2 Day Machu Picchu Tour

Highlights

Enjoy a scenic ride through the Andes – One of a kind experience to start your Machu Picchu adventure.

Discover the famous Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) – Spend a night at the picturesque town known as the entry to the Inca ruins

Machu Picchu with a local expert – Uncover the mysteries of the Lost City of the Incas with captivating stories and historical insights.

Overview:

Our 2 Day Machu Picchu tour by train takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world. With the Urubamba River on your side you’ll travel all the way to the tropical forest that surrounds Machu Picchu and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the high Andes.

You’ll have extra free time to explore Machu Picchu town and have the option to visit the relaxing Hot Springs or the Machu Pichu museum and botanical garden, before the majestic Lost City of the Incas.

Group

4 to 10 people

Difficulty

Easy

Max. Altitude

7,972 ft / 2,430 m

Start / Finish

Cusco / Cusco

Whatsapp us here to get in touch with our specialized team for help on planning your perfect adventure!

5 reasons why travelers are choosing Yapa in 2025

1

Guaranteed departures– Your trip is 100% confirmed once booked. Unlike others, we never cancel last minute due to low numbers.

2

All-Inclusive & hassle-free– Tickets, trains, buses, guides – everything is covered. No hidden fees, no stress.

3

Expert local guides– Our passionate guides bring Machu Picchu to life with incredible stories, insights, and top-notch support.

4

24/7 customer support– We’re available via WhatsApp & email before, during, and after your trip.

5

Locally owned, globally experienced– Yapa is led by a young Peruvian woman with a vast amount of international tourism expertise, dedicated to providing authentic, sustainable travel that supports the local communities.

Detailed Itinerary

IMPORTANT: LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS (LESS THAN 4 WEEKS BEFORE TOUR DATE)

Booking a last-minute tour with Yapa Explorers? We guarantee your Machu Picchu entrance ticket or a full refund!

Our local team works tirelessly to secure your entrance for your chosen date, keeping you updated every step of the way.

Don’t risk your once-in-a-lifetime Machu Picchu experience—book with Yapa!

Day 1

Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes

10:00 AM – Pick-up from Cusco & Transfer to Train Station
Your adventure begins with a hotel/hostel pick-up and a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo.

12:55 PM – Train Ride to Aguas Calientes
Board a comfortable train for a 2-hour journey through the heart of the Andes, passing lush valleys, ancient Inca terraces, and the powerful Urubamba River.

Afternoon – Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the train station and escort you to your comfortable hotel. You’ll have free time to explore the town’s cafés, markets, and hot springs or visit the Machu Picchu Museum and Botanical Garden.

Evening – Relax & Prepare for Machu Picchu
Enjoy a relaxing night in Aguas Calientes before your big day. Get a good night’s sleep—you’ll need the energy for tomorrow’s unforgettable experience!
7:00 – 8:00 PM | Meet your guide for a final briefing before your Machu Picchu visit

Day 2

Machu Picchu – Cusco

Dawn – Ascent to Machu Picchu
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).

Morning – Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Step into history as your expert bilingual guide leads a 2-hour exploration of the site starting at 07:00am, covering key landmarks like the Main Plaza, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, and more.

After the tour, take stunning photos, or simply soak in the mystical energy of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

9:00 AM – End of the tour and walk back to Aguas Calientes.

Late morning & Early Afternoon
Free time for lunch or last-minute souvenir shopping.

2:55 PM – Train Journey Back
Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo—please be at the train station 30 minutes before departure.

4:30 PM – Ollantaytambo
Arrival in Ollantaytambo and mini-van transfer to Cusco.

6:30 – 7:00 PM Arrival in Cusco
End your journey with a convenient drop-off in the city center at Plaza Regocijo after an unforgettable two-day adventure.

Tour reviews

Maxime Blanchot

France

My girlfriend and I did the 2 day guided tour to Machu Picchu and I only have good things to say about it. The train to Aguas calientes is gorgeous (and very comfortable) and the hike to the view point although mildly challenging is incredible. Through all this, our guide Primo was a gem! His friendliness, what seemed to be unlimited knowledge about local history and geography, as well as enthusiasm made this trip truly unforgettable (seeing other guides along the way made us realise how lucky we were to have him).

Becky Watts

United Kingdom

Great experience! I was stressed about getting to Machu Picchu and booked this package last minute, and it relieved a lot of stress! They were very communicative the entire time and answered any questions I had. The hotel in Aguas Calientes was so nice! My tour guide for MP, Samuel, was very engaging and informative and I learned so much. Seeing the ruins was one of the most powerful/spiritual moments of my life and I already can’t wait to return.

Nathália

Brazil

I chose Yapa only because it was the company that first appeared to me as an alternative to Machu Picchu and was an excellent choice. As I made my last minute purchase (1 week before), I was given all the support in explaining the circuits and the possibilities I would have. They were very attentive about my arrival and meeting points. My trip to Machu Picchu was more than perfect. My Guide, Cristian, was amazing, knew a lot about what he was saying and had a lot of amazing information! Besides being my personal photographer on this beautiful destination. I recommend 1000%

NEED ADVICE?

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 Inca Trail 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

Support team for maximum comfort

Customer service team ready to answer all your questions through Whatsapp and email

Optional add-ons

  • Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu site entrance - 24 USD
  • Huayna Picchu ticket - 60 USD (request in advance)
  • Single person room supplement - 25 USD
  • Upgrade from 1 star to a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes - 20 USD 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 USD (subject to availability)

Not included

  • First day’s meals and last day’s lunch & dinner

What to bring

Bringing the right gear ensures a comfortable and stress-free trek. Here’s what we highly recommend:

Small backpack (20-30L max) Just enough space for your daily essentials

Original passport Required for Machu Picchu entry and train travel

Comfortable shoes Make sure your shoes are broken-in and suitable for uneven terrain

Comfortable clothes Moisture-wicking layers for changing conditions.


Sweater Evenings in Aguas Calientes and early mornings at Machu Picchu can be chilly

Rain poncho Andean weather is unpredictable, and sudden showers are common

Hat & sunglasses Protection from the strong mountain sun

Sunscreen High-altitude sun can be intense, even on cloudy days

Insect repellent Mosquitoes can be persistent, especially near Aguas Calientes

Personal medication Including altitude sickness prevention if needed

Cash (Soles) For small purchases, tips, or snacks along the way

VIEW MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the group size?

Our tour departs with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8 people.

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

Do you arrange trips for solo travelers?

There’s nothing like that feeling of discovering a new place all by yourself and we can help you with that. Whether looking to travel alone part of a journey or the whole trip, simply contact us and we’ll create the perfect plan.

The Yapa Promise

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

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!

NEED ADVICE?

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

Whatsapp us here