2 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima by Plane and Train
Our 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima connects the capital with the Inca citadel through a carefully coordinated combination of domestic flights, private ground transfers, and train travel. The journey begins with pickup from your Lima hotel, includes one night in Aguas Calientes, and concludes with your return to Lima the following evening.
This fast-paced itinerary is recommended for travelers with limited time who want to focus on Machu Picchu rather than spend additional days sightseeing in Cusco. It involves early departures, several transportation connections, and moderate walking on stone paths and stairs.
The package brings the main arrangements into one booking, including Lima–Cusco flights, ground transportation, round-trip train tickets, accommodation with breakfast, shuttle buses, Machu Picchu admission for the assigned circuit, and a professionally guided visit.
What sets our operation apart is the coordination provided by our Cusco-based team. Flight arrivals, road transfers, train departures, hotel check-in, entrance times, and the return journey are organized as one connected itinerary, giving you local assistance throughout this short trip.
Tour Highlights
- Round-trip flight between Lima and Cusco
- Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley
- Train journey beside the Urubamba River
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
- Morning entrance to Machu Picchu
- Guided visit along the assigned circuit
- Landscapes ranging from the Andes to the cloud forest
- Return to your Lima hotel on Day 2
Itinerary
Detailed 2 Day Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Lima – Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Your trip begins at approximately 4:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Lima and transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport. You will take a morning flight to Cusco, where a member of our local team will meet you upon arrival.
From Cusco Airport, you will travel by private vehicle toward Ollantaytambo. The drive passes through the Andean countryside and part of the Sacred Valley, but it does not include guided visits to archaeological sites.
At Ollantaytambo station, you will board the Expedition train or a similar tourist service to Aguas Calientes. The journey follows the Urubamba River as the landscape changes from the high Andes to the cloud forest.
After arriving in Aguas Calientes, our staff will assist you with your hotel check-in. The remainder of the day is free for dinner, rest, or an optional visit to the local hot springs. Meals and hot springs admission are not included.
Day 1 details
- Pickup: Approximately 4:00 a.m.
- Transportation: Flight, private vehicle, and train
- Train journey: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Accommodation: Private hotel room in Aguas Calientes
- Meals included: None
- Pace: Long travel day with limited walking
- Lima
- Cusco
- Ollantaytambo
- Aguas Calientes
Day 2
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco – Lima
After breakfast at the hotel, you will walk to the bus station and take the approximately 25-minute ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Your professional guide will accompany you along the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket. During the approximately 2.5-hour visit, you will learn about the citadel’s construction, history, ceremonial spaces, agricultural terraces, and surrounding landscape. The exact sectors and viewpoints visited depend on the confirmed circuit.
After the tour, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have time for lunch at a restaurant before boarding the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. Lunch is not included.
Our driver will meet you at the station and take you to Cusco Airport for the evening flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transportation will be waiting to return you to your hotel. Arrival is expected at approximately 11:00 p.m., depending on the confirmed schedules and operating conditions.
Day 2 details
- Guided visit: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Walking level: Moderate
- Terrain: Stone paths, stairs, and uneven surfaces
- Transportation: Bus, train, private vehicle, and flight
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Expected arrival in Lima: Approximately 11:00 p.m.
Departure and Return
- Starting point: Your hotel in Lima
- Finishing point: Your hotel in Lima
- Departure: Approximately 4:00 a.m. on Day 1
- Return: Approximately 11:00 p.m. on Day 2
- Minimum booking: Two travelers
Exact pickup and return times depend on your hotel location and the confirmed flight schedule.
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Ollantaytambo
- Lima
Inclusions
What Is Included
- Round-trip hotel and airport transfers in Lima
- Round-trip domestic flights between Lima and Cusco
- Light airfare with a personal item and up to 10 kg of carry-on baggage, subject to the confirmed airline conditions
- Private ground transportation between Cusco Airport and Ollantaytambo station
- Round-trip Expedition train tickets or a similar tourist category
- One night in a private hotel room in Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the assigned circuit
- Professional English-speaking guide at Machu Picchu
- Local operational assistance throughout the journey
What Is Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks
- Accommodation in Lima or Cusco
- Aguas Calientes hot springs admission
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Vistadome or luxury train upgrades
- Checked baggage beyond the confirmed airfare allowance
- Travel or medical insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for the guide and drivers
Optional mountain tickets and train upgrades must be requested before booking and remain subject to availability.
Packing List
Packing List
Bring a compact overnight bag rather than a large suitcase.
- Original passport used for the reservation
- Small overnight bag or daypack
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Lightweight pants
- Breathable shirt
- Warm fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- One change of clothes
- Travel-size toiletries
- Phone or camera
- Portable charger
- Small amount of Peruvian soles
Keep your passport and essential medication in your personal bag rather than in stored luggage.
Price
Tour Price
The website currently displays US$0, which should be removed immediately. Because domestic airfare is included and its cost varies by date, the page should use the following format until you confirm a fixed starting price:
| Package | Minimum booking | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2-day tour with flights | 2 travelers | Request current quote |
| Vistadome train upgrade | Per traveler | Quoted separately |
| Optional mountain ticket | Per traveler | Subject to availability |
Recommended Pricing Text
The final price is confirmed after checking domestic flights, train seats, hotel accommodation, and Machu Picchu admission for your travel date. All quotes are provided in US dollars and clearly identify the included airfare and any optional upgrades.
Do not publish competitor prices as your own. Direct competitors currently advertise significantly different amounts because hotel standards, meals, guide format, train class, flight conditions, and pickup areas are not identical.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that planning a multi stage trip to Machu Picchu can be overwhelming, with flights, trains, and transfers involved. Don't worry, we take care of all the complex logistics so you don't have to. Below, you will find detailed answers to the most common questions travelers ask about our specific 2 day tour to Machu Picchu from Lima.
Can Machu Picchu really be visited from Lima in two days?
Yes. The itinerary works by flying to Cusco on the first morning, continuing directly to Ollantaytambo, and spending the night in Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu is visited on Day 2 before returning to Lima.
Is this tour physically difficult?
The trip is rated moderate. It does not involve a long-distance trek, but visitors must be comfortable walking on stone paths, climbing stairs, and completing a long day with multiple connections.
Does the tour include sightseeing in Cusco?
No. Cusco is used as the arrival and departure point for the domestic flights. There is no city tour or overnight stay in Cusco.
Is the Sacred Valley included?
You travel through part of the Sacred Valley on the way to Ollantaytambo, but the package does not include guided visits to Pisac, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, or Ollantaytambo’s archaeological site.
Which Machu Picchu circuit will I receive?
The circuit depends on ticket availability when the reservation is confirmed. We will tell you which route is available before issuing the entrance ticket.
How early should I book?
Book as soon as your travel dates are fixed. Flights, train seats, hotel rooms, and entrance tickets have separate availability, and coordinating all four becomes more difficult during the busiest travel months.
Do I need my original passport?
Yes. Carry the same original passport used for the reservation. The information must match your flight, train, and entrance documents.
Can a solo traveler book this tour?
The regular service requires a minimum of two travelers. Solo travelers should contact us to check whether a compatible confirmed departure or an alternative arrangement is available.
Is the trip suitable for children or older adults?
The published recommended minimum age is 12. Suitability also depends on mobility, general health, comfort at altitude, and the ability to manage a very early departure and late return.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, when tickets are available and the entrance time is compatible with the return schedule. These tickets are separate and should be requested before the main reservation is completed.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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