Hiram Bingham Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu Price and Inclusions

Full-day visit to Machu Picchu, Peru, starting from Cusco.

Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour Two Day Train Trip

Home / Tour / Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour Two Day Train Trip

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Recommended age: 16 years

Language: Spanish, English, Portuguese

Max Altitude: 3200 msnm

Group Size: 2 people minimum

If you want to beat the massive crowds and see the ancient ruins before the sun hits the stones this machu picchu sunrise tour is exactly what you need. Trying to figure out how to catch sunrise at machu picchu on your own can be super stressful with the massive bus lines and confusing train schedules. We handle all the heavy logistics so you just get to wake up in Aguas Calientes grab a quick coffee and ride the very first bus up the mountain.

People always ask us is machu picchu sunrise worth it and the answer is absolutely yes. Even though you have to wake up incredibly early catching the golden sunrise machu picchu view while the morning fog clears out of the jungle is completely unforgettable. We set up your local hotel your train tickets and your expert guide so your only job is to bring your camera and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Why You Need to See Machu Picchu at Sunrise

We built this overnight trip specifically for active travelers who want to maximize their time inside the archaeological park. Driving straight from Cusco in one day means you arrive when the ruins are already packed with thousands of people. Sleeping right at the base of the mountain means you get to experience sunrise in machu picchu when the site is incredibly quiet and peaceful.

Standout Moments of Your Overnight Trip

Early Mountain Access Jump on one of the very first morning buses to guarantee you are inside the gates for the absolute best machu picchu sunrise time
Scenic Train Ride Cruise through the Sacred Valley following the Urubamba river on comfortable tourist trains with massive viewing windows
Aguas Calientes Overnight Sleep comfortably in a local hotel right near the bus station so you wake up refreshed and ready for the hike
Expert Guided Walk Learn the wild history of the Inca empire from a passionate local guide who knows all the absolute best photo spots

From

US$ 450

per person

BOOK NOW

Overview

Our two day Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour in a small group is an excellent way to immerse in the serenity of the lost city of Incas while witnessing the sun rising on the Inca citadel.

Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour is an ideal option for families and for those wanting to see the golden rays of the morning sun shimmering on the 500 years old walls of Incas.

We operate the Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour pretty much similar to the traditional 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour. However, the only difference being, you will be entering the citadel of Incas early in the morning to see the sunrise.

If you want to combine the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain with this tour, make sure to book it in advance. The permit is restricted to a limited number of people which is often sold out months in advance.

Detailed Two Day Sunrise Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco to the Aguas Calientes Base Camp

We start the morning picking you up right from your hotel in Cusco. We drive out through the beautiful Sacred Valley dropping you off right at the Ollantaytambo train station. You board the late morning train and ride straight into the high jungle arriving in Aguas Calientes by early afternoon.

After checking into your comfortable hotel room you have the entire afternoon totally free. You can grab a great local lunch hit the natural hot springs or just walk around the small jungle town to stretch your legs.

Morning Transport Private van ride from your Cusco hotel to the Sacred Valley train station
Scenic Train Ride Roughly two hours cruising along the river directly into the jungle
Afternoon Activity Totally free time to explore the town or relax in the hot thermal baths
Lodging A clean and highly comfortable hotel room right in the center of town

Day 2 The Sunrise at Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

We wake up incredibly early grab a quick hotel breakfast and walk straight to the bus station to beat the crowds. The bus winds up the steep mountain road dropping us right at the main entrance gates. We walk straight to the upper terraces to catch the golden light hitting the stone ruins.

Keep in mind that sometimes we get machu picchu sunrise clouds which actually makes the jungle look super moody and awesome. After taking massive photos your guide walks you through the main temples and royal houses. Once the two hour tour wraps up we take the bus back down to town grab some food and ride the train safely back to Cusco.

Morning Activity Riding the early bus up the mountain to catch the perfect morning light
Guided Tour A full two hour walk through the most important sections of the citadel
Return Transport Afternoon train back to the valley and a private van ride to your Cusco hotel
Arrival Time Safe drop off in the city usually around early evening

Included in Your Trip

We pack this overnight package with insane value so you never have to stress about buying last minute entrance tickets or finding a hotel room.

Professional Local Guide fluent in English who will stay with you inside the ruins and handle all the security checkpoints
All Tourist Transportation covering your private van rides from Cusco and your round trip train tickets into the jungle
One Night Hotel Stay putting you in a clean heavily vetted hotel in Aguas Calientes with morning breakfast included
Mountain Bus Tickets providing your round trip ride up the steep zigzag road to the ruins and back down to town
Official Entrance Ticket strictly guaranteeing your legal access into the main Machu Picchu archaeological park

What You Need to Cover

We keep our pricing totally transparent so you know exactly what extra cash to bring along.

Meals and Drinks meaning your lunches and dinners are paid separately giving you total freedom to choose where you want to eat
Extra Mountain Hikes like the steep trail up Huayna Picchu which requires a totally separate permit booked months in advance
Tips and Gratuities which are completely optional but a fantastic way to thank your hardworking guide and drivers

Packing List

The train companies have very strict luggage rules so you have to leave your massive suitcases securely locked up in Cusco. Here is exactly what you need in your small overnight backpack.

Original Physical Passport The park rangers will check this document at the train station the bus line and the main ruins gate so keep it completely safe
Small Daypack You are only allowed to bring a small backpack on the train so pack extremely light just for the single night away
Smart Clothing Layers The early morning up on the mountain is freezing cold but the jungle sun gets brutally hot by ten in the morning
Heavy Sun Protection Bring a wide hat polarized sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen to fight the aggressive high altitude solar radiation
Strong Bug Spray The mosquitoes in the high jungle are incredibly aggressive all year round so apply repellent before you get on the bus

Price of the Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour

We offer highly competitive rates making sure you get top tier hotel rooms and guaranteed early morning entrance tickets.

Small Group Tour Fun and Social

2 to 3 People 450 USD per person
4 or more People 430 USD per person
University Students with a valid physical student card 400 USD per person
Our shared group trips are perfect for travelers who want to keep costs totally manageable while making new friends. You share the transport but the guided experience inside the ruins always feels super intimate.

Exclusive Private Tour

2 to 3 People 510 USD per person
4 or more People 490 USD per person
Children and Students 460 USD per person

If you want a totally private experience with your own personal expert guide this is the absolute best option. You get to control the walking pace take longer photo stops and ask your guide a million questions without waiting on anyone else.

Essential Information for Your Sunrise Trip

Before you pack your bags for your sunrise machu picchu experience there are a few local secrets and strict logistical rules you need to know. We want you to be totally prepared so your overnight trip runs flawlessly from start to finish.

The Strict Train Luggage Rules

Because you are riding the train down into the narrow jungle valley the railway companies enforce incredibly strict baggage limits. You absolutely cannot bring large rolling suitcases on board the train. The smartest move is to leave your heavy bags securely locked in your Cusco hotel storage room before we pick you up. You only need to pack a small lightweight backpack for your one night stay in Aguas Calientes keeping your travel super easy and completely hassle free.

The Reality of the Jungle Weather

A lot of travelers expect to see the sun rising over a flat open horizon but the ruins are completely surrounded by massive towering peaks. The sun actually crests over the tall mountains a bit later in the morning. Plus this is a high altitude cloud forest so morning fog is super common. Do not worry if you see fog early on because watching the clouds slowly clear out to reveal the ancient city is honestly one of the best parts of the entire machu picchu sunrise tour.

Altitude and Bathroom Logistics

The great news about this specific trip is that Aguas Calientes and the actual ruins sit at a much lower elevation than Cusco city. Sleeping down in the jungle helps your body breathe much easier and gives you tons of energy for the walking tour. Also keep in mind there are absolutely no restrooms inside the actual archaeological park. You definitely want to use the facilities right at the main entrance gate before we scan your ticket and walk inside.

FAQs about Machu Picchu sunrise tour 2 days

The best time for the Machu Picchu sunrise tour is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is more stable. However, the tour is available year-round.

The Machu Picchu sunrise tour is considered moderate in difficulty. It doesn’t require advanced trekking experience, but it does involve some walking and waking up early to enjoy the sunrise.

Yes, the Machu Picchu sunrise tour is safe. It includes a professional guide, organized transportation, and official entrance tickets. We recommend having travel insurance and bringing proper clothing for changing weather conditions.

You must bring your original passport, the same one you used when booking. It is required to enter Machu Picchu.

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Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour Two Day Train Trip