Machu Picchu with Overnight in Aguas Calientes 2D/1N
Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour: A Relaxed Visit with a Night in Aguas Calientes
Our Machu Picchu 2 day tour takes you by train through the Sacred Valley. Then you enjoy an afternoon in Aguas Calientes and its hot springs before heading up early to Machu Picchu, so you can explore the citadel more calmly and in better light.
Wake up at the foot of Machu Picchu
Summary
Trip overview
This Machu Picchu 2 day tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the citadel at a relaxed pace, without the early starts and tight schedules of a one-day tour. The sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, therefore, it deserves time.
On the first day, you travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you have the afternoon free to explore the town or relax in its hot springs. Then you spend the night in a tourist hotel just a few minutes from the bus station.
On the second day, you head up early to the citadel for your guided visit in better light and, often, with fewer visitors. Later, in the afternoon, you return by train and tourist transportation to your hotel in Cusco. If you are an active traveler, you can also add Huayna Picchu to see the citadel from above.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
Train journey, then a free afternoon in the town of Machu Picchu.
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and travel by tourist transportation to Ollantaytambo station. From there, you board the train to Aguas Calientes while you enjoy the landscapes of the Urubamba River canyon. When you arrive, our representative takes you to your hotel. Then you have the afternoon free to browse the artisan market, visit the town’s hot springs or rest. In the evening, your guide meets you at the hotel to go over the details of the next day’s visit.
Day 2
Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Early ascent to the citadel, guided tour and, finally, return to Cusco.
After breakfast, you take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Together with your guide, you explore the temples, plazas, terraces and viewpoints of your assigned circuit, while you learn about the history and secrets of the Inca citadel. Afterwards, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you have free time for lunch. Finally, in the afternoon you board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Tourist transportation Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Round-trip tourist train tickets (Expedition or Vistadome)
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Permanent assistance throughout the journey
What's not included?
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Travel insurance
- Services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Important information
What to bring
- Small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
- Comfortable layered clothing
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Original passport or identification document
Weather
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu have a mild, humid climate. Mornings can be cool and misty; also, rain is possible at any time of year, especially from November to March.
Best season
The program operates all year. From April to October skies are usually clearer; however, in the rainy season the landscapes are greener and the citadel receives fewer visitors.
Sanctuary rules
The visit must be made with a guide while following the circuit assigned at the entrance. Also, large backpacks, food, trekking poles with metal tips and drones are not allowed inside the citadel.
Recommendations
The train has a hand luggage limit, so we recommend leaving your main suitcase at your hotel in Cusco. Also, bring cash for expenses in Aguas Calientes.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Selected tourist hotel located close to the train station and also to the bus stop to Machu Picchu.
Transportation
Tourist transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, as well as the round-trip bus to the citadel.
Train to Machu Picchu
Expedition or Vistadome tourist train service through the Sacred Valley, although it is subject to availability.
Meals
Breakfast included at the hotel, while lunches and dinners are at the traveler's own expense.
Travel assistance
Support from our team during the whole trip, including personalized coordination with your guide.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of spending the night in Aguas Calientes?
The Machu Picchu 2 day tour allows you to visit the citadel early, in better light and without the pressure of same-day train schedules. It also gives you time to rest and enjoy the town.
How much luggage can I take on the train?
Tourist trains allow limited hand luggage per passenger. Therefore, we recommend bringing only a small backpack and leaving your main luggage in Cusco.
What type of hotel is included?
The program includes a selected tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes. Also, if you prefer, we can quote higher-category hotels.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, subject to availability. However, both hikes require a specific entrance ticket that must be booked in advance.
Are the hot springs included?
Entrance to the hot springs is not included, but they are just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Aguas Calientes, so you can pay directly on site.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can adjust the hotel category, the type of train or add extra nights according to your preferences, so contact us before booking.
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