Anyone who visits Cusco should not miss Machu Picchu, a spectacular Inca city hidden among densely forested mountains. Our trip to Machu Picchu leaves the city of Cusco at 6:00 am, as we travel by bus to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the small town located below the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The train follows the Urubamba River as the valley narrows to form a sheer gorge and we pass through different climactic zones, with views of majestic mountains and glimpses of ancient ruins. From the station at Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride takes us up to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, the finest surviving example pre-Hispanic architecture and engineering, where we will enjoy a private guided tour lasting around 2 hours, during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After the tour, you will also have time to explore the ruins independently. We will return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and board our train for the return trip to Cusco.

Two-day Machu Picchu by Train, with overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

This is an awesome way to experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, for those who are short of time.

We will depart from the city of Cusco at 8:00 am and drive to the village of Chincheros, where there will be time to explore this traditional Andean community. From here, our private transport will take us to Ollantaytambo, where your guide will provide you with a tour of these fascinating Inca ruins before allowing you some free time to do some shopping or wander the streets of this unique village, with its original pre-Hispanic street plan.

You will need to be at the Ollantaytambo train station by around 1:00 pm to board the Expedition Class train, or by 3:00 pm for the Vistadome Class train.

Day 2: Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Our day will start before dawn so we can take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, beating the crowds and having the opportunity to see this World Heritage site in the early morning light. You will have a 3-hour guided tour of the site and have the option to climb Huayna Picchu mountain for the most famous view of the city of Machu Picchu far below (permits need to be organized at the time of booking for this additional excursion). You will have plenty of time to explore this amazing site before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for the return journey to Cusco by train and bus. This program is highly recommended for those who want to experience Machu Picchu at dawn, and would like to spend more time at the site.

Useful Information

• Train To Machu Picchu – Peru Rail Expedition Train
• Distance from Cusco to Machu Picchu – 112km / 69.6 miles
• Altitude at Machu Picchu – 2400m / 7873ft.
• Weather – dry from Abril to October, wet from December to March
• If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu, permits need to be organised at the time of booking.