- Tour
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days from Cusco
- 2 Days
- Two days of Andean magic
Min 2 persons
Easy
Tour
2 Days
Embark on an immersive two-day odyssey through Peru’s heart: the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. On Day 1, explore vibrant Andean markets, terraced ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, meet local artisans and ride a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Day 2 brings an early sunrise visit to Machu Picchu with a guided tour, offering a deep dive into Inca engineering, astronomy, and spirituality. Return to Cusco enriched by unforgettable vistas and cultural insights
Overview
Highlights
Pisac Archaeological Complex: Wander among finely crafted terraces and ceremonial structures perched high above the valley floor, learning about Inca engineering and spirituality.
Traditional Artisan Market in Pisac: Browse colorful handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and ceramics made by local Quechua artisans. A great spot to shop authentic souvenirs.
Scenic Buffet Lunch in Urubamba: Enjoy a regional buffet lunch featuring Andean dishes such as quinoa, alpaca, and tamales with stunning mountain views.
Ollantaytambo Fortress: Discover this living Inca village and its fortress-temple complex—an architectural marvel that served both military and ceremonial purposes.
Train Journey to Aguas Calientes: Travel alongside the Urubamba River on a glass-roofed train, offering unmatched views of the Andes and cloud forest.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Beat the crowds with early access to the Lost City, where morning light illuminates stone temples and misty ridges.
Guided Machu Picchu Exploration: Delve into the ancient city’s history with a certified guide who reveals its astronomy, agriculture, and mysticism.
Breakdown Itinerary
Day 1 – The Sacred Valley Circuit
A cultural and scenic immersion into the Sacred Valley. Visit two major archaeological sites—Pisac and Ollantaytambo—paired with insights into traditional Andean life and crafts. A scenic train ride caps off the day, transitioning travelers into the jungle gateway of Machu Picchu.Day 2 – The Machu Picchu Experience
Wake up early to enter Machu Picchu during the quietest and most atmospheric hours. A thorough guided tour walks you through temples, plazas, and terraces. Optional mountain hikes and time for personal exploration round out the experience before returning to Cusco.
Best Time to Visit
The best period to enjoy this tour is between April and November, when the region experiences its dry season. Skies are generally clear, ideal for both photography and hiking. April and May are especially scenic, with green landscapes remaining from the rainy season. June through August sees peak tourism—great for vibrant energy, but reservations should be made early due to demand. September and October offer excellent weather with fewer crowds. While the rainy season (December to March) is less predictable, it provides a unique, misty charm at Machu Picchu and is still accessible with proper preparation.
Read more at: Best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco → Sacred Valley → Aguas Calientes
Your journey begins with hotel pickup around 7:30 AM. After a scenic drive through the Andean highlands, you’ll reach Pisac, where you’ll explore a majestic Inca archaeological site overlooking the valley. Then descend into the town for a walk through its bustling artisan market. From there, continue to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch featuring Andean specialties. The next stop is Ollantaytambo, where a professional guide will lead you through the ancient fortress and ceremonial temples. In the late afternoon, board a comfortable train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, with panoramic views of the jungle-covered mountains. Upon arrival, check in to a charming 3★ hotel and enjoy a free evening to rest or explore the town.
Day 2 – Machu Picchu Exploration → Return to Cusco
Rise early to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, reaching the site as the sun begins to illuminate the ruins. Enjoy a 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour covering key sites like the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Royal Residence, and sacred Intihuatana stone. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or hike an additional mountain (if pre-booked). Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch or some last-minute shopping before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your driver will meet you at the station for a final transfer to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6:30–8:00 PM.
Inclusions
What’s Included
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Private transport (Cusco ↔ Sacred Valley)
Entry tickets to Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Expedition or Voyager train to/from Aguas Calientes
1 night in 3★ hotel (Aguas Calientes)
Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu)
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu (~3 hours)
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
What’s Not Included
Meals not mentioned (dinner Day 1, lunch Day 2)
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional add-on)
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs)
Inclusions Day by Day
Day 1: Transportation, guide, site tickets, buffet lunch, train ticket, hotel
Day 2: Early bus, Machu Picchu ticket, guided tour, return train, transfer
Prices & Upgrades
The tour starts around USD $399–$450 per person, based on double occupancy in a 3★ hotel. Rates depend on travel season, selected hotel, and train category. Group sizes are kept small (4–8 travelers) for a more personalized experience, while private tours are available for an extra fee. Booking in advance ensures availability, especially for high-season departures.
Additional items & upgrades
Upgrade to Vistadome or 360° panoramic train: +$30–$60
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permit: +$75
Hotel upgrade (to 4★ or boutique accommodation): +$40–$80
Private tour service: On request
Extra night in Cusco or Aguas Calientes: On request
Packing list
For Traveling
Original passport (required for train & Machu Picchu entry)
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Warm layer (mornings/evenings are cool)
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
Insect repellent
Daypack with water and snacks
Camera with charger or extra batteries
Personal medications
Small denominations of Peruvian soles
Travel Info
Briefings
While no in-person briefing is required, travelers receive a detailed digital itinerary and confirmations. Optional pre-tour meeting can be arranged the evening before in Cusco.
Pickups
Hotel pickup in Cusco at ~7:00 AM. Be ready in your lobby with essentials packed.
Returning to Cusco
Expect to arrive back in Cusco by 6:30–8:00 PM on Day 2, depending on train timing and road traffic.
Machu Picchu Entrance Schedules
Standard tour uses Circuit 2, the most complete route through Machu Picchu. Entry is timed; the early shift (6–7 AM) allows for best conditions and fewer crowds.
Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Optional hikes must be pre-booked months in advance. Huayna Picchu is shorter (steep, 1.5 hrs) while Machu Picchu Mountain is longer but less vertical (2–3 hrs). Both offer spectacular views.
Health
Mild altitude effects are possible in Cusco and Sacred Valley. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals initially, and take it slow upon arrival. Machu Picchu’s lower elevation makes it easier on the body.
Group Tours
Group tours are just for Sacred Valley on Day 1. Machu Picchu tours is private.
Strikes
Occasional strikes can affect roads or railways. The operator monitors all travel logistics and may adjust timings to avoid disruptions.
Lost Items
Label your belongings and keep valuables in your daypack. Lost items on trains or in Machu Picchu are difficult to recover.
Tipping
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Suggested: $10 per traveler for guide, $3–5 for driver.
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and weather-related delays.
Weather
Expect warm days (16–22°C) and cooler mornings/nights (8–12°C). Rain is rare during dry season but possible year-round in the cloud forest.
Altitude
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, Sacred Valley is lower (2,800 m), and Machu Picchu at 2,430 m. Most travelers adapt well with proper hydration and rest.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness?
Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day early to acclimate. Drink coca tea, eat light meals, and avoid overexertion during your first day.
How to Get to Cusco?
Most travelers fly to Lima, then take a 1-hour domestic flight to Cusco. LATAM, Sky, and JetSmart offer multiple daily departures. Buses from Arequipa or Puno are available for overland travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in good shape for this tour?
Is one night enough to experience Machu Picchu?
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this tour?
What kind of hotels are included?
Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Will someone help me with train and Machu Picchu tickets?
Can I store my luggage during the tour?
What happens if it rains?
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days from Cusco
- Small business & 100% local
Why choose Visit Machu Picchu?
At Visit Machu Picchu (VMP), we take great pride in being a 100% local company, with a team of knowledgeable and experienced locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty of our country with visitors from all over the world. Our commitment to our community and the people who call it home is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose to travel with us, you’re not just experiencing the best of what our country has to offer, you’re also helping to support our local economy and provide job opportunities for the people in our community.
We believe that travel is about more than just sightseeing – it’s about creating meaningful connections with the places and people we encounter along the way. As a locally-owned and operated company, we have deep roots in our community and are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that gives back as much to our community as it does to our clients. By choosing to travel with Visit Machu Picchu, you’re not just getting a great travel experience – you’re also making a positive impact on the people and places you visit.
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