Machu Picchu stands as a powerful testament to human ingenuity and ancient civilization. This incredible stone city, hidden high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, reveals a deep connection between nature and architecture. Built by the Inca people centuries ago without modern tools, its precision and harmony with the surrounding landscape are truly astonishing. Every wall and terrace speaks of advanced knowledge and meticulous planning. Visiting Machu Picchu offers a unique glimpse into a vanished world, inviting reflection on the builders’ lives and beliefs. It reminds us of humanity’s capacity for grand creations and the enduring legacy of a remarkable culture that understood how to live powerfully within its environment.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled between the towns of Pisac and Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes, offers a profound journey into a vibrant past. These tours reveal a landscape where ancient traditions still thrive amidst stunning natural beauty. Visitors explore remarkable Inca ruins, like the agricultural terraces of Pisac and the formidable fortress of Ollantaytambo, witnessing the incredible engineering skills of a bygone era. Beyond the stones, the valley is home to thriving local communities, preserving age-old customs and crafts. Engaging with the people and experiencing the vibrant markets provides a tangible link to a continuous cultural heritage. A Sacred Valley tour is more than sightseeing; it’s an immersion into a living history, showing how a powerful civilization shaped its environment and left an enduring mark.
The Inca Trail is an ancient pilgrimage route located in the Peruvian Andes, leading to the remarkable site of Machu Picchu. This historic pathway, part of a vast Inca road system, traverses challenging mountainous terrain and lush cloud forests. Along the journey, hikers discover impressive archaeological ruins, revealing the Inca’s architectural and engineering mastery. The trek culminates with an awe-inspiring entry into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, offering a unique perspective of this iconic citadel nestled amidst dramatic peaks. It’s a profound experience, connecting modern travelers with a rich, ancient civilization.
Choquequirao trek offers a profound adventure into the heart of the Andes, revealing an ancient city that echoes the grandeur of Machu Picchu but remains less explored. This challenging journey takes you through dramatic mountain passes and deep canyons to reach Choquequirao, often called the “last Inca stronghold.” Here, vast terraces, temples, and residential areas cling to steep hillsides, showcasing the incredible skill of the Inca builders. Unlike its famous counterpart, Choquequirao provides a serene and personal encounter with history, where fewer visitors allow for deeper contemplation of its silent stones. These treks are not just about reaching a destination; they are about connecting with a powerful past and experiencing the raw beauty of Peru’s untouched landscapes, a true expedition into a hidden world.
An Amazon jungle tour offers an unforgettable dive into one of the planet’s most vital and diverse ecosystems. These expeditions take you deep into a world teeming with life, from towering trees forming a thick canopy to countless species of animals found nowhere else. You’ll navigate winding rivers, listen to the symphony of the rainforest, and witness wildlife in its natural home, often up close. Guides share their knowledge of the jungle’s secrets, revealing medicinal plants and hidden creatures. More than just a trip, an Amazon tour is a powerful reminder of nature’s raw beauty and immense power. It connects you directly with the pulse of the Earth, highlighting the importance of protecting such precious, wild places for future generations to experience.
Inca Jungle Treks offer a thrilling and diverse path to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, combining outdoor adventure with a deep dive into Peruvian culture and history. Unlike traditional treks, these journeys blend activities like mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining with classic hiking through stunning landscapes. You’ll pass through cloud forests, coffee plantations, and small local villages, gaining a unique perspective on the region’s rich tapestry. This route provides a dynamic way to experience the Andes, moving beyond just walking to engage all your senses. It’s an active and engaging alternative for travelers seeking a more adventurous approach to reaching one of the world’s most iconic sites, culminating in the awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu.
Vilcabamba treks offer an extraordinary journey into a remote and historically rich region of the Peruvian Andes. This area, known as the “Last Refuge of the Incas,” holds the secrets of a civilization that resisted Spanish rule for decades. These challenging expeditions lead adventurers through untouched cloud forests, over high mountain passes, and past pristine rivers to reach ancient Inca sites rarely seen by outsiders. Unlike more frequented paths, a Vilcabamba trek provides a unique sense of discovery, allowing you to connect deeply with history in a truly wild setting. It’s a powerful experience, revealing not only stunning natural beauty but also the resilience of a remarkable culture that sought freedom in the wilderness.
Salkantay treks offer an incredible alternative route to Machu Picchu, guiding adventurers through some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. This challenging but rewarding journey takes you from the foot of towering, snow-capped mountains, like the sacred Mount Salkantay, down into lush cloud forests and tropical valleys. Along the way, you’ll witness dramatic changes in scenery, from high-altitude passes to vibrant coffee plantations. Unlike the more crowded paths, the Salkantay trek provides a deeper connection with nature’s raw power and beauty. It’s an immersive experience that culminates in the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu, earned through an unforgettable passage across truly wild terrain. This trek truly captures the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Lares Treks in Peru offer a unique and profound way to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Andes, providing a vibrant contrast to other, more strenuous routes. This journey takes you deep into remote valleys where traditional Inca ways of life still flourish. You’ll pass through small, welcoming communities, observe ancient weaving techniques, and witness daily life unchanged for centuries. Unlike high-altitude challenges, the Lares trek focuses on genuine human connection and cultural immersion. It’s a chance to meet local people, learn about their customs, and appreciate their strong bond with the land. This trek is more than just walking; it’s an intimate encounter with a living history, offering insights into the enduring spirit of the Andean people.
Experience this Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour on a structured two-day train tour from Cusco. The train journey offers views of the Urubamba River and Andean scenery, passing Inca ruins along the way. This 2 Day tour to Machu Picchu ensures ample time at Machu Picchu, avoiding a rushed visit.
Your guides are local experts, providing insights into the region. Train schedules are chosen for optimal landscape viewing to and from Aguas Calientes. You can upgrade to a luxury train for added comfort. This tour starts from Cusco (3,399 meters), with adjustments possible for different pickup locations. It’s a direct way to experience the iconic site.
The Machu Picchu 2-day tour from Cusco by train is a common travel option. The train journey provides views of the Urubamba river and the Andean landscape. During the ride, it is possible to see several Incan ruins including the site at Km 84 which is the starting point for the classic Inca Trail.
A visit to Machu Picchu is a significant trip for many individuals this itinerary is structured to provide adequate time at the site and avoid a rushed experience.
The tour guides are local professionals born and raised in the region which ensures an experience informed by local knowledge. The selected train schedules and services are chosen to allow for landscape viewing on the journey to and from Aguas Calientes.
For a higher level of comfort an upgrade to a luxury train service is an available option. The Belmond Hiram Bingham service operated by Peru Rail offers a premium onboard experience. You can contact us to coordinate the arrangements for this trip.
This tour operates from Cusco, located at an altitude of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). If you are staying in a different location such as the Sacred Valley please provide this information at the time of booking so adjustments can be made.
A lower-cost alternative is the two-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco by Car which is an all-inclusive option.
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We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco three hours prior to your train’s departure time from Ollantaytambo train station, which is at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet). We will then drive you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo a journey of about two hours.
Once in Ollantaytambo our tour manager will assist you with boarding the train to Aguas Calientes located at 2,040 meters (6,692 feet). The train ride from Ollantaytambo offers views of snow-capped peaks glaciers Incan farming terraces and green vegetation. On the way you will pass several Inca ruin sites. After the journey, you’ll need a moment to get your bearings in the new, lower-altitude environment.
When the train arrives at the Aguas Calientes station our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. You will have the evening free to walk around the small town which serves as the primary access point to Machu Picchu. You can explore the local market or visit the hot springs from which the town gets its name.
Details for Day 1:
An early start is required for this day. The hotel will provide a snack box. You will then board a tourist bus for the 25-minute drive up the mountain to the Machu Picchu citadel itself at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet). The first bus departs Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu at 05:30.
At the main entrance our local guide will touch base with you and assist with passing the security checkpoint. A comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu complex will follow. After the tour you will have free time to explore the site independently. You can decide how to spend this time and play it by ear based on your interests.
As an alternative you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain if you have booked the corresponding entrance permits. This requires prior notification and an additional cost of USD 20 per person. You can also hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), situated at approximately 2,720 m (8,924 ft), which is a climb of about one hour and does not require a fee. This location provides a panoramic view of the citadel although clear views are weather-dependent.
At a designated time you will board the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. From there you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. We usually book a train that departs late in the evening. At the train station our representative will meet you and provide a transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. When you get back to your hotel it will be late enough to call it a day.
Details for Day 2:
You can enrich your Peru experience with a variety of exciting extensions. Promotional prices for these extensions are valid only for confirmed tour departures. For any other dates or changes, the regular price will apply.
What to Expect
“Cusco Tours” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Cusco Tours,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Cusco Tours,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Cusco Tours” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Cusco Tours” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Cusco Tours” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
This Machu Picchu Tour by Train operates daily, year-round.
Guaranteed Departures: This small-group tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two guests.
Please note that a 5% PayPal fee applies to online deposits. This fee covers the use of their service and is the responsibility of the client. The remaining balance (US$ 250.00) should be paid in cash in Cusco on the briefing day to avoid additional charges.
At Cusco Tours, we believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler. Nestled in the heart of Peru, we specialize in curating unforgettable experiences that blend ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
