From Cusco: 2-Day Inca Trail discovering Machu Picchu
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Immerse yourself in the mystery of Machu Picchu on a 2-day expedition. Travel through the Urubamba Valley, explore archaeological gems, and enjoy the grandeur of Machu Picchu on an immersive journey.
Highlights
- Explore Machu Picchu on a unique 2-day expedition full of magic.
- Experience the Inca adventure with a guided visit to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- Enjoy two incredible days exploring the wonder of Machu Picchu.
- Reach a viewpoint at 5,000 meters above sea level.
- Return to Cusco with unforgettable memories of this Inca wonder.
Description
Day 1: CUSCO – AGUAS CALIENTES
We begin our adventure early, picking up our passengers between 6:00 and 7:00 am at their respective hotels. From Cusco, we depart for Hidroeléctrica, a journey of approximately 6 hours that passes through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. During the trip, we will stop in Santa Teresa, where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, perfect for recharging your batteries.
We continue descending into the Santa Teresa Valley, where we will finally arrive at the Hidroeléctrica station. From here, we begin a leisurely 2.5-hour hike (mostly flat) to Aguas Calientes, the picturesque town at the foot of Machu Picchu. If you prefer not to walk, there is the option of taking a train (depending on the option selected) that will take you comfortably to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will meet with the tour guide in the Plaza de Armas, who will give you the details of the next day's tour and direct you to your accommodation (2★ or 3★, depending on the option chosen). Take the opportunity to relax in the local hot springs, a revitalizing experience to end the day.
In the evening, we will meet for a group dinner and receive the latest information before our exploration the following day.
Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The second day begins early, enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The idea is to arrive at Machu Picchu just as it opens, so you can explore with few other tourists around.
There are two options for getting to the main entrance of Machu Picchu:
Option 1: Walking: If you decide to walk, you will start your journey at 4:00 a.m. from Aguas Calientes. The hike, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, will take you along a challenging route, passing almost 1,700 Inca steps. The goal is to arrive before the buses, to be among the first to enter the archaeological site. Once at the base, you will arrive at the checkpoint and, after showing your ticket and passport, you will begin the final climb to Machu Picchu.
Option 2: By bus (not included): If you prefer comfort, you can take the bus, which departs from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am. The trip takes approximately 25 minutes, and upon arrival, you will enter the archaeological site directly at 6:00 am.
Once inside Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to enjoy incredible panoramic views and take unforgettable photographs. Next, you will take a 2-hour guided visit (only included for Circuit 2; for other circuits, choose the option with a private tour guide), where our expert will tell you the secrets of this amazing place. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the sanctuary at your own pace.
After your free time in Machu Picchu, you will return along the same trail, walking back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch before boarding the train and continuing your journey to Cusco.
Includes
Entrance to the Citadel of Machu Picchu
Bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish) in the Citadel - available only on Circuit 2 due to monument restrictions (to guarantee a tour guide on other circuits, you must select the option with private tour guide or All-Inclusive)
Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (2 or 3 stars depending on the option selected when booking)
Includes 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
Train tickets (only if you select the option with Train Included or All-Inclusive)
Important Information
- To purchase the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, you must provide the following information immediately: full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality. Failure to provide this information may result in the cancellation of the tour.
Tickets are personal and valid only with the reservation details.
Ticket availability may affect the tour and the circuit number.
The tour guide is included only for Circuit No. 2. If there is no availability, a private guide can be hired.
We recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure you purchase your tickets online and avoid any inconvenience.
If you book late and there are no tickets available online, they must be purchased in Aguas Calientes the day before. They are limited and the entry time is assigned at random. There is a risk that they may sell out, which could mean spending an extra night. If the assigned time does not allow you to return by bus on the same day, you can choose to return by train or stay an extra night (not included).
Easy cancellation
This activity is non-refundable