For those who prefer a classic tour to the citadel, we have many options! One includes enjoying neighbor Aguas Calientes town, an optional hike of the site’s Huayna Picchu mountain and then the great Inca sanctuary! Check the Machu Picchu 2-Day FAQ!
1. How is the tour organized?
On day 1, it starts at 10:30 am with a bus ride from Cusco City to the Ollantaytambo village, witnessing the amazing natural beauty along the way. At the Ollantaytambo station, you’ll board a train until Aguas Calientes village, next to Machu Picchu, a priceless connection with nature too. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy this cozy little town (here are great activities you can do in Aguas Calientes). In the early evening there’s a briefing with our professional staff and you could check the nightlife after, but go to bed early because on the next day it’s the splendid tour of the lost citadel.
On day 2, we’ll take a bus until the Machu Picchu site for a 2:30 hours guided tour, after which there will be time for visitors to explore the place on their own. (Optional: hiking the Huayna Picchu mountain). The afternoon is free to continue having a great time in Aguas Calientes until 6:30 pm, when the return to Cusco City begins. More details in our itinerary Machu Picchu 2-Day package.
2. Is it time enough to have the “lost city” experience?
Yes! Even between Cusco City and Aguas Calientes you begin to marvel at the ecology of this region. Aguas Calientes has the same atmosphere as the citadel, surrounded by green mountains and on jungle highlands. Then, you’ll spend some 4 hours inside the sanctuary itself, perhaps hike the Huayna Picchu mountain and next go back to continue enjoying the village after an unforgettable excursion to the “lost city of the Incas”. Incidentally, we offer a new, exciting 4-day hike to “Machu Picchu’s twin sister”, the Choquequirao citadel! Check our Choquequirao Trek FAQ for detailed information.
3. I have been told you get to Aguas Calientes by train. What are the options?
This is a very important Machu Picchu 2-day FAQ about our tour, we’re going to clarify next:
- The Expedition train is on the economical category. You will have nice windows for the views, typical Peruvian food for sale.
- The Vistadome train is elegant but still very affordable. Wide, panoramic windows both on the sides and roof, delicious Peruvian food is available for sale, to and from. On the trip back to the Ollantaytambo station, there is an alpaca fashion demonstration and a show with Andean music, dance and costumes.
- The Hiram Bingham is a luxury, 5-star train. It includes: a brunch, gourmet dinner (on the return trip) at its elegant restaurant, a bar car, observatory car to fully connect to the landscapes, live Peruvian music show, top on board service, panoramic windows.
Please contact our team for booking one of them.
4. I have also been told about the importance of carrying a passport in Cusco. Can you elaborate?
It is very important indeed to include this topic in a series of Machu Picchu 2-day FAQ. Foreign visitors will be required their passport information in archaeological sites, touristic attractions, accommodations and so on. We recommend to always have it at reach.
5. What could I do in Aguas Calientes?
Many exciting things! The Main Square is a great place to relax, take pictures, socialize with locals and other tourists, enjoy the natural energy and the views. There is the typical market where you’ll find everything Andean, like clothing, souvenirs, bags and so on, besides you could chat with the vendors, who are mostly people who still preserve a lot of the old Inca traditions. The Chavez Ballon museum will be quite an interesting introduction to the citadel’s history (we suggest you visit on day 1). There’s the Butterfly Research Institute, with guided tours in a simulated natural habitat. Many spas and Inca massage shops with a variety of beauty and relaxing treatments. Last but not least, the renowned thermal baths for an Inca-style treat.
6. What about the lodgings in Aguas Calientes?
Our 2-day itinerary includes a basic hotel with breakfast for night 1, but you can ask for a better one and choose from our partner hotels directory. Moreover, any package can be personalized and we also have the top option of private services and private tours to Machu Picchu.
7. How should I deal with altitude sickness?
A Machu Picchu 2-day FAQ indeed, but don’t worry, it will not ruin your vacation! Try getting to Cusco City some days before in order to better adjust to the lack of oxygen, avoid much physical effort initially, drink bottled water constantly and try coca leaves tea, which is the Andean tradition for getting an energy boost. If you still need pills, they will get you going in good shape, but only with prior medical permission.
8. What should I wear for this 2-day package?
All year long, temperatures in the Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu region are higher than in Cusco City, so you must bring light clothes. If it happens to be rainy season (November to March) a rain poncho or rain jacket will be good too. In all cases, pack a sun hat, sunglasses, sunblock and bug repellent. If you’re going on the Huayna Picchu hike, don’t forget to do some stamina training in your country and pack good, used hiking boots (to avoid blisters, etc). Here is a very useful article about the best packing list for the Machu Picchu 2-Day trip. Also, you’ll find very helpful information in our article with tips for the Machu Picchu 2-day tour.
After reading the answers for the Machu Picchu 2-Day FAQ, get ready to plan the adventure of a lifetime in Cusco! You can also extend the trip with a Cusco City Tour, going to the fabulous Sacred Valley of the Incas or the Lake Titicaca and its islands with us (for example, the amazing 2-Day Lake Titicaca package). Contact our professional staff for booking the best of times in Peru!
