Machu Picchu Tour 2D / 1N

Spend 2 days and a night with us exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu. We will pick you up and travel by train to Aguas Calientes, with scenic views of Peruvian landscapes along the way. Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes to fully enjoy Machu Picchu and its stunning surroundings. Explore the village, relax in thermal baths, and admire the sanctuary’s seamless integration with nature.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu is a symbol of Andean culture, surrounded by majestic mountains and rich biodiversity. A guided tour reveals its history and architectural wonders, making for an unforgettable experience.

Overview - Machu Picchu 2-Day tour

Day 1: Spectacular Train Ride to the Inca Capital.

Itinerary Overview

  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 am and private transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station.
  • Board the Expedition or Vista dome train to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the lush Peruvian cloud forest.
  • Arrive in Aguas Calientes. Check-in at your hotel.
  • Free time in the afternoon. 
  • Dinner at local restaurant with your group
  • Briefing by your guide for the next day’s Machu Picchu tour.
  • Rest and prepare for your early morning adventure tomorrow

Optional activities include:

  • Visit the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
  • Exploring the local artisan market

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco

Itinerary Overview

  • Early breakfast at the hotel.
  • Board the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
  • A 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus.
  • Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.
  • Take the train back to Ollantaytambo.
  • Transfer back to Cusco by private vehicle.
  • Arrival at your Cusco hotel at approxiamately 6:30 pm (18:30 hrs)

Optional: Upgrade to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike.

Itinerary – Two Days Designed for Comfort and Discovery

Day 1: Cusco | Poroy Train Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

This morning is the start of your two-day train trip to Machu Picchu! We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at a prearranged time and drive you to the Poroy train station, which is conveniently situated just outside the city.

For a leisurely start to the day, your Vista dome or Expedition train to Aguas Calientes leaves at 7:25 a.m. Prepare yourself for one of Peru’s most picturesque train journeys. At an elevation of 2,000 meters, this breathtaking route progressively drops from the high Andes to the edge of the Amazon Rainforest.

This is a real highlight of your Machu Picchu itinerary because you will be treated to breathtaking views of rushing rivers, cloud forest vegetation, and towering mountains along the way.

You will arrive to the lovely town of Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo, in about four hours. This is the entrance to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.

The town is a pedestrain town, meaning there are no cars and you are free to walk around. When you get to the station, your guide will meet you and walk with you to your hotel to check in.

At about 1:30 p.m., you’ll have a tasty Peruvian lunch at one of the best restaurants in town. You can spend the afternoon however you like. You could walk around the charming streets, shop for handicrafts at local markets, drink coffee by the river, or take a refreshing dip in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. 

Later in the evening, get back together for a big dinner and a briefing from your guide about the details of your guided tour of Machu Picchu the next day.

Go to bed early because you’ll have to get up before dawn to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Highlights:

  • Scenic train ride to Machu Picchu.
  • Explore Aguas Calientes.
  • Optional visit to local hot springs.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco via Ollantaytambo.

To maximize the experience and beat the crowds, start your amazing trip to Machu Picchu early. You will depart your hotel at 5:30 a.m. to take the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance following a hearty breakfast. This picturesque 25-minute ride offers stunning views of the surrounding Andes as it winds up a lush mountainside.

At 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu is tucked away between towering peaks in the center of the Andes Mountains, where the Amazon rainforest starts to take shape. Once thought to be a lost city, explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to the attention of the world in 1911, and today it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

You will receive a two-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel once you reach the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Your knowledgeable local guide will explain the history behind the most significant parts of the ancient city, such as the agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, royal residences, and sacred plazas.

You will discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s amazing history, engineering feats, and cultural significance as you travel, including plenty of time for photos and enjoying the space.

You can choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu if you have reservations for admission in advance, let us know if you are interested in booking this. Both hikes provide sweeping views of the verdant valleys below and the entire archaeological site.

Following your visit, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy some free time to unwind, eat lunch at a neighbourhood eatery, browse handcrafted trinkets, or, if you missed it the day before, soak in the hot springs.

You will take the train to Ollantaytambo, a quaint town in the Incas’ Sacred Valley, in the afternoon. Your incredible two day journey will come to an end when our driver picks you up at the station and takes you straight back to your hotel in Cusco.

Highlights:

  • Sunrise entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Professional guided tour of the Inca citadel.
  • Return train to Cusco.

Inclusions – Everything Arranged for an Easy Two-Day Experience

Included

  • Transport to and from your hotel in Cusco to train station
  • Round trip train tickets from Cusco to Machu Picchu Expedition class (Vistadome upgrade available)
  • Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast in Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes train station to Machu Picchu and back
  • Hotel

Not Included

  • Hot Springs entrance
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on final day
  • Tips for guides

Packing List – Essentials for an Overnight Trip

  • Copy of the passport
  • Comfortable clothes for walking
  • Change of clothes for overnight
  • Bottle/canteen with water at least one liter
  • Camera and its batteries
  • Items to protect yourself from the sun (dark glasses, hat or caps for the sun)
  • Snack (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, etc.)
  • Extra money in cash, for your personal expense

Hotels – Overnight Stay in Aguas Calientes

Price Machu Picchu Tour 2 days

In order for us to embark Machu Picchu Tour 2 days, we have to review availability for your departure date and have a clear start date in order to enjoy our hike. At this moment, Xtreme Tourbulencia requires a minimum of two people in order to confirm a start date. If you are a solo traveler, please consult us for available departure dates.

REGULAR PROGRAMMING:

REGULAR PROGRAMMING 
Price$??? USD

Optional Add Ons

a) Train Upgrades: Vistadome observatory train is available for $40 each way, which allows you to enjoy panoramic windows, snacks, and dances making your train journey more pleasant.

b) Entrance Fees and Permits: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Has an additional cost of $70 USD, only for the entrance and does not include train service.

Travel Info – Key Details for a Two-Day Visit

When and where do the briefings take place?

All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

How does the hotel pickup process work?

Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel as long as it is in the center of Cusco city. We will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups. Since Cusco has narrow cobblestoned streets and some accommodations are on steep hillsides inaccessible to cars, we recommend booking hotels with better access.

What should I know about hiking Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular. Huaynapicchu takes about 1 hour to the top and 45 minutes down (typically booked for the 2nd session, 10–11 AM). Machu Picchu Mountain takes 2 hours up and 1 hour down (usually booked for the 9–10 AM session). Note that 4-day trekkers cannot do Machu Picchu Mountain due to time constraints. Hiking either mountain grants extra time at the ruins afterward.

What are the rules regarding Machu Picchu entry times?

Entry times to Machu Picchu are fixed and non-adjustable. While a grace period is typically granted at the main gate of the Inca city (e.g., until 06:30 AM for a 06:00 AM ticket during peak season, or 06:45 AM during low season), entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.

Schedules (*)

Peak Season: Arrival Policy (**)

Low Season: Arrival Policy (**)

06:00 am

Until 06:30 am

Until 06:45 am

07:00 am

Until 07:30 am

Until 07:45 am

08:00 am

Until 08:30 am

Until 08:45 am

09:00 am

Until 09:30 am

Until 09:45 am

10:00 am

Until 10:30 am

Until 10:45 am

11:00 am

Until 11:30 am

Until 11:45 am

12:00 pm

Until 12:30 pm

Until 12:45 pm

01:00 pm

Until 01:30 pm

Until 01:45 pm

02:00 pm

Until 02:30 pm

Until 02:45 pm

03:00 pm

Until 03:30 pm

Until 03:45 pm

(*) Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.

(**) Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.

What are the health and medical policies during the tour?

You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions. While guides are not medical professionals, they have first-aid training, and we work with a clinic in Cusco. You are responsible for assessing your fitness and consulting a physician. If you experience issues while hiking and cannot continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road to wait for a car to the nearest health clinic. If you develop extreme altitude sickness, we can coordinate a train trip to Machu Picchu (subject to additional fees).

What should I expect from a group tour?

Group tours consist of diverse people with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster. Everyone can go at their own pace, and the guide will work with the group to accommodate everyone and make the best decisions.

How are strikes handled if they disrupt travel?

Strikes are frequent in Peru and can block roads and stop trains. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. If tours must be canceled, our operations department will coordinate with you, prioritizing your safety above all else.

Who is responsible for lost items?

You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent and remove all items from vans, tents, restaurants, etc. Do not leave anything unattended during your hike, as other trekkers or teams might pick it up accidentally.

How does tipping work for the crew?

Tipping is optional and not obligatory, though appreciated. Typically, group participants pool tipping money together for the porters and chef (recommended $20 USD per person per trek), and porters/chefs prefer soles. Tipping for the guide is more personal, done separately based on your relationship, and guides accept USD, soles, or credit cards.

Is travel insurance necessary?

Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. Adventure travel carries extra risk, and insurance protects the investment you made in your journey when planning months in advance. We can recommend an agent if needed.

What should I expect from the weather in the Andes?

Weather is unpredictable. While the dry season is April through October, rain can still fall in June or sun appear in December. Prepare for four seasons across microclimates by dressing in layers, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, waterproof gloves, and a warm packable down jacket for cold evenings. Weather changes may also force guides to rework itineraries for safety.

How can I prevent and manage altitude sickness?

We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco to acclimate. Symptoms can feel like the flu or a hangover (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue). Go slow, drink plenty of fluids like water or coca tea, and avoid alcohol, coffee, smoking, and sleeping pills. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe preventive medications like acetazolamide or dexamethasone. Always inform your guide right away if you feel sick.

What is the best way to get to Cusco?

Flying is the best option, though international travelers must disembark in Lima, clear customs, and recheck bags (even on connecting flights). LATAM has the most options, but delays and cancellations can happen due to high altitude and weather. Comfortable long-distance buses are also available and well-maintained, highly encouraged if traveling from nearby cities like Puno (though buses from Lima take about 20 hours).

 

FAQs – Common Questions About the Two-Day Tour

What does the 2-Day / 1-Night Machu Picchu tour consist of?

It is a tour package designed to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu at a much more relaxed pace than the Full Day tour. It allows you to travel a day early to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), stay overnight at a hotel, and visit the citadel early the following morning.

What is the main advantage compared to a single-day tour (Full Day)?

The biggest advantage is rest and time optimization within the citadel. By not having to wake up extremely early on the day of the visit or rush through the tight schedules of an express train, you avoid extreme exhaustion, enjoy a free afternoon in Aguas Calientes, and can enter Machu Picchu with complete peace of mind.

What is the general itinerary of this tour?

Day 1: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco, transfer to the train station (Ollantaytambo), train ride to Aguas Calientes, free afternoon to rest or explore the town, and hotel overnight stay included.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel, boarding the Consettur bus up to Machu Picchu, a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, return bus to Aguas Calientes, free time for lunch, boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo, and a final bus/van transfer back to Cusco.

Is the hotel included in the package price?

Yes. In a standard 2-Day / 1-Night program, the agency includes one night of lodging at a hotel in Aguas Calientes (usually a standard category with a private bathroom, hot water, and breakfast), though upgrades to higher-tier hotels are available upon request.

What hotel category is usually included by default?

It typically includes a comfortable, clean, and well-located 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. If travelers prefer a boutique or luxury hotel, a custom quote can be arranged based on their preferences.

What happens to my large luggage during the train ride?

Train operators (PeruRail and IncaRail) have strict luggage policies: they only allow one backpack or carry-on bag weighing a maximum of 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger. Your large luggage or main suitcases are stored securely at your hotel in Cusco or at the agency's office until your return.

Is it necessary to book this tour well in advance?

Yes, absolutely. Just like the Full Day tour, this package depends on the availability of official spaces in the citadel of Machu Picchu and train seats. Booking between 3 and 6 months in advance is strongly recommended, especially if you are traveling during the high season (from May to September).

What does this 2-day package usually include?

A standard complete package typically includes:
- Transfers (Cusco - Train Station - Cusco).
- Round-trip train tickets in tourist service (e.g., Expedition or Vistadome).
- One night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
- Consettur bus tickets (round trip: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu).
- Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (based on available circuit).
- Bilingual official tour guide (Spanish/English).

What things are usually not included in the price?

Generally excluded items are:
- Lunch on the first and second days.
- Dinner on the first night in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fees to additional attractions in the town (such as the hot springs or the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum).
- Tips for guides, drivers, or support staff.

What is the best Machu Picchu circuit for this 2-day tour?

Circuit 2 remains the most recommended and requested because it allows you to tour the upper section of the citadel and capture the classic, must-have panoramic postcard photo with Huayna Picchu in the background.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this program?

Yes, unlike the Full Day tour, this 2-day tour is ideal for this. By staying overnight in Aguas Calientes, you have the perfect amount of time to combine your guided tour of the citadel with a hike up one of the mountains (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) by purchasing the corresponding additional ticket.

What kind of clothing and footwear should I pack for the two days?

Since you will spend a night away from Cusco, you should pack a light hand luggage bag containing:
- Trekking shoes with good grip.
- Comfortable, lightweight daytime clothing (breathable t-shirts, convertible pants).
- A fleece or warm jacket for the early morning and evening hours.
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho (essential for changing weather).
- Personal items, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for children and older adults?

It is much more recommended than the Full Day tour for families traveling with children or older adults. Splitting the trip across two days drastically reduces physical fatigue, allowing everyone to rest well at the hotel before ascending the Inca sanctuary.

What documents must I carry mandatory during the trip?

You must bring your original passport or identity document (ID) with which you made the reservation. This document will be checked when boarding the train, taking the Consettur buses, and at the Machu Picchu entrance checkpoint. Photocopies or digital copies are not valid.

What happens if I miss my return train?

Train tickets are nominative, have strict schedules, and are non-refundable and non-endorsable if you arrive late due to reasons beyond the operator's control. If you miss your train, you will have to cover the cost of a new ticket subject to availability, which is why adhering to your guide's schedule is vital.

Is the food good and is there a variety of restaurants in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, the town of Aguas Calientes offers a wide culinary selection ranging from pizzerias, cafes, and rotisserie chicken spots to gourmet restaurants featuring high-end Peruvian and international cuisine for all budgets.

What currency is best to use in Aguas Calientes?

It is recommended to carry some Peruvian Soles in cash (small bills and coins) as well as US dollars. While almost all restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, having cash makes small purchases, tips, or paying for station restrooms much easier.

How physically demanding is this tour?

The physical demand level is moderate-low (much gentler than the Full Day). Although walking inside Machu Picchu involves climbing stone stairs and slopes, having rested the previous night at a lower elevation (Aguas Calientes sits at around 2,040 meters or 6,690 feet above sea level) greatly helps with acclimatization and physical performance.

What is the best time of year to do this 2-day tour?

- Dry season (April to October): Offers sunnier days and lower chances of rain, making it the preferred season for most travelers.
- Rainy season (November to March): Landscapes look greener and crowds are smaller, though you must be prepared with waterproof gear.

Why is it better to book this tour with a formal local tour operator?

Organizing a 2-day trip independently requires coordinating separate train tickets, hotel reservations, citadel entrance passes, and bus tickets that sell out quickly. A formal agency (like Xtreme Tourbulencia) handles all integrated logistics, providing permanent assistance, safety against unforeseen events, and the guarantee that your passes are properly secured.

 

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