Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night
- Duration
- 2 Days / 1 Night
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group
- Private or group
- Language
- Spanish
- Max altitude
- 3,762 m.s.n.m
About this tour
Embark on a short yet magical adventure. Traverse the ancient Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu through the breathtaking Sun Gate.
You should choose the 2-day/1-night Inca Trail because it is the perfect way to experience the essence of the legendary Inca path in a short amount of time. It combines nature, history, and adventure, taking you along original routes to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate—offering unique views that few travelers get to experience. It is ideal if you are looking for an authentic experience without having to undertake the full-length trek.
Itinerary
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We will begin this adventure by picking you up directly from your hotel or accommodation in the city of Cusco. From there, we will travel by bus with the group to the traditional town of Ollantaytambo—a journey of about two hours—during which you can admire the beautiful Andean landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, we will board the train in the carriages assigned according to your ticket. The journey promises to be a memorable experience as we traverse the majestic Andes Mountains and admire the high-altitude jungle scenery, accompanied by the flow of the Urubamba River, which leads us to Aguas Calientes.
Once at the Aguas Calientes station, hotel staff will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your assigned accommodation. After settling in, you will have the afternoon free to explore the town, stroll through its streets, or relax in the hot springs.
In the evening, you will meet our lead guide at the hotel for a briefing covering all the necessary details for your guided tour of Machu Picchu the following day.
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On this most important day, explore and fully enjoy the Inca City, as you have the entire morning at your disposal. After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the bus to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, accompanied by our guide, you will admire and appreciate the city's key areas, such as the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the famous Intihuatana, plazas, fountains, and stairways. At the end of the guided tour, you will have free time to take your own photos.
Optional Huayna Picchu Climb: You can add this famous climb to your Machu Picchu package; the summit of Huayna Picchu offers the best panoramic view of the great Inca city. *Subject to availability; please inquire before booking.
After your successful visit to Machu Picchu, you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy a nutritious lunch (included in the package). At 5:50 PM or 6:30 PM, you will head to the Aguas Calientes train station to board the tourist train back to the town of Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, we will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco city center.
Included
- Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) with breakfast included.
- Ground and rail transport:
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- Tourist transfer: Cusco – Ollantaytambo Station – Cusco (round trip).
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (round trip).
- Shuttle bus (up and down): Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (Consettur).
- Tour guide: Professional guide for the guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Admission tickets: Official entry ticket to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
Not included
- Airfare: Domestic or international flights.
- Accommodation in Cusco: Nights spent in Cusco before or after the excursion.
- Unspecified meals: Lunches and dinners on both days.
- Additional hikes: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Insurance: Travel, medical, or baggage insurance.
- Personal expenses: Tips, handicrafts, or entrance fees for the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
Information and recommendations
- Train luggage restriction: Travel with only a backpack or carry-on bag weighing a maximum of 5 kg for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Leave your large suitcase in free storage at your hotel in Cusco.
- Make the most of the afternoon on Day 1: Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, you will have free time to acclimatize, browse the artisan market, or visit the hot springs at the edge of town.
- Physical documentation required: You must carry the physical passport or national ID card used to make your reservations; this is mandatory for both the train check-in and entry to the citadel.
- Essential gear: Pack layered clothing, a waterproof rain poncho, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and footwear with non-slip soles.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you leave the large suitcase during these two days?
It remains in the complimentary luggage storage at the hotel where you are staying in Cusco, allowing you to travel light with only the essentials needed for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Is there free time to visit the Aguas Calientes thermal baths on Day 1?
Yes. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes on the afternoon of the first day, you have the rest of the day free to rest or visit the thermal baths located just a few minutes from the town center.
Are meals in Aguas Calientes included?
No, meals are not included (except for the hotel breakfast on Day 2). In Aguas Calientes, you will find a wide range of dining options, including Peruvian and international restaurants.
At what time do you return to Cusco on Day 2?
The return journey takes place on the afternoon of Day 2. After completing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then ground transport to the center of Cusco, arriving in the afternoon or evening.
Before you travel
Important information about Machu Picchu
Limited-capacity tickets
Entry to the citadel has a daily capacity set by the Ministry of Culture. In high season (May to September) tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. We book your entrance as soon as you confirm.
Original passport
Bring the same document used to buy the tickets: it is checked on the train, the bus and at the Machu Picchu gate. Students: valid university ID.
Circuits and entry time
Visits follow signposted circuits at the time printed on your ticket. Arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. There are no restrooms inside the citadel: they are next to the entrance.
What to bring (and what not)
Small backpack, rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and water in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastics, food, drones, tripods and walking poles without rubber tips are not allowed.
Altitude and weather
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco (3,399 m). The climate is subtropical: strong morning sun and sudden showers, especially from November to March.
Train and bus
You travel by train to Aguas Calientes (from Ollantaytambo or Cusco station) and then take a 25-minute bus up to the entrance. We coordinate schedules, tickets and transfers.
Conservation rules
Touching or climbing the walls, leaving the trails, smoking and feeding animals are not allowed. You will visit the citadel with an official licensed guide.
Inca Trail
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name (non-transferable). The trail closes every February for maintenance; during that month we offer alternatives such as Salkantay or the train tour.
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