Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (2Days)

A unique experience discovering the history and mysteries of the Imperial City

Tour Details
Itinerary
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FAQs

Tour Details

The 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is an ideal experience for those who want to combine in a single trip the cultural and scenic richness of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. On the first day you’ll explore picturesque Andean towns, traditional markets, and archaeological sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, while enjoying impressive views of the Vilcanota River and the surrounding mountains. The second day is dedicated to exploring the world wonder in depth, with a train and bus journey to Machu Picchu, where you’ll discover its temples, terraces, and viewpoints on a guided tour full of history and mysticism.

What’s included?

  • ✅ Pick-up from hotel in Cusco
  • ✅ Sacred Valley tour (transportation, guide, entrances)
  • ✅ Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • ✅ Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • ✅ Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • ✅ Professional guide in Machu Picchu
  • ✅ Return transportation Ollanta – Cusco
  • ✅ Transfer back to hotel in Cusco
  • ✅ Accommodation in Basic Hotel

What’s not included?

  • ⛔ Meals: lunches and dinners
  • ⛔ Entrance to the hot springs (S/ 20 soles)

Important Recommendations

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
  • ➡️ Original passport and migration card (TAM).
  • ➡️ Wear sneakers or light shoes.
  • ➡️ Drink plenty of fluids during your excursions.
  • ➡️ Raincoat (long poncho) in the rainy season
  • ➡️ Long-sleeve shirts.
  • ➡️ Long pants.
  • ➡️ Insect repellent.
  • ➡️ Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat for sunny days.
  • ➡️ Binoculars.
  • ➡️ Sunglasses, plastic bags.
  • ➡️ Medicine and/or personal items (contact lens solution).
  • ➡️ A light backpack or small bag.
  • ➡️ Camera or camcorder and film.
  • ➡️ Keep small-denomination checks and coins in soles or dollars handy.
  • ➡️ Swimsuit for the hot springs (optional).

Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or coordinated meeting point in the historic center.

Tour itinerary: Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Important: This 2-day tour combines the cultural exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the experience of visiting Machu Picchu, including train and bus transport, entrances, and professional guiding.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes

Pick-up from the hotel between 6:30 and 7:00 am to begin the tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop in Chinchero to visit the royal estate of Inca Túpac Yupanqui, its square, and colonial temple. Continue to Moray, an Inca agricultural experimentation center with circular terraces, and then visit the Maras Salt Mines, impressive for their landscape and historical value. Descend to the valley to enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba. In the afternoon, arrive at Ollantaytambo to tour its fortress, temples, and stone canals. Transfer to the station and train ride (2 hours) to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Estimated activity time: 10 hours of touring and guided visits.
Maximum altitude: 3,762 masl (Chinchero).

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early breakfast at the accommodation. Ascent by bus (30 minutes) to the citadel of Machu Picchu to begin a guided tour of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and finally descend to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo and then transfer by bus to Cusco. Approximate arrival time: Between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,430 masl.

Photo Gallery

Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.

Practical Information

Tour Data

  • Duration: 2 days and 1 night
  • Walking distance: Short walks at archaeological sites and Machu Picchu (approximately 5 km total)
  • Maximum altitude: 3,762 meters (Chinchero)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate – includes cultural and archaeological visits; suitable for most visitors with normal mobility
  • Minimum age: From 8 years old
  • Maximum group: 16 people

What to Bring

  • Original ID or passport (mandatory for all entrances)
  • Light clothing for the day and a warm layer for the night in Aguas Calientes
  • Windbreaker or rain jacket
  • Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle (maximum 600 ml in Machu Picchu, per regulations)
  • Comfortable footwear with good sole, preferably light trekking shoes
  • Light snacks (allowed outside archaeological areas)
  • Cash (soles) for purchases or additional expenses
  • Camera or phone with rain protection
  • Small daypack

Health Recommendations

  • Arrive in Cusco at least 1–2 days beforehand for better acclimatization
  • Stay hydrated throughout the tour
  • Walk at a moderate pace and take breaks as needed
  • Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
  • Not recommended for people with severe heart or respiratory problems without medical authorization
  • Respect conservation rules at all visited sites

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost

No show: No refund

Frequently Asked Questions

What fitness level do I need?
The 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is of easy to moderate difficulty. It includes bus transfers and short walks at archaeological sites and Machu Picchu. It is suitable for people with normal mobility and no serious medical conditions.
What is the best time to go?
It can be done all year round. The dry season (May–September) offers clearer skies and stable weather, while in the rainy season (December–March) the landscape is greener but with possible rainfall.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, the Cusco Tourist Ticket (for the Sacred Valley), and train tickets are limited. We recommend booking 3–4 weeks in advance, and longer in high season (June–August).
What if it rains during the tour?
The tour is not canceled due to rain. It is recommended to bring a rain poncho or windbreaker/rain jacket and protect personal items in waterproof bags. Rain can make stairs and trails more slippery.
Are the tickets included?
Yes, the package includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the Cusco Tourist Ticket (for Sacred Valley sites), and train and bus transfers as contracted. Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional and must be reserved and paid separately, subject to availability.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket required?
Yes. To visit the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley it is mandatory to have the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which is included in the package.
Can I rent equipment?
Special equipment is not required for this tour as in long treks. However, trekking poles can be rented for extra comfort, always with rubber tips to avoid damaging the path.
What about my luggage?
It is recommended to carry only a small backpack with what you need each day (water, sunscreen, camera, etc.). Main luggage can remain at your hotel in Cusco or, if you prefer, you may take it to Aguas Calientes for the overnight stay.
Are there water, bathrooms, and signal along the route?
At the Sacred Valley archaeological sites there are restrooms in nearby areas, and in Aguas Calientes and at the Machu Picchu entrance there are bathrooms (additional cost). Inside the citadel there are no toilets. It is recommended to bring a small bottled water and keep your phone charged, though signal is intermittent in some areas.
USD 349 Price per adult

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