2 Day Machu Picchu Tour

Overview Itinerary What´s included FAQs

Price:
354 USD

(Group of 4 or more get 10% OFF with code YAPAGROUP10OFF at checkout)
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Why You’ll LOVE this trip:

Incredible Scenic train ride through the Andes

One of a kind experience to start and end your Machu Picchu adventure.

See Machu Picchu without the rush

This 2-day itinerary gives you the iconic highlights, but with time to enjoy them at a relaxed pace.

Early morning advantage

Spend the night in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) and head up early, when it feels calmer and photos come easier.

Expert local guide

Learn more about Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes than written in any guidebook with truly local insights

Small groups

We guarantee a personalized unique experience for you unlike other large group operators

Stress-free, all-included

Private pickup in Cusco, luxury train, accommodation, Machu Picchu entry tickets, local guides and more…just sit back and enjoy!

The Yapa Guarantee

Yapa means “extra” in Quechua (the ancient language of the Inca’s). We go above & beyond (extra) to guarantee you a once in a lifetime experience

Small group
tours

Local tour
operator

1,000+
reviews

Empowering
women

Sustainable
tourism

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Early morning

  • 10:00 AM: Accommodation pick-up from Cusco & transfer to train station.
  • Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to the train station.

Noon

  • 12:55 PM: Train ride to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) – the gateway to Machu Picchu.
  • Comfortable 2-hour train ride with views of valleys, rivers, and Inca terraces.

Afternoon

  • Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the train station and escort you to your comfortable hotel.
  • Free time to explore the town’s cafés, markets, and hot springs or visit the Machu Picchu Museum and Botanical Garden.

Evening

  • Enjoy a relaxing night in Aguas Calientes before your big day.
  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM: Meet your guide for a final briefing before your Machu Picchu visit.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Dawn

  • Wake up early to beat the crowds and experience Machu Picchu in all its splendour!
  • Choose to hike up (1.5–2 hours) or take the optional 15-minute bus ride (additional cost).

Early morning

  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu with an expert, local guide.
  • Explore key temples, terraces, and viewpoints for those iconic mountain panoramas.
  • Free time after the tour to take stunning photos, or simply soak in the mystical energy.
  • Walk back (or take the bus) to Aguas Calientes

Late morning & Early Afternoon

  • Free time for lunch or last-minute souvenir shopping.

Afternoon

  • 2:55 PM: Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – please be at the train station 30 minutes before departure.
  • 4:30 PM: Arrival in Ollantaytambo and private mini-van transfer to Cusco.

Evening

  • Arrival back to Cusco: Approx. 8:30 PM (may vary depending on train schedule and traffic conditions)
  • Drop-off in the Cusco Historic Center (Plaza Regocijo area) located one block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas). Please note that evening vehicle access in Cusco can be challenging due to traffic patterns and street restrictions within the center which make accommodation drop-offs impossible.
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Speak to a local expert

Contact our Machu Picchu experts on Whatsapp HERE or email info@yapaexplorers.com for help planning your adventure!

What’s included

When you book with Yapa, everything is taken care of – no stress, no surprises, just an incredible Machu Picchu experience led by expert local guides.

Seamless pre-tour support

Pre-tour briefing the night before departure (Yapa will contact you in the morning to arrange)

Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu

Skip the hassle and secure your spot to Machu Picchu

Expert guidance

  • Professional, experienced, bilingual tour guide
  • 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu

All transport & logistics handled

  • Hotel/hostel pick-up & Cusco Central drop-off for a smooth start and end to your trip
  • Transportation by mini-van to Ollantaytambo
  • Transportation by train to Aguas Calientes
  • Transportation by train and mini-van from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
  • 1 night basic hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • 1 breakfast

24/7 support team

Expert on the ground team available via WhatsApp and Email anytime

Optional add-ons

  • Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu site entrance - $24
  • Huayna Picchu ticket - $65 (request in advance)
  • Single person room supplement - $35
  • Upgrade from 1 star to a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes - $29 per person
  • Upgrade one leg of the train journey to the Vistadome/360° luxury train with panoramic windows, snacks and a local cultural dance show onboard - $65 (subject to availability)

Not included

  • First day’s meals and last day’s lunch & dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions

How physically fit do I have to be for this 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour?

Minimal walking is required; just be comfortable walking for an hour or two with stairs and uneven paths.

How many people will be in my tour group?

All of our Machu Picchu tours have a maximum of 10 people for a truly personalized, authentic experience.

If looking to book a private group tour, contact us, and we’ll organize one for you.

Is this tour a good option for solo travelers?

Yes, 100%. A great thing about our tours is that they are made up of like-minded travelers and are a great way to meet people and share the experience of Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is accessible 365 days a year. The rainy season is in February, but you still get amazing views.

Low Season is November to February, which many travelers like, as there are smaller crowds, but really, any time is a great time to visit Machu Picchu.

Note: The Classic Inca Trail is unavailable in February; all other tours and treks operate as normal.

What should I pack for this 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour?

There are a few essentials everyone should bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Small backpack (under 20L)
  • Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
  • Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses
  • Water bottle and light snacks
  • Bug spray
  • Camera or phone (drones are not allowed)

    • We will send you a more detailed packing list, including any extra items you might need, after you book.

Is this Machu Picchu tour suitable for older travelers and families?

Yes. The 2-day train tour is one of the most accessible ways to visit Machu Picchu. While there are stairs and uneven paths, it does not require trekking experience.

What's the difference between the 2-day tour and the 1-day visit?

The 2-day option allows you to travel at a more relaxed pace, spend the night in Aguas Calientes also known as ‘Machu Picchu Town’, and enter Machu Picchu early the next morning when crowds are lighter. It’s ideal for travelers who want a deeper experience without rushing.

The Yapa Promise

Yapa Explorers is locally owned and female-led, ensuring an authentic, personalized, and seamless experience.

  • The “Yapa” extra mile – We obsess over the details, unlike other companies.
  • 100% operated by us – No middlemen. We control the quality of every guide, meal, and transfer personally to ensure you get exactly what you booked.
  • 100% confirmed departures – We never cancel a confirmed trip due to low numbers. Once you book, your departure is guaranteed.

We are more than just a tour operator—we are a group dedicated to exceptional service, expert guiding, and responsible tourism. 

Every trek with us supports the local community, ensuring that both our travelers and the people behind the journey benefit from every step.

We promise you can trust that every detail is taken care of – all you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

Speak to a local expert

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question about this trip.

Whatsapp us here
Planning to travel to Machu Picchu within the next 8 weeks?

Entry tickets sell out in advance and last-minute bookers may have to slightly adjust their itinerary (e.g. earlier or later train).

Don’t worry – Yapa will make sure your dream trip to Machu Picchu happens, unlike other operators. 

Contact us with any questions via Whatsapp or email and our expert team will get back to you!

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