English and Spanish-speaking guide
Small-group tour (up to 16 participants)
This tour is non-refundable
Pickup included
Check the Dates
This comprehensive Machu Picchu 2-day tour from Cusco is perfect for travelers seeking a trek without the long duration of the full trail. The itinerary features a scenic train ride to Km 104, an entry through the Sun Gate, and an in-depth guided tour of the citadel. You can also benefit from the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (tickets reserved separately).
Highlights:
- Experience the powerful magic of Machu Picchu at sunset after arriving through the dramatic Sun Gate.
- Trek the iconic short Inca Trail section from Km 104, passing the ancient sites of Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna.
- Travel back in style, enjoying the stunning views of the Sacred Valley aboard the panoramic Vistadome train.
- Benefit from delicious freshly prepared picnic breakfast and lunch along the trail, provided by your trekking chef.
- Your package includes all entrance tickets, expert guiding for the trail, and an in-depth guided tour of the citadel.
About this tour:
Experience the legendary Inca Trail in an intimate and unforgettable way with this 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, featuring a rewarding trek to the ancient citadel. This comprehensive package handles all logistics—from hotel transfers and train rides to lodging and expert guiding—ensuring a powerful, seamless adventure that includes the rare opportunity to see the Lost City of the Incas at both sunset and sunrise.
Day 1: Inca Trail Trek and Sunset at Machu Picchu. Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You will travel to Ollantaytambo to board a scenic train to Chachabamba (Km 104), the starting point for your trek. After visiting the ancient ruins of Chachabamba, you will begin your ascent on the Inca Trail, enjoying a freshly prepared picnic lunch. Along the way, your guide will point out the diverse flora and fauna before arriving at the beautiful Wiñaywayna ruins. The day culminates as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, arriving in the late afternoon. You will witness a stunning sunset over the peacefully empty ruins before taking a short bus ride to your 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes for dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.
Day 2: Guided Exploration and Panoramic Return. Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu just as the sun rises. You will enjoy the spectacular views of the site in the early morning light. An expert guide will then lead you on an in-depth tour of this incredible ancient city, revealing its history, secrets, and fascinating details. After the guided tour, you have the option to independently hike the challenging Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña for even more breathtaking views (tickets must be booked well in advance).
Following your full exploration, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the premium, panoramic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. You will enjoy the stunning scenery in style before boarding the final bus back to Cusco, arriving at your accommodation at approximately 7:30 PM, concluding this intensive Cusco to Machu Picchu 2-day tour.
Included:
- Safety briefing one day before the tour
- Free luggage storage
- Tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Professional guide for the Inca Trail and full Machu Picchu tour
- Train to Km 104 (Expedition or Voyager)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
- Return on the panoramic Vistadome train
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and round-trip bus on the next day
- One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes Town, bed and breakfast
- Picnic breakfast and lunch prepared by chef on day 1
- Dinner at a local restaurant on day 1
- Satellite phone, first-aid kit, and oxygen tank
Essential Information:
- The tour operator will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Center or from the towns of Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Pickup in Cusco is at 4:00 AM, and approximately 5:30 AM in the Sacred Valley.
- Booking Requirement: Each participant’s full passport details (name, number, expiration date, country) are required at the time of booking.
- Health & Safety: This tour is strenuous and is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back/heart problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
- What to Bring: Valid passport, hiking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, camera, cash, and warm clothing.
- Optional Costs: Lunch on Day 2, trekking poles (can be rented), and tickets for the independent hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (must be booked well in advance).
Activity provider: TreXperience
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco include?
The tour is comprehensive, covering all train and bus tickets, including the return on the panoramic Vistadome train. You receive tickets to the Inca Trail (Km 104) and Machu Picchu, professional guiding, and a 3-star hotel stay with breakfast in Aguas Calientes. Meals covered are picnic breakfast/lunch and dinner on Day 1, all prepared by a trekking chef or served at a restaurant.
What is not included in the tour price?
The tour price does not include lunch on Day 2 or travel insurance. You will need to purchase tickets separately if you wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña, and trekking poles are not included but can be rented.
Where and when does this Cusco to Machu Picchu 2-day tour start?
The tour starts with an early morning pickup from your accommodation. Pickup is available from hotels in Cusco’s Historic Center (approx. 4:00 AM) or from the towns of Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley (approx. 5:30 AM).
Who is this tour not suitable for?
Due to the strenuous nature of the Inca Trail trek, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
What should I bring for this Machu Picchu 2-day tour from Cusco?
You must bring your valid passport, which is required for site entry. Recommended gear includes hiking shoes, warm clothing, sun protection (hat/sunglasses/sunscreen), rain gear, insect repellent, and cash for optional expenses.
What is not allowed on this tour?
For safety and preservation, weapons or sharp objects, smoking, alcohol, drugs, making fire, littering, and feeding animals are strictly not allowed on the Inca Trail or within the archaeological sites. Unaccompanied minors are also prohibited.
What should I know before going on this 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco?
You must know that this tour is non-refundable. Each participant’s full passport details (number, name, expiration) are required at the time of booking. The package also includes a safety briefing the day before the tour and free luggage storage.
What will I experience during this tour?
This two-day journey begins with a scenic train ride to Km 104, where you begin your rewarding trek on the short Inca Trail. You will explore the ancient sites of Chachabamba and the beautiful Wiñaywayna ruins while enjoying a freshly prepared picnic lunch. The day culminates dramatically as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, witnessing the unique and powerful magic of the citadel at sunset.
Day 2 starts with an early bus ride to see Machu Picchu at sunrise. An expert guide will then lead you on an in-depth tour, revealing the history and secrets of the Lost City of the Incas. Afterward, you have the option to tackle Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña (tickets reserved separately). The tour concludes with a return journey on the premium, panoramic Vistadome train through the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley.