Take two paced days from Cusco by train to explore Machu Picchu and climb Huayna Picchu. This itinerary balances sightseeing with time to acclimate and includes practical tips on permits, timing and what to pack.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning mist lifts off the Urubamba and the train hums through steep, green valleys—by midday you step into Aguas Calientes, the small town that serves as the last human foothold before the citadel. On day two the bus climbs switchbacks and the ruins come into view: terraces cut into living rock, stairways running like veins up the mountain, and Huayna Picchu rising like a sharp-backed watchman above the city.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (active hiking ~6–8 hours across both days)
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and prior day-hiking experience recommended; acclimatization to 3,400 m advised
Wildlife
History
Machu Picchu was constructed by the Incas in the 15th century; Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911, and the site remains a core example of Inca stone engineering.
Conservation
Entry is controlled by time-sloted permits to limit impacts; visitors should stay on marked paths, avoid single-use plastics and follow local guide instructions to protect fragile terraces and flora.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Trip Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu by Train today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring your passport
A current, valid passport is required at ticket validation and boarding—keep a copy in your daypack.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trip to lower risk of altitude sickness.
Reserve Huayna permits early
Huayna Picchu admissions are limited and sold by time slot—book months ahead in high season.
Wear grippy shoes
Steep stone steps and occasional wet sections make trail-appropriate footwear necessary.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on steep stone staircases and wet sections of the trail
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden rains common in the Andean cloud zone
summer
Hydration system (1–2 L)
Maintains hydration at altitude and during the Huayna Picchu ascent
Passport (original)
Required for ticket validation and entry to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu