Machu Picchu – 2 Days Tour

Overview

Experience an unforgettable overnight journey to Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore the legendary Inca city with fewer crowds and perfect lighting. Begin your adventure with a breathtaking train ride through lush valleys, following the winding Urubamba River toward the charming town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore Aguas Calientes, visit local markets, relax in hot springs, or savor delicious Peruvian cuisine. Spend a comfortable night in a cozy hotel, preparing for an early morning visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s greatest wonders. Wake up early and ascend to Machu Picchu, witnessing the sunrise over the ancient ruins, creating a magical and unforgettable moment. Embark on a 3-hour guided tour, uncovering the secrets of this extraordinary archaeological site, its history, architecture, and spiritual significance. After exploring, enjoy free time to wander Machu Picchu at your own pace, capturing breathtaking photos of this iconic Inca masterpiece.

Highlights

  • Machu Picchu - Excursion
  • Departures: By Prior Reservation
  • Season: All Year Round
  • Service: Shared

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We depart from Cusco at 9:00 a.m. for our 2-day tour to Machu Picchu. We will drive to the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where we will board our train to Aguas Calientes. With breathtaking scenery along the route, the train journey itself is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Following the Urubamba River downstream through the Sacred Valley, you will arrive in Aguas Calientes around 2:30 p.m. After checking into the hotel, you will have the afternoon free to explore.

If you wish to make the most of your free time, you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum, the orchid and butterfly exhibits, which are about a 40-minute walk from town. Alternatively, you can relax in the hot springs, just a 5-minute walk from the town center.

Day 2: Machu Picchu!

The second day is the most magical: Machu Picchu. We will wake up early to take the first 30-minute bus to Machu Picchu. Once past the checkpoint, your guide will take you to the Guardian’s House, where you can witness the sunrise over the ruins and capture the iconic postcard view of Machu Picchu. Then, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the most significant sites, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Inca’s House, the Main Square, Wayrana, the Sacred Rock, and more.

After the tour, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Later, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there, a private our transportation to Cusco.

What is Included

Included

  • pickup and drop-off at the hotel
  • Private transportation (hotel - train station - hotel )
  •  Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes town and vice versa.
  • bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (2 ways )
  • 1-night accommodation at the hotel
  • 1 breakfast at the hotel.
  • professional tour guide
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

Not Included

  • Meals and drinks
  • things that are not  detailed on what is included

What to Bring

  • Original passport.
  • Sneakers or hiking shoes.
  • Comfortable long pants and a windbreaker jacket.
  • Sweater and light shirt.
  • Rain jacket or poncho – rain is possible year-round.
  • Camera with a full battery and ample memory.
  • Insect repellent (for mosquitoes).

Frequently Asked Questions

As long as you book it in advance we always purchase Machu Picchu entry tickets for Circuit 02 – the Classic Route . This means you will first visit the Guardian’s House for the iconic Machu Picchu photo before exploring all major Inca sites within the complex.

  • High season (May–August): 2–5 months in advance.
  • Mid-season (April, September–November): 1–2 months in advance.
  • Rainy season (December–March): Generally available, except for Christmas and New Year, which require booking at least 2 months in advance.

If Circuit 2 tickets are unavailable, we cannot secure them since we buy directly from the official Peruvian government website. However, we will purchase two tickets: one for Circuit 1 and another for Circuit 3. You will first explore Circuit 3 with our guide for two hours, then exit and re-enter Machu Picchu to visit Circuit 1 on your own for an hour. This option includes all major sites but requires an additional $45 fee for the extra tickets.

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