to us: info@incredibleperutours.com
TOUR SCHEDULES
Day 1:
- 10:00 a.m. Hotel pickup.
- 10:10 a.m. Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
- 12:40 p.m. Train to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- 2:40 p.m. Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
- 3:00 p.m. Pickup at the station and transfer to the hotel.
- 3:30 p.m. Lunch and free time.
- 7:00 p.m. Guide briefing for the Machu Picchu visit.
Day 2:
- 5:30 a.m. Breakfast and transfer to the bus station.
- 7:00 a.m. Arrival at Machu Picchu and start of the guided tour.
- 11:00 a.m. Bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- 11:30 a.m. Arrival in Aguas Calientes.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch at a local restaurant and free time.
- 4:20 p.m. Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- 6:20 p.m. Arrival at Ollantaytambo station.
- 8:20 p.m. Transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
- 10:20 p.m. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
* The present schedule is a reference as it can vary according to the physical condition of each hiker and the availability in the departure times of the trains.
In the event that you have more time for your trip, you could make a route with more days of duration like the Classic Inca Trail – 4 Days / 3 Nights or the Inca Trail 2 Days/1 Night There will always be a route that suits your time and what you are looking for.
Itinerary
TRAIN EXCURSION TO MACHU PICCHU-2 DAYS /1 NIGHT
DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes town.
DAY 2: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN.
At 10:00 a.m. we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.) and transfer you by private transport for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station (2,800 m.a.s.l.).
In Ollantaytambo we board the train to Aguas Calientes. At the time of booking you can choose between two options: Expedition Train or Vistadome Train, according to your preference. The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes with views of the valley and mountain forest, arriving in Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.) at 2:45 p.m.
Upon arrival a representative will meet you at the station and accompany you to the hotel. You will have the afternoon free to explore the town or visit the thermal baths. In the evening the guide will provide information about the following day’s program.
- Distance: 111 km by transport and train.
- Weather: mild.
- Elevations: from 3,400 m.a.s.l. (Cusco) to 2,000 m.a.s.l. (Aguas Calientes).
- Accommodation: hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO.
After breakfast we leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m. and walk to the bus station. From there we take the tourist bus for 30 minutes up the winding road to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7,874 ft).
The early departure allows us to arrive before most visitors who access the site by train, making it possible to witness the sunrise over the site if weather conditions allow.
Upon arrival we begin the guided tour of approximately 2 hours led by the professional guide, with explanations of the history of the site and its main structures. After the guided tour there is free time to explore the site independently. Subject to ticket availability, it is possible to hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain as an optional add-on.
In the afternoon we take the bus down for 25 minutes to Aguas Calientes, where there is time to have lunch at a local restaurant. At around 6:00 p.m. we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, arriving at approximately 7:50 p.m. A tourist transport will take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 9:30 p.m. and a final transfer to your hotel.
- Guided tour duration: approximately 2 hours.
- Weather: warm.
- Elevations: Aguas Calientes 2,000 m.a.s.l. / Machu Picchu 2,400 m.a.s.l.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The times indicated in this itinerary are for reference only and depend on the type of train selected and its availability. After confirming the booking and payment we will send a travel voucher by email with the exact departure time for the excursion.
- Accommodation will be provided at the Tara Machu Picchu hotel or similar, in a single, double, or triple room according to your preference.
- All hotels include breakfast, private bathroom with hot water, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and free luggage storage.
- If you prefer to book your own hotel or already have a reservation, please let us know so we can apply the corresponding discount.
- The visit inside Machu Picchu is at your own pace according to each traveler’s fitness level.
- After the guided tour there is the option to walk to the Sun Gate (approximately 2 hours round trip) or to the Inca Bridge (approximately 1 hour round trip). Both routes have no additional cost.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket: USD 70 additional per person. The hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip. Subject to availability, limited to 400 spots per day. Request at the time of booking.
- Machu Picchu Mountain entry ticket: USD 70 additional per person. The hike takes approximately 3 hours round trip. Subject to availability, limited to 400 spots per day. Request at the time of booking.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pre-tour briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before the excursion at our office in Cusco.
- Secure luggage storage at our office during the excursion.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco on the day of departure.
- Entry tickets to the Sacred Valley archaeological sites and Machu Picchu.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Private transport and guide for the Sacred Valley tour.
- One-way train ticket in tourist service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- 1 night accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Entry ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu of approximately 2 hours.
- Return train ticket in tourist service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
*Accommodation will be provided at the Retama Machu Picchu hotel or similar, in a single, double, or triple room according to your preference. All hotels include breakfast, private bathroom with hot water, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and free luggage storage.
What should you bring
RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING TO MACHU PICCHU
Weather at high altitude can change throughout the day, with lower temperatures especially in the early morning hours. Below you will find the list of recommended items for this 2-day excursion. If you do not have any of them, you can purchase what you need in Cusco before departure, as the city has a good selection of stores with travel and outdoor gear.
Documents
- Valid original passport.
- Valid student ID (only if a student discount applies).
- Tour voucher issued by Incredible Peru Tours.
Essential
- Small backpack.
- Water bottle.
- Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals.
- Extra money, if you want to buy some souvenirs from your excursion.
Clothing and Calzado
- Comfortable footwear.
- Waterproof clothes: rain jacket and poncho. (from November to March).
- Bathing clothes, if you want to visit the Hot Water Thermal Baths.
- Hat to cover the sun.
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal medications, blessed and anti-inflammatory pills.
- Insect repellent.
- Solar blocker.
- Cream for the skin and lips.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Photo camera with batteries and extra memory cards.
- Good overall health and a good sense of humor.
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Frequently Asked Questions of our Customers. Before you ask any questions we invite you to read these questions and answers carefully, as well as all our links on this Tour. This will help you to find out in a simple, quick and practical way.
1. WHAT DOES THE 2-DAY CLASSIC MACHU PICCHU TOUR BY TRAIN INCLUDE?
This tour allows you to visit Machu Picchu in a comfortable and relaxed way, traveling by train to Aguas Calientes, spending one night in a hotel, and taking a guided tour of the Inca citadel the next day.
2. WHERE DO WE SPEND THE NIGHT DURING THE TOUR?
The night is spent in the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The accommodation allows you to rest before visiting Machu Picchu and enjoy the atmosphere of the town.
3. WHAT IS THE VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU LIKE ON THE SECOND DAY?
On the second day, you will take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, where you will learn about the main sectors of the citadel, its history, architecture, and landscapes. After the tour, you will have time to take photos and enjoy this wonder of the world. fer or some other means of payment, let us know to send you all the information you need to make your Pre-Payment.
4. WHY DO THE SPACES SELL OUT SO QUICKLY?
According to the current Tourism Use Regulation, only 4000 spaces are available in total for this route; so the spaces are very limited.
This Tourist Use Regulation of the zone is regulated and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (government agency of the Peruvian State). The regulation is strict and once the 4000 spaces are sold for each day, there is no option to make the additional purchase of quotas.
Now that you know the reason behind the high demand, you probably need to reserve your quota as soon as possible, so you will need to do this through a Tourism Agency authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate as ours Incredible Peru Tours-IPT.
Remember to book your Excursion as soon as possible, as the quotas are quickly sold for this magnificent trip.
5. DO I NEED TO TAKE ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?
Yes, only if you want to buy some snack like cookies, dehydrated fruit, chocolates, etc or some additional drink like soda, beers or some energy drink, as it is possible to purchase these products in the small commercial premises of the area the first 2 days.
Also if you want to buy some souvenir or souvenirs of your trip you can buy it in the Artisan Market of the People of Hot Waters. It also has as an additional option to visit the People’s Medical Baths the 4th day, the Price of the Entrance is 20 soles. For all this we recommend that you carry between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, you should make sure you have enough cash.
6. HOW WILL THE CLIMATE BE IN MACHU PICCHU?
The weather is very unpredictable it is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will find during your Tour. No matter what month trips, make sure you have to hand waterproof clothing like a waterproof jacket or a good poncho for rain.
During the dry season (From April to November), the early ones are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass the clouds clear and the sun rises, so it can do quite a lot of heat. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes there may be rain in June and sunshine in December.
During the rainy season (from mid-November to mid-April), rainfall is very constant. However, don’t be surprised if this season is a few days sunny. February is the month with the most rains so this month is not recommended.
7. HOW DO I RESERVE THIS TOUR?
Booking this Tour with Us will really be very safe, easy and practical, plus you will enjoy Payment Facilities like Pay your Excursion up to 1 day before your Tour and in 2 Quota:
- The First Share, you can pay online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card of any Bank, using our secure and reliable money transfer system. The Pre-Payment will be made by a deposit of USD 200 per person. (Give Click on the Reserve link)
- The Second Share, will pay you when you arrive in the City of Cusco, personally in our Main Office located in the Historic Center of the City until 1 day before your Tour.
To book your Tour, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Booking Form: You are on the Reserve link.
2. Pay the First Fee (Pre-Payment): We accept all the cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and any denomination: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it to you immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.
Article OTHER MEANS OF PAYMENT: If you want to do the Pre-Payment by another means such as: PayPal , Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other means of payment, let us know to send you all the information you need to make your Pre-Payment.
8. IF I ALREADY PAY MY FIRST FEE AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REIMBURSED ?
Unfortunately No. We will not be able to make any refund, or change dates for the Tours that are paid in quotas. All Pre-Payments of USD 200 are not refundable, nor transferable as this money will be immediately invested in all the Formalities and Reserves necessary for the realization of your Tour; as well as in the purchase of the Permits and Tickets for Machu Picchu. These procedures will be carried out in the Ministry of Culture of Peru (Agency of the Peruvian State in charge of the Administration of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).
9. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can communicate with us when you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very pleased to see you (a), call us at Cell: +51 984525006/WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com, or also see the Contact us link on this website.
10. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to reserve your excursion with us, let’s look at some:
- Central location: Our office is located in the Historic Center of Cusco, allowing better coordination and personalized assistance.
- Authorized Peruvian agency: We are a formal, 100% local travel agency with more than 15 years of experience organizing tours to the most incredible destinations in the region.
- Direct tour operator: We offer fair and affordable prices with no hidden fees, as we work without intermediaries.
- Professional team: We have highly trained local tour guides, cooks, drivers, and staff to provide a safe and high-quality service.
- Meals included: During the trek, we offer fresh and healthy meals prepared by our team, with vegetarian or special diet options available at no extra cost.
- Guaranteed departures: We operate our treks with small groups and safe departures, even if there is only one confirmed traveler.
- Commitment to our staff: We provide our team with accommodation, transportation, uniforms, good meals, health insurance, and fair wages.
- Social responsibility: We support projects that benefit children and local communities, especially in health and education.
- Sustainable tourism: We are committed to protecting the environment and participate in Inca Trail clean-up campaigns.
- Personalized assistance: We provide support before, during, and after the trip, answering your questions by phone or email.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- Ticket availability on our website is updated continuously and in real time.
- Each booking made by any authorized tour operator reduces available spots immediately, so they can sell out at any time.
- We suggest securing your place as early as possible, ideally at least 4 months in advance for the Machu Picchu visit.
- If you are interested in making this route and want to reserve your permits, or want to have more information, contact us: Cell: +51 984525006/WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or write to us: info@incredibleperutours.com
PRICES
Our rates are fixed and include no hidden fees. We are committed to offering the best service at the best price.
Prices for the 2-day Machu Picchu tour are listed in US dollars per person. The service operates in shared groups averaging 4 to 8 travelers.
The price varies depending on the train service selected for the round trip. You can choose between two options according to your preference:
1. MACHU PICCHU WITH TRAIN EXPEDITION
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 390 | From 18 years old |
| Student | USD 370 | From 9 to 25 years old. Scanned copy of valid student ID required |
| Child | USD 310 | From 3 to 8 years old. Copy of passport required |
| Infant | Free | From 0 to 2 years old, traveling with parents |
2. MACHU PICCHU WITH VISTADOME TRAIN
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 460 | From 18 years old |
| Student | USD 440 | From 9 to 25 years old. Scanned copy of valid student ID required |
| Child | USD 380 | From 3 to 8 years old. Copy of passport required |
| Infant | Free | From 0 to 2 years old, traveling with parents |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you wish, the following optional services can be added at the time of booking:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket: USD 70 additional per person. Subject to availability, limited to 400 spots per day. Only applicable if staying an extra day in Aguas Calientes.
- Machu Picchu Mountain entry ticket: USD 70 additional per person. Subject to availability, limited to 400 spots per day. Only applicable if staying an extra day in Aguas Calientes.
A CONSIDERATION:
- Our passion is family travel, so if you are travelling with children, please contact us to offer our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Please contact us to receive our offers.
- Incredible Peru Tours-IPT for your greatest tranquilad has no charge or hidden expense.
- If you are interested in making this TOUR and want to reserve your spaces or want to have more information, contact us: Cell: +51 984525006/WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or write to us: info@incredibleperutours.com

