Weekend Trip to Machu Picchu: 2-Day Itinerary & Travel Tips

While in Peru, I mainly operated in and out of Cusco. It was the perfect homebase for planning a weekend trip to Machu PIcchu.

Let’s be real, best-laid travel plans often fail (at least partly). Keeps you on your toes, ya know?

After coming down with an insane case of food poisoning that plagued me from Ecuador into Peru, my intentions of doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu fell through.

That being said, ya girl still made it to this seventh wonder of the world, just at an easier pace. 

Lucky for me, the agency I worked with to book my original trek, helped me pivot to a few excursions, which included this weekend trip to Machu Picchu.

Getting to Machu Picchu

There are a few ways to get to this famed seventh wonder of the world. While I initially had dreams of hiking the entire way, those fell through (and it might have been a blessing in disguise).

Here’s how you can get to Machu Picchu, including my journey:

• Rountrip Train Travel from Cusco: This is by far the most expensive option but makes for a scenic, smooth ride. You’ll take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and back. If you have no interest in hiking or are likely to get motion sick on bus rides, this is very much worth the splurge.
• Part Bus, Part Train: Grab a small bus from Cusco, with pick-up/drop-off near the Plaza de Armas, to Ollantaytambo. Then grab the train up to Aguas Calientes.
• Part Bus, Part Hike: Since my original Salkantay Trek hike was thwarted, I wanted to say I hiked a little and followed this route. I was picked up from my Airbnb by the bus that drove up to Hidroelectrica. From there I did the 3-hour hike to Aquas Calientes. To be honest, it was fairly boring and felt really long… I ended up training part-way back to Cusco after leaving Machu Picchu.
• Multi-Day Hike: This is the big kahuna bucket list item for many people. There are two hiking options, the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. The former features more ruins, the later offers potentially more scenic views but on a rougher terrain.

Where to Stay Near Machu Picchu

Assuming you’re not doing an up-and-back to/from Cusco in a single day, you’ll likely be staying in the town of Aguas Calientes for your weekend trip to Machu Picchu. There are loads of budget hotels in the area, most of which are used to tourists and will happily store your bag at check-in while you go and see the ruins (even after check-out!).

From there, you’ll take bus from the center of town to the ruins. The other option you have is to walk from town to the entrance of Machu Picchu. If you do this, keep in mind that this is a well worn path and not for those looking for a simple hike up.

2-Day Machu Picchu Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Aguas Calientes

Once you’ve chosen your mode of travel – train, bus, hiking, or a combination – you’ll make your way from Cusco up to Aguas Calientes. Your day will likely start very early, so plan for an easy night in once you get to your stay in town.

I don’t know anyone who has gone to Machu Picchu without the aid of a tour company. While I’m sure you can book the transporation on your own and make it (especially if you’re fluent in Spanish), you will miss out on all the historical information a guide will provide on site.

I was very impressed with the tour group I booked for my original trek. Shoutout to Nixon, who even followed up to make sure I made it back to Cusco safely!

Day 2: Visiting Machu Picchu & Exploring Aguas Calientes

Now that you’ve woken up feeling refreshed and re-charged, it’s finally the day to see Machu PIcchu! Pay close attention to your bus ticket so you know your set departure time. Then hop on for a quick ride up.

I’d recommend planning your visit so you get to the ruins first thing in the morning. Once the sun rises over the mountains, Machu Picchu is basically in full sun and it gets quite hot very quickly.

The tour is about an hour long. From there our guide left us with some time to spare to explore on our own, before we needed to be back on the bus to return to Aguas Calientes.

While you wait for your train or bus to depart Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, take a walk and explore the town. There are a few restaurants to grab a scenic bite along the Urubamba River, (and try the local guinea pig delicacy).

There’s also a great market near the entrance to the train station in the middle of town. Grab some cool finds and then be on your way.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

• If you’re traveling by bus, I highly recommend bringing your own snacks and water to avoid lines and come prepared with your preferred treats (versus being at the mercy of whatever spot is open).
• Also, if the bus says it has air conditioning… it probably doesn’t (or at least they won’t be turning it on). If you can grab a seat near the window DO IT, and fast. Bonus: pack a portable fan (your stomach will thank you).
• Many may disagree but, if I could do it again I would not have ridden the bus to Hidroelectrica. I’d heard some warnings but didn’t heed them, since the price was right. Not only is the ride incredibly winding and steep (in parts), there are also many moments where you’re right on the edge of a drop. Your safety is worth the cost of a train ticket.
• If you do end up taking the bus to Hidroelectrica and then hiking, note that you can purchase a ticket which includes lunch. It will be buffet style, but some good food to have in your belly ahead of the hours long hike.
• Don’t underestimate the altitude and terrain. The difference in elevation for most pople is enough to exhaust you, but add to it potetially slipperly and questionable “trails” (though stairs look real crumbly)… pace yourself and be careful.
• Practice your Spanish in advance! Unless you’re taking a train the entire way, most of the transportation workers did not speak English (in my experience). Understand what you can and hope to find a friendly English speaker who can help translate where you can’t.
• If taking the train, pay close attention to your depature times and station! There are two train stations in Aguas Calientes. For one, you are only allowed to check-in closer to your departure time to avoid overcrowding.
• For those taking multiple forms of transport, know not only your stop but the few before it. Especially if you don’t speak Spanish, this will keep you alert to when it’s your time to depart. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from workers. If they can point you in the direction you need to go, they will.

TLDR: Weekend Trip to Machu Picchu

I know, I know this is a lot of information. For those who want the quick snapshot for planning their weekend trip to Machu Picchu, here it is….

Final Thoughts: Machu Picchu, Is It Worth It?

Machu Picchu was genuinely even prettier than I imagined. The way the light hits as the sun rises is nothing short of magical and the crowd control is top-tier, so you get to sort through most sections without feeling like you’re fighting a ton of others for viewing rights.

Also, I saw my first CHINCHILLA just chilling in the ruins. A CHINCHILLA just out in nature doing it’s thang. Loved it.

For more adventures follow @accentgolden on Instagram and TikTok!