2 Day Machu Picchu Train Adventure from Cusco

Last-Minute Miracle! Saved our trip and made lifelong memories!

Last-Minute Miracle! Saved our trip and made lifelong memories! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you are looking for a professional, reliable, and deeply caring tour company in Peru, look no further than Encuentros Peru Adventure. I was traveling with my 21-year-old son for his first trip to Peru (my second). Getting a young adult to commit to a trip is hard enough, but just three days before our flight, our original tour company cancelled on us. In a panic, I booked with Encuentros Peru Adventure through Viator, and they absolutely rose to the challenge. While we were landing in Lima on Monday morning, I already had a text from them confirming they had secured two coveted Machu Picchu tickets for first thing Wednesday morning. Their communication and coordination were unmatched. They mapped out and tracked every single step of our journey, checking in constantly to ensure everything went smoothly ("text us when you get in the car," "text us when you arrive at the train station"). To some, this might seem over the top, but for a last-minute trip, it was exactly the peace of mind we needed. They executed the logistics flawlessly. To top it off, our guide at Machu Picchu, Edgar, was terrific—knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. This company is run by true professionals who go above and beyond for their clients. Thanks to them, my son and I have memories that will last a lifetime. I cannot recommend Encuentros Peru Adventure enough!

via Viator

Our experience with Machu...

Our experience with Machu Picchu itself was unforgettable our guide was lovely and we got there just as it opened so we were one of the first people in. On the morning of, everything ran smoothly and we were very happy. Although the day before communication was not great as I had to ask about everything and the plan for everything including prompting for all the tickets when I think we should have been given them all at once. We had an issue with our driver back, we were under the impression that we had our own driver. After he arrived 20 minutes late, he then drove around looking for other people to join our drive to Cusco. In the end two random locals got in our car after we had to wait for them. He was not a safe driver and we didn’t enjoy the drive back. However, we did still have an amazing time.

via Viator

Great Trip!

Our tour guide Andre was exceptional as he really is a true born local which really shows and explain their culture. He explains everything well about the Incas and the history of Machu Picchu. As one of the wonders of the world, it’s a must to visit Machu Picchu! The transportation from Cusco to Aguas Callientes was also smooth. The only thing we had issues were the seats in the train going to Ollantaytambo as we were all separated from each other which was really disappointing for a family traveling together but coming back we’re all together in the same carriage luckily. Hope the tour company gave us option to upgrade for a seat in the train and a hotel. Hotel that we stayed was decent but would be better if it has a heater. Overall it’s a great experience.

via Viator

Machu Pichu 2A guided tour

Jose organised the trip efficiently from start to finish. Transportation and tickets from and to Cusco were all sorted as well as the accommodation overnight in Aguas Caliente. We were steered to the cultural office when we arrived in Aguas Calientes on the first morning to choose our MP route and to then pay for the entry tickets for the following day, all very easy. The following morning, the English speaking guide Wilbur collected us for our bus ride up to the sacred site and accompanied is for the 2 hour visit around 2A, the classical route. Wilbur was superb and I learnt an awful lot, as did my pal who is a keen amateur archaeologist! It really was very well organised and the only slight negative was the basic accommodation but it was for one night only so no problem. I really would recommend this company and our thanks to Jose and Wilbur for their attentiveness and efficiency.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re truly happy to hear that everything—from transportation and tickets to your visit to Machu Picchu—was smooth and well-organized. It’s great to know that the process at the cultural office in Aguas Calientes was easy and clear for you. We’re especially glad that you enjoyed your time with Wilbur! He’ll be thrilled to know his passion and knowledge left a strong impression, especially on a fellow archaeology enthusiast. 😊 Thank you also for your understanding regarding the accommodation—we appreciate your honesty and will keep this in mind for future improvements. On behalf of Jose, Wilbur, and the whole team, thank you again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Peru!

via Tripadvisor

You're On Your Own!

Let me be clear, I booked this experience on short notice, on the order of weeks instead of months ahead. If you aren't planning months ahead and are planning to do it the way I did, this is what awaits you: The only things that went smoothly with this experience were the ones outside of the control of Encuentros Peru Adventure. Getting picked up from my hotel, getting on the bus to the train, and taking the Inca Rail Train to Aguas Calientes was incredibly easy and intuitive. Once in Aguas Calientes, all of the planning I did with the company and the assurances they gave me fell apart. No one came to meet me at the train station as agreed upon. After multiple phone calls I was simply instructed to walk to the Ministry of Culture and a representative would meet me there. While waiting in line at the ministry a young man arrived, but he only spoke Spanish (not the English speaking assistance I had booked) and simply told me to continue waiting in line before leaving. When I successfully guessed my way through the process of taking a number at the ministry I was then left adrift in town because at no point did anyone tell me the name of the hotel I was staying at. It was only in the process of insulting my intelligence via WhatsApp that the Spanish-speaking representative from earlier inadvertently mentioned the name of a hotel and I was able to assume that's where I was meant to stay. Eventually, the time arrived where I was to return to the ministry and actually buy my ticket for the following day. A third representative of the company said they would be in touch with instructions on how to do that, but they too never got back to me. The nightmare gets worse as a fourth and final person showed up to meet me at the ministry. This person spoke English, gave me the cash I needed to buy the ticket, but couldnt (wouldnt?) accompany me into the ministry and I was left to my own devices inside the building yet again. By some miracle I was able to buy my ticket, thankful that at least that saga was over. The morning of my tour my guide was punctual, personable, knowledgeable and helpful. He likely has no connection with Encuentros Peru Adventure which is why it went so smoothly. All in all unless youre booking several months in advance, look elsewhere, this company has no ability to plan or successfully carry out any amount of logistics.

Response from the operator: Thank you for booking your tour with us and for taking the time to share your comments. We’d like to clarify a few important points to avoid any misunderstandings: • Before confirming your tour, we contacted you to explain the details, including the entrance fees to Machu Picchu. As discussed, we had to purchase the tickets directly on your behalf — and we did so successfully. • As explained prior to the tour, waiting in line was necessary, not just for you, but for many travelers. This is a common part of the experience during high season, and many clients understood this and were happy with the service. • You did not make any extra payment for the entrance ticket. In fact, our staff provided you with the money to cover the entrance to Machu Picchu. However, you mentioned not receiving it — which surprises us. • Although most guided visits to Machu Picchu are done in groups, we provided you with a private guide to ensure a more personalized and enjoyable experience. • From Cusco, we arranged private transportation from your hotel to the bus station, as part of our commitment to comfort and quality service. • We understand that waiting in lines can be frustrating. However, we must clarify that we do not agree with your description of the service. The many positive comments and recommendations from our clients reflect our dedication and effort to provide an exceptional experience. We sincerely thank you for your visit and for choosing Encuentros Peru Adventure. We are always working to improve, and your feedback helps us continue that effort. Warm regards, Encuentros Peru Adventure

via Viator