Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights Tour 2027: Itinerary, What's Included and Who It's For
Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights Tour 2027: Itinerary, What's Included and Who It's For
The 3-day, 2-night Machu Picchu tour is the most relaxed way to see the citadel: you spend two nights near Machu Picchu, visit without rushing and still have time for Huayna Picchu, Aguas Calientes or the Sacred Valley. Here are the two versions we put together, what they include and when they're a better fit than the 1- or 2-day tour.
Two ways to do Machu Picchu in 3 days
Classic option: two nights in Aguas Calientes
- Day 1 · Cusco → Aguas Calientes: hotel pickup, bus to Ollantaytambo and tourist train to Aguas Calientes. You arrive around midday, check in and have the afternoon free.
- Day 2 · Machu Picchu: early bus up to the citadel and guided visit. In the afternoon, hot springs or a stroll around town. Second night in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3 · Free morning and return: time for an optional activity and, in the afternoon, train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
Option with the Sacred Valley
- Day 1 · Sacred Valley: hotel pickup and guided tour of Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt mines and Ollantaytambo, with buffet lunch. In the afternoon, train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2 · Machu Picchu: early guided visit and free afternoon. Second night in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3 · Free morning and return to Cusco.
This version is ideal if you have few days in Cusco: you see the Sacred Valley on the way to the train without spending an extra day. The valley is also lower than Cusco, which helps you acclimatize. We explain what to see in Maras and Moray.
What the 3-day tour includes
The essentials of a good 3-day, 2-night package:
- Pickup at your hotel in Cusco and transport to Ollantaytambo station and back.
- Round-trip tourist train.
- 2 hotel nights in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
- Bus up and down to the citadel.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket and professional guide.
- In the Sacred Valley option: guided tour and buffet lunch.
Other meals, Huayna Picchu and day-3 activities are usually paid separately.
What to do on day 3
Day 3 is the big advantage of this tour. Some options:
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: the climbs with the most famous view of the citadel. Spots are very limited and there's an extra cost, so they need to be booked together with the tour. We help you choose in Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain.
- A second visit to Machu Picchu on a different circuit, with an additional ticket.
- Aguas Calientes at a slow pace: the hot springs, the craft market and the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum. More ideas in what to do in Aguas Calientes.
1, 2 or 3 days: which one suits you
| Full Day | 2 days / 1 night | 3 days / 2 nights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | Very intense | Relaxed | The most relaxed |
| Nights in Aguas Calientes | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Margin if the train is delayed | None | Good | Full |
| Huayna Picchu or a second visit | Hard | Possible | Ideal |
| If tickets are sold out online | Not possible | Bought in Aguas Calientes | Bought in Aguas Calientes |
The 3-day tour suits you if: you're traveling in the rainy season, you want to climb Huayna Picchu without rushing, you're traveling with children or older people, or you simply want to enjoy Machu Picchu without early starts or hurry.
If you have less time, see Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night or the Machu Picchu 1 day tour.
Why two nights give you more security
- If online tickets are sold out, they can be bought in person in Aguas Calientes the day before. With two nights there, you have plenty of time.
- In the rainy season (November to March), a train delay won't ruin your visit.
- If the morning is foggy, you have another day to see the citadel in clear weather.
We explain the circuits in Machu Picchu tickets and circuits.
What to pack
- Original passport: it's checked on the train, at the hotel and at the entrance.
- A small backpack: the train allows up to 5 kg per person. Your large suitcase can stay at your hotel in Cusco.
- Poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes with good grip.
- Layers: Aguas Calientes is warm during the day and cool at night.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Machu Picchu 3 days 2 nights tour include?
Transport from your hotel in Cusco, round-trip tourist train, 2 hotel nights with breakfast in Aguas Calientes, bus up and down, Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guide. The Sacred Valley version adds the valley tour with lunch.
Is it worth doing Machu Picchu in 3 days?
Yes, if you want to go without rushing, climb Huayna Picchu or have margin in the rainy season. If you have few days, the 2-day tour also works very well.
Where do you sleep on the 3-day tour?
In Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, in a hotel with breakfast.
Can Huayna Picchu be included?
Yes, but spots are very limited and there's an extra cost. It needs to be booked at the same time as the tour.
