Machu Picchu 2 days + trekking

Exploring Machu Picchu in Two Days with Trekking: A Balanced Adventure

For those craving an authentic adventure into Inca history and stunning landscapes, the Machu Picchu 2 days + trekking tour offers a compelling mix of hiking, cultural exploration, and breathtaking scenery. Starting at around $158 per person, this trip takes you from the bustling city of Cusco through rural trails to the legendary ruins, with an overnight stay that keeps the experience intimate and focused. It’s a journey designed for active travelers who want more than just a quick snapshot of Machu Picchu — they want to walk the path, see the sights, and soak in the atmosphere.

We particularly appreciate this tour’s emphasis on a small group experience, capped at just 9 participants. That means more personal attention from guides like José or Marco, and a chance for everyone to ask questions and share insights. The trek from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes—about 3 hours of walking—gives a sense of connection that a bus alone can’t provide. Plus, the inclusion of a night in a basic but comfortable lodge means you’ll wake up refreshed and ready for an early visit to Machu Picchu.

One possible challenge is that this tour requires booking at least two months in advance because of limited entrance tickets and high demand. If you’re a spontaneous traveler, you’ll need to plan ahead. Also, the trek involves walking on your own from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, so a moderate level of fitness helps. But if you’re up for an adventure and eager to explore beyond the typical bus route, this tour fits the bill nicely.

This experience appeals most to adventurous, independent-minded travelers who want to combine hiking with cultural discovery, and who appreciate the value of staying overnight near Machu Picchu for a more relaxed visit.

Key Points

• Authentic Trekking Experience: The route from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes offers a memorable 3-hour walk through lush landscapes, far from crowded bus routes.
• Expert Guided Tour: You’ll benefit from a bilingual guide who can enrich your understanding of Inca ruins and local history.
• Overnight in Basic Lodge: Staying overnight in a simple lodge allows for an early start to Machu Picchu, avoiding the midday crowds.
• Cost and Value: For just $158, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and guides — a good deal for the comprehensive experience.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups ensure more personalized attention and a less rushed experience.
• Advance Booking Needed: Secure your spot at least two months in advance due to ticket demand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Machu Picchu 2-Day + Trekking Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Our adventure begins early, with hotel pickup around 6:00 am in Cusco’s historic center. The first leg is a bus ride to Hidroeléctrica, a small town bordering the train line that serves as the starting point for this trek. This bus journey is part of what makes the trip stand out — it’s scenic, often winding, and gives you a glimpse of rural Peruvian life.

Once we arrive at Hidroeléctrica, it’s time for the highlight trek—a roughly 3-hour hike along a straight, well-trodden path towards Aguas Calientes. What makes this section particularly enjoyable is the chance to see the biodiverse landscapes that surround Machu Picchu — lush forests, mountains, and perhaps a glimpse of local flora and fauna. It’s a quiet, contemplative walk, contrasting sharply with the busy crowds that gather at the site later.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, the vibrant tourist town at the foot of Machu Picchu, you’ll check into a basic lodge. This is a straightforward, no-frills accommodation, but it provides the perfect base for an early morning visit. The next day begins before dawn, with options to walk up to the entrance or buy a Consettur bus ticket — the guide will advise. The guided tour inside Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, during which you’ll see key archaeological sites and hear stories about the Incas’ ingenuity.

Post-visit, there’s time to explore Aguas Calientes further or enjoy a local lunch before walking back along the same trail to Hidroeléctrica. The return bus departs around 2 pm, arriving back in Cusco by late afternoon or early evening.

What Makes This Trek and Tour Special

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the chance to walk part of the Inca Trail without the need for a multi-day hike or special permits. The walk from Hidroeléctrica is less crowded than the classic Inca Trail, offering a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. Reviewers highlight how this trek “felt more like a real hike” and appreciated the biodiversity along the route.

The guided tour at Machu Picchu is another highlight. Knowing that an experienced guide like Juan or Sofia will bring the site to life with stories, explanations, and insights makes the visit more meaningful. Many travelers appreciate the balanced time inside the ruins, enough to see the main sites but not so long that it becomes overwhelming or overly touristy.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

Transportation is straightforward: a bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, and guided transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. What’s great is that the tour includes return transportation to Cusco, so there’s no need to worry about logistics. The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, allowing for more interaction and flexibility.

Timing is crucial—early pick-up ensures you beat the crowds at Machu Picchu and enjoy the site in a more intimate setting. You’ll want to check the availability of entrance tickets early, as the number of visitors is limited and popular dates fill up quickly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Cost and Value: Does It Make Sense?

For $158, this tour offers transport, entrance fees, overnight accommodation, and guided tours — a fair value considering the included services. It’s a cost-effective way to experience Machu Picchu if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and don’t mind staying overnight in a basic lodge.

Keep in mind that food not included on the second day and additional expenses like Consettur bus tickets are extras to consider. The tour’s price doesn’t include extra meals or souvenirs, so plan accordingly.

Authenticity and Experience

What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to walk a lesser-traveled route and stay overnight near Machu Picchu — things that many standard day trips can’t offer. The biodiverse landscapes, early access, and small group size all contribute to a more genuine, less commercialized experience.

Many travelers have expressed satisfaction with the personalized attention from guides and the chance to experience the beauty and serenity of the Inca heartland without the typical chaos of busy tourist crowds. The hot springs in Machu Picchu town are a bonus, offering relaxation after a day of exploration.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who want to combine hiking with sightseeing. If you’re looking for a more authentic, less touristy way to experience Machu Picchu, this route is ideal. It also appeals to those who appreciate small-group tours and want the flexibility to ask questions and customize their experience a bit.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

For its price, this tour offers a solid balance between adventure, culture, and value. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want to walk part of the Inca route, avoid the crowds, and wake up close to Machu Picchu. The overnight stay in a basic lodge keeps the experience intimate and focused on the surroundings, not luxury.

However, it does require some planning ahead and a moderate level of fitness since the trek is on foot and involves some walking on your own. If you’re prepared for that, you’ll find this tour both rewarding and memorable.

This trip combines adventure and discovery with a practical approach, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a deep, authentic connection with Machu Picchu and its landscape.

FAQ

Do I need to book this tour two months in advance?
Yes, you should book at least two months ahead to secure your spot and ensure availability of entrance tickets, as these are limited and popular.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation to and from Hidroeléctrica, lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast the second day, a professional bilingual guide, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, and overnight in a basic lodge.

Can I buy the Consettur bus tickets separately?
Yes, the tour does not include the bus tickets; you will need to purchase these separately if you prefer to take the bus up to Machu Picchu instead of walking.

Is the trek to Aguas Calientes physically demanding?
The walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes takes about 3 hours on a straight trail. Moderate fitness is recommended, but it’s manageable for most travelers comfortable with walking.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 9 participants, which allows for more personalized attention from guides and a less rushed experience.

Will I see the main sites of Machu Picchu during the guided tour?
Yes, the guide will take you through the key archaeological sites, providing insights, and giving you roughly 2 to 3 hours to explore the ruins.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is active and involves walking, it can be suitable for families with children who are comfortable with hiking and early mornings. Always check with the provider for age restrictions.

This Machu Picchu 2-day tour with trekking balances adventure, history, and practicality, offering an authentic experience for those willing to plan ahead and enjoy the lesser-traveled paths of Peru’s most iconic site.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby