Machu Picchu 2 day tour
Altitude Max.
3385 m.s.n.m.
Distance
Difficulty
Easy
Season
2026
Machu Picchu 2 day tour
Enjoy a relaxed overnight visit to the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu 2 day tour. This option will allow you early access to this iconic archaeological site. The Journey by train through the beautiful river valley to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to relax and explore the town before settling in for the evening. Then wake up early for a sunrise visit at Machu Picchu, including a 2-hour guided tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
By taking our 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour, you will visit the authentic town of Maras, known for its charming colonial doorways. Admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes and enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from above, with opportunities to take stunning photographs. Explore the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo and experience one of the most scenic train rides in the world, traveling from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes as the landscape gradually transforms before your eyes. In the afternoon, relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes and stroll through this lively town. The next morning, witness the breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Why should you take machu picchu 2 day tour with us?
- This machu Picchu 2 days trip is operated by American Trekking, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
- Small groups of 2 to 8 people máximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
- We dont share service of Machu Picchu 2 days trip with other companies.
- We are practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
- Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up to date and have a comprehensive programme of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Machu Picchu is.
- Your return train ticket is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive to Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
- We deliver on our promises.
- Instant confirmation.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 a.m. and begin our scenic journey through the Andean highlands. After approximately one hour of driving, we will arrive at the beautiful Huaypo Lake, where we will take a short break to stretch our legs and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. This stunning lake offers excellent photo opportunities, surrounded by rolling hills and reflecting the bright Andean sky.
Our adventure continues with a visit to a viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, with the majestic Verónica and Chicón glaciers towering in the background—an ideal spot to capture more remarkable photographs of the Peruvian Andes.
Next, we will drive to the picturesque town of Maras, known for its charming colonial architecture. Here, you will have time to stroll through the narrow streets, admire traditional adobe houses, and take pictures at the famous colonial doorways that showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage.
We then continue to another spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can admire its enigmatic beauty and sweeping landscapes. From there, our journey descends toward Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town renowned for its ancient streets, impressive stone architecture, and well-preserved water channels that still function today. You will have time to explore this fascinating place and appreciate the blend of Inca and colonial influences that make Ollantaytambo truly unique.
In the afternoon, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience, offering unparalleled landscapes as we follow the Urubamba River downstream through the lush Sacred Valley. You will arrive in Aguas Calientes around 2:30 p.m., where we will check into a comfortable 3-star hotel.
After checking in, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit the butterfly sanctuary, located about a 40-minute walk from the village, or unwind in the hot springs, just a short 5-minute walk from the town center.
We will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, preparing for the next day’s adventure to Machu Picchu.
Optional:
We also offer the option to take the train from Poroy Train Station instead of traveling by van to Ollantaytambo. In this case, you will enjoy a short 30-minute drive from Cusco to Poroy, where you will board the train. This scenic journey lasts approximately four hours, taking you from the highlands of Poroy through the wide plains of Pampa de Anta, entering the Sacred Valley, passing Ollantaytambo, and continuing all the way to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to meet you and will accompany you to your hotel. The following day, you will take the train back to Poroy.
Note: If you wish to choose this option, please inform us at the time of booking so we can purchase the correct train ticket. Please be aware that you will travel alone on the train, as the guide will depart from Ollantaytambo. Additionally, this service operates only during the dry season, from April to October.
Day two is the most magical day of your journey — the visit to Machu Picchu. We will wake up early to take one of the first buses for a 30-minute ride up to the citadel. After passing through the Machu Picchu checkpoint, your guide will lead you to the upper section near the Guard House, where you can witness the sunrise over the ancient ruins and capture the iconic “Postcard View” of Machu Picchu.
Next, you will begin exploring the main citadel with a two-hour guided tour. During this visit, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and culture of the Inca civilization while you explore the site’s most significant landmarks, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Inca’s House, Main Plaza, Wayrana, and the Sacred Rock, among others.
After the guided visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you will board the train at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. back to Ollantaytambo, and then continue by van to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Included
- Hotel Pick-Up: Our guide will meet you at the reception area of your hotel in Cusco. The guide will knock on your hotel or Airbnb door and will be easily identifiable by a red jacket displaying the American Trekking logo.
- Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: You will travel comfortably in our spacious van from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Train Ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: The package includes an Expedition train ticket departing from Ollantaytambo at 12:55 p.m.
- Round-Trip Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu: We include two bus tickets—one from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and another for the return trip from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Professional English-Speaking Tour Guide: Our guides are carefully selected graduates from prestigious universities and institutes. Each guide demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for their work. Their expertise and enthusiasm ensure an exceptional and informative experience for every traveler.
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu, offering in-depth explanations of each Inca site you visit. During this approximately two-hour tour, you will gain valuable insight into the historical, cultural, and architectural importance of this ancient wonder, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
- Return Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: The package includes an Expedition train ticket for the return journey, departing from Aguas Calientes at either 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Upon your arrival in Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco in our comfortable van.
- Oxygen Tank: As we reach elevations of up to 3,700 meters on the route to Ollantaytambo, our van is equipped with an oxygen tank for any potential emergencies.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Your Machu Picchu entry ticket includes access to Circuit 2. We highly recommend booking in advance to secure this circuit. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will notify you within 24 hours so you may choose Circuits 1 or 3 to explore the citadel fully.
- First Aid Kit: Our guide carries a basic first aid kit at all times, equipped with essential supplies such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, and medical tape, to handle minor injuries or health concerns during the excursion.
- 24/7 Customer Service: Our telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may contact us at any time, and our dedicated team will be pleased to assist you with any questions or concerns.
- Hotel Drop-Off: Upon your return to Cusco, we will provide direct transportation back to your hotel.
Not Included
- Meals.
IMPORTANT INFO
- As per the new rules, you can stay in the Machu Picchu area for only 2 hours, but it is almost impossible to enforce this rule unless visitors would have been all the time harassed by guards who would have to ask them over and over again what time they enter (this rule should be more strict).
- When visiting Machu Picchu, you must bring your passport with you as you will need it to enter the site.
- With the standard entry ticket to Machu Picchu, you will not be allowed back in after you exit, even if you do not spend the full 2 hours allotted with each ticket.
- With the Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu mountain ticket, you can exit after your hike to buy water and use the bathroom, and then afterward reenter with your guide for the citadel tour.
- Be careful with selfie-and-jumping pictures, as these cause most of the accidents in the mountains.
- Park rangers invite you to retire from Huayna Picchu Mountain at 12:30 pm, and from Machu Picchu Mountain at 12 pm.
- Training shoes or lightweight walking shoes are highly recommended.
- Strong insect repellent is recommended.
- Machu Picchu is a unique site, and if you want, you can get a pretty unusual stamp on your Passport.
Bathroom
Bad news, there are no bathrooms or food stalls in Machu Picchu. Make sure you use the bathroom before you enter the site. It is right in front of the entrance and costs two soles.
Mistake
If it is cloudy and rainy and you will leave the viewing platform where the most classic photos are taken and start the tour around Machu Picchu, with the hope to come back when the weather improves, we would like to inform you that this is impossible. Once you are on the trail you only have to move forward and follow the circuit – there are many guards with whistles watching, and you won’t stand a chance.
Food and Water
When it comes to food and water, bring your own. The ticket says that eating inside the site is prohibited, but you can bring a small snack with you, only try not to eat too openly, and it comes without saying that you should not litter. Also, you should bring your water in reusable flasks or canteens, because Machu Picchu tries to fight against single-use plastic bottles.
Prohibited objects inside Machu Picchu
Walking sticks are not allowed unless the person needs them.
It is not allowed to enter Machu Picchu with drones, hiking poles, tripods, or selfie sticks as well. Older people can carry a cane, but with a rubber tip, not a metal one.
Professional cameras are not allowed. Permits for professional cameras are over $300 so avoid bringing a professional-looking camera in to save some money.
You cannot enter Machu Picchu with your travel backpack. Only smaller models are allowed so leave your backpack in Aguas Calientes in your Hotel.
In order to book the Machu Picchu 2-day tour with us, you need to click the Book Now button above, then select the date of your departure, then fill out all the personal information of each participant, and the last step is the payment which you can do with credit card or debit card. Please, send us only the deposit of $150 per person.
Also, you will find some extras on our booking platform such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and Vistadome. Those extras, you need to book in advance because those tickets run out in advance like Machu Picchu tickets. So you can’t book them at the last minute.
Once we receive your deposit, we will you a manual confirmation so everything will be 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu during the dry season, which extends from May to August, it is strongly recommended that you book your Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour at least four to five months in advance to guarantee entry to Circuit 2. This period represents the highest demand of the year, and tickets often sell out well ahead of time.
For the shoulder months—April, September, October, and November—it is advisable to reserve your tour and entry tickets three to four months before your travel date. Although demand is slightly lower than in peak season, Circuit 2 remains one of the most requested routes.
Even during the low season, from December through March, securing your tickets at least two months prior is still recommended. Weather conditions may reduce the number of daily visitors, yet Circuit 2 frequently sells out due to its popularity among travelers seeking the classic panoramic views of the archaeological site.
Your remaining balance can be made in cash 1 day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card Visa(a 5% service fee applies). It is better to pay us with cash because there is not any transaction fee. Please let us know what you prefer.
We always buy the Machu Picchu ticket with Circuit 02 – Ruta Clasica Diseñada for our Machu Picchu 2-day tour. So you will go first to the guardhouse where you will take a postcard picture of Machu then Visit all the Inca sites of Machu Picchu.
- If you are thinking to book in the high season from May to August, we recommend you to book 2 – 5 months in advance to secure the early slots.
- If you are thinking to book in shoulder season April, September, October, and November. We recommend you book 1 – 2 months in advance.
- If you are thinking to book in the rainy season from December to March, you can find availability all the time, except on Christmas and New Year. For Christmas and new year, we recommend you book 2 months if possible.
Unfortunately, when Circuit 2 tickets for Machu Picchu are sold out, we are unable to secure them as we also purchase tickets directly from the official Peruvian website. To address this issue, we we will buy two tickets: one for Circuit 1 and one for Circuit 3. With this arrangement, you will explore Circuit 3 with our guide for two hours, then exit and re-enter Machu Picchu to visit Circuit 1 on your own for one hour. By buying tickets for both circuits, you will still be able to see most of the site, including the iconic photo spots and all the temples. Since we will buy 2 tickets, there will be an additional charge of $45 for the extra tickets.
Trail-tested essentials for your adventure.
- Original passport.
- Tennis shoes or trainers.
- Long, comfortable pants and a wind jacket.
- Sweater and a light shirt.
- Rain jacket or poncho – in any season it can rain.
- Camera with a full battery and lots of memory!
- Insect repellent (for sand flies).
- Sunblock and sunglasses.
- Personal first aid kit (personal medications).
- Water bottle with 1-2 liters of water.
- Light backpack.
- Snacks (everything is more expensive in Aguas Calientes!).
- Padlock for a locker in the hostel.
- Flashlight if you plan to walk up to MP early in the morning.
- Towel.
