Back in the days of Inca rule, it was a sanctuary-luxury resort for their royalty. Now, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Check our insider tips on Machu Picchu’s 2-day tour to have a perfect time at the fantastic Inca citadel and around!
Tips Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour: Day 1
You will have a wonderful bus journey from Cusco City (check also our Cusco City Tour tips!) to Ollantaytambo and there board a train for a ride until the Aguas Calientes village (there are excellent options for this journey, like the Vistadome train and the Luxury Hiram Bingham). At 2:30 pm the train arrives and from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm there’s time to know this cozy village.
- In Aguas Calientes, you will find all kinds of food and drinks: Andean, Peruvian, international. There are many very good bars and restaurants.
- There are several spas and massage shops, offering regular Western massages but also a great variety of Inca, shamanic alternatives. One of our best tips for relaxing before the grand tour of the citadel on day 2
- Of course, you could go to the village’s celebrated thermal baths, to get away from everything in one of the pools and be in real vacation mode. It is possible to order your favorite drink to the pool.
- There is a beautiful, colorful typical market where you will find every kind of souvenir, like clothing, pottery, bags, and so on
- The village’s Main Square is also a terrific place to walk, sit down, and relax, surrounded by the marvelous mountainous geography which will make excellent pictures and videos. Read our article about more exciting activities in Aguas Calientes.
- Throughout the year, the weather is warm, so it will be enough to bring a light jacket. From November to March, it’s the rainy season, in this case, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho is recommended.
- Don’t forget to drink bottled water (and coca leaves tea if needed), there is a plastic ban in Peru’s tourist destinations, so please bring only reusable liquid containers. Although the citadel’s region is lower than Cusco City (about 3,300 feet below), we don’t want our visitors to have any problems with altitude.
- The last of our best tips for day 1 is getting a night of good rest so you will be 100% ready for the dream tour of Machu Picchu on day 2.
Tips Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour: Day 2
- The bus departs early from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu site, so it would be good to plan breakfast time. Also, bring water (only in reusable bottles) and some snacks like energy bars, fruits, crackers, sandwiches, and the like.
- For the Machu Picchu tour, you should have a sun hat, sunglasses, a T-shirt, a light jacket, light pants or shorts, and tennis shoes. Bug repellent and sunscreen are obligatory. A photographic camera of course. Light backpack.
- If you’re going to do the Huayna Picchu hike too (included for an additional price), a polyester t-shirt is the best (quickly absorbs sweat, dries faster), nylon pants or short, soft, resistant socks, and hiking boots.
- For the 2-Day tour, do not bring a large backpack, because it isn’t allowed at the citadel, you would have to rent a pretty expensive locker. Also, don’t forget your passport because there is a registration procedure before the entrance -at all Inca sites actually- or your ISIC card.
- When inside the citadel, you will have a professionally guided tour. Allow yourself to be led by our top staff and feel free to ask any questions. Take lots of pictures, and fill your body and mind with the powerful natural energy, and clean air of this luxury retreat. After the regular tour, there will be time to continue exploring the site on your own.
- One of our best tips is about banned items: walking poles (allowed for the Huayna Picchu hike only), selfie sticks, tripods, professional cameras, large backpacks, alcohol, smoking, and any stimulant. (Check our article about items and actions not permitted in Machu Picchu). Antisocial behaviors like violence, lewdness, and ecological or architectural damage are grounds for expelling and even legal charges.
- There are toilets before entering the site. You can also walk out to use them. There is a 2 soles fee.
- All entrance tickets are included for the Machu Picchu 2-Day package.
- Finally, after the citadel tour, you will be given time to spend in Aguas Calientes again, to continue having the best vacation in Cusco.
With our practical tips for the 2-day excursion to Machu Picchu, you’re now set for a perfect vacation at the citadel! Reach out to our staff for more information on our top-tier packages (such as the 4-day Choquequirao Trek and the wonderful 1-Day package to the Sacred Valley of the Incas) and book the best traveling experience in Peru!
