General Description

Journey Highlights

• ✨ Explore the top attractions of the Sacred Valley in just one day
• 🏔️ Visit Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo
• 🦙 Meet llamas and alpacas at a traditional Andean farm
• 🚆 Enjoy a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes
• 🌅 Discover Machu Picchu with a professional guide
• 🎒 Perfect for travelers with limited time in Cusco

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Expedition Summary

Day 1: Explore the Sacred Valley and Transfer to Aguas Calientes

• Pick up at 7:00 am from your hotel in Cusco or the sacred valley.
• Take amazing photos from the Taray viewpoint
• Visit Pisac ruins and its market
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
• Visit the Moray circles, and the Maras salt mines
• Finally visit fortress of Ollantaytambo
• Take the train for an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

• Rise early to board the shuttle to the citadel.
• Guided tour in Machupicchu citadel (2 hours approx)
• Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability/only if you requested it in advance).
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train back to Ollantaytambo
• Private transportation to Cusco

Why Choose This Tour?

• Combines the Sacred Valley Tour and Machu Picchu Tour in only 2 days
• Small groups and personalized service
• Comfortable hotel included in Aguas Calientes
• Expert bilingual guides
• Ideal itinerary for first-time visitors to Peru
• Stress-free logistics with transport, train, and guided visits included

Complete Itinerary: 2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Pueblo

🚐 Early Morning: Hotel Pickup in Cusco (07:00)

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco as you set off on one of the most complete Sacred Valley tours from Cusco.

🦙 Cultural Experience: Alpaca Farm Visit

Visit a traditional Andean farm where you’ll encounter iconic camelids such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.

📸 Scenic Stop: Taray Viewpoint

Continue to the breathtaking Taray Viewpoint, one of the best panoramic spots in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, offering sweeping views of agricultural terraces and surrounding mountains.

🏛️ Archaeological Exploration: Pisac Ruins

Discover the impressive Pisac, a remarkable Inca citadel perched high above the valley. Explore ancient terraces, ceremonial temples, and intricate irrigation systems while learning about Inca engineering and spirituality.

🛍️ Local Culture: Pisac Market

Descend into the town of Pisac and explore its vibrant artisan market—one of the most famous in the region.

🍽️ Lunch in the Sacred Valley

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring a variety of local dishes prepared with fresh Andean ingredients.

🌱 Inca Innovation: Moray Terraces

In the afternoon, visit Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site known for its circular terraces. Believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory.

🧂 Cultural Heritage: Maras Salt Mines

Continue to the iconic Maras Salt Mines, where more than 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside.

🏰 Final Stop: Ollantaytambo

End your Sacred Valley exploration in Ollantaytambo, known as a living Inca town. Wander through its ancient streets and admire the massive stone terraces.

🚆 Evening: Train to Aguas Calientes

Board the train to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable hotel and rest before the highlight of your journey.

📍 Day 1 Summary

• Pickup Time: 07:00 am approx
• Transport: Private vehicle + train
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Highlights: Pisac, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo

Day 2: Discover Machu Picchu – Return Journey to Cusco

🌅 Early Morning: Visit Machu Picchu

After breakfast, take the shuttle bus up to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🏛️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Enjoy a 2 hour guided tour led by a professional expert. Explore the most important sectors of the citadel, including temples, terraces, ceremonial areas, and panoramic viewpoints. Learn about the history, architecture, and mysteries of the Inca civilization.

NOTE: The standard experience usually follows Circuit 2, considered the most complete route within Machu Picchu.

⛰️ Optional Hikes (Pre-booking Required – ask to our team)

For a more adventurous experience, you may choose to hike:

• Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Machu Picchu Mountain

(Optional and subject to availability)

🍽️ Return to Aguas Calientes

After the guided tour, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and some free time to explore the town.

🚆 Afternoon: Train Back to Cusco

Board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Arrival is expected around 7:30 pm.

📍 Day 2 Summary

• Activities: Machu Picchu guided tour
• Meals: Breakfast
• Transport: Shuttle bus + train + private vehicle
• Drop off: 7:30 pm approx
• Highlights: Machu Picchu, panoramic views, Inca history

Included Services

• Pickup and drop-off at your Cusco hotel
• Transportation during the trip
• Cusco partial tourist ticket
• Entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines
• Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu sanctuary
• One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Round-trip shuttle bus in Machupicchu town
• Professional guide for the tours
• Buffet lunch on the first day
• Restaurant dinner on the first evening
• Round-trip train tickets

Not Included

• Breakfast on Day 1 and Lunch on Day 2
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips
• Hotel in Cusco

Upgrades for an extra cost

• Option to upgrade to Panoramic trains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (2‑hour and half round‑trip hike).
• Machu Picchu Mountain (3‑hour round‑trip hike).

Suggested Packing List – Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Due to varying weather conditions across the Andes—from cool mornings in the Sacred Valley to warmer, humid conditions in Machu Picchu—we recommend packing light, smart, and efficiently.

🎒 What to Bring (Essentials)

Make sure you carry the following must-have items for a smooth and comfortable journey:

• Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
• Comfortable daypack (small backpack for daily use)
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Sunscreen & lip balm (high UV protection recommended)
• Power bank / portable charger
• Cash in Peruvian Soles (for personal expenses, markets, tips)
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Insect repellent (especially for Machu Picchu area)
• Personal medication (always keep in your daypack)
• Snacks or energy bars for the journey

🧥 Clothing Recommendations (Layering System)

• Warm jacket (down or insulated) for early mornings and evenings
• Fleece or mid-layer for temperature control
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (essential year-round)
• Lightweight breathable clothing for daytime
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Sunglasses with UV protection

🧳 Luggage Guidelines & Travel Tips

For this Machu Picchu 2-day tour, train regulations limit luggage size, so packing efficiently is essential:

• Carry-on limit: approx. 5 kg (11 lb) per person on the train
• Main luggage: We recommend leaving large suitcases at your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer free storage)
• Alternative storage: If changing hotels, we can securely store your luggage at our office

💡 Pro Travel Tip

Travel light and prioritize essentials—this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu packing list is designed to help you stay comfortable, organized, and ready for every moment of your adventure.

Practical Information: 2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

Plan your journey with confidence. This section provides essential travel information, logistics, and expert tips to help you make the most of your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco, ensuring a smooth and well-organized experience from start to finish.

🎟️ Entrance Tickets Included

Your 2-day Machu Picchu tour package includes all necessary entrance fees:

• Sacred Valley sites (Pisac, Moray, Ollantaytambo) – Partial Ticket III (2 days)
• Entry to the Maras Salt Mines
• Official entrance to Machu Picchu citadel

By default, we include Circuit 2, the most complete route inside Machu Picchu. If unavailable, Circuit 1 or 3 will be arranged with the same schedule.

🏛️ Machu Picchu Circuits Explained

To preserve the site, Machu Picchu operates with fixed circuits. Visitors must follow the assigned route, and re-entry is not permitted once you exit.

• Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Best for classic postcard views
• Circuit 2 (Classic): The most comprehensive route (recommended)
• Circuit 3 (Lower): Includes access to additional hikes

🚆 Train Services (Included & Upgrades)

Your tour includes tourist-class train service, one of the most scenic routes in Peru:

• Included: PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager

Optional upgrades available:

• Vistadome: Panoramic windows + onboard service
• Vistadome Observatory: Entertainment and open viewing car
• Hiram Bingham: Luxury train with gourmet dining and premium service

🏨 Accommodation in Aguas Calientes

You will stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes town, a charming town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

• Clean, well-located hotels
• Easy walking access to restaurants, markets, and bus station
• Optional upgrades to 4★ or 5★ hotels available upon request in advance

🍽️ Meals & Dietary Options

Your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour includes selected meals:

• Day 1: Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley + dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel

– Lunch on Day 2 is not included, giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants.

Dietary requirements: We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Please inform us in advance when booking.

1. Do I need to book this 2-day Machu Picchu tour in advance?

Yes, we highly recommend booking your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour from Cusco in advance, especially during high season (May to September). Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train availability are limited and often sell out weeks ahead.

2. Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, this tour is considered easy to moderate. It is ideal for most travelers, including families and first-time visitors to Peru. The walking involved at Machu Picchu is manageable, but we recommend a basic level of fitness.

3. Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but these are optional add-ons and must be booked in advance due to limited availability. These hikes offer incredible panoramic views and are ideal for travelers seeking extra adventure.

4. What should I pack for this tour?

For this Sacred Valley tour and Machu Picchu trip, we recommend:

• Passport (mandatory)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light clothing + warm layers
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Small backpack

👉 Check our detailed Packing List for Machu Picchu for full recommendations.

5. Where will I stay during the tour?

You will spend one night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Upgrades to 4★ or 5★ hotels are available upon request.

6. Is altitude sickness a concern?

Cusco is located at high altitude (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), so we recommend arriving at least 1–2 days before your tour to acclimatize. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are at lower altitudes, which helps ease the transition.

7. How do I book this Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour?

You can easily reserve your spot online or contact our travel experts directly. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred dates and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.