Visiting Machu Picchu in 1 day vs 2 days: Which one should you choose?

Are you thinking about visiting Machu Picchu, but don’t know whether to do it in one day or two? This is one of the most common decisions among travelers, and in this blog, we’ll help you decide which option is best for you. We’ll tell you the advantages of each plan, comparing what you can enjoy in one day versus what you could explore in two. Plus, if you have extra time and energy, you could add a visit to the famous Rainbow Mountain, a stunning option to complete your adventure.

General information about Machu Picchu

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city and one of Peru’s most precious treasures. It was built in the mid-15th century during the reign of Inca Pachacútec, and its architecture reflects the grandeur of the Inca civilization.

Today, it is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It has been recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, giving it unique historical and cultural value.

What are the requirements to visit Machu Picchu?

Let’s get practical! The first thing you need to do to visit Machu Picchu is book your entrance ticket at least three months in advance. Without this ticket, you won’t be able to enter, even if you already have transportation and accommodations confirmed.

Now let’s move on to the necessary documents:

• If you are a citizen of Peru or a member country of the Andean Community (CAN), such as Bolivia, Colombia, or Ecuador, you only need your current ID to make a reservation.
• If you are a non-CAN foreigner, you must have a valid passport. This document is essential both for booking your ticket and for presenting it at access control.

Visit Machu Picchu in 1 day

Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu in one day?

Of course! The vast majority of travelers choose this type of service due to their limited time and the desire to see as many places as possible in as little time as possible.

Typically, this trip is completed very quickly, starting between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. The tour begins with a bus transfer, followed by a train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, another bus will take you to the entrance gate to Machu Picchu.

The return trip is made using the same means of transportation, and depending on the travel agency, the tour may end between 7:00 pm and 1:00 am, with constant coordination by the agency.

What does a 1-day visit to Machu Picchu include?

• Pick up from the hotel.
• Tourist transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (round trip).
• Tourist train (round trip).
• CONSETTUR tourist bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (round trip).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Tour guide service in Spanish and English.

If you wish to add or remove a service, you can do so as long as it’s within your travel agency’s capabilities. We recommend offering this option, as some travelers prefer to choose a specific type of train, stay at a certain hotel, or dine at a specific location.

What is the best way to visit Machu Picchu in just one day?

The best way to visit Machu Picchu in a single day is to travel with a travel agency that handles all the logistics. This includes traveling on a tourist train, which will provide greater comfort and ease of access, compared to the local train, which can be uncomfortable.

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to get there by car in a single day, the answer is no. It’s an undesirable and quite exhausting option. The trip from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica can take about 7 hours, and then you’ll have to walk for about 2 hours on the train tracks. A truly exhausting trip!

Visit Machu Picchu in 2 days

What are the advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in 2 days?

One of the main advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in two days is that it gives you more time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) at a leisurely pace. You’ll be able to enjoy its cuisine, traditional drinks, and recreational areas like its pleasant hot springs.

Another reason many prefer this option is to avoid waking up very early, between 2 and 3 a.m., as is often the case on single-day tours. By traveling more leisurely during the day and spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you’ll be able to visit Machu Picchu the next day with more energy and less rush.

What activities can you do if you decide to stay for 2 days?

If you decide to stay two days in Aguas Calientes, you can enjoy various activities in and around the town, such as visiting butterfly farms, botanical gardens, the museum, and the hot springs. Keep in mind that each of these attractions has an entrance fee.

If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast , this destination is ideal for you, as it boasts a wide variety of bird species, making your experience even more enriching. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Comparison between 1 day and 2 days in Machu Picchu

What are the main differences between visiting Machu Picchu in 1 day and in 2 days?

One of the main differences is time. This is reflected in the minutes and hours you can take advantage of to enjoy more during your visit to Machu Picchu. Another important point is the start time of the trip. If you choose the 1-day option, you should know that you will start very early, even in the early morning. On the other hand, with the 2-day option, you can start your trip in the morning or in the afternoon, when there is already daylight.

Another key difference is that with the 2-day tour, you can spend at least one night in the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). However, with the 1-day option, this isn’t possible. By spending the night in the town, you can rest well and have more energy to visit Machu Picchu the next day.

How much more expensive is a 2-day tour to Machu Picchu?

Take note! The price difference between the two versions will depend on the comfort level of the hotel you choose. For example: if your hotel costs $60 a night, you’ll need to add that amount to the price of the one-day tour. Easy, right?!

An important detail: you can take advantage of your free time to visit some places in the town of Aguas Calientes. Note! Keep in mind that agencies typically don’t include these services in their tour packages, so you’ll have to visit them on your own and cover the cost of admission or other additional expenses.

What should you bring if you’re going to Machu Picchu in 1 day vs. 2 days?

The first thing you should keep in mind is that you’ll only be carrying what you need. Note! Only what’s necessary, which means you won’t need to carry a huge backpack. A small or medium-sized backpack will be enough to hold some essential clothing and snacks.

We’ve left you a list that will be very useful; you’ll see how easy it is to travel light!

• Identity document and/or passport.
• Light clothing.
• Sunscreen.
• Snacks.
• Bottle of water.
• Trekking shoes.
• Camera.

As you can see, it’s pretty simple. If you’re traveling for two days, you’ll only need to add a couple of changes of clothes in case you want to visit somewhere in Aguas Calientes. This will give you everything you need for your trip!

How many days do you recommend going to Machu Picchu?

If you’re looking for a relaxing trip and don’t want to burn out from lack of rest, the two-day option is ideal. This way, you’ll have enough time to relax, enjoy the scenery, explore additional places, and enjoy your trip more comfortably.

On the other hand, if you’re short on time and just want to explore Machu Picchu without any interest in exploring other sites, the one-day option is perfect for you. Although the visit time is more limited, you won’t miss the opportunity to discover this wonderful site.

Tips and recommendations

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. During these months, rainfall is minimal or even nonexistent, allowing you to enjoy spectacular and privileged views of the site.

And what if you decide to travel during the rainy season? If you plan your visit between November and March, don’t worry. Make sure to book your ticket for a time slot after 9 a.m. Why? Because at this time, the fog begins to dissipate, allowing you to enjoy Machu Picchu more clearly. If you go during the early hours, you run the risk of not seeing anything and having a bad experience.

Is it necessary to hire a guide to visit Machu Picchu?

It’s not necessary to hire a guide to visit Machu Picchu, as there’s no rule requiring you to be accompanied. However, if you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, you’ll need not only a guide but also a travel agency.

Back to the topic, it’s highly recommended to have a guide to make the most of your visit. This site has fascinating stories and interesting facts that you might miss without an expert to share with you. If you don’t have a pre-booked guide, you can hire one directly at the entrance to Machu Picchu.

Can you do two Machu Picchu tours in one day?

Of course! But it’s important to plan your time well so everything goes perfectly. How do you do it? You’ll need to leave Cusco very early to catch one of the first trains to Aguas Calientes and arrive in Machu Picchu around 8 a.m. This way, you’ll have enough time to complete two circuits in a single day.

An important note: not all tours have the same availability. Some have specific schedules, so it’s essential to keep them in mind when planning your visit. We recommend exploring the tours with limited schedules first and leaving the classic tour for later.