Machu Picchu overnight tours are the best option to visit the ruins early in the morning before the tourist hoards arrive and get enough time for optional activities, such as the Huayna Picchu hike. Read our guide for more facts and information…
Machu Picchu overnight tours and hikes are ideal for those intending to dedicate a short trip to visit the Machu Picchu ruins. Tour operators arrange 2 to 4 day tours, wherein visitors spend one night at the small town of Aguas Calientes located at the base of the ruins. The main advantage is that you can visit the ruins quite early before the crowds arrive on the first train, and spend enough time exploring the citadel.
Overnight Tour Machu Picchu
A typical itinerary starts at Cusco, at the hotel where visitors are lodged. A bus ride takes you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The two-hour train journey gives a memorable glimpse of the jungle vegetation, exotic flora, butterflies and other natural wonders of the region. Once you reach your accommodation at the town, you can choose to explore the town or climb Mount Putucusi to get a view of the ruins.
The next day, you take the bus to Machu Picchu quite early, so that there is enough time to visit the Wayna Picchu Mountain and all the important places within the site. By noon you leave for Aguas Calientes, then board the train to Ollantaytambo and take the bus to Cusco, concluding the tour.
Overnight hike Machu Picchu
The 2-day Inca Trail or Sacred Inca Trail begins at Km104, a point that is 104 kilometers from the Cusco train station. From this point, you walk uphill towards Winay Wayna and then to Machu Picchu walking about 6 to 7 hours, so that you can at least experience a portion of the impressive 4-day Classic Inca Trail.
On the first day, you take the train from Cusco to the Km104 point, and begin your trek towards the bridge over River Vilcanota. Crossing the bridge, you head to Chachabamba and pass through woods, a stream, grassland and a shady forest to arrive at a waterfall. The trail continues to the Winay Wayna ruins and then to a Trekker’s Hostal, where you can get refreshed. It then leads you around the mountainside, descending into the cloud forests and finally to a flight of steps that lead up the Sun Gate, where you get an unforgettable view of Machu Picchu spread out in glory. As the day comes to a close, you take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night and return to the ruins the following morning.
Advantages of short overnight tours
The overnight trip is particularly useful for those looking for a short trip to explore the ruins. The 2-day trail allows you to experience the essence of the Inca Trail without much physical exertion and in less time. With adequate time to spend in the Machu Picchu site, you take time to climb the Winay Wayna Mountain and get a deeper idea of the mystic site. You will also have enough time to explore the Aguas Calientes town, and visit its Hot Springs, Butterfly Garden and Mandor Gardens.
