Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. This 2-day tour from Cusco provides an excellent opportunity to discover the site’s breathtaking scenery and rich history. With round-trip transportation, train tickets, and guided access included, the tour offers a hassle-free way to take in the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the ruins, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary: Day 1
- Itinerary: Day 2
- Inclusions
- Pricing and Booking
- Accessibility and Restrictions
- Customer Feedback
- Getting to Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Should I Pack for the Machu Picchu Tour?
- How Strenuous Is the Hiking at Machu Picchu?
- Can I Leave My Luggage in Cusco During the Tour?
- Is Photography Allowed Inside Machu Picchu?
- Are There Any Medical Facilities Near Machu Picchu?
- The Sum Up
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Evening Experiences in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
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Key Points
- 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, priced at $320 per person, including round-trip transportation, train tickets, bus passes, and entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Tour includes a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, free afternoon to explore local attractions, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- On the second day, the tour provides a 2-hour guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins, followed by free time for independent exploration.
- The tour is non-refundable but offers a convenient and enriching experience, with a knowledgeable tour guide available in Spanish and English.
- Customer reviews indicate a high satisfaction with the tour guide and transportation services, but suggest a desire for more detailed information upfront.
Tour Overview
The 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco provides a comprehensive experience for visitors to explore the iconic Inca citadel.
The 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco provides a comprehensive experience for visitors to explore the iconic Inca citadel.
Priced from $320 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, train tickets, bus passes, and entrance to Machu Picchu.
Pickup from Cusco accommodations is provided. A live guide is available in Spanish and English.
While the tour is non-refundable, it offers a convenient way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guests have the freedom to explore Aguas Calientes on the first day before the guided Machu Picchu tour on the second day.
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Itinerary: Day 1

On the first day, guests are transferred from their accommodations in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
From there, they embark on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, guests have a free afternoon to explore options like the local butterfly farm or the famous hot springs.
After a day of adventure, they’ll spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
This first day sets the stage for the main event – the guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel the following day.
Itinerary: Day 2

Guests start the second day with a bus transfer from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. They embark on a 2-hour guided tour to explore the iconic ruins. Afterwards, visitors have free time to wander the site independently, taking in the breathtaking vistas and uncovering hidden corners.
| Activity | Duration |
| — | — |
| Bus transfer | 30 mins |
| Guided tour | 2 hours |
| Free exploration | 2-3 hours |
Once ready, the group heads back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before the return journey to Cusco, concluding the 2-day Machu Picchu adventure.
Inclusions
The tour package includes several key inclusions to ensure a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience.
These include:
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Round-trip train and bus transportation, providing seamless transfers from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then up to the ruins.
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Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, granting full access to the Circuit 2 area of the site.
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A knowledgeable tour guide to provide historical context and insights during the 2-hour guided tour.
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Accommodation in Aguas Calientes, allowing for a comfortable overnight stay before the day at Machu Picchu.
These inclusions make for a hassle-free and enriching Machu Picchu adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyPricing and Booking
The 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco is priced from $320.00 per person.
There’s a non-refundable cancellation policy, but the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip train and bus tickets, entrance to Machu Picchu, and a tour guide.
Booking at least 2 months in advance is recommended, especially from April to October, as Machu Picchu has a daily cap of 5,000 visitors.
Booking within 30 days may not guarantee full access, so alternative circuit tickets may be offered.
Children 0-2 are free, and those 3-17 receive discounted rates.
Foreign undergraduate students can also get discounts with a valid ID.
Accessibility and Restrictions
As Machu Picchu has limited daily access, with only 5,000 tickets available, it’s crucial to book well in advance, especially during the peak season from April to October.
Some key accessibility and restriction details to be aware of:
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Advance Booking: It’s recommended to book your Machu Picchu tour at least 2 months prior to your travel dates to guarantee full access.
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Ticket Availability: Booking within 30 days may not ensure a full-access ticket, and alternative circuit tickets may be offered.
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Children Pricing: Children aged 0-2 are free, while those 3-17 are considered children.
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Student Discounts: Foreign undergraduate students may receive discounts with a valid student ID.
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided overall positive feedback on their Machu Picchu tour experiences. Based on 35 reviews, the tour has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Reviewers were particularly impressed by the tour guide, rating them 5 out of 5. The transportation services also received high marks, with a 4.7 rating.
While the value for money was still viewed positively, it had the lowest rating at 4.1. Customers expressed a desire for more detailed information upfront, but overall had positive experiences on the 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco.
Getting to Machu Picchu
How does one get to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu? The journey begins with a transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station, followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
From there, travelers take a bus up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The key steps are:
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Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station
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Scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes
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Bus transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
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Explore the ancient Inca citadel with a guided tour
This well-organized itinerary ensures a seamless experience for visitors to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Pack for the Machu Picchu Tour?
Travelers should pack comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing for varying temperatures, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, snacks, and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack or daypack to carry these essentials.
How Strenuous Is the Hiking at Machu Picchu?
The hiking at Machu Picchu is moderately strenuous. Visitors should expect steep staircases and inclines, but there are options for less demanding routes. Those with mobility concerns can take the bus up to the site entrance.
Can I Leave My Luggage in Cusco During the Tour?
Yes, you can leave your luggage in Cusco during the tour. The 2-day Machu Picchu tour doesn’t include overnight stays in Cusco, so it’s recommended to leave any extra belongings at your accommodation in the city.
Is Photography Allowed Inside Machu Picchu?
Photography is generally allowed inside Machu Picchu, but visitors can’t use tripods or flash. They should also be mindful of other visitors and refrain from taking photos that could disrupt the experience of others exploring the ancient ruins.
Are There Any Medical Facilities Near Machu Picchu?
There are basic medical facilities available in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Visitors can find clinics, pharmacies, and a small hospital if medical attention is needed during their visit to the iconic archaeological site.
The Sum Up
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit destination. The 2-day tour from Cusco provides a hassle-free experience, including round-trip transportation, train tickets, and a guided tour of the iconic ruins. With ample free time, travelers can fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty and rich history of this ancient Incan citadel. Priced at just $320 per person, this tour offers exceptional value for an unforgettable adventure.
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