Our 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima is perfect for exploring the ancient Machu Picchu citadel in a short time.
Machu Picchu is an Inca archeological site located 80 km (49.7 miles) from Cusco city. Is often considered as the “Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu was built in the XV century, under the rule of Inca Pachacutec. The citadel was later abandoned and rediscovered by an American expedition led by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
According to some historians, Machu Picchu was an Inca religious sanctuary. During the Inca Empire, the entrance to Machu Picchu was restricted to the royal Inca family and high ranking priests. Due to its remote location, Machu Picchu was not found by the Spanish during the whole Peruvian colonial period.
It is believed that Machu Picchu was occupied by the last remnants of the Inca Empire until 1572, when Tupac Amaru was captured and executed by the Spanish. After the fall of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu disappeared from the historical records, with just sporadic references to a “hidden Inca city”.
Who discovered Machu Picchu?
There is some controversy about who was the first person to rediscover Machu Picchu. The oldest historical records date to the late XVI century, when a Spanish soldier named Baltasar de Ocampo refers to a great Inca complex located among the high jungles of Cusco. Other sources claim that Machu Picchu was first explored by Augusto Berns, a German businessman who was searching for Inca treasures in the Vilcabamba region.
The most recent historical sources claim that a Peruvian farmer named Agustin Lizarraga was the first person to reach the Machu Picchu ruins in 1902. However, the first scientific exploration to the site can be attributed to the American team led by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
The architecture of Machu Picchu displays the classic Inca building style, which is characterized by the use of giant stone blocks. The most famous Inca buildings of Machu Picchu are the Main Temple, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana.
Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the most sought after activities while visiting Peru. During this tour, you will visit this beautiful Inca citadel in the span of just 2 days. On the first day, you will fly from Lima to the city of Cusco, to then travel to the cozy town of Aguas Calientes. On the second day, you will explore Machu Picchu, to finally return to Lima at night.
We are a local travel agency committed to providing the best tours and treks iin Peru. Our staff have years of experience planning vacations in Peru. During our tours, you will get unique insights about the history and traditions of all the places you will be visiting.
Our 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima is perfect for exploring the ancient Machu Picchu citadel in a short time. We also offer day trips to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Humantay Lake, and the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. You can also check special tours to the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. Explore the most incredible places of South America with us.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Lima at 4:00 am. Then we will drive to Lima’s airport to take a flight to Cusco city, where we will be arriving around 7:00 am. Then, we will go in our private vehicle to Ollantaytambo train station. We will be driving through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the trip, you will enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Andes mountains.
Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo, we will board a train to Aguas Calientes town, which is the entry point to Machu Picchu. The train trip will take around 1.5 hours to complete and follows the course of the Urubamba river.
Once in Aguas Calientes, our staff will transfer you to your hotel room. Then, you will have free time to explore the town and its famous hot springs.
We will wake up early in the morning. After having breakfast, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu. After passing the security checkpoints, we will enter the Inca citadel.
Once inside Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of this amazing Inca archaeological site. You will be visiting the most famous places of the citadel, including the Main Temple, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana. If you have purchased a ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our staff will guide you to the respective entrance.
After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time to have lunch at a local restaurant. However, the lunch is not included in the tour price. In the afternoon, we will board a train to return to Ollantaytambo.
Once in Ollantaytambo, we will transfer you to Cusco city. From there, you will take a flight to Lima city. You will be arriving in Lima around 11:00 pm. Once there, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
Lima Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:00 a.m.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima includes a flight from Lima to Cusco, followed by a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, where you will board a train to Aguas Calientes. From there, a short bus ride takes you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The return journey follows the same route, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Flights from Lima to Cusco typically depart early in the morning, between 4:30 AM and 7:00 AM, to allow time for the train connection to Machu Picchu. The return flight to Lima usually departs in the evening, after 6:00 PM. Flight schedules may vary based on availability and season.
Visitors typically spend 4 to 5 hours at Machu Picchu. This includes a 2- to 3-hour guided tour, covering the most important sites, and some free time to explore on your own. The site has a strict time-slot entry system, so it is essential to follow the assigned schedule.
Yes, the tour is designed for all fitness levels. The guided tour at 2 days Machu Picchu involves moderate walking, but there are options to rest along the way. For those looking for additional adventure, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes can be added to the itinerary, but they require good physical condition.
All travelers must carry a valid passport. If you are traveling on a foreign passport, check if you need a visa to enter Peru. It is also recommended to carry a printed copy of your train and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, which are provided upon booking.
Yes, the tour is suitable for families and elderly travelers. Children enjoy the scenic train ride, and elderly travelers can explore Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace. Walking sticks with rubber tips are allowed. Travelers with mobility issues should inform the tour provider in advance to arrange special assistance.
It is recommended to book at least one to two months in advance, especially during the high season (April to October), when Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train seats sell out quickly. Last-minute bookings may be possible but are subject to availability.
For a 2 days Machu Picchu tour from Lima, the best place to stay is Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Staying here allows you to be close to the entrance of the archaeological site, making it easier to visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Hotel Options in Aguas Calientes: Accommodation in Aguas Calientes ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some recommended options:
Mid-Range Hotels (3-4 stars)
Budget Hotels & Hostels
For a 2 days Machu Picchu tour from Lima, it’s essential to pack light and bring only the necessities. Carry your passport, train and Machu Picchu tickets, and travel insurance. Wear comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing for warm days, a jacket for cooler temperatures, and a rain poncho in case of rain. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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