Tour Overview

Discover the unforgettable beauty of Peru’s most famous landmark with the Machu Picchu Sunset & Sunrise Tour. This exclusive two-day adventure gives you the rare chance to explore Machu Picchu twice—first during the spectacular sunset when the ruins are bathed in warm golden light, and then again at sunrise, when the site is cloaked in mystical morning mist. This immersive experience offers breathtaking views and quieter moments, perfect for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the ancient Inca citadel.

Enjoy expert-guided tours that reveal the rich history, architecture, and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu, combined with comfortable accommodations in Aguas Calientes. This unique itinerary makes it one of the most sought-after Machu Picchu tour packages, ideal for photographers, history lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

Tour at a Glance

• Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

• Starting Point: Cusco or Aguas Calientes

• Main Attractions: Sunset visit to Machu Picchu, overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, sunrise guided tour of Machu Picchu

• Fitness Level: Moderate — includes walking on uneven terrain and uphill sections

• Included: Train tickets, entrance fees, hotel accommodation, shuttle buses, and professional guides

• Group Size: Small groups or private tours available

Highlights

Witness the breathtaking sunset over Machu Picchu, capturing the ruins glowing against the Andean sky

Early morning sunrise tour, experiencing Machu Picchu in the soft, mystical light with fewer visitors

Overnight stay in the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes for easy access to the citadel

Explore key Machu Picchu sites including the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and Royal Quarters with expert commentary

Optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views (advance booking required)

Hassle-free travel arrangements including round-trip train tickets and shuttle services

Why Book This Tour?

Booking the Machu Picchu Sunset & Sunrise Tour guarantees an unparalleled experience to see Machu Picchu in two of its most magical moments, sunset and sunrise, when crowds are minimal and the light is perfect for stunning photos. With all logistics handled, including train travel, tickets, and accommodation, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonder of the site. Our knowledgeable local guides provide captivating stories and insights into Inca culture, architecture, and spiritual traditions, enriching your visit beyond the typical sightseeing.

This carefully curated tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion, making it one of the best Machu Picchu tour packages on the market for travelers who want an authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Best Time to Do This Tour

The optimal time for the Machu Picchu Sunset & Sunrise Tour is during Peru’s dry season, from May to October. These months offer the clearest skies, ideal for stunning sunrise and sunset views, and comfortable trekking conditions. Early mornings during this period often bring a mystical mist that enhances the atmosphere of Machu Picchu. Avoid the rainy season (November to April) to reduce the risk of wet weather impacting your experience. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially for peak travel months, to secure your spot on this popular tour.

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Sunset at Machu Picchu

Your unforgettable adventure begins at 6:00 AM, with a private pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the Vilcanota River past charming villages and dramatic mountain scenery. After approximately 2 hours, we arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the scenic train toward Aguas Calientes.

This 2-hour train ride is a journey in itself. Watch as the high Andes gradually give way to lush cloud forest, with waterfalls, orchids, and steep green cliffs lining the route an unforgettable transition from mountain to jungle.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), your local guide will welcome you at the station and accompany you to your hotel for check-in and rest. Then it’s time to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh, regional flavors to energize you for the afternoon.

In the early afternoon, we board a shuttle bus for a 30-minute ride up the winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. This visit follows Circuit 1, taking you to the upper terraces, where you’ll witness the most iconic and widely photographed panoramic views of the citadel, perfectly framed by the surrounding peaks.

As the afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the stones of this ancient marvel, your expert guide will provide a deep and inspiring introduction to Machu Picchu, its sacred purpose, ingenious construction, and spiritual significance in the Inca world. You’ll have about 2 hours to explore, absorbing the beauty, silence, and mystery of this extraordinary place.

Afterward, return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a relaxing evening. Unwind at your hotel, stroll the charming streets, or enjoy a warm meal as you reflect on the magic of your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

• Accomodation: Inti Punko Hotel or Similar
• Meals.  Breakfast and Lunch.
• Tickets. Included

Day 2: Sunrise at Machu Picchu – Guided Tour – Return to Cusco

Today starts before dawn with an exciting purpose: to witness sunrise at Machu Picchu, one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in the Andes. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll board the shuttle bus for the winding journey up to the ancient citadel, arriving in the peaceful morning light, when the air is cool, the mountain mist lingers, and the crowds are still distant.

If the weather allows, you may be treated to a magical sunrise over the surrounding peaks, casting a golden glow over the stone walls of Machu Picchu and filling the site with a quiet, otherworldly energy. It's a moment of reflection, reverence, and wonder, a true highlight of your journey.

You’ll enter via Circuit 2, the most complete and scenic route available. This popular path covers nearly all the essential highlights of the sanctuary, so we strongly recommend booking at least 4–5 months in advance to secure access.

Your 2.5-hour guided tour begins at the upper terraces, where you’ll take those iconic postcard photos. From there, your expert guide will bring the citadel to life as you explore the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Royal Quarters, agricultural terraces. You’ll learn about the Inca's profound connection to the cosmos, their sophisticated stonework, and the mysteries that still surround this lost city.

For those craving even more adventure, you may have pre-booked the optional hike to Huayna Picchu ($75 USD). This steep and exhilarating trail climbs to the jagged peak overlooking Machu Picchu, rewarding you with a bird’s-eye view of the entire site. The hike takes about 2 hours round-trip and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or vertigo. The best conditions are between May and October.

After your visit, you’ll descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own at one of the town’s many cozy cafés or restaurants. In the afternoon, board your Expedition train for a scenic return to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

You’ll arrive around 7:30 PM, bringing this extraordinary journey to a close, with your heart full of awe, your camera full of photos, and your soul forever touched by the magic of the Incas.

• Accomodation: None
• Meals. Only breakfast at Hotel.
• Tickets. Included