2-Day Trip to Machu Picchu Without Tickets

Setting out on a 2-day Machu Picchu adventure without tickets can be a convenient and budget-friendly option for travelers. This package offers a seamless experience, including scenic train rides and a guided tour of the iconic site. While admission fees and lunch are additional costs, the flexible booking options and free time to explore Aguas Calientes make it an appealing choice. But there’s more to consider when planning this unique Machu Picchu expedition.

Contents show

Key Points

The 2-day Machu Picchu trip includes scenic train travel, hotel stay, and a guided tour of the site, excluding admission tickets.
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allow for a hassle-free planning experience.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the charming mountain town of Aguas Calientes on the first day.
The second day includes a bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance, a 2.5-hour guided tour, and personal exploration time.
Additional costs, such as lunch and optional hikes, should be budgeted for to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This 2-day trip to Machu Picchu is priced at $429.00 per person, excluding the admission tickets.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with flexible booking options available. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The 2-day duration includes a scenic train journey, hotel stay, and guided tour of Machu Picchu. Additional costs cover admission fees, lunch, and optional hikes.

Travelers should bring essential items like passport, sunscreen, and cash. For last-minute reservations, they’ll need to confirm availability with the supplier.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Aguas Calientes

Itinerary Details

The itinerary for this 2-day Machu Picchu trip starts with pickup from the hotel in Cusco, followed by a 2-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station.

Travelers then embark on a scenic 1.5-hour train journey to Aguas Calientes, taking in the beautiful Andes views. Upon arrival, they’ll check into their hotel and have free time to explore Aguas Calientes.

On the second day, the group takes a bus to Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour, covering the Sacred Plaza, Temple of the Sun, and Royal Residence.

After, they’ll have 2 hours for personal exploration or hiking Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu mountains before returning to Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco – Aguas Calientes

After pickup from their hotel in Cusco, travelers embark on a 2-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station.

They then board a scenic 1.5-hour train journey to Aguas Calientes, enjoying beautiful Andes views along the way.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, travelers check into their hotel and have free time to explore the town.

Travelers check into their hotel in Aguas Calientes and have free time to explore the charming mountain village.

This charming mountain village serves as the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu, providing a relaxing setting before the main event on Day 2.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After breakfast at their hotel, travelers board a bus for the short ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, a knowledgeable guide leads them on a 2.5-hour tour, covering:

The Sacred Plaza
The Temple of the Sun
The Royal Residence
Other key landmarks

Afterward, visitors have 2 hours to explore Machu Picchu on their own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, if desired.

Then, they return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before the train journey back to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco, concluding the 2-day adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions

The 2-day trip to Machu Picchu includes hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip train ticket (Expedition/Voyager class), 1-night hotel stay with breakfast, bus transport from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, and an English-speaking guide during the Machu Picchu tour.

The train journey offers beautiful Andes views, and the bus ride takes travelers from Aguas Calientes to the famous ancient ruins.

The guided tour covers the Sacred Plaza, Temple of the Sun, and Royal Residence, allowing visitors to explore the highlights of Machu Picchu.

Travelers have two hours of free time for personal exploration or optional hikes.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Aguas Calientes

Additional Costs

While the 2-day trip to Machu Picchu includes several key elements, travelers should be aware of additional costs they may incur.

These include:

Lunch at $25 per person
Admission to Huayna Picchu Mountain at $60 per person
Admission to Machu Picchu Mountain at $65 per person
Admission to the Machu Picchu archaeological site at S/152 (US$40.70) for foreign adults, S/64 (US$17.10) for Peruvian adults

It’s important to factor in these expenses when budgeting for the trip to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at Machu Picchu.

Preparation and Important Information

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Machu Picchu, travelers should bring a few essential items like their passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Littering is strictly prohibited. It’s also important to have the correct contact number, including the country code, and to have WhatsApp for communication. For last-minute reservations, it’s recommended to confirm availability with the supplier via email.

| Item | Recommendation |

| — | — |

| Passport/ID | Required |

| Sunglasses | Recommended |

| Sun Hat | Recommended |

| Sunscreen | Recommended |

| Cash | Recommended |

Booking and Flexibility

With flexible booking options, travelers can reserve their 2-day Machu Picchu trip now and pay later.

The trip can be booked with:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The ability to pay at a later date, providing financial flexibility.
Expedition or Voyager train options to suit different budgets.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, making the journey seamless.

This hassle-free booking process allows adventurers to secure their Machu Picchu experience without upfront costs, offering peace of mind for their upcoming trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Machu Picchu Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

No, you can’t buy Machu Picchu tickets on the day of the tour. The trip package does not include admission tickets, and they must be purchased separately in advance. Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to secure them prior to the tour.

What Time Should I Arrive at Machu Picchu?

It’s recommended to arrive at Machu Picchu early, around 6-7 AM, to beat the crowds and have the best light for photographs. This allows ample time to explore the site before the peak visitor hours.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Travelers of all ages can participate, though children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for families, solo travelers, and groups alike.

Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?

Absolutely, travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes as needed. The 2-day tour package includes 1 night’s hotel stay, but guests can book additional nights to explore the town further or hike nearby attractions at their leisure.

How Much Time Is Needed to Fully Explore Machu Picchu?

Visitors generally need 2-3 hours to fully explore Machu Picchu’s main sites like the Sacred Plaza and Royal Residence. However, adding time for hiking trails like Huayna Picchu can extend the visit to 4-5 hours for a more comprehensive experience.

The Sum Up

The 2-day Machu Picchu trip offers an affordable and flexible way to explore this iconic Inca site. With scenic train rides, accommodation, and a guided tour, travelers can experience the wonder of Machu Picchu without the hassle of purchasing tickets. Though additional costs apply, the package provides a convenient and hassle-free option for those seeking an unforgettable Andean adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: