- Tour
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days from Cusco
- 2 days
- Two days of Andean magic
Minimum 2 persons
Easy
Tour
2 days
Embark on an immersive two-day odyssey through the heart of Peru: the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. On the first day, explore the bustling Andean markets, the terraced ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, meet local artisans and ride a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. On the second day, enjoy a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu with a guided tour, allowing you to delve into Inca engineering, astronomy and spirituality. Return to Cusco enriched with unforgettable views and cultural insights.
Overview
Highlights
- Pisac archaeological complex: stroll among terraces and delicately crafted ceremonial structures perched high above the valley and learn about Inca engineering and spirituality.
- Pisac traditional handicraft market: Explore colorful hand-woven textiles, silver jewelry and ceramics made by local Quechua artisans. An ideal place to buy authentic souvenirs.
- Panoramic buffet lunch in Urubamba: Enjoy a regional buffet lunch with Andean dishes such as quinoa, alpaca and tamales, with breathtaking views of the mountains.
- Ollantaytambo Fortress: Discover this living Inca village and its fortress-temple complex, an architectural marvel that served both military and ceremonial purposes.
- Train ride to Aguas Calientes: Travel along the Urubamba River on a glass-roofed train, which offers unparalleled views of the Andes and cloud forest.
- Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Avoid the crowds with early access to the Lost City, where the morning light illuminates the stone temples and misty ridges.
- Guided exploration of Machu Picchu: Delve into the history of the ancient city with a certified guide who will reveal its astronomical, agricultural and mystical secrets.
Itinerary breakdown
- Day 1 – Sacred Valley Circuit
A cultural and scenic immersion in the Sacred Valley. Visit two important archaeological sites, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and discover traditional Andean life and crafts. A scenic train ride ends the day, taking travelers to the jungle gateway of Machu Picchu. - Day 2 – The Machu Picchu Experience
Wake up early to enter Machu Picchu during the quietest and most evocative hours. A comprehensive guided tour will take you through temples, plazas and terraces. Optional mountain hikes and time for personal exploration complete the experience before returning to Cusco.
The best time to visit
The best time to enjoy this tour is between April and November, when the region is in its dry season. Skies are usually clear, which is ideal for both photography and hiking. April and May are especially picturesque, with green landscapes lingering from the rainy season. June through August sees peak tourism, which is ideal for enjoying vibrant energy, but booking in advance is necessary due to high demand. September and October offer excellent weather with less crowds. Although the rainy season (December to March) is less predictable, it provides a unique and misty charm to Machu Picchu and is still accessible with proper preparation.
More information in: The best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Cusco → Sacred Valley → Aguas Calientes
Your journey begins with hotel pick-up at around 7:30 a.m. After a scenic drive through the Andean highlands, you will arrive in Pisac, where you will explore a majestic Inca archaeological site overlooking the valley. You will then descend to the town for a stroll through its bustling artisan market. From there, you will continue to Urubamba to enjoy a delicious lunch buffet with Andean specialties. Next stop is Ollantaytambo, where a professional guide will take you to visit the ancient fortress and ceremonial temples. In the late afternoon, you will board a comfortable train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, with panoramic views of the jungle-covered mountains. Upon arrival, you will check into a charming 3-star hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore the town.
Day 2 - Exploration of Machu Picchu → Return to Cusco
Get up early to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu and arrive at the site as the sun begins to illuminate the ruins. Enjoy a 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour covering key sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Royal Residence and the sacred Intihuatana stone. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or take a hike to another mountain (if booked in advance). Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch or some last minute shopping before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your driver will be waiting for you at the station to take you to your hotel in Cusco, where you will arrive between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Inclusions
What is included
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Private transportation (Cusco ↔ Sacred Valley).
- Entrance fees to Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Expedition or Voyager train to/from Aguas Calientes.
- 1 night in a 3 star hotel (Aguas Calientes).
- Round trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu)
- Entrada a Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (~3 hours)
- Pick up and transfer to hotel in Cusco
What is not included
- Meals not mentioned (dinner on day 1, lunch on day 2)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs)
Inclusions on a daily basis
Day 1: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, buffet lunch, train ticket, hotel, etc.
Day 2: Early bus, entrance to Machu Picchu, guided tour, return train, transfer to Machu Picchu.
Prices & Upgrades
The tour is priced at approximately US$399 to US$450 per person, based on double occupancy in a 3-star hotel. Rates depend on the season, the hotel selected and the category of the train. Groups are small (between 4 and 8 travelers) to offer a more personalized experience, although private tours are also available for a supplement. Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability, especially in high season.
Additional items & upgrades
- Upgrade to Vistadome or 360° panoramic train: +30-60 $.
- Permiso para Huayna Picchu o la montaña Machu Picchu: +75 $
- Hotel upgrade (to 4★ or boutique accommodation): +40-80 $.
- Private tour service: on request
- Extra night in Cusco or Aguas Calientes: upon request
Packing list
To travel
- Original passport (required for the train and entrance to Machu Picchu)
- Lightweight and breathable clothing
- Warm clothing (mornings and afternoons are cool)
- Waterproof jacket or poncho.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
- Insect repellent.
- Backpack with water and snacks.
- Camera with charger or spare batteries.
- Personal medications.
- Low denomination bills in Peruvian soles.
Travel Info
Informative meetings
Although it is not necessary to attend a face-to-face briefing, travelers receive a detailed digital itinerary and confirmations. An optional pre-tour meeting can be arranged the night before in Cusco.
Pickups
Pick up at the hotel in Cusco at approximately 7:00 am. Be ready in the lobby with the essentials in your suitcase.
Return to Cusco
We expect to arrive in Cusco between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. on the second day, depending on the train schedule and traffic on the road.
Machu Picchu Entrance Hours
The standard tour uses Circuit 2, the most complete route through Machu Picchu. Entrance is by shifts; the early shift (6-7 a.m.) allows you to enjoy the best conditions and less crowds.
Senderismo Huayna Picchu o montaña Machu Picchu
Optional excursions must be booked months in advance. Huayna Picchu is shorter (steep, 1.5 h), while Machu Picchu mountain is longer but less vertical (2-3 h). Both offer spectacular views.
Health
In Cuzco and the Sacred Valley there may be mild altitude effects. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals at the beginning and take it easy upon arrival. The lower altitude of Machu Picchu makes it easier on the body.
Group tours
Group tours are only for the Sacred Valley on day 1. Machu Picchu tours are private.
Strikes
Occasional strikes may affect roads or railroads. The operator oversees all travel logistics and can adjust schedules to avoid disruptions.
Lost and found
Label your belongings and keep valuables in your backpack. Lost objects on the trains or in Machu Picchu are difficult to recover.
Tips
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Tip: $10 per traveler for the guide, $3-5 for the driver.
Travel insurance
Highly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical emergencies, cancellations and weather-related delays.
Weather
Days are warm (16-22°C) and mornings and nights are cooler (8-12°C). Rainfall is scarce during the dry season, but possible throughout the year in the cloud forest.
Altitude
Cuzco is at 3,400m, the Sacred Valley is lower (2,800m) and Machu Picchu is at 2,430m. Most travelers adapt well with adequate hydration and rest.
How to avoid altitude sickness?
Arrive in Cuzco at least 1 day before to acclimatize. Drink coca tea, eat lightly and avoid overexertion during the first day.
How to get to Cusco?
Most travelers fly to Lima and then take a one-hour domestic flight to Cuzco. LATAM, Sky and JetSmart offer multiple daily departures. Overland travelers can take buses from Arequipa or Puno.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in good shape for this tour?
Is one night enough to visit Machu Picchu?
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this tour?
What type of hotels are included?
Is the tour suitable for children or senior citizens?
Can anyone help me with train tickets and Machu Picchu?
Can I store my luggage during the tour?
What happens if it rains?
Sacred Valley and 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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