While day trips allow for a more diverse itinerary, they sometimes prevent us from fully enjoying our destination. That’s why, if you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu and aren’t sure how much time is ideal to ensure you don’t miss any details, we’ll provide you with the options available if you decide to stay for two days, where you’ll be able to learn more about this incredible place near the town of Agua Calientes.

• Why travel to Machu Picchu?
• Travel to Machu Picchu for two days
  • First day in Machu Picchu
  • Second day in Machu Picchu
• Benefits of traveling to Machu Picchu for two days
• What other places should I visit on my trip to Machu Picchu?
• Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist couple visiting Machu Picchu

Why travel to Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible travel destinations you’ll ever visit. Not only is it a place with unique architecture, but it also blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, giving it an even more magical setting. From the moment you arrive, you’ll understand the mystical impressions a visit to this Inca citadel generates.

There are 10 types of routes available , each of which immerses you in diverse experiences from numerous angles. This is why choosing your ideal route is so important. These include adventurous options, scenic hikes, and simple yet enriching hikes. Some allow you to stay for three hours, others up to six hours, allowing you to enjoy even more views of this incredible place.

Sometimes a one-day visit isn’t enough, as we generally only have time to visit Machu Picchu for a few hours and then return. That’s why it’s best to stay two days. This way, you’ll not only get to see the citadel, but also explore the surrounding area and Aguas Calientes, the town where it is located.

Photo of a family of tourists with Machu Picchu in the background

Huayna Picchu Mountain
One of the most recommended experiences when traveling to Machu Picchu is to opt for Route 1A, which takes us to the impressive Huayna Picchu Mountain via Circuit 3 (Royal Route). On this experience, we can venture on an ascending hike that will offer us spectacular views of the entire Inca citadel. This ticket must be booked at least two or three months in advance, depending on the season. Therefore, if you decide to undertake this tour, take precautions.

Travel to Machu Picchu for two days

What we want on a trip is to have enough time to discover places or situations that surprise us and make us feel like it was worth it. That’s why it’s so essential to dedicate more time in our travel itinerary to magical places like Machu Picchu.

How many memorable memories can you make from visiting this Inca citadel, as well as the surrounding sites? That’s why we’re presenting you with an ideal plan for a two-day stay. Don’t miss out on one of the most incredible experiences of your life.

First day in Machu Picchu

If we want a completely immersive experience in Machu Picchu, we must know that the trip starts in the city of Cusco (8:00 in the morning), from where the most common trip takes us to Ollantaytambo (10:00 in the morning) and later, after a train ride, to the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town (1:00 in the afternoon).

This way, we’ll arrive in the afternoon, where we can sample some of the local cuisine while getting to know the town. Aguas Calientes is a small town where you can easily walk anywhere. Its mountainous terrain offers beautiful scenery from any angle.

Here, we can also visit its famous hot springs, surrounded by a diverse array of flora. Another option is to visit its artisan market or simply take tours of the town and short treks in the surrounding area.

This way, we can have an enriching day, arriving early to rest before immersing ourselves in one of the routes to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu the next day.

Second day in Machu Picchu

The main day will be spent on a route through the mountains of Machu Picchu, two of the most recommended are Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) or Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A), along with which you can have a more extensive tour of the citadel (up to 6 hours).

These routes are available year-round, starting early in the morning, so you can make the most of your trip. If you go at 7:00 a.m., you can stay until 1:00 p.m. Along the mountain trails, we’ll get a broader view of Machu Picchu, along with adventures that will reveal more of its architecture, flora, and history.

At the end of the tour, we’ll still have some free time, so if we still have energy, we can walk down from the citadel to the town of Aguas Calientes, immersing ourselves even more in its geography and landscapes. Finally, we can return at dusk for a much more complete experience, one that will cherish many memories forever.

Elderly couple in Machu Picchu

Benefits of traveling to Machu Picchu for two days

If you’re still not convinced that a two-day trip to Machu Picchu is the best option for a much more enriching travel experience, we’ll present a list of the benefits you’ll enjoy by choosing this option, as well as those offered by a one-day trip. Discover them all in the following table:

What other places should I visit on my trip to Machu Picchu?

If you decide to travel to Machu Picchu for two days or more, we’ll provide you with places you can visit during your free time, so you can learn more about this incredible place through short tours or much longer experiences.

• The Machu Picchu Museum is located at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, you can explore archaeological artifacts and Inca art that will help you learn more about the site’s history. You can also visit its incredible botanical garden, which showcases all the native flora.
• Hot Springs: After a short hike, nestled among the mountains, we’ll find this magical place that offers a perfect break from our journey to Machu Picchu.
• The Textile Market, located in the town of Aguas Calientes, will allow us to find the perfect souvenir for our trip, as well as some clothing or textile made using traditional techniques with much greater intrinsic value.
• The Butterfly Farm: If you’re looking for a short walk and a peaceful visit, this is the best option. Here, we’ll learn more about butterflies and all the diversity that a place as magical as Machu Picchu holds.
• The Mandor Falls, immersed in a one-and-a-half-hour hike through the biodiversity of Aguas Calientes, we can find this incredible place that will show us a privileged angle in the middle of nature, perfect for a quiet break.
• Exploring the town, along Aguas Calientes, we can find plazas, parks, and places surrounded by nature that will offer a moment of relaxation alongside surprising views.

Mandor Falls – Machu Picchu

Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu

To make your visit to the marvelous citadel of Machu Picchu even more enjoyable, we’ll offer a series of tips you can keep in mind during your trip. This way, you’ll discover perspectives you might not have considered before.

• Reserve your ticket to Machu Picchu at least two months in advance to ensure your entry on the route of your choice.
• Before embarking on your Machu Picchu adventure, acclimatize during the first few days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness and better enjoy your trip.
• Visiting Machu Picchu with a tour will enrich your experience by providing you with adequate planning, extensive information, and safety.
• If you visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November – March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a poncho, as the weather can change at any time.
• Visit Machu Picchu during the dry season (April to October) to enjoy the best scenery in an ideal climate, although it tends to be more crowded.
• The routes to the Machu Picchu mountains tend to be a bit demanding, so you should be in good physical condition, or at least adequately acclimatized. This will help you navigate the trail without any problems.
• Bring plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration. Drinking water is essential for a good experience on any tour.
• Take advantage of your trip and take a break on your route through Machu Picchu, enjoying absolutely beautiful landscapes; its geography will allow you a space to rediscover ourselves.
• Part of the Andean tradition is to thank Pachamama for your travel experience, so you can enjoy it with greater meaning and value.
• The peak season at Machu Picchu runs from June 19th to November 2nd, when more routes with immersive experiences become available.
• Remember that you can book your Machu Picchu travel experience with Boletomachupicchu. Ask our advisors about all the options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Do I need to purchase my ticket to Machu Picchu in advance?

  Yes, it’s best to purchase your ticket at least two months in advance, especially if you want to access one of the mountain trails such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

• 2) What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

  The dry season, from April to October, is usually ideal due to its more stable climate. However, it’s also when the number of tourists is highest. If you prefer a quieter visit, consider the rainy season (November to March).

• 3) Can I visit Machu Picchu in one day?

  Yes, but the trip is usually more rushed and doesn’t allow for a thorough exploration of the citadel and the town of Aguas Calientes. Therefore, we recommend a two-day trip to enjoy the surroundings at your leisure.

• 4) Is a guide necessary to tour Machu Picchu?

  It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended, because with a guide, you’ll understand the citadel’s history, architecture, and symbolism, enriching your visit.

• 5) Where can I sleep if I decide to stay two days in Machu Picchu?

  In Aguas Calientes, you’ll find a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets.

• 6) Is it difficult to hike inside Machu Picchu?

  The difficulty varies depending on the route chosen; some are accessible and short. Others, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, require a good level of fitness due to the length of the route.

• 7) What else can I do in Aguas Calientes besides visiting Machu Picchu?

  You can visit the hot springs, the butterfly farm, the museum, the craft market, or the Mandor waterfalls. All are ideal activities to complement your experience.

• 8) How long does the visit to Machu Picchu last?

  Depending on your chosen route, there are shorter tours lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours, while longer ones, such as those that include mountains, can last between 5 and 6 hours.

• 9) Can I walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, it’s a steep hike that can take up to two hours, depending on your pace. A great option to explore more of the area.

• 10) At what altitude is Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level, so it is recommended to spend one or two days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Alexander I.

“Huayna Picchu Experience“

“My trip to Machu Picchu was amazing, the hike to Huayna Picchu allowed me to learn more about this incredible place, not to mention the panoramic views, I really took the best picture I have.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 22, 2025