Drive over the Andes, walk beside the railway to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu with a guide the next morning — from $209 per person.
The 2-day road route is the most affordable way to see Machu Picchu with a guide. We pick you up at 6:30 AM, drive through Ollantaytambo and over the Abra Málaga pass (4,316 m), and descend through the cloud forest to Santa Teresa for lunch. From Hidroeléctrica a flat path follows the railway for about 11 km (2.5–3 hours) to Aguas Calientes, where you have dinner and a night in a hotel.
Early on day two you take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of about 2–3 hours. Around midday you return to Aguas Calientes, walk back to Hidroeléctrica (or take the optional train) and drive about six hours to Cusco, arriving in the evening. Want a slower pace with the Cocalmayo hot springs? Choose the 3-day version, and read Machu Picchu by car.
A fraction of the price of the train, with guide, entrance and hotel included.
A road from glacier views at 4,316 m down to the cloud forest and coffee valleys.
About 11 km on a flat path beside the train tracks and the Urubamba River.
Sleep at the foot of the mountain and go up early.
Your guide explains the temples, plazas and terraces of the citadel.
Long road days and a walk into the jungle edge — the backpacker’s way to Machu Picchu.
Registered with DIRCETUR & MINCETUR. A Cusco team, guiding since 2014.
Small groups led by local guides who know every trail and every story.
Secure your date with a deposit and pay the balance in Cusco.
WhatsApp and live chat with our team before and during your trip.
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Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Machu Picchu & Cocalmayo 2D/1N, with what to expect each day.
A 6:30 AM pickup heads to Ollantaytambo, then climbs to Abra Málaga (4,316 m) before descending through cloud forest to Santa María and Santa Teresa for lunch. From the Hydroelectric plant, an 11 km / ~2.5 h hike along the railway reaches Aguas Calientes (~6:00 PM), with dinner and a briefing.
After an early breakfast you head up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of about 2–3 hours through its temples, plazas and viewpoints, with time for photos at the classic overlook. Around midday you descend to Aguas Calientes, walk (or take the optional train) back to the Hidroeléctrica plant, and board your transport for the scenic ~6-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening for hotel drop-off.
Exactly what is covered in your Machu Picchu & Cocalmayo 2D/1N — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Machu Picchu & Cocalmayo 2D/1N as rewarding as possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this tour. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and take it easy. Our guides carry oxygen and a first-aid kit.
Your original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match your ticket, so we collect each traveler's details when you book.
The dry season runs April to October with clearer skies, ideal for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. We operate year-round.
Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a hat, sunglasses and layers. Mornings are cool, midday sun is strong, and a light rain jacket is wise.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour if a verifiable emergency keeps you from joining — an illness, an accident or a cancelled flight, for example, with a document that shows it. If weather or road conditions make the trip unsafe, we will offer you a new date or a full refund. Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets and Inca Trail permits are personal and cannot be refunded once purchased. See our refund policy.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 16 travelers | US $209 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $199 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
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We accept cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour when a verifiable emergency prevents you from attending. Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets and Inca Trail permits are personal and cannot be refunded once purchased. Refunds go back to your original payment method and are processed by your bank, not by us: any bank fees are applied by the bank, and the money can take up to 30 business days to reach your account. Thank you for your patience. Read the full policy.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
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Machu Picchu & Cocalmayo 2D/1N guides
Entry tickets to the citadel sell out weeks ahead and can't be rebooked. See which circuits are still open on your travel dates before you plan.
