Traveling to Machu Picchu is a highlight for many Peru visitors, but choosing the right tour can make all the difference. For those craving a blend of breathtaking scenery and cultural exploration, a 2-day tour along the Abra Málaga route offers an authentic and less-traveled path to the legendary citadel. Priced at $158 per person, this experience promises not just a visit, but an adventure filled with impressive landscapes, local flavor, and a chance to see Machu Picchu from a perspective few travelers get to enjoy.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the way it combines a long scenic trek with a guided exploration of the ruins. Second, the chance to capture spectacular landscape photos from high vantage points—especially the Malaga Pass at 4,316 meters. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the long walking segments, which require a decent level of fitness and comfort with variable terrain. This tour suits travelers who love outdoor activities, are eager to trek, and appreciate a more immersive approach to exploring Peru’s most iconic site.

Key Points

Unique Route: Offers a less conventional, more scenic approach to Machu Picchu via Abra Málaga.
Authentic Experience: Combines trekking, local village visits, and guided tours.
Stunning Views: Perfect for landscape photography and panoramic vistas.
Value for Money: For $158, includes transportation, guides, one night’s accommodation, and entrance fees.
Physical Effort: Involves a significant amount of walking, including a 3-hour trek on Day 1 and an early mountain ascent on Day 2.
Flexible Options: You can choose to walk or take a bus down from Machu Picchu, and there’s a good chance to enjoy the scenery along the route back.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Route: A Closer Look at the 2-Day Adventure

This tour begins early in Cusco, around 6:00 to 6:30 a.m., when your guide will pick you up from your hotel. The journey starts with a scenic minibus ride through the Sacred Valley, a region packed with history and stunning landscapes. After a quick breakfast break (not included), the real adventure kicks off with an ascent to the Malaga Pass at 4,316 meters. Here, you’ll find some of the best views of the Peruvian highlands—an opportunity to snap photos of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and maybe even a condor soaring overhead.

The descent from the pass takes you through lush jungle terrain, a stark contrast to the high-altitude landscape, until you reach Santa María at 1,250 meters. This part of the journey showcases the incredible diversity of Peru’s geography and provides a welcome chance to catch your breath. After a brief stop for lunch (around 1:30 p.m., at a local restaurant), you’ll gear up for a 3-hour walk to Machu Picchu town. Along this trail, you’ll pass small farms, waterfalls, and local villages, giving you a taste of Peruvian rural life away from the crowds.

Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) means you get to experience the town’s humble charm and prepare for an early start the next day. The accommodation, typically a local hostel, provides simple but comfortable lodging, letting you rest before the big day ahead.

While in Aguas Calientes, here are other experiences we've covered

Day Two: Sunrise and the Lost City

Waking up before dawn is a small sacrifice for the incredible sights awaiting you. You’ll get up around 4:45 a.m., with breakfast served at your hostel, before setting out on foot to the Machu Picchu entrance. The walk takes about an hour and a half, but the payoff is worth it: witnessing the sunrise over Machu Picchu. The early morning light illuminates the ruins in a way that feels almost magical, and you’ll have time for some breathtaking photos.

Once inside, your guide will take you on a two-hour tour through the spectacular Inca city, walking along narrow streets, through terraces, and past key sites like the Main Square and the Temple of the Sun. This guided experience helps you understand why Machu Picchu is considered an architectural masterpiece, showcasing engineering feats that have puzzled historians for decades.

At around 10:30 a.m., you’ll descend on foot back to Aguas Calientes, with options to take a bus if you prefer a quicker return. The journey back to Cusco involves a scenic bus or walk along the Abra Málaga route, ending with your return to Cusco around 9:30 p.m. The whole day is packed with highlights, but the early start and long day mean you’ll want to be prepared for a full itinerary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides excellent value, especially considering what’s included:

Pick-up at your hotel in Cusco
Transportation via minibus across the Sacred Valley and back
Services of an English and Spanish speaking guide
One night’s accommodation with breakfast in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Lunch and dinner on the first day
Entry ticket to Machu Picchu

However, some costs are not included—notably the train ticket ($33), Wayna Picchu entrance ($55), and the bus ride up and down Machu Picchu ($24). If you want to save time or energy, opting for the bus can be worthwhile, but many travelers love the experience of walking.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Because the tour involves significant walking and a high-altitude trek, a moderate level of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable. As the initial ascent to the Malaga Pass reaches over 4,300 meters, you might experience some shortness of breath or dizziness, especially if you’re not accustomed to high altitudes. Hydration and proper acclimatization are crucial.

The small group size (up to 15 people) is a real plus, allowing for a more personal experience and easier interaction with your guide. This also means more flexibility with timing and opportunities for questions.

Tour operators offer flexible booking options—you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility is especially helpful in unpredictable travel conditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience caters especially well to adventurous travelers who love outdoor activities, scenic treks, and authentic local encounters. If you’re keen to see Machu Picchu from a less touristy perspective and enjoy the journey as much as the destination, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s also perfect for those who want a more comprehensive experience that combines high-altitude trekking, cultural insights, and stunning landscape photography—all in a manageable two days.

While you're exploring Aguas Calientes, here are other experiences we've looked into

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to combine adventure with a touch of exploration and want an experience that goes beyond the usual bus rides, this tour offers tremendous value. It’s a chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Abra Málaga route, experience a trek through rural Peru, and arrive at Machu Picchu early in the morning with a sense of discovery. The included guided tour ensures you won’t miss the key sights, while the overnight stay allows a bit more breathing room than the typical day-trip.

While the physical demands are notable, the rewards—stunning vistas, intimate encounters with local villages, and a sunrise over Machu Picchu—are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious traveler looking for an authentic adventure, this tour offers a meaningful way to connect more deeply with Peru’s incredible landscapes and history.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for travelers who aren’t very fit?
This tour involves a significant amount of walking, including climbing to the Malaga Pass at over 4,300 meters and a 3-hour trek on Day 1. If you’re comfortable with moderate hikes and high-altitude walking, you’ll enjoy it. If you have mobility issues, you might find it challenging.

Does the tour include train tickets?
No, train tickets are not included, but they can be purchased separately for around $33 per person. The tour covers bus transportation, which is optional for going down from Machu Picchu.

Can I skip walking and take a bus instead?
Yes, you can choose to descend from Machu Picchu by bus if you prefer not to walk. The bus ride costs about $24 per person and can save you some energy for the rest of the day.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
The tour includes one night’s stay in a local hostel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, with breakfast included. The accommodation is straightforward but comfortable enough to rest before the early start.

Is it possible to visit Wayna Picchu?
While you can add the Wayna Picchu entrance for $55, it’s not included in the basic package. You’ll need to book this separately if you wish to climb it.

What should I pack for this trip?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for high-altitude weather, a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera. Don’t forget your passport for entry to Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round, but the dry season (May to October) offers the best weather for trekking and photography. Always check availability and weather forecasts before booking.

To sum it up, the Cusco 2-day Abra Málaga route tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and culture. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu with fewer crowds, on a path less trodden, and with the chance to enjoy spectacular landscapes at every turn. If you’re prepared for some walking and early mornings, you’ll find this trip richly rewarding—a true journey through the heart of the Peruvian landscape.