Maximize your time in Peru with our seamless 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima, the perfect all inclusive itinerary for travelers who want to witness the Wonder of the World without the stress of planning complex logistics.
Overview:
Maximize your time in Peru with our seamless 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima, the perfect all inclusive itinerary for travelers who want to witness the Wonder of the World without the stress of planning complex logistics.
We handle every detail, whisking you from your hotel in Lima to the heart of the Andes via a quick flight and a breathtaking scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.
Ideal for those booking Machu Picchu tours from USA or Europe with tight schedules, this package ensures you are rested for a comprehensive private guided visit to the citadel the next morning. From the early pickup to your return flight, experience the magic of the “Lost City” efficiently and comfortably on the best tour to Machu Picchu from Lima available.
Who discovered Machu Picchu?
While history books credit Hiram Bingham for the 1911 rediscovery, walking through these massive stone structures reveals a history that locals like Agustin Lizarraga knew long before.
Experiencing this architectural perfection where massive stones fit so tightly that not even a credit card can pass through is the highlight of any trip to Machu Picchu from Lima. We designed this specific itinerary to respect your time: day one covers your flight to Cusco and scenic transfer to Aguas Calientes, ensuring you are rested for the big reveal of the citadel on day two.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu from Lima efficiently without missing the magic, this is hands down the best 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima available.
Why travel with us?
We are not just a booking website; we are direct local tour operators and guides dedicated to showing you the authentic Peru. With years of hands on experience, we ensure that your Machu Picchu tours from Lima run seamlessly while providing deep local insights into the history and traditions of every site.
If you are short on time, our exclusive itinerary is the perfect solution: we designed it to be the best 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Lima, allowing you to explore the citadel efficiently without wasting a moment. It truly is the stress-free way to visit Machu Picchu from Lima.
Beyond this express trip, we also operate adventures to the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and the Inca Trail. Let us handle the complex logistics of your Lima tours Machu Picchu so you can simply focus on enjoying the most incredible places in South America.
Itinerary trip
Itinerary of 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima
Day 1: Lima – Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Your 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel at 4:00 AM. We will drive you to the airport for your flight to Cusco, arriving in the Imperial City around 7:00 AM. From there, our private transport will take you toward the Ollantaytambo train station.
This scenic drive takes us through the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Andes mountains a major highlight of our Lima Peru Machu Picchu tours.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town located below the citadel.
This part of your travel to Machu Picchu from Lima is an experience in itself; the 1.5-hour train ride follows the winding course of the Urubamba River as the vegetation transforms from high altitude sierra to lush cloud forest.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel room.
You will then have the rest of the afternoon free to settle in, explore the town, or relax in the famous hot springs, getting ready for the main event of your Lima to Machu Picchu tour the following morning.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco - Lima
We start the second day of your 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima early. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we board the bus for the 30 minute ascent to the entrance of the Inca citadel.
After passing through security control, you will finally step inside the sanctuary to visit Machu Picchu from Lima the moment you have been waiting for.
Our expert guide will lead you on a fascinating tour through this amazing archaeological site. You will explore the most significant sectors, including the Main Temple, the Temple of the Condor, and the mysterious Intihuatana sundial.
If you booked a permit for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance, our staff will direct you to the respective entrance.
Following the guided tour, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
You will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch is not included) before we board the train in the afternoon for the return trip to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival at the train station, our private transport will transfer you to the Cusco airport for your evening flight back to the coast.
You are scheduled to arrive in Lima around 11:00 PM, where we will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel, concluding the best tour from Lima to Machu Picchu for travelers seeking a seamless and unforgettable experience.
What is Included in Your 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour Package from Lima?
We have designed this comprehensive Machu Picchu tour package from Lima to handle every logistical detail, ensuring a seamless experience. As direct local operators, we coordinate all flights, trains, and transfers so you can focus entirely on the adventure.
- Round-Trip Flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima): We include your plane tickets featuring the “Light Option” (10kg carry-on + personal item), which is perfect for the efficiency of this 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Lima.
- Scenic Train Tickets: Your package includes round-trip travel aboard the Expedition Train (or similar category) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, offering spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: You will spend the night at a selected comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room with hot shower and Wi-Fi), ensuring you are well-rested for your visit to the citadel the next morning.
- Complete Private Transfers: We eliminate the stress of finding transport by including all necessary ground transfers: pick-up from your hotel in Lima to the airport, transfer from Cusco Airport to the train station, and all return transfers back to your doorstep in Lima.
- Official Entrance Tickets: We secure your official admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel in advance (subject to circuit availability), guaranteeing your entry to the World Wonder.
- Consettur Bus Tickets: The package includes the round-trip bus ride from Aguas Calientes town up to the entrance gate of the archaeological site.
- Expert Local Guide: A professional English-speaking tour guide will lead you through the history, engineering, and mysteries of the Incas during a comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour.
- Meals: A nutritious breakfast is provided at your hotel on Day 2 to fuel your exploration of the ruins.
- 24/7 Operations Support: Our dedicated team monitors your trip around the clock to ensure your Lima Machu Picchu tour runs smoothly from start to finish.
Logistics & Departure
- Pick Up Location: We provide a seamless Lima Hotel Transfer. We pick you up right from your doorstep to ensure a stress-free start to your 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Lima.
- Departure Time: Around 4:00 a.m. (Yes, it is an early start, but it is necessary to catch the first flight to Cusco and maximize your time exploring the Andes on this tour from Lima to Machu Picchu).
What’s Included in Your Package (The Essentials)
As direct local operators, we designed this Machu Picchu tour package from Lima to cover all complex logistics so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
- Professional Guide: An expert local English – speaking Tour Guide to lead you through the history and mysteries of the citadel.
- Flights: Round trip plane tickets from Lima to Cusco (Includes the Light Option: 1 carry on bag up to 10kg perfect for our efficient Machu Picchu tours from Lima).
- Train Tickets: Round trip tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on the comfortable Expedition Train.
- Accommodation: 1 night at a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room with hot shower) to rest before the big day.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel on the second day to fuel up before visiting the ruins.
- Transfers: Round trip Consettur bus tickets to get you from Aguas Calientes up to the Citadel entrance.
- Entrance Fee: The official entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel.
What’s Not Included (Flexibility & Upgrades)
We leave these specific items open so you can customize your budget or add luxury upgrades to your Lima tours Machu Picchu.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for peace of mind during your trips from Lima to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast on the first day, plus lunches and dinners. This gives you the freedom to explore local restaurants and gastronomy at your own pace.
- City Hotels: Accommodation in Lima or Cusco is not included (since the tour starts and ends at your own hotel).
- Mountain Hikes: Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. (Note: These are optional treks inside the sanctuary and must be booked months in advance).
- Relaxation: Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs (completely optional).
- Train Upgrades: Want a panoramic view? Ask us about upgrading to the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham luxury trains for an enhanced experience.
- Personal: Tips for staff and any private expenses or souvenirs.
Essential Packing List for Your 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima
Since this is a fast paced trip involving flights and trains, we recommend packing light to keep your journey smooth. Here is what you need to bring:
- Original Passport: This is mandatory. You must bring the exact same physical document you used at the time of booking to board the plane, the train, and to enter the citadel.
- Camera & Extra Batteries: You will want to capture every moment of your visit to Machu Picchu from Lima. Remember that batteries drain faster in the Andean cold, so bring spares and ensure everything is fully charged.
- Sun Protection: The high altitude sun is much stronger than on the coast. Essential items include sunglasses, a sun hat or cap, and high factor sunscreen (SPF 60+ is highly recommended).
- Hydration & Snacks: Since this 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima involves early starts, we suggest bringing a refillable water bottle and energy snacks to keep you fueled throughout the journey.
- Peruvian Soles in Cash: While major businesses accept cards, small local shops, artisan markets, and restrooms often only accept cash. Having local currency ensures a hassle free experience during your Lima tours Machu Picchu.
FAQs about Our 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima
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.
It is entirely possible because our logistics are perfectly synchronized to maximize every hour of your trip without rushing the experience. The 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima works by taking the first flight to Cusco (approx. 5:00 AM) and transferring you immediately to the Sacred Valley to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
By sleeping at the base of the mountain on Day 1, you wake up already at the destination, allowing you to be among the first to enter the ruins on Day 2 before flying back to Lima that same evening. This itinerary is specifically designed to be the most efficient tour from Lima to Machu Picchu for travelers on a tight schedule who want to see the Wonder of the World without wasting a week.
We minimize the risk of altitude sickness significantly by using a “go low” strategy that bypasses an overnight stay in the high altitude city of Cusco.
On this specific 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima, we transfer you directly upon arrival to the lower elevations of the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes (2,040m), which are much lower than Cusco (3,400m) and richer in oxygen.
This smart acclimatization approach helps your body adjust faster and allows you to rest better, making this the safest and most comfortable Machu Picchu trip from Lima for a quick visit.
The 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima cost varies primarily based on your choice of train service (Expedition vs. Vistadome) and the category of hotel you select in Aguas Calientes.
Our all inclusive packages are designed to provide the best value by bundling expensive components like round trip flights, train tickets, and private transfers, which often cost significantly more when booked individually. This ensures you get a transparent price for your Lima Machu Picchu tour without the stress of managing multiple bookings, hidden fees, or the risk of missed connections.
Trains to Machu Picchu strictly enforce a 5kg (11 lbs) carry on limit per person, meaning large suitcases are not permitted on board the rail service. To navigate this rule smoothly, we recommend leaving your main luggage in the secure storage at Lima Airport (Jorge Chávez) or at your hotel in Lima, bringing only a small backpack for the overnight stay.
This logistical hack is essential for a smooth 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima, allowing you to move quickly through transfers and focus entirely on the experience rather than hauling heavy bags.
Due to strict government preservation regulations, “all day” tickets no longer exist, so you will spend approximately 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the citadel on a designated circuit.
During your visit to Machu Picchu from Lima, your private expert guide is crucial for maximizing this time, ensuring you see the most significant structures like the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana efficiently.
This focused, high quality guided experience guarantees you gain deep historical context and the best photo opportunities without wandering aimlessly during your assigned time slot.
We exclusively use the train because the alternative “car route” involves over 7 hours of driving on winding, often dangerous mountain roads that consume too much of your limited time.
Choosing the 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima by train reduces the travel time from the station to just 1.5 hours of comfort, ensuring you arrive at the cloud forest rested and ready to explore rather than motion sick and tired.
Additionally, the train ride itself is a scenic highlight of the trip, offering panoramic views of the Urubamba River and the changing Andean vegetation that you would completely miss by traveling via the road.
You should book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance because entrance tickets to the citadel are strictly limited by the Peruvian government and sell out quickly, especially during the high season from May to August.
To secure the best 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima with your preferred train times and circuits, early reservation is essential. If you are looking for a last minute trip, please contact us immediately as we sometimes have access to cancellations or alternative circuits, but availability cannot be guaranteed without prior planning.
Yes, this itinerary is highly suitable for children and elderly travelers because it requires very little strenuous physical exertion compared to trekking alternatives.
We utilize flights, trains, and buses to transport you right to the entrance gate of the ruins, and sleeping in Aguas Calientes eliminates the need for a brutal 3:00 AM wake up call that one day tours often require. This relaxed pace, combined with our private assistance throughout the journey, makes it the most accessible and family friendly Lima Peru Machu Picchu tour available for travelers of all ages and fitness levels.
