The Train-Based 2-Day Machu Picchu Overnight Tour is the perfect option for travelers that want to see the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu magnificence and beauty at a leisurely pace! You will begin the tour in Cusco with a bus ride before boarding a panoramic train for a ride through the breathtaking Andean scenery and along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes your charming escape to the Inca citadel.
The afternoon will be free to explore the town, relax with the natural hot springs, or hike to the nearby viewpoints before checking into your comfortable hotel for the evening. The second day you will visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide, learning about the temples, terraces, and mysteries of the ancient site. After the guided tour you will have free time at Machu Picchu to take in the views before taking the train back to Cusco. You will experience historical perspectives, scenery, and memories that are one-of-a-kind!
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Overview of the Machu Picchu overnight tour
This two-day experience unites breathtaking scenery, comfort, and culture for an incredible experience to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! Starting in Cusco, you traverse the Andean valleys and down into the lush cloud forest. Once at Aguas Calientes, you have the afternoon free to explore the town, check out the hot springs or just relax before an exciting day following.
On your second morning, rise early to take the first bus to Machu Picchu, where the sun lazily reveals the greatness of this ancient citadel. With your expert guide, you will visit the terraces, temples, and sacred plazas and learn about Inca engagement, life, and overall spirituality of this amazing site. This tour will offer comfort, discovery, and the right mix of adventure and relaxation.
Tour Highlights
Scenic bus and train ride through the Sacred Valley and Urubamba River
Guided tour of Machu Picchu, to the galley, temples, terraces, and viewing fence
Small group or private service
Comfortable lodging overnight at Aguas Calientes
Door-to-door transportation to and from hotels in Cusco
Great for travelers wanting more time to enjoy Machu Pichu more slowly.
Day 1: Cusco – Aguas Calientes
Start the day with a bus and train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (about 4 hours duration). Enjoy the scenic ride as you pass the Andes Mountain range and Urubamba River. One you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will check-into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, either to explore, shop for local crafts, or relax at natural hot springs.
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up early for Machu Picchu, and catch the first bus up for the sunrise over the ruins. As you will have a professional guide, you will spend between a 2-3 hours together exploring the Machu Picchu citadel, then have additional free time to explore on your own. After your time at Machu Picchu, you will have a lightly guided lunch at Aguas Calientes, then catch the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo from Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco via private van transport.
Full Itinerary – Machu Picchu Overnight Tour
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Your journey starts with a 7:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You will be taken to the San Pedro train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The trip from Cusco will last approximately 5 hours, taking you through the high Andean landscape of Cusco to the lush cloud forest surrounding the ancient citadel. During the ride, you will see the beautiful contrasting landscapes of the Anta plains, Pomatales Canyon, and the valley of the Urubamba River and will follow the river on its snaking path through the mountain observe all throughout the trip.
During the rainy season (January – April) or if the train service from Cusco is no longer running, the departures will be from Ollantaytambo Station. In this case, the pick-up will be at 8:00 a.m. and you will tour through the Sacred Valley first and then board the train. The same applies if the tickets from Cusco are sold out. Possible train stations are San Pedro, Poroy and Ollantaytambo.
You will arrive in Aguas Calientes at about noon, check in at your hotel, and then have the rest of the afternoon to explore. A small market offers a chance for you to walk through downtown, visit the Butterfly Station, Mandor Gardens, Machu Picchu Museum, or relax in the thermal baths that gave Aguas Calientes its reputation of being a spa town.
Included:
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Train ticket to Aguas Calientes
- Hotel accommodation (Ferre Machu Picchu or similar)
Meals: Not included
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide to board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. The ride takes about 30 minutes, offering your first glimpses of the breathtaking landscape that surrounds the Inca citadel. Upon arrival, you’ll enter the site by presenting your passport and entry ticket, and begin your 2–3 hour private guided tour.
Your guide will lead you through Machu Picchu’s most iconic landmarks the Temple of the Sun, Main Square, Guardhouse, Temple of the Condor, and agricultural terraces while sharing insights into the history, engineering, and spiritual importance of each site. After the tour, enjoy free time to wander at your own pace or take an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required).
By default, this tour includes Circuit 2, the most comprehensive route through the citadel. If unavailable, Uros Expeditions will secure Circuit 1 or 3, ensuring you don’t miss any major highlights. Because entry spaces are limited, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred schedule and circuit.
After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes by bus and enjoy lunch or some final shopping in town. In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition Train for a scenic 1.5-hour journey to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting for your transfer back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:00 p.m., ending your unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.
Included:
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or best available)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Round-trip Expedition Train tickets
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast at hotel (lunch and dinner not included)
Included/Not Included
Included
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or best available)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Round-trip Expedition Train tickets
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel (lunch and dinner not included)
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Meals.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Travel Information - Machu Picchu Overnight Tour by Train
Altitude Levels Along the Machu Picchu Overnight Tour by Train
This tour will cover a wide range of altitudes, providing a gentle and gradual descent from high Andean altitudes to a cloud forest. You will start in Cusco (3400 m / 11155 ft), traverse the Sacred Valley (2790 m / 9154 ft), and arrive at Aguas Calientes (2040 m / 6693 ft), which is the gateway to Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu citadel itself is at an altitude of (2430 m / 7972 ft), which typically has warmer and more humid air. Because of the diminishing elevation, most travelers will find the itinerary to be very comfortable and have minimal or no altitude problems compared to higher altitude treks.
Physical Demand and Difficulty of the Machu Picchu Overnight Tour
The Machu Picchu Overnight Tour by Train is also rated easy to moderate, which makes it suitable for travelers of all ages. There will be sections that are walking at Machu Picchu, and those will involve clearly cobbled paths, some moderately uneven stairs, and slight inclines – at a relaxed pace, and there will be ample time to relax and take photo opportunities. This tour is focused more on exploration of the local culture and prevalence of scenic travel versus being physically demanding, and that is the perfect combination between adventure and comfort: walking moderately is enough fitness fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Duration and Daily Schedule of Your Machu Picchu Overnight Adventure
This is a two-day, one-night trip starting with an early 7:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco, and ending on the second day sometime around 7:00 p.m. On Day 1 you will take a lovely train ride to Aguas Calientes, check in to your hotel, and then have free time in the town, or to go to the hot springs. Day 2 will be focused on your guided excursion to Machu Picchu – one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world. After this excursion, you will return to Cusco aboard the Expedition Train and private transport. Everything is planned out for you by Uros Expeditions to keep you on time and relaxed throughout the entire experience.
Climate and Weather Conditions During the Machu Picchu Overnight Trip
The climate on this route changes with altitude. Cusco tends to be cool with an average temperature of 10-18°C (50-64°F), and in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu the climate is warm and humid, and tends to average 18-25 °C (64-77°F). The dry season (April – October) is generally clear skies and sunny days with no rain – this is the best time to visit for sightseeing and photography. The wet season (November – March) has a chance for small showers late afternoon, and is full of lush green scenery – the crowds are also light in the wet season. Overall, in any season of the year, we suggest you bring a light rain jacket or poncho the weather in the Andes can change quickly.
Best Time to Go on the Machu Picchu Overnight Tour by Train
The ideal time to take this tour is from May to September when conditions are stable and visibility is at its highest. Machu Picchu can often reveal its best side during this window, with misty sunrises and bright blue mornings. However, please note from June to August is peak travel in this region, and trains and entrance tickets tend to sell out quickly. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit in the months of April, May, September or October. Weather is still great and crowds are much smaller.
Machu Picchu Tickets and Entry Circuits Explained
Entrance to Machu Picchu has strict regulations by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, and they have assigned specific visiting circuits to preserve the site. This tour automatically includes Circuit 2 that offers the most comprehensive experience visiting the main temples, terraces and viewpoints. Should Circuit 2 sell out, Uros Expeditions will confirm the next best available option (Circuit 1 or 3). Each ticket is registered to your name and passport ( you must have your original passport with you to enter.) It is always best practice to book in advance, especially during high season for your preferred route and time.
Train Services on the Machu Picchu Overnight Tour: Expedition & Vistadome Options
As standard service on both outbound and return journeys, you will be traveling in the Expedition Train, which includes comfortable seating, large panoramic windows and snack service. It will be a fun way to get to Machu Picchu while enjoying the Sacred Valley and Urubamba River canyon en route. If you are seeking an upgraded experience, it is possible to upgrade your train ticket to the Vistadome Train, which features wider windows, glass ceilings, live Andean music and performances while on board. Each traveler is allowed one small daypack onboard the train — any bigger luggage will need to be stored at your hotel in Cusco.
What to Bring
- Packing smartly will allow you to enjoy your time fully at Machu Picchu, without carrying unnecessary weight. We recommend that you bring:
- Passport (needed to board the train and enter Machu Picchu)
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Layered clothing (temperatures vary throughout the day)
- Rain jacket or poncho (yes, even during dry season)
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses (UV radiation is high in the Andes)
- Your own reusable bottle for water/say hydrated
- Insect repellent for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Camera or smartphone for pictures and video
- A small backpack with your necessities for each day
- Cash in soles for small purchases, snacks or tipping
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