English, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking guide
Private tour (only for your group)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Pickup included
Check the Dates
Book this exceptional private 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu for an intimate and active adventure. The journey starts with a 7-hour hike (12 km) along the final, most beautiful segment of the Inca Trail, passing trail-side archaeological sites. You will stay in Aguas Calientes overnight before returning to the Citadel for an in-depth exploration of Inca ingenuity.
Highlights:
- Trek the short Inca Trail, passing the ruins of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
- Enter the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel on foot through the mystical Sun Gate (Intipunku).
- Experience the thrill of seeing Machu Picchu twice—on Day 1 at sunset, and Day 2 for a full tour.
- Hike through the semi-tropical cloud forest, observing wild orchids and local fauna.
- Enjoy door-to-door service with private hotel and airport pickup and drop-off.
- All necessary tickets are included: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu entrance, and round-trip bus tickets.
About this tour:
This intensive Cusco to Machu Picchu 2-day tour offers the most rewarding and immersive way to experience the Lost City by hiking the final, beautiful segment of the Inca Trail. Designed for a private group experience, this journey combines trekking the legendary mystical stone paths with a full guided tour of the Citadel on day two, allowing you to see Machu Picchu twice.
Day 1: Inca Trail Hike (Km 104 to Machu Picchu). Your adventure begins early with private hotel pickup in Cusco or Urubamba, followed by a transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. You will take a scenic 1.5-hour train ride to Km 104, the official start of the Short Inca Trail. After passing the registration point, your 7-hour hike begins at the Chachabamba ruins (2050m). The trail takes you through the beautiful Ceja de Selva (cloud forest), allowing you to observe wild orchids and local fauna.
A challenging but rewarding 3-hour uphill hike leads to the magnificent Wiñay Wayna archaeological center (2650m), where you will enjoy lunch. The final 2-hour trek takes you to Intipunku, the mystical Sun Gate. This is a highlight, offering your first panoramic and unforgettable view of the entire Machu Picchu Citadel, which you will enter on foot, just as the Incas once did. After taking photos and enjoying the sunset, a bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes (2030m), where you will check into your 3-star hotel with panoramic river views for the night.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return. After an early breakfast, you will take the bus back up to the Citadel. This time, you will have a full 2 to 3-hour guided tour to gain in-depth knowledge about the sacred city’s history, construction, and incredible Inca ingenuity.
You will have ample time to explore and admire the site before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus. After free time in the town, you will board the expedition train in the afternoon for the return journey. The Machu Picchu 2-day tour from Cusco concludes when your transfer meets you at the train station (Ollantaytambo or Poroy) and returns you to your hotel in Cusco or Urubamba. This journey includes all necessary train, bus, and entrance tickets, as well as one night’s accommodation.
Included:
- Personnel & Service: Professional English-speaking guide (fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese). Private group service. First-Aid Kit.
- Tickets: Tourist ticket to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (includes necessary permits). Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu).
- Transportation: Private van transfer (Hotel/Airport – Ollantaytambo). Tourist train (Ollantaytambo – Km 104). Expedition train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo/Poroy). Return private transfer to Hotel/Airport in Cusco/Urubamba.
- Accommodation & Meals: 1-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (with panoramic river views). Lunch on Day 1 (at Wiñay Wayna). Breakfast on Day 2 (at the hotel).
Essential Information:
- Trekking Details: Distance: 12 Km/7.4 miles. Hiking Hours: 6-7 hours. Highest Altitude: 2650 m. / 8692 ft.
- Acclimatization: You must acclimatize for at least 2 days at altitude before undertaking this hike.
- Exclusions: Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 2, travel insurance, tips for staff, and additional costs.
- What to Bring: Carry only essential items for the hike.
Activity provider: Wari Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this Cusco to Machu Picchu 2-day tour include?
This private tour package is comprehensive and covers all major logistics. It includes private hotel and airport transfers, round-trip train and bus tickets, the necessary tourist ticket/permits for the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and a 1-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. You also receive the services of a professional bilingual guide, lunch on Day 1 (at Wiñay Wayna), breakfast on Day 2, and a First-Aid Kit.
What is not covered by the tour price?
The tour price does not cover lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 2, travel insurance, tips for the staff, or any additional costs you may incur. All other major costs, including the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, are included.
Where and when does this Machu Picchu 2-day tour from Cusco begin?
This private tour offers convenient door-to-door service and will begin with a pickup directly from your hotel or the airport in Cusco or Urubamba. The exact pickup time will be confirmed by the operator, but it typically involves an early morning start to catch the train to Km 104, the trail’s starting point.
Is the hike strenuous? And how can I prepare for it appropriately?
The Day 1 hike is a demanding 7-hour trek covering 12 km (7.4 miles) with a significant 3-hour uphill climb to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, reaching a high altitude of 2650 m / 8692 ft.
Appropriate preparation is essential for this challenge. You must acclimatize for a minimum of 2 days at altitude in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting this hike. You should also ensure you wear appropriate gear and only carry a daypack with essential items.
What will I experience during this 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Your trip is a powerful blend of trekking and cultural exploration. Day 1 is dedicated to the Short Inca Trail hike, where you will trek through the cloud forest, observe wild orchids, explore the Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna ruins, and finally enter the Citadel through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for a spectacular sunset view.
Day 2 provides an in-depth experience: after an early start, you will take a bus back up to the Citadel for a comprehensive 2 to 3-hour guided tour led by your expert. You will learn about the history and construction of the Lost City before returning to Aguas Calientes for your expedition train ride and private transfer back to Cusco.