Overview
Machu Picchu by Train – Sunrise Experience (2 Days / 1 Night)
Do you want to experience a magical sunrise at Machu Picchu? We make it effortless. This premium tour takes you to Aguas Calientes the day before, allowing you to spend the night in town and board one of the earliest buses to Machu Picchu the next morning.
Your journey can begin in Cusco or the Sacred Valley—simply let us know your hotel at the time of booking. Enjoy a scenic train ride through picturesque farmlands, snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba Valley, ancient Inca sites, and the beautiful Sacred Valley River.
This is a fully organized, hotel-to-hotel service that includes:
Train tickets
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Bus tickets to and from the citadel
Professional private guide
All pickups and transfers
Experiencing Machu Picchu by train is the perfect choice if you prefer a comfortable, boutique-style trip without hiking or camping. It’s an ideal luxury day trip or overnight experience from Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Note: This tour can start from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Please provide your hotel details at the time of booking or once your accommodations are confirmed.
Highlights
Explore Machu Picchu with our expert local guides, who have led over 1,000 guided visits
Enjoy our fully private tour service for a more personalized experience
Travel aboard the scenic Vistadome train both ways
Details
- Type of tour: Private service, historical, guided, and scenic train ride
- Level of service: Comfort
- Duration: 1 night – 1 day
- Starting point: Cusco
- Group size: This tour is only offered as a private service, allowing you to fully enjoy this day journey to the 7th World Wonder.
- Our guides: PERU BY LOCALS has a group of top guides, both men and women, who have professional degrees and receive refresher training every year.
Peru by Locals is not only a travel company but a group of great tour leaders who love sharing our culture with you and are passionate about tour culture.
Departures
This tour is operated by PERU BY LOCALS 100%. When you book your tour with us, you travel with us. We depart every day and year-round. The group size will depend on the number of travelers you have in your group.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Scenic Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes
Your journey begins around noon, departing from Cusco or the Sacred Valley toward the Ollantaytambo train station. Here, you will board the Vistadome Train at 3:37 PM, featuring panoramic windows that offer exceptional views throughout the ride.
The 1 hour and 40-minute train journey to Aguas Calientes is truly unforgettable. You will travel alongside the Urubamba River, pass by majestic snow-capped mountains, and spot fascinating Inca archaeological sites along the Sacred Valley.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will escort you to your pre-booked hotel. This charming town—home to about 5,000 residents—is very safe and perfect for a relaxing evening. You can explore local shops, markets, cafés, and the surrounding scenery at your leisure before your visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
DAY 2: Sunrise Visit & Guided Exploration of Machu Picchu
Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 5:15 AM for a 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Seeing the Inca citadel appear through the morning clouds is a powerful and emotional experience—one that many travelers never forget.
You will enjoy a comprehensive, expertly guided tour covering the most significant areas of the site. Highlights include:
The Main Temple
The Temple of the Condor
The Stone Quarry
The Solar Observatory
Agricultural terraces and panoramic viewpoints
Your guide will share the history, engineering, and cultural importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing the past to life during your two-hour exploration.
After completing your Machu Picchu tour, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes to board the Vistadome Train at 1:37 PM. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, our private driver will be waiting to transport you comfortably back to Cusco or your Sacred Valley hotel, concluding your journey.
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
Private Transportation
Door-to-door service from your hotel to the train station and back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.Professional Local Guide
A passionate, certified, and highly experienced guide who will accompany you throughout your Machu Picchu experience.Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket – Circuit 2
Access to the most complete and scenic circuit, allowing you to explore all major temples, terraces, and viewpoints.Round-Trip Vistadome Train Tickets
Enjoy a comfortable, panoramic journey aboard the Scenic Vistadome Train both ways.Round-Trip Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu
Bus service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back down to town after your guided tour.24/7 Travel Assistance
Full support from our team before, during, and after your tour to ensure a smooth, worry-free experience.
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Meals
- Appreciations for the guide and driver
Packing list
Daypack for carrying your personal items
Phone or camera for capturing unforgettable moments
Rain gear (especially recommended from October to March)
Snacks — bring your favorites to enjoy during the train ride or while exploring
Water (2 liters recommended) — please bring a reusable bottle or hydration bladder to help protect the environment
Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Personal medications — don’t forget any medication you may need during the trip
Important information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far in advance should I book this tour?
To secure the best Machu Picchu permits—especially for the most popular circuits—we recommend booking at least two months in advance. Permits are limited and can sell out quickly, particularly during peak season. Booking early ensures better availability and a smoother planning process.
What is the weather like throughoutthe year?
The Cusco region has two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
Wet Season (November to March):
Expect frequent rainfall—typically three to four hours a day—though there are still many sunny intervals. Trails and sites may be wetter, but the landscapes are lush and green.Dry Season (April to October):
This is the most popular time to visit, with clear skies and minimal rain. June and July are the coldest months, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Interestingly, midday temperatures can still reach up to 23°C (77°F), the warmest of the year.
This overview will help travelers prepare and choose the best time to visit based on their preferences.
Should I tip the guide and driver? If so, how much?
Our guides and drivers are compensated fairly according to Peruvian labor laws, so tipping is never mandatory. However, many guests choose to offer a tip as a gesture of appreciation for the service and dedication they receive during their tour.
If you decide to leave a tip, a customary amount is around 15% of the total tour cost, distributed at the end of the service. Ultimately, tipping is entirely optional and should be based on your personal experience and satisfaction.
Are there any limitations?
Are there any limitations?
This tour has no minimum age or participant restrictions. At PERU BY LOCALS, we welcome all travelers—regardless of age, gender, religion, or personal preferences. Our goal is to create inclusive, memorable experiences for everyone.
Peruvian Currency
The Peruvian sol (PEN) is the official currency of Peru. The exchange rate typically fluctuates between 3.3 and 3.8 soles per 1 US dollar, though it may vary slightly throughout the year. It’s always a good idea to check the current rate before traveling.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Peru, and approximately 20% of the population also speaks Quechua, the ancestral language of the Inca civilization. All of our guides are fluent in Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication and a smooth, enjoyable experience throughout your tour.
Why Choose Peru by Locals
Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours designed around your interests, comfort, and travel style. As a locally owned, highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, we specialize in providing exceptional, personalized travel experiences across Peru.
What Sets Us Apart
✔ Tailor-Made, High-Quality Trips
We create fully customized itineraries that match your travel goals—whether you want adventure, culture, photography, food experiences, or meaningful family travel.
✔ Outstanding Customer Service
Our team is committed to delivering world-class service from the moment you contact us until the end of your journey.
✔ Experienced Local Experts
Our staff and guides have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector. Every guide is professionally trained in:
Inca and Peruvian history
Local culture and traditions
Fauna and flora of the Andes
First aid and wilderness safety
Tourism management
Trekking and adventure guiding
✔ Multilingual Team
All of our management and guides speak English, Spanish, and Quechua—the ancestral language of the Incas.
Our Commitment to Community & Sustainability
✔ Supporting Local Communities
We proudly hire locally and practice fair labor standards. Every team member is treated with dignity, respect, and full transparency.
✔ Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to protecting the environment through responsible tourism, sustainable practices, and conservation awareness.
✔ Giving Back
Peru by Locals actively supports porter families and rural communities through programs such as:
Tree-planting projects
Donations of school books and educational supplies
Community development initiatives
We also established an Education Fund that allocates a percentage of every tour to support the education of porters’ children.
Small Groups
We specialize in small-group tours, typically between 4 and 8 travelers. This ensures:
More personalized attention
Flexibility to explore unique, lesser-known places
A smoother, more enjoyable experience without crowds
Because let’s be honest—no one wants to wait for 40 people to finish getting coffee before starting a tour!
Who Our Tours Are For
Our trips are perfect for travelers who love:
Adventure
Culture and history
Exploring new destinations
Food experiences
Photography
Meaningful, immersive travel
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with family, we welcome all travelers. Peru by Locals proudly fosters an inclusive environment—we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.
Price
Best Seller
Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour 2 Days / 1 Night | Peru by Locals
Do you want to experience a magical sunrise at Machu Picchu? We make it effortless. This premium tour takes you to Aguas Calientes the day before, allowing you to spend the night in town and board one of the earliest buses to Machu Picchu the next morning.
Product Brand: Peru by Locals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 398
Product In Stock: InStock
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GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important. We run tours with 2 to 8 people usually per group, and we open any tour dates with 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences so you can take advantage of your valuable time.
Accommodations
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To assure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding remaining amount will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date probably won’t be changed later.
- This is a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as the private service.
- If for any reason one of you or others can’t continue the tour, the tours will go as planned from the beginning to the end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service can start with 1 person to any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels.
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or at our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To assure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding remaining amount will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater this tour to your needs with flexibility.
- Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
- This is a great option to spend time with your parents, family, and friends or to travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.
