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Discover Machu Picchu with the tranquility that only a two-day itinerary can offer. By including a night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes, you can enjoy the trip without extreme early mornings or tight schedules, exploring the Inca citadel with greater calm and dedicating more time to contemplating its landscapes, history, and architecture. It is an experience designed for those who seek to explore one of the wonders of the world with comfort, personalized attention, and the necessary time to appreciate every detail.
Overview of the Machu Picchu with hotel tour, 2 days
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups for a more personal experience: Travel in groups of up to 6 passengers, with a more comfortable and flexible tour and more attention.
- More time to enjoy Machu Picchu: Thanks to efficient planning and the small group size, you have the time you need to explore the citadel, take photographs and enjoy the views at a calm pace.
- A local guide who is an expert on Machu Picchu: Discover the history, architecture and legacy of the Inca citadel with a professional guide who enriches every moment of your visit.
- Personal support from the start: From the pickup at your hotel in Cusco, a Sakura Expedition representative coordinates every detail of the trip so everything runs smoothly.
Itinerary at a glance
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
The experience begins with the pickup at your hotel and the transfer to the town of Ollantaytambo. There you board the tourist train that runs through unforgettable scenery to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The second day is devoted to exploring Machu Picchu. With your professional guide you discover the history of the Inca empire while visiting the most important enclosures of this wonder of the world. In the evening you return to Cusco.
Tour facts
| Detail | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Transfer and train journey, with light walking | 2 to 3 hours of guided tour at Machu Picchu |
| Highest point | Aguas Calientes: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m | Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m |
| Lowest point | Aguas Calientes: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m | Aguas Calientes: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Temperature | 46 °F to 79 °F (8 °C to 26 °C) | 46 °F to 79 °F (8 °C to 26 °C) |
Highlights of the route
- Cusco (the Imperial City or Qosqo): known as the navel of the world, it was the capital of the Tawantinsuyo empire. Today it combines colonial architecture with its Inca heritage.
- Ollantaytambo: a town that keeps its original Inca layout, with an impressive archaeological site and the main train station for Machu Picchu.
- Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town): the main service hub and gateway to Machu Picchu, with several attractions that round off the experience.
- Machu Picchu: an Inca citadel considered one of the main retreats of the Inca elite, as well as a sanctuary and astronomical centre among tropical mountains.
Itinerary of the Machu Picchu with hotel tour, 2 days
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today the journey to Machu Picchu begins: you cross the Sacred Valley and enjoy a relaxing train ride to the charming town of Aguas Calientes.
- The experience starts with the pickup at your hotel in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. for the two-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. Along the way you see the landscapes of the Sacred Valley, with its traditional villages, farmland, rivers and mountains.
- On arrival in Ollantaytambo, where the train station is, we board the assigned train at 11:30 a.m. During the journey you can watch the views change gradually, from Andean mountains to the lush flora of the cloud forest.
- When you reach Aguas Calientes, our staff are waiting to take you to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this charming town at your own pace: relax with a coffee while looking out at the mountains, visit the Machu Picchu Butterfly House or enjoy the hot springs that gave the town its name.
- In the evening you have a short meeting with your guide, who gives you all the information you need for the next day's visit and gets you ready for the most awaited moment of the trip: meeting the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today you live the most awaited moment of the trip: exploring Machu Picchu and discovering the history that has made this citadel one of the great treasures of the world.
- The day starts early, after breakfast at the hotel. With your guide we head to the bus station for the ride up to the Inca citadel, about 25 minutes along a winding mountain road where every bend reveals new views of the cloud forest and the deep canyons around Machu Picchu.
- On arrival the guided tour begins through the main sectors of the citadel. As this is a private service there is no rush and no rigid timetable: you have time to take in the landscapes, admire the precision of the stonework and learn the history behind each structure.
- Every terrace, temple and ceremonial enclosure holds centuries of history. As you walk this unique sanctuary, your guide shares the secrets and knowledge that have made Machu Picchu one of the most extraordinary wonders in the world.
- After the tour you go back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (optional) or take a short walk around town before the journey back.
- At the scheduled time you board the train to Ollantaytambo, taking in the landscapes of the Sacred Valley once more. There our private vehicle is waiting to take you comfortably to your hotel in Cusco, bringing this unforgettable experience to a close.
What the Machu Picchu with hotel tour, 2 days, includes
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Once your booking is confirmed we buy the entrance tickets according to current availability, always looking for the best option for your visit. Your tour may follow one of these circuits:
- Circuit 2, routes 2A or 2B. Offers the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu along with some of the main enclosures of the citadel.
- Circuit 3, route 3B. Gives a different perspective, following the lower sector of the Historic Sanctuary.
- Circuit 1, route 1B. Runs through the panoramic sector, with the best views and the classic postcard photo from the Guardian's House.
Each circuit is designed to show different sectors of the citadel. We arrange the best circuit available when your booking is confirmed. Because of high demand, we recommend booking early.
Support and safety
- Pre-tour briefing: The day before, our representative goes through every detail of the programme with you and answers your questions.
- Private professional bilingual guide at Machu Picchu (Spanish and English): A highly trained guide accompanies only your group during the visit, with detailed explanations of the history, culture and legacy of the citadel.
- Waterproof backpack cover, to protect your belongings from sun and rain during the visit.
- Personal support. From the pickup at your hotel in Cusco, a Sakura Expedition representative coordinates every detail until you meet your guide at Machu Picchu.
Accommodation and meals
- Day 1: Night at a superior 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes, in a double or twin room. For other room types, please ask before booking.
- Day 2: breakfast at the hotel.
Transport
- Day 1: private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Day 1: Expedition train by PeruRail or Voyager by Inca Rail, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2: Consettur buses up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Day 2: Expedition train by PeruRail or Voyager by Inca Rail, from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Day 2: private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Train times are confirmed according to availability when you book. If necessary, we adapt the itinerary to make sure your experience runs smoothly.
Not included
- Day 1: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Day 2: lunch.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Extra costs caused by circumstances beyond our control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Price of the Machu Picchu with hotel tour, 2 days
Rates
| Rate | 2026 price | 2027 price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | To be confirmed | To be confirmed | Group from 2 people. |
| University student | To be confirmed | To be confirmed | Valid physical university card. |
Booking guarantee
To secure your Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets, a deposit of USD 200.00 per person is required when booking. The balance is paid in cash at our office in Cusco, or as advised by your travel consultant.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 2: lunch at the Café Inkaterra | USD 25per person | A delicious meal with views over the Vilcanota river, in a natural setting perfect for relaxing before the return train. |
| Day 2: lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Tinkuy | USD 45per person | The best option for lunch right beside Machu Picchu, with a varied buffet in a unique setting a few steps from the citadel. |
| Superior hotel in Aguas Calientes | On request | 4 or 5 star hotels, with exclusive services and a more premium stay. |
| Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance | On request | Both hikes can be added to the tour, subject to availability. They require moderate fitness. |
Book in advance
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, but entrance and train tickets have limited availability and tend to sell out. We recommend booking 3 to 5 months ahead for a wider choice of circuits, entry times and train services.
What to bring on the Machu Picchu with hotel tour, 2 days
These are the most important things to bring on your trip to Machu Picchu.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or national ID. It is required to enter Machu Picchu.
- Valid physical student card, if you booked the student rate.
Luggage and clothing
- A small day backpack for your essentials.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, plus what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes.
- Comfortable footwear with good grip.
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially between November and March.
- A hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photos at Machu Picchu.
Personal items
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal medication.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks.
- Cash in soles for personal expenses.
Gear and extras
- Camera or phone and a power bank.
- Headphones.
Important notes
- Travel light for a more comfortable experience.
- Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu have the warm, humid climate of the cloud forest. Some humidity in the hotels is normal.
- Keep your documents and valuables with you at all times.
Frequently asked questions about the Machu Picchu with hotel tour, 2 days
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, but it is worth considering the two seasons of the Cusco region. The dry season, from April to October, usually brings sunnier days and clear skies, ideal for enjoying the scenery. The rainy season, from November to March, brings more frequent showers and greener, more luxuriant vegetation.
Whichever time you choose, we recommend booking your entrance as far ahead as possible, since availability is limited and often sells out on certain dates.
Does this tour run every day?
Yes, we run this tour all year round. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets have limited availability, so we recommend booking early to secure your place and access a wider choice of times and circuits.
How many passengers are in the small group?
We believe a visit to Machu Picchu deserves personal attention and a comfortable pace. That is why our services are designed for small groups of 2 to 6 passengers, allowing a more exclusive and flexible experience.
If your booking is for 2 passengers, your departure is guaranteed and operated directly by Sakura Expedition, without joining other groups or agencies. If you are travelling alone, we can also help you join a small group already confirmed for the same date; ask your travel consultant about the options.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 3 to 5 months ahead, especially if you plan to travel in high season. Every year more travellers plan their visit months in advance and, since Machu Picchu entrances have limited capacity, they sell out quickly.
Booking early gives you a wider choice of circuits, entry times and train services.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
This programme can run on any of the three Machu Picchu circuits, depending on availability when the booking is confirmed. Each circuit offers a different experience: walks through the citadel, panoramic views or both combined.
Although many travellers ask for circuit 2, circuits 1 and 3 also show Machu Picchu from unique perspectives. Our team always arranges the best option available for your trip.
Can I choose my entry time to Machu Picchu?
We do everything we can to arrange your preferred entry time. However, times are subject to availability when the booking is confirmed and must fit the itinerary of the tour.
What type of train does the tour include?
The tour includes the Expedition train by PeruRail or the Voyager by Inca Rail, subject to availability. Both have comfortable seats and wide panoramic windows for enjoying the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Andes. Which one you travel on depends on availability and each company's timetable.
If you would like a superior experience, you can request an upgrade to the Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability and at an extra cost.
What category of hotel is included?
We select each hotel carefully to make sure you have a comfortable stay and a good night's rest. This programme includes accommodation at a superior 3-star hotel, chosen for its location, comfort and quality of service.
If you would like a higher standard, we also have 4 and 5 star options for travellers looking for more comfort and exclusive services. Ask your sales consultant about the options and their rates.
Please note that Aguas Calientes sits in a cloud-forest area, with a warm, humid climate for much of the year. Because of these natural conditions, some humidity in the rooms is normal even in higher-category hotels, which use dehumidifiers and other measures to reduce it, although it cannot be removed completely.
How do I know if this programme is right for me?
It is ideal for travellers who want to explore the Inca citadel comfortably and without rushing, since the night before the visit is spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. That way you reach Machu Picchu early and well rested, without the very early start of a one-day tour.
It is especially recommended for families with children, older travellers and anyone who prefers a calm pace, at an easy level of difficulty.
What is the recommended age for this tour?
It is an excellent option for travellers of all ages, as it requires no long walks or significant physical effort. It is recommended for children from 3 years old, accompanied by their parents, and is ideal for older travellers who want to see Machu Picchu comfortably and safely.
There is no maximum age: many travellers over 75 visit Machu Picchu every year without difficulty. Even so, we recommend checking with your doctor before the trip if you have any particular health condition.
From what age do children pay at Machu Picchu?
Children from 3 years old need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, with special rates according to age and nationality. To access these rates, the valid passport or ID must be shown when booking and during the visit. Our team will let you know the rates that apply.
How difficult is this tour?
The difficulty is easy. It is designed for travellers who want to see Machu Picchu with a comfortable, cultural and accessible experience, without long walks or demanding treks.
What time do we get back to Cusco?
The return to Cusco is expected at around 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., depending on the train departure time and the operating conditions of the service.
How long is the guided tour at Machu Picchu?
The guided tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, although it may run slightly longer depending on the group's pace. As it is a private service, you have plenty of time to stop, take photographs and learn the history and secrets of Machu Picchu with your expert guide.
Can I add Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this tour?
Yes. Both can be added, subject to availability. These hikes require moderate fitness, and we recommend them only if you do not suffer from vertigo, especially for the climb up Wayna Picchu. The entrances usually sell out well in advance, so it is best to request them when booking.
Can I bring a suitcase or a large backpack?
For a more comfortable experience, we suggest bringing only a small backpack with your essentials for the day.
Can I take luggage to Aguas Calientes?
Yes. You can take up to 8 kg of luggage on the train to Aguas Calientes. Even so, for a more comfortable visit we recommend carrying only a small backpack with the essentials for Machu Picchu.
Your main luggage can stay at your hotel in Cusco, as most offer free storage for their guests. Some train stations also have a luggage storage service.
Who will meet us on our return to Ollantaytambo station?
On arrival in Ollantaytambo, our staff will be waiting with a sign bearing your name to assist you and take you comfortably back to Cusco.
Does the tour include a transfer to my hotel?
Yes. The service includes the transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the train station and the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel.
Is the guiding service private or shared?
The guiding service is private: the guide accompanies only your group, of 2 to 6 passengers, so you enjoy a more comfortable and personal experience. If you are travelling alone, please ask our sales team about the options.
Are the transfers private or shared?
The road transfers included in this programme are private, both outbound and on the return, with the exception of the tourist train and the bus up to Machu Picchu.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Check availability. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check available dates. We will send you a personalised booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To arrange your official Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets we need the following details: full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality. Without this information we cannot buy entrances or tickets.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. Once we receive the completed forms, we ask for a deposit of USD 200.00 per person in order to buy the entrances and train tickets. We recommend booking early, as places sell out quickly.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once everything is secured you receive your official confirmation invoice. At that point your booking is 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, at our office in Cusco or as advised by your travel consultant.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course. During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Are tips expected?
Tips are entirely voluntary. Our whole team is paid fairly, so any gratuity is at your discretion.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % Peruvian local operator specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to unique, safe, high-quality experiences. We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personal attention in every service.
This is what sets us apart:
- Small groups: a more comfortable, personalised experience with more attention from our guides.
- Our own operation and local team: we run our programmes directly, which lets us maintain high standards of quality, punctuality and organisation.
- Certified professional guides: a team that shares the history, culture and traditions of Peru with genuine passion.
- Personalised service: we are with you before, during and after your trip, with permanent assistance and prompt answers.
- Responsible, sustainable tourism: we work alongside partner communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the development of local families.
- Commitment to safety: safety protocols, suitable equipment and trained staff.
- A certified local company: we are a 100 % Peruvian company based in Cusco, and this year we earned the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition of tourism quality in Peru.
