Are you ready to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World? Our Train Tours to Machu Picchu: Sunset and Sunrise 2 Day package is the perfect choice. This tour offers a unique 2 day, experience with stunning views of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
This premium train tour to Machu Picchu is a 2-day experience built around the Golden Hours. Stay overnight in the valley and avoid the mid-day crowds while enjoying the two most iconic moments in the Andes, a dramatic sunset and a breathtaking sunrise. It’s the most seamless way to visit Machu Picchu by train without rushing the experience.
Our Sunrise & Sunset 2-Day Expedition is ideal for travelers who want more than a quick visit. This curated rail journey includes a rare dual-entry ticket with limited availability, giving you the chance to experience the unforgettable Machu Picchu sunrise and sunset with fewer crowds and optimal lighting.
Between scenic train rides through the Urubamba Gorge and a comfortable overnight stay in the cloud forest, a certified expert guide leads you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth, stress-free and fully organized adventure from start to finish.
Machu Picchu Sunset & Sunrise: What Makes It Special?
Our Train Tours to Machu Picchu: Sunset & Sunrise 2 day package, is perfect for travelers seeking the best of both worlds. Experience a magical sunset and a serene sunrise at one of the world’s most incredible destinations. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your tour today!
Machu Picchu Train Tour Details
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Experience Level: Accessible; designed for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with a focus on photography and atmosphere.
Max Altitude: 3,399m (11,151ft) in Cusco / 2,430m (7,972ft) at Machu Picchu.
Start point: A scenic descent from Cusco into the lush Urubamba Gorge.
Pickup: Direct from your Cusco hotel or Sacred Valley.
Accommodation: 1 Night in Aguas Calientes (Tierra Viva or similar).
Group Size: Boutique groups, max 8 people.
The Narrative: A dual-entry immersion dedicated to the interplay of light and shadow during the Citadel's most quiet and sacred hours.
Logistics: Seamless synchronization of private hotel transfers, scenic rail travel, and timed shuttle ascents.
Best Time to Visit: May through September for the most reliable golden-hour light and cloudless horizon views.
Highlights: Witnessing the Golden Hour sunset and the first-light sunrise over the Machu Picchu.
Includes: Expert licensed guide, dual Machu Picchu entry permits, round-trip transfers (Aguas Calientes – Sanctuary), and return rail tickets.
Permits: Critical Demand: Due to the requirement for two specific entry time-slots, we recommend booking 4–5 months in advance.
Perfect For: Photographers, couples, and soul-seekers wanting a deep, unhurried connection with Machu Picchu away from the mid-day rush.
What You’ll Discover on This Machu Picchu Sunrise and Sunset Tour
The Sunset Serenity: Enter Machu Picchu in the late afternoon as the day-trippers depart, enjoying a peaceful, uncrowded exploration under the soft, golden glow of the setting Andean sun.
The First-Light Revelation: Be among the first to enter the gates at dawn, witnessing the ethereal moment when the morning mist lifts to reveal the Citadel in its most pristine state.
The Vistadome Corridor: Journey by rail through the dramatic Urubamba Gorge on your train tour to Machu Picchu, where the landscape shifts from highland peaks to the lush, high-altitude cloud forest of the Machu Picchu Historical Reserve.
Solar Alignments: Discover the astronomical genius of the Incas as your guide reveals how the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone were designed to capture the very light you are witnessing.
The Cloud Forest Sanctuary: Spend a night nestled in the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes, allowing for a restful transition between your two distinct encounters with the ruins, the most seamless way to visit Machu Picchu by train without rushing the experience.
Sacred Architecture: Navigate your way through the City in the Clouds alongside an expert guide, uncovering the secrets of the Royal Quarters, the Main Plaza, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
Dual Perspectives: Experience two different entry circuits over two days, capturing the iconic Upper Terrace panorama for sunset and the intimate Urban Sector details at sunrise.
Engineering Marvels: Explore the masterfully crafted water channels and earthquake-proof masonry that have kept the Sanctuary standing through five centuries of Andean history.
Safety First
Expert Guardians: Every journey is led by a veteran licensed guide whose expertise is rooted in years of mountain leadership and a deep, ancestral connection to the land.
Uncompromising Safety: Your well-being is always our priority. We maintain an impeccable track record through rigorous emergency protocols and specialized high-altitude training for every member of our team.
Superior Comfort: We prioritize high-quality transit and boutique accommodations, ensuring that even in the heart of the Andes, your journey is defined by comfort and care.
A Legacy of Trust: Our reputation is built on years of consistently exceptional feedback. With us, you aren't just a guest, you are in the region's most capable and trusted hands.
Why You’ll Love Trekking with Us
Step into the history of the Incan heartland with us. We specialize in masterfully timed journeys and smaller groups that place you at the center of the Andes' most sacred moments for a more personal experience.
Qoricancha Expeditions
Authentic l Trusted l Reliable l Safe l Community-Focussed l Smaller Groups
Day 1: Journey to Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu Sunset Tour
We begin the day with a hotel pick-up in Cusco at 7:00 AM. From there, we’ll embark on a roughly 2-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. Once at the station, you’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes, where your tour guide will be waiting for your arrival.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, your guide will warmly welcome you to the town of Machu Picchu. They will escort you to your hotel, where you can check in and leave your bags. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Following lunch, you’ll board a bus to ascend to Machu Picchu for your afternoon guided tour. You can expect to arrive at the Machu Picchu citadel between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. This timing is ideal, as it typically means fewer crowds compared to the morning, and the weather is usually favorable, whether sunny or during the wet season. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy magnificent sunset views of Machu Picchu and participate in a comprehensive walking tour of the citadel.
After the tour, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night. You may also choose to visit the hot springs, though this is entirely optional.
Enjoy your memorable exploration of Machu Picchu and your time in Aguas Calientes!
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or similar
Tickets: Included
Meals: Not Included
Day 2: Machu Picchu Sunrise Tour Explore the Citadel with Optional Huayna Picchu Hike.
Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel. Your guide will pick you up and escort you to the bus station, where you’ll board a bus bound for Machu Picchu.
Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to the upper part of the site, where you’ll enjoy stunning morning views of the citadel. Please note that while these views are generally exceptional, they might be affected by weather conditions, especially from January to March during the wet season. For the rest of the year, you can expect the best views. Afterward, you’ll go on a guided tour, exploring the most important sites within the citadel. If you’re interested in hiking Huayna Picchu, it is possible. However, advance booking is required for this optional activity, and there is an additional cost of $75 per ticket. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking.
After completing the guided tour, you’ll take a bus back down to the town, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch. Be prepared to catch a train back to the Sacred Valley, typically scheduled after 2:00 PM.
The train will transport you back to the Sacred Valley, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated return time of around 8:00 PM.
Enjoy your day of exploration at Machu Picchu and your journey back to Cusco!
Accommodation: Not included
Tickets: Included
Meals: Not included
Path Preparation For The Sunset & Sunrise Expedition
Acclimatise for the altitude by arriving in Cusco at least two days before your journey begins. The mountain weather is part of the Andean story, so come prepared with a 25-30L daypack, reliable rain protection, and moisture-wicking layers for shifting temperatures.
1. The Must-Haves (Keep these at the top of your bag)
Original Passport: The exact one used to book your dual entry permits. No copies or photos are accepted at the rail station or the Citadel checkpoints.
Cash (Soles): Small denominations for tips, snacks in Aguas Calientes, and use of the facilities at the Machu Picchu entrance.
Travel Insurance: Ensure your policy is active and covers high-altitude travel and medical emergencies.
2. Clothing: Master the Layers
Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or trail runners with excellent grip. You will be navigating steep Incan stonework during both sunset and sunrise.
The Foundation: Moisture-wicking base layers. Breathable fabrics are essential for the humidity of the Machu Picchu cloud forest.
Golden Hour Warmth: A lightweight fleece or packable down jacket. It gets surprisingly chilly the moment the sun drops behind the peaks and during the pre-dawn shuttle queue.
Rain Defense: A high-quality waterproof shell or professional poncho. The "Illuminated Ruins" are often accompanied by sudden mountain mist or rain.
Evening Comfort: A fresh change of clothes and light shoes/sandals for your overnight stay and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
3. Gear & Protection
Hydration: A 1.5L - 2L reusable water bottle or reservoir. (Single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated at the gates).
Sun & Bug Defense: High-SPF sunscreen and a sun hat for the exposed terraces. Strong insect repellent is mandatory for the aggressive sandflies in the valley.
Daypack: A 20 - 25L size daypack. This is your only luggage for the 2 days, so ensure it is comfortable for extended wear. carry on you wil be able to take in a train.
Photography Essentials: Extra memory cards and a portable power bank. Capturing both the sunset and sunrise will drain your battery quickly!
4. Personal Wellness
Medication: Personal prescriptions and altitude remedies. Even though Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, acclimatization aids are recommended.
Hygiene Kit: Hand sanitizer, SPF lip balm, and a small pack of tissues or biodegradable wipes.
Lightweight Toiletries: Small, travel-sized items for your overnight hotel stay to keep your bag within train weight limits.
Pro Packing Tips
The 2 day split: Leave your main luggage in secure storage at your Cusco hotel. You only need your daypack for this circuit and small carry on if possible.
Train Weight Restrictions: PeruRail and Inca Rail enforce a carry-on limit of approximately 5kg/11lbs per person. Pack only the essentials to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Dress for the Photo: Since you have two entries, consider wearing bright colors for one of the sessions as they pop beautifully against the green and gray of the ruins in the golden morning light.
What’s Included in Your 2 Day Experience
Andean Expert Guide: A career professional with deep-rooted knowledge of Incan astronomy and solar alignments, ensuring you understand the significance of the light you are witnessing.
Effortless Coordination: Door-to-door service including Cusco hotel pick-up, private valley transport, and optimized rail services through the Urubamba Gorge.
Hand-Picked Accommodations: One night in a curated boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes (Tierra Viva or similar), selected for its comfort and immediate access to the shuttle station.
Curated Dining: * Day 2: A fresh, high-energy breakfast at your hotel to fuel your early-morning ascent to the ruins.
Mountain Transit: All round-trip shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the sanctuary entrance for both your sunset and sunrise sessions.
Safety & Security: Every journey is equipped with a comprehensive first-aid kit and emergency medical oxygen to ensure your peace of mind in the high-altitude environment.
Peace of Mind: 24/7 standby assistance from our local operations team to manage the complex timing of dual entries and transport for a flawless experience.
Not included
To ensure there are no surprises, please note that the following items are not covered in the standard tour price:
Personal Travel Gear: Items such as daypacks, walking shoes, rain protection, and personal electronics are not provided. Please refer to our specialized packing list to ensure you are ready for both sunset and sunrise conditions.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend a comprehensive policy that specifi cally covers high-altitude travel and medical emergencies to protect your journey.
Additional Meals: Day 1: Breakfast (typically provided by your Cusco hotel) and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: Lunch and Dinner. This allows you the fl exibility to dine at your own pace after your morning exploration.
Personal Expenses: This includes any additional snacks, laundry services, phone calls, and alcoholic beverages.
Gratuities: Tips for your professional guide and transportation team are not included and are entirely at your discretion as a refl ection of your experience.
Specialized Peak Permits: Access to the optional high-altitude climbs of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is not included unless specifi cally requested at the time of booking (subject to availability).
Beyond the Summit: Add the Huayna Picchu ascent. An architectural marvel and a breathtaking challenge for the intrepid traveler.
For the true adventurer, add the legendary climb up Huayna Picchu. This steep, vertical challenge rewards you with a heart-pounding perspective and the most iconic bird's-eye view of the citadel below.
Availability: Permits are extremely limited (only 200 per day) and sell out months in advance.
Cost: $75
Note: This must be requested at the time of booking so we can secure your specific entry time.
Because permits are strictly limited by the Peruvian government, we recommend booking 3–4 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Group Expedition Pricing up to 8 people
Small-group settings that foster friendship and deeper discovery.
Adults $495 Per Person.
Private Tour: Seeking a journey crafted solely for you and yours?
$650 per person: For 2-3 people
$600 per person: For 4-5 people
$550 per person: For 6-7 people
$495 per person: For 8+ people
Why Book with Qoricancha Expeditions?
When you book with Qoricancha Expeditions, you aren't just hiring a tour operator; you are partnering with the people who call these mountains home.
Locally Owned: Based in Cusco, we provide authentic Andean insights you won't find anywhere else.
Instant Permits: We secure your official Machu Picchu entries immediately upon booking.
Small Groups: We put the focus on our guests to ensure a personal, high-impact experience.
Social Impact: Every booking supports our community library project for children in Chinchero.
Machu Picchu Sunset & Sunrise FAQs.
Planning & Logistics
How does the Sunset & Sunrise schedule work?
This specialized tour uses two separate entry permits. On Day 1, we enter in the mid-afternoon for the golden hour. On Day 2, we enter at the earliest morning slot to witness the sunrise. This ensures you see the Citadel in both of its most beautiful light conditions.
When should I book?
Because this tour requires two specific, high-demand time slots, we recommend booking 4–5 months in advance to guarantee the sunset and sunrise sequence.
Do I need my physical passport?
Yes. You must carry the original passport used at the time of booking. It will be checked at the train station, the bus boarding, and the Machu Picchu gates.
What are the 2026 Circuit Regulations?
For this tour, we typically secure Circuit 1 for the first day and circuit 2 for the second day which allows you to get the Classic panoramic view and walking tour into the Machu picchu citadel. If you choose to add a mountain climb (Huayna Picchu), you will hike it on second day after machu picchu citadel guided tour.
Health & Fitness
Is this tour physically demanding?
This is a low-impact tour compared to trekking. However, navigating Machu Picchu involves steep, uneven stone steps and some uphill walking. It is manageable for anyone with standard mobility.
How do I handle the altitude?
While Machu Picchu (2,430m) is lower than Cusco, we still recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days early to acclimatize. Staying hydrated and resting upon arrival is key.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes! This is an ideal way for families and seniors to experience the ruins deeply without the physical strain of a multi-day trek.
On the Journey
What should I pack for two days?
Follow our Travel Light philosophy. You only need a 20-25L daypack with essentials for one night. Most Cusco hotels will store your main luggage for free until you return.
What is the train luggage limit?
Both PeruRail and Inca Rail have a carry-on limit of 5kg/11lbs per person. Sticking to a daypack ensures a smooth, stress-free boarding process. however if you have carry on, that will be psosible to take with you.
What happens if it rains?
The Sunrise often begins with mountain mist. We recommend a high-quality poncho or waterproof shell. Often, the mist clearing at sunrise creates the most dramatic and photogenic moments. in rainy season is quite difficult to see the sunset and sunrise, but still see Machu picchu.
Can I add Huayna Picchu?
Yes, you can add the climb to your Day 2 sunrise entry. Please request this at the time of booking, as these specialized permits are extremely limited and sell out months in advance.