Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Machu Picchu Tour by Train with Hotel – 2 Days
day 1
DAY 1: CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES
Travel without an early start, from the Andes to the cloud forest.
A relaxed day to reach Aguas Calientes by train, explore the town and rest before visiting Machu Picchu.
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Pick-up in Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo
By tourist vehicle, around 8:30 a.m. · Cusco → Ollantaytambo
Your experience begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco and the transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
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Train to Aguas Calientes
By tourist train · Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
We board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), on a scenic ride between Andean mountains, the Vilcanota River and lush vegetation that announces the cloud forest. On arrival, our staff will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel so you can rest.
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Free afternoon in Aguas Calientes
At your own pace · Aguas Calientes
Enjoy the afternoon discovering this picturesque town: browse its craft market and small shops, stroll its mountain-framed streets or enjoy local food at a restaurant overlooking the Vilcanota River.
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Night in Aguas Calientes
At your hotel · Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a restful night before exploring one of the wonders of the world the next day.
Day details
- Accommodation: Hatun Inti 3-star hotel or similar
- Meals: Not included
What is this day like? check our photos
day 2
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
The big moment! Discover the magic of Machu Picchu.
After a restful night, you reach the Inca citadel early and full of energy.
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Ride up to Machu Picchu
By bus, about 30 minutes · Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
After a good breakfast, we head with our guide to the bus station to ride up to the entrance of the citadel. As its sacred mountains and ancient buildings come into view, an unforgettable experience begins.
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Machu Picchu Highlight
Guided visit, about 2 to 3 hours · Machu Picchu citadel
With your professional guide, you will explore this extraordinary sanctuary: its temples, ceremonial enclosures, agricultural terraces and the secrets of a civilization that left an indelible mark on history. As it is a private group service, you will have time to listen to the explanations, take in the scenery and take photos, depending on the assigned circuit and visiting rules.
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Free time in Aguas Calientes
By bus and at your own pace · Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
We take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, to explore the town or, if you wish, to visit the famous hot springs on your own, keeping your train time in mind.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist train and private transport · Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
In the afternoon, we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our vehicle will be waiting to take you straight to your hotel in Cusco. You will arrive at approximately 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the memory of having walked through one of the most fascinating wonders of the world.
Day details
- Guided visit: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Return to Cusco: approx. 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Meals: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Machu Picchu without rushing, with a night in Aguas Calientes and personalized attention. Short on time? Discover the Machu Picchu Classic Tour by Train 1 Day.
Includes
Machu Picchu
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket: We arrange it once your booking is confirmed, according to availability and the assigned time slot, on one of these circuits: Circuit 2 (Routes 2A or 2B), with panoramic views and the main sectors of the citadel; Circuit 3 (Route 3B), through the lower sector; or Circuit 1 (Route 1B), with panoramic views from the Guardhouse. We always arrange the best option available for your date.
- Professional bilingual guide in a private group: Guided visit in Spanish or English to discover the history, culture and secrets of the Inca civilization.
Accommodation
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes: Hatun Inti 3-star hotel or similar, with buffet breakfast.
Support and safety
- Pre-tour briefing: The day before the trip, we go over the itinerary with you, coordinate the details and answer your questions.
- Personalized assistance: From pick-up at your hotel, a Sakura Expedition representative assists you at the start of the trip and coordinates your meeting with the guide.
Transportation
- Private outbound transfer: From your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Round-trip tourist train: PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager, between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Consettur buses: Up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Private return transfer: From Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Not include
Meals
- Day 1: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Day 2: Lunch and dinner.
Optional
- Train upgrades and special lunches: See rates under Additional services (Prices tab).
- Tips: Optional.
- Travel insurance (recommended): For greater peace of mind, we recommend insurance covering flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your adventure.
Unforeseen events
- Additional expenses due to causes beyond the agency’s control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes or similar circumstances.
Prices Machu Picchu Tour by Train with Hotel – 2 Days
Rates per person
Traveling solo? The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people. Message us to check availability for your date.
Requirements for the student discount
Accepted
- Physical university ID card (PVC card)
- Valid during the year of travel
- Showing full name, photo, university and expiration date
Not accepted
- ISIC cards
- Digital certificates
- Screenshots
Send a copy when you book.
Payment
Option 1
Full payment at booking
Pay the total when you make your booking.
Option 2
Deposit of US$ 200 per person
Secure your spot; the balance is paid no later than the day before the tour.
Additional services
- Vistadome train upgrade (return) – US$ 25 per person: Return to Cusco with spectacular panoramic views, comfortable seats and a superior travel experience on one of the most popular trains.
- Vistadome Observatory train upgrade (outbound) – US$ 66 per person: Start your adventure with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory car and live Andean music, as you take in the Sacred Valley scenery on the way to Machu Picchu.
- Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge Tinkuy (Machu Picchu) – US$ 45 per person: The best option for lunch next to Machu Picchu, with a varied buffet in a unique setting just steps from the citadel.
- Lunch at Café Inkaterra – US$ 25 per person: A dining experience in a natural setting by the Vilcanota River, ideal for relaxing and rounding off your visit with excellent food.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Original, valid passport or ID, valid physical student card (if applicable) and cash in soles.
- Clothing and footwear: Comfortable walking clothes, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, a hat or cap, comfortable shoes with good grip and a special outfit for your photos.
- Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Health: Personal medication.
- Gear: A small daypack of about 30 liters, a reusable water bottle, light snacks, a camera or phone and a portable charger / power bank.
Recomendations
- Choose the best season: Cusco has two seasons. The dry season, from April to October, usually brings sunnier days and less rain; the rainy season, from November to March, has more frequent rain and greener landscapes. Weather can vary by month and area.
- Book your ticket early: Once your dates are set, check circuit availability and secure your tickets through official channels. Availability depends on the date, the circuit and demand.
- Arrange your services: Book trains, accommodation, flights and transfers in good time to coordinate your itinerary from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
- Huayna Picchu: If you want to climb this mountain, check availability and book it in advance, as spaces are limited.
- Travel documents: Make sure your passport or ID is valid and that your booking details match it. If you renew your passport after booking, check the conditions for your tickets and services first.
- Plan with us: Our team can help you coordinate tickets, trains, accommodation and experiences for your dates, so you can enjoy Machu Picchu with careful planning and personalized attention.
F.A.Qs
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, but it is worth keeping Cusco’s two seasons in mind. The dry season, from April to October, usually brings sunnier days and clear skies, ideal for the scenery. The rainy season, from November to March, has more frequent rain and greener, lusher vegetation. Whatever the season, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible, as availability is limited and sells out quickly on some dates.
Does the tour run every day?
Yes, it runs all year round. Even so, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets are limited, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and have more choice of times and circuits.
How many travelers are in the group?
We believe a visit to Machu Picchu deserves personalized attention and a comfortable pace, so the tour runs with groups of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 16 travelers. If your booking is for 2 people, your departure is guaranteed and operated directly by Sakura Expedition, without joining other groups or agencies. If you are traveling solo, we can also help you join a group already confirmed for the same date; check the options with your travel advisor.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 3 to 5 months ahead, especially in high season. Every year more travelers plan their visit months in advance and, since Machu Picchu tickets have limited capacity, they sell out quickly. Booking early gives you more choice of circuits, entry times and trains.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
The tour can be done on any of the three Machu Picchu circuits, depending on availability when the booking is confirmed. Each offers a different experience: a walk through the citadel, panoramic views or both. Although many travelers ask for Circuit 2, Circuits 1 and 3 also let you enjoy Machu Picchu from unique perspectives. Our team will always arrange the best option available for your trip.
Can I choose my Machu Picchu entry time?
We will do our best to get your preferred time, but it depends on availability when the booking is confirmed and must fit the tour itinerary.
Which train does the tour include?
It includes the PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager train, depending on availability and each company’s schedules. Both have comfortable seats and large panoramic windows to enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley and the Andes. For a superior experience, you can request an upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
What hotel category is included?
We choose each hotel for its location, comfort and quality of service. This tour includes a superior 3-star hotel, the Hatun Inti or similar. For more comfort, we also have 4- and 5-star options; check the rates with your sales executive.
Please note that Aguas Calientes lies in the cloud forest, with a warm, humid climate most of the year. It is therefore normal to notice some humidity in the rooms, even in higher-category hotels, which use dehumidifiers and other measures to reduce it, although it cannot be eliminated completely.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is ideal if you want to explore the Inca citadel calmly and without rushing, because you spend the night before the visit at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. That way you reach Machu Picchu early and full of energy, without the very early start of a one-day tour. It is especially suited to families with children, older adults and travelers who prefer a relaxed pace, with easy difficulty.
From what age is the tour recommended?
It is ideal for travelers of all ages, as it requires no long hikes or great physical effort. We recommend it for children from age 3, accompanied by their parents, and it is a great option for older adults. There is no maximum age: every year many travelers over 75 visit Machu Picchu without any problems. Even so, if you have a health condition, check with your doctor before the trip.
From what age do children pay at Machu Picchu?
Children need a Machu Picchu ticket from age 3 and get special rates depending on their age and nationality. To get them, they must show a valid passport or ID when booking and during the visit. Our team will let you know the applicable rates.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy. It is designed for travelers who want to see Machu Picchu in a comfortable, cultural and accessible way, without long walks or demanding treks.
What time do we get back to Cusco?
The return to Cusco on day 2 is expected between approximately 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., depending on the train schedule and operating conditions.
How long is the guided visit at Machu Picchu?
It lasts about 2 to 3 hours and may run a little longer depending on the group’s pace. As it is a private service, you will have time to stop, take photos and learn in detail about the history and secrets of Machu Picchu with your guide.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, both options can be added, subject to availability. These hikes require moderate fitness and are not recommended if you suffer from vertigo, especially the Huayna Picchu climb. Tickets usually sell out in advance, so it is best to request them when you book.
Can I bring luggage to Aguas Calientes?
Yes. You can bring up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) of luggage on the train. Even so, to travel more comfortably, we recommend bringing only a small backpack with the essentials for Machu Picchu. Your main luggage can stay free of charge at your hotel in Cusco or at our office; some train stations also offer luggage storage.
Who meets us when we return to Ollantaytambo station?
In Ollantaytambo, our staff will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, to assist you and take you back to Cusco.
Does the tour include transfers from and to my hotel?
Yes. It includes the transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the train station and the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel.
Is the guide service private or shared?
It is private: the guide accompanies only your group, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and personalized experience. If you are traveling solo, check the options with our sales executive.
Are the transfers private or shared?
The road transfers are private, both outbound and return. The tourist train and the Machu Picchu buses are shared services.
What is the booking process?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or via WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check available dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To buy your Machu Picchu ticket and train tickets, we need each participant’s full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality. Without this information we cannot buy tickets.
3. Deposit: Once we receive the completed forms, we request a deposit of US$ 200 per person to buy the entrance and train tickets. Book early, as spaces sell out quickly.
4. Final confirmation: Once everything is secured, you will receive your official confirmation invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.
How do I pay the balance?
You can pay the balance in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, at our office in Cusco or as instructed by your travel advisor.
Is tipping customary?
Tips are entirely voluntary. Our whole team is paid fairly, so any gratuity is up to you.
