Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour | Last-Minute Booking

For several years now, admission tickets to Machu Picchu have had limited availability, so many travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu on short notice are unable to secure tickets. We have a solution for last-minute bookings, and we are happy to explain it.

The Ministry of Culture is the entity that manages admission to Machu Picchu and makes approximately 1,000 spaces available for sale only in the town of Aguas Calientes, through direct sale to the passenger one day before the visit. This means that you can purchase admission for the main circuit in person with an official identification document (national ID or passport). Please note that this process has mandatory conditions:

The admission ticket must be purchased personally.
The sales point is located in the town of Aguas Calientes.
The process must be completed one day before the Machu Picchu tour.

We will guide you throughout this process in addition to the regular booking, and below we explain the itinerary.

Highlights

Pickup in Cusco and train to Aguas Calientes: transfer to Ollantaytambo station and journey through the Sacred Valley to the town.
Admission process: the guide will assist you with the personal registration for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes: accommodation in the town before going up to the citadel.
Visit to Machu Picchu: guided tour through the agricultural and urban areas of the citadel.
Return to Cusco: bus ride down, train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to your hotel.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco - Aguas Calientes

Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco – Ollantaytambo station – train to Aguas Calientes – overnight at a hotel in the town.

Tourist posing in Cusco's Main Square, with Cusco Cathedral in the background

Tourist posing in front of the Machu Picchu Pueblo monument in Aguas Calientes' main square

On the first day, we will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and head to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, you will board the train that travels through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, you will see Andean landscapes, the Vilcanota River, and villages in the valley as you descend from Ollantaytambo toward the edge of the jungle, near Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the guide will be waiting for you to assist you with the process of purchasing your Machu Picchu admission ticket. The process is personal: you must bring your documents and complete the registration. The guide will accompany you until the process is completed.

If you secure admission for the following day, you will coordinate your visit time with the guide according to the assigned circuit and schedule.

Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

What's included?

Included

Guide assistance for the in-person purchase of the Machu Picchu admission ticket
Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes train ticket (one way)
Professional guide in English and Spanish
1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes

Not included

Hotel night in Cusco.
Meals.
Other services not mentioned.

Day 2

Machu Picchu - Cusco

After breakfast – bus to Machu Picchu – guided visit – train to Ollantaytambo – transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Group of tourists admiring Machu Picchu from a viewpoint

Group of tourists posing in front of a stone building with a thatched roof at Machu Picchu

After breakfast at your hotel, we will head to the bus station to travel up to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary, a 25-minute journey.

Our guide will tell you about the history and architecture of the citadel. You will be amazed by the Inca constructions and the natural surroundings. Machu Picchu is a marvel of engineering, art, and architecture in perfect harmony with nature. The citadel has an agricultural and urban area composed of plazas, temples, paths, stairways, terraces, aqueducts, and more. Its design includes areas such as agricultural terraces, which are supported by stone retaining walls, and a hydraulic system that includes canals and aqueducts for transporting water. Machu Picchu is considered a marvel of agricultural engineering. The Inca city is part of a much larger area known as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which covers more than 35,000 hectares and is an important tourist attraction that receives 1.5 million visitors each year. It is a Wonder of the World that fills you with energy through its beauty and majesty.

Machu Picchu is considered a major achievement in architecture and engineering, and there is no doubt why it is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Here you will find the Intihuatana, or sun clock, along with many other structures with different ceremonial and religious purposes.

At the end of your tour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and then board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.

What's included?

Included

Pre-tour information
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu bus ticket (round trip, group service)
Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo train ticket (return)
Admission to Machu Picchu, according to circuit and schedule availability
Guided visit in English and Spanish
Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco

Not included

Hotel night in Cusco.
Admission to Huayna Picchu.
Meals.
Other services not mentioned.

Recommendations

Bring the original passport or identification document that will be used to purchase the admission ticket.
Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure and present your ticket together with your identification document.
Bring cash in soles and dollars. Not all establishments in Aguas Calientes accept cards; ATMs are available in Cusco and in the town.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear: Machu Picchu has many stairs.
Bring a small backpack (max. 40 × 35 × 20 cm) with a camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water.
Bring water for the day and be mindful of the restrictions on bringing and consuming food at Machu Picchu. You can purchase snacks in Aguas Calientes before your visit.
The hot springs in Aguas Calientes are optional and can be visited on your own, preferably on the night of arrival.
Only one small piece of hand luggage (approximately 5 kg) is allowed on the train. The rest of your luggage must remain in Cusco.
During high season, there may be a line for the bus to Machu Picchu; it is advisable to allow extra time.

IMPORTANT:

CuscoPeru.com is not responsible for train delays or events beyond its operation.
Last-minute booking depends on the daily availability provided by the Ministry of Culture. The admission ticket must be purchased personally: the guide assists you with the process but cannot purchase it on your behalf.
You must follow the guide's instructions in Aguas Calientes until the admission purchase process is completed.
This tour does not guarantee a specific circuit or schedule. If you need complete certainty, we recommend changing the date and booking at least 2 months in advance.

What's included?

What is included in the 2-day Machu Picchu tour (last-minute booking)?

Guide assistance for the in-person purchase of the Machu Picchu admission ticket
Admission to Machu Picchu, according to circuit and schedule availability
Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes train tickets (outbound and return)
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu bus ticket (round trip, group service)
Transfers between your hotel in Cusco and Ollantaytambo station (outbound and return)
1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
Professional guide in English and Spanish
Pre-tour information

What is not included in the 2-day Machu Picchu tour?

Hotel night in Cusco.
Meals.
Admission to Huayna Picchu.
Other services not mentioned.

Recommendations

Bring the original passport or identification document that will be used to purchase the admission ticket.
Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure and present your ticket together with your identification document.
Bring cash in soles and dollars. Not all establishments in Aguas Calientes accept cards; ATMs are available in Cusco and in the town.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear: Machu Picchu has many stairs.
Bring a small backpack (max. 40 × 35 × 20 cm) with a camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water.
Bring water for the day and be mindful of the restrictions on bringing and consuming food at Machu Picchu. You can purchase snacks in Aguas Calientes before your visit.
The hot springs in Aguas Calientes are optional and can be visited on your own, preferably on the night of arrival.
Only one small piece of hand luggage (approximately 5 kg) is allowed on the train. The rest of your luggage must remain in Cusco.
During high season, there may be a line for the bus to Machu Picchu; it is advisable to allow extra time.

IMPORTANT:

CuscoPeru.com is not responsible for train delays or events beyond its operation.
Last-minute booking depends on the daily availability provided by the Ministry of Culture. The admission ticket must be purchased personally: the guide assists you with the process but cannot purchase it on your behalf.
You must follow the guide's instructions in Aguas Calientes until the admission purchase process is completed.
This tour does not guarantee a specific circuit or schedule. If you need complete certainty, we recommend changing the date and booking at least 2 months in advance.

Route map

Mapa Tour Machu Picchu 2 Días | Reserva Última Hora

The route is for reference and may have minor variations

Rates for Last-Minute Machu Picchu Booking

Choose the hotel category for your trip. Prices are shown per person in a double or matrimonial room, for a minimum of 2 people, and include The Voyager or Expedition train.

Hotel ★★

US$ 375

Hotel ★★★

US$ 395

Hotel ★★★ Superior

US$ 415

Hotel ★★★★

US$ 435

Trains: the service includes the Expedition or Voyager train for the outbound and return journeys. The upgrade to Vistadome applies to the return journey, and the Vistadome Observatory can be requested per segment; both are subject to availability.

Upgrade to Vistadome Train

Return train

+ US$ 40

Upgrade to Vistadome Observatory Train

Available per segment

+ US$ 60

The circuits and schedules for your visit are subject to availability at the time of booking. See booking and cancellation policies →

Are 4 or more people traveling?

We can offer a special rate for your group.

Ask about group rates

What travelers who booked at the last minute say

Jefferson and two days discovering Machu Picchu

I took a two-day tour of Machu Picchu with a friend and, from the beginning, we felt very well taken care of. Throughout the tour, there were team members checking on us, ready to guide us and help us when we needed it. The organization gave us a lot of peace of mind, and we did not have to worry about the details.

Something we really liked was that the agency lent us a local cell phone so we could stay in contact with the team during the trip. That kind of attention made us feel accompanied at all times. We came away with very good memories of Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the service we received. Without a doubt, it was an experience we would recommend to other travelers.

Jefferson

Nov. 2019

More reviews from our passengers

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Poonyaweera T 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing service, highly recommend!
Amazing service! Javier was very responsive to help with coordination and went above and beyond. Our Machu Picchu tour was amazing, we received a great guide and all transportation methods were very easy to get to.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Gabriela Z 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent service from CuscoPeru.
Excellent experience with Cuscoperu.com. The hotels were very well located and had a good price/quality ratio. The service and organization were excellent.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alejandra C 
 
 
 
 Verified CuscoMachuPichu
CuscoPeru Agency, everything was excellent from the transfers, hotels, and tours and excursions, highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ada A 
 
 
 
 Verified EXCELLENT
It was a sensational experience. Highly recommended for those who wish to visit Cusco; you will always have the assistance of the entire Cuscoperú team.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Celso Augusto S 
 
 
 
 Verified Private tour very with
It was an incredible experience
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Efrain C 
 
 
 
 Verified Reliable and safe tours.
Pleasant experience, without any setbacks from the operator, I took 3 tours with them in Cusco and all 3 were very professional.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Darryl B 
 
 
 
 Verified Machu Picchu experience
It was a great weekend. The Cusco tour and Machu Picchu tours were amazing. All the guides and drivers were very friendly. The schedule had enough time so we did not miss anything. Good communication from the company as well.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bere F 
 
 
 
 Verified The best experience in Peru
Excellent service, attentive to our itineraries the whole time. Very trustworthy if you are planning a trip for women or by yourself!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Judith Z 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonder of the world
It was a very nice experience; EFRAIN organized our entire tour, he cared about and organized every detail, always concerned from the moment they picked us up at the hotel until we arrived back. Very good service from the people who transported us and the guide at Machu Picchu was excellent. Recommended 1000%... thank you for making our anniversary an unforgettable day.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tomás A 
 
 
 
 Verified Unbeatable service
Everything excellent. 100% recommended

Photos of the Last-Minute Machu Picchu Tour

See images of the train journey to Aguas Calientes and the visit to Machu Picchu.

Tourist overlooking the town of Aguas Calientes from a bridge, with green mountains in the background

Family with children posing at Machu Picchu, with the Inca citadel and mountains in the background

Tourist walking through an Inca stone doorway at Machu Picchu, with mountains in the background

Common Questions About Last-Minute Machu Picchu Booking

Find answers to the main questions about the last-minute option, admission to Machu Picchu, luggage, and booking.

What happens if the available in-person tickets sell out?

In-person sales have a limited capacity of up to 1,000 admissions per day. If that capacity sells out, it is not possible to enter Machu Picchu the following day under this option. In that case, the team will inform you of the available alternatives (a new date or another travel option), because admission is not guaranteed until the purchase is completed in Aguas Calientes.

Can I add Huayna Picchu?

It is not included and, with last-minute bookings, availability is almost never available. Huayna Picchu sells out far in advance. If you still want to ask about it, you must request it before the trip; it cannot be guaranteed with the in-person purchase the day before.

Can someone else buy my Machu Picchu admission ticket for me?

No. The in-person purchase must be made by the visitor at the Machupicchu Pueblo Cultural Center, with their original passport or identification document. The guide accompanies and assists you, but cannot complete the process on your behalf.

Can the tour be canceled?

As this is a last-minute booking, cancellations and modifications are subject to the conditions of the contracted services and the applicable booking policies. We recommend confirming your reservation only when you are certain of your travel dates.

Can I change the date of this 2-day tour?

There is no automatic date change. Because this is a last-minute booking, each new date requires reconfirming the train, hotel, and, above all, the availability of in-person admission. If you are looking for a guaranteed date, it is advisable to book at least 2 months in advance through the regular option.