Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days and 1 Night
Tour Details
Many travelers dream of seeing Machu Picchu, but few give themselves the gift of experiencing it without haste. The 2 days and 1 night tour is the preferred option for those looking for a genuine connection with the Andean past, allowing you not only to visit the citadel but also to immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Aguas Calientes, the vibrant town that beats at the foot of the wonder.
By choosing this modality, the trip stops being a race against the clock to become a contemplative experience. The first day is a scenic trip through the Sacred Valley, where the train snakes along the Urubamba River as you enter the heart of the high jungle. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes allows you to rest, enjoy its famous thermal baths and, most importantly, be among the first to climb the mountain the next day.
Seeing how the fog dissipates over the ruins at dawn, before the single-day crowds arrive, is a spectacle that words can hardly describe. This itinerary is designed for the traveler who values details: the aroma of local coffee in the morning, the golden light over the Temple of the Sun, and the peace of walking along ancient paths with the calm that a sacred place deserves. It is, without a doubt, the most complete and rewarding way to know the greatest legacy of the Inca Empire.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
Morning – Trip to the Sacred Valley: We will depart from Cusco in tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo station. On the way, we will enjoy panoramic views of the farmland and snowy peaks.
Afternoon – Train Trip: We will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. During the 1 hour and 45-minute journey, you will be able to enjoy the changing landscapes from the Andean ecosystem to the cloud forest.
Night – Relax in the Town: After settling into the selected hotel, you will have the afternoon free to explore the local market, visit the Mandor waterfalls, or relax in the medicinal thermal baths. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu "The Sunrise" – Cusco
06:00 AM – Ascent to the Citadel: We will take the ecological bus that will take us along the Hiram Bingham road to the Machu Picchu entry gate.
08:00 AM – Guided Tour: We will enjoy a specialized tour of the most important points: the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural areas. The guide will share historical and mythological stories that bring the stones to life.
Midday – Descent and Lunch: Return by bus to the town to enjoy the local gastronomy (free lunch).
Afternoon/Night – Return: We will board the return train to Ollantaytambo and then our private transport will take you back to your hotel in the city of Cusco.
Services
Included
- Shared/private transfer Cusco - Train Station - Cusco.
- Round trip train tickets (Expedition or Vistadome Service).
- 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (category of choice).
- Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu.
- Official entry ticket to the Citadel.
- Specialized professional guide.
- Personalized assistance 24/7.
Not Included
- Food (Lunches and dinners).
- Entry to the thermal baths (Cost approx. S/ 20.00).
- Entries to Huayna Picchu (must be booked 4 months in advance).
- Personal expenses and tips.
Recommendations
- Luggage: Carry only a small backpack with what is necessary for one night. Hotels in Cusco usually store your large luggage for free.
- Weather: In Aguas Calientes, the weather is humid and warm. Wear light cotton clothing, but don't forget a waterproof jacket in case of sudden rains.
- Health: Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent with high DEET content, as in Machu Picchu the mosquitoes are small but persistent.
- Photography: Make sure to carry charged batteries and enough memory; Machu Picchu is one of the most photogenic places on the planet.
- Additional Information and Considerations
- Early Booking: This tour requires booking at least 30 to 60 days in advance due to limited entry slots to the citadel.
- Altitude: Aguas Calientes is at a lower altitude than Cusco (2,040 masl), which makes it an ideal place to rest if you still feel the effects of altitude sickness.
- Sustainability: Machu Picchu is a protected heritage site. It is forbidden to bring single-use plastics, smoke, or carry drones.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the 2 days and 1 night Machu Picchu tour instead of a one-day tour?
Because it allows you to enjoy the experience without rushing, rest in Aguas Calientes, and visit the citadel more calmly, especially at sunrise.
What are the benefits of staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?
It allows you to relax in the thermal baths, acclimatize better, and be among the first to enter Machu Picchu the next day.
Do you visit Machu Picchu early in the morning?
Yes, one of the main advantages of the tour is witnessing the citadel at sunrise, when there are fewer visitors and a more mystical atmosphere.
Does the tour include scenery from the Sacred Valley?
Yes, on the first day you take a scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River, with impressive natural views.
Is this tour recommended for travelers looking for a deeper and more relaxed experience?
Definitely yes. It is designed for those who want to connect with history, nature, and the spirituality of the place without the stress of limited time.