See the best of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in an easy 2‑day tour by car and train. Explore Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo with a friendly local guide, then stay the night in Aguas Calientes. The next day, enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu on the best available circuit for your date.
We keep groups small, pick you up at your hotel, and handle all logistics—transport, timing, and entry coordination—so you can relax and take in the views. It’s a smooth, memorable trip that fits a lot into two comfortable days without feeling rushed.
2-day tour Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu from Cusco
Your trip starts in Cusco and continues to an alpaca farm to see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Next, you will go to the Taray lookout for beautiful views of the valley, visit the Pisac Inca site, and explore the Pisac Market for handmade crafts.
After lunch in Urubamba, you will visit the circular farming terraces of Moray and the Maras salt mines, where families have collected salt for many years. You will also visit Ollantaytambo, a historic Inca town with impressive stone structures. In the evening, a train will take you to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
The second day, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Our expert tour guides will show you around the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The tour with a guide lasts for two to three hours and shows you the best temples, houses, terraces, and views at Machu Picchu.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Pisac, Moray, Salineras Maras, and Ollantaytambo
- Marvel at local markets and alpaca farms
- Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning with an expert guide
- Experience real Peruvian culture, from local markets to hidden Inca sites.
- Enjoy nature, history, and art in a 2-day experience.
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Visit the Sacred Valley and take the train to Aguas Calientes
- We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am.
- You can meet llamas and alpacas on a farm, and then you can take a break at Mirador Taray to enjoy the peaceful mountain views.
- After seeing the Pisac ruins and market, you can enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Explore Moray terraces, the Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo.
- Take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a nice 3-star hotel.
Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu and go back to Cusco
- Get up early to catch the bus to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise.
- You will explore the famous Inca citadel with an expert guide, then explore or walk Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on your own.
- After lunch in Aguas Calientes, take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Then, take a van to Cusco, where you should arrive around 7:00 pm.
*Train schedules and the assigned circuit in Machu Picchu depend on availability at the time of booking. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. Entrance tickets are first‑come, first‑served, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.
Included
- Pick-up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco (Door-to-door service)
- All transportation from hotel to hotel
- Cusco Tourist Ticket III - Entrance fee to Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo
- Entrance fee to Maras salt mines
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu citadel
- Professional bilingual guide for 2 days
- Buffet lunch on Day 1
- Dinner in a local restaurant on Day 1
- Round-trip Expedition train
- Taxes included
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned
- Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets
- Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Travel Insurance
Machu Picchu Circuit included
- Circuit 2: This is the most comprehensive route to visit Machu Picchu. It allows you to visit the lower observatory, the Quarry, the Square of Temples, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Niches, the Warehouses, the Water Mirrors, the Temple of the Condor, and the possibility of having 360° views of Machu Picchu!
It is the most popular option as it allows you to visit almost the entire archaeological complex. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. For more details, visit Machu Picchu Entrances & Circuits 2026.
Extra Upgrades and Hikes You Can Do After Machu Picchu
- Panoramic trains (Vistadome) available as an upgrade, subject to availability.
- Private Tour: This itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and schedule, allowing you to include many other sites in the Sacred Valley during your tour. Contact us for more details.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain - $68 per person (2‑hour round‑trip).
- Machu Picchu Mountain - $68 per person (3‑hour round‑trip).
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get the best prices and best service with a 100% Peruvian tour operator company.
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professionals and fluent in English.
- TreXperience always has a solution: Contact us, we always have other tour options for you.
- Want more?: We can provide you with a Maras Moray and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Pueblo
We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m. approx. and drive for 30 minutes to the Alpaca Farm, where you will meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Our expert tour guides will explain the differences and importance of these South American camelids to Andean culture. Next, you will drive to Taray viewpoint, a perfect viewpoint to enjoy amazing views of the Sacred Valley and the Andes.
Next, we will visit the Pisac Archaeological Site, an amazing archaeological site located atop the town, where you can see impressive farming terraces shaped to fit the contours of the mountain, ancient tombs on steep slopes, temples, and aqueducts. Afterwards, you will descend to the town and explore the colorful Pisac Market, where local women from the villages sell their handmade products. This is the perfect place to shop and experience authentic Andean culture.
Our next stop is Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch made from fresh local ingredients. You will have plenty of options to choose from, including meat and vegetables, all of which are locally produced.
After lunch, we’ll visit the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,000 salt pools are still harvested by local families using traditional techniques.
To finish the day, we’ll explore Ollantaytambo, an archaeological site with temples and terraces. We also explore the town, which features ancient, narrow streets, stone paving, and water channels that have been in use since Inca times. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
At 7:00 pm, you will board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
- Entrance fees: Included
- Transportation: Tourist van and train
- Tour Guide: Professional bilingual Guide
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Hotel: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Ferre Machu Picchu or similar)
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
We will wake up early for the most important day of your trip. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive at the main entrance, you will need to present your entrance tickets and your original passport. Once inside, you will explore the best of Machu Picchu with our expert tour guides. The circuit and time will depend on your booking time, so book early to get the best circuit and times.
Our expert guides will explain the history and secrets of Machu Picchu and take you to explore the terraces, temples, and palaces. The guided tour takes 2–3 hours. After that, you will have time to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña (you can only choose one, and it is not included). Advance booking is required if you want to add these mountains.
This tour includes Circuit 2, the most comprehensive route through Machu Picchu. If it’s sold out, we’ll arrange the best available option (Circuit 1 or 3). We strongly recommend booking early since tickets and time slots sell out quickly.
After Machu Picchu, you will board the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice on your own, and board the afternoon Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private van will transfer you back to hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.
- Entrance fees: Included
- Transportation: Train and tourist van
- Tour Guide: Professional Bilingual Guide
- Meals: Not Included (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Hotel: Not Included (you must book a hotel in Cusco)
Price for the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour
Prices for this small-group tour vary depending on the room type you select: single, double, or triple, based on the number of travelers with you. Also, upgrade your train, choose your own hotel, or adjust your itinerary. Feel free to contact us for any special requests, even after booking.
Price per person:
- From US$ 500 - Adults
- From US$ 470 - Children and students
Student Discount
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 years old and students under 25 with a valid university ID. The ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
- ISIC cards are not valid.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.
Booking and payment
- Deposit: US$ 200 per person (to reserve your spot).
- The remainder can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us to see alternative payment options.
How to book
To book this tour:
- Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option of your choice (group or private service).
- Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
- Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.
Similar tours you might be interested in
Places we visit during the Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu tour
Llama and Alpaca Farm
A living museum near Cusco. See llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos up close. Learn how locals spin, dye with natural colors, and weave fine textiles. You’ll also hear about their roles in food, transport, and Andean ceremony.
Taray Viewpoint
Set around 3,200 m (10,495 ft) on the Pisac–Cusco road, Taray looks over the Urubamba Valley and the high Andes. It’s a great photo stop with sweeping views of Inca terraces carved into the hillsides, clear proof of smart land use.
Pisac Archaeological Site
About 33 km (20 mi) from Cusco, and it is around 3,300 m (10,826 ft), Pisac stands out for its vast terraces that controlled erosion and supported farming. Explore temples, baths, altars, and the Intihuatana, likely used for astronomy and timekeeping.
Pisac Market
In Pisac town at 2,972 m (9,751 ft), this daily market is known for Andean textiles, pottery, clothing, and jewelry. Sundays are the busiest, with farmers selling fresh produce. Expect hand-made alpaca and llama wool pieces and silverwork.
Moray Terraces
Over 3,450 m (11,319 ft), Moray’s circular depressions form terraces that create distinct microclimates. The Incas likely used this as an agricultural lab to test crops under different conditions, an early study in diversity and adaptation.
Maras salt mines
Near Moray at 3,300 m (10,827 ft), thousands of pans fed by a salty spring have produced salt since pre-Inca times. Workers still harvest by hand as water evaporates, keeping traditional methods alive.
Ollantaytambo (Last Living Inca Citadel)
At 2,792 m (9,161 ft) and around 60 km from Cusco, this town preserves Inca urban design. Climb terraces to the Sun Temple built under Pachacuti; see storehouses and baths below. Named a TIME World’s Greatest Place in 2023.
Machu Picchu (Lost Inca City)
At 2,430 m, this 15th-century citadel above the Urubamba River holds 200+ structures with masterful dry-stone work. Rediscovered in 1911, it’s a UNESCO site with managed routes and limited entry to protect its setting.
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour – Packing List
For the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 days tour, travel with a small carry‑on and a comfortable daypack.
Train companies have size and weight limits for luggage. We recommend a small bag or carry‑on of around 8 kg, as you are responsible for moving it between the vehicle, hotel, and train.
On Day 1, we recommend checking out of your Cusco hotel on the morning of the tour and storing your large luggage there, most hotels guard them at no cost. If you will move to a different hotel after the tour, you can store your large suitcase with us; we will keep it safely, and when we return you can pick it up from our storage and continue to your new hotel in Cusco.
Your carry on will stay in the vehicle while we explore the Sacred Valley and then go with you on the train to Aguas Calientes.
- On Day 2, check out of your hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and store your carry‑on at reception while visit Machu Picchu with your daypack. This way you enjoy Machu Picchu light and hands‑free. After the visit, collect your carry‑on from the Aguas Calientes hotel before boarding the train.
Essentials in the daypack
Your daypack is essential. Use it for the guided visits in the Sacred Valley and while visiting Machu Picchu.
- Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)
- Rain gear (poncho or rain jacket)
- Sunscreen, hat/cap, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Extra money (for snacks and gifts)
- Camera or phone for photos (optional but recommended)
- Dried fruit or other snacks
- Tissues/toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Items in the Carry-on
Pack two days of clothes in the carry‑on.
- Light and warm clothes for two days (mornings can be cold)
- Quick‑dry shorts or pants
- Breathable shirts (long and short sleeves)
- Fleece or light jacket for cool mornings and afternoons
- Rain jacket or shell
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes and moisture‑wicking socks
- Swimwear (if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
With this list, you’ll be ready for short walks and quick‑changing weather on our 2‑day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour. Enjoy your trip, and remember to pack light for comfort.
Useful information about the 2-day tour, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Find essential travel information, tips, and insider advice to enhance your journey through Incan history and stunning Andean scenery. Ready to create memories that will last a lifetime? Start your adventure here!
All about Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco)
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) is a single pass that covers entry to multiple archaeological sites and museums. It’s issued by COSITUC (Comité de Servicios Integrados Turísticos Culturales Cusco). You’ll need it to visit most major sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Ticket types:
- Partial I – Sacsayhuamán Park (valid 1 day): Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay. S/ 70 foreign / S/ 40 national. Best for the “Four Ruins” near the city.
- Partial II – City & South Valley (valid 2 days): Qorikancha Site Museum, Regional History Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Popular Art Museum, Qosqo Center of Native Art, Pachacútec Monument, Tipón, Pikillaqta. S/ 70 foreign / S/ 40 national. Great if you want museums plus Tipón & Pikillaqta.
- Partial III – Sacred Valley (valid 2 days): Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray. S/ 70 foreign / S/ 40 national. This is the one we include on our Sacred Valley tour.
- Integral – Full Ticket (valid 10 days): Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Qorikancha Site Museum, Regional History Museum (Casa Garcilaso), Contemporary Art Museum, Popular Art Museum, Qosqo Center of Native Art, Pachacútec Monument, Tipón, Pikillaqta, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray. S/ 130 foreign / S/ 70 national. Covers all three circuits.
What tickets are included on this tour
During this 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, we include the tickets you need to enter the main sites we explore.
- Day 1 – Sacred Valley: Cusco Tourist Ticket – Partial III (Pisac, Moray, Ollantaytambo) is included in the tour price.
- Maras salt mines (Salineras): Not part of the BTC, but the entrance is included in your tour.
- Day 2 – Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu entrance with Circuit 2 is included by default. If it’s sold out, we’ll secure Circuit 1 or Circuit 3 for the same date/time and confirm it on your voucher.
Machu Picchu entry: circuits, time slots & one-way routes
Since June 1, 2024, entry uses 3 circuits with 10 one-way routes. You must follow the route printed on your ticket and there is no re-entry once you exit. We aim for Circuit 2; if it’s sold out, we’ll book the best available option for your date/time. Booking early gives you the best choice of circuit and morning slots.
Circuit 1 — Panoramic (viewpoints)
- 1-A Machu Picchu Mountain: Citadel access + mountain hike with wide panoramas. Max visit time: up to 7 h.
- 1-B Upper Terraces: High viewpoints and classic photos; less time in the urban sector. Max: 2 h 30 m.
- 1-C Intipunku (Sun Gate): Panoramic approach; high season only. Max: 4 h.
- 1-D Inca Bridge: Short walk to the bridge viewpoint; high season only. Max: 3 h.
Best for: Elevated postcard views or the Mountain hike.
Circuit 2 — Classic (citadel-focused) — default
- 2-A Designed: Complete guided walk through key areas (Intiwatana, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor) plus lookouts. Max: 2 h 30 m.
- 2-B Lower Terraces: Similar depth with lower-terrace panoramas. Max: 2 h 30 m.
Why default: The richest walk through the heart of Machu Picchu in a comfortable time window.
Circuit 3 — Lower entrance / urban areas (mountain add-ons)
- 3-A Huayna Picchu: Citadel access + Huayna Picchu hike. Max: up to 6 h.
- 3-B Designed (lower sector): Important temples and urban areas with gentler gradients. Max: 2 h 30 m.
- 3-C Great Cavern / Temple of the Moon: Long hike on the Huayna side; high season only. Max: 7 h.
- 3-D Huchuy Picchu: Shorter hike on the Huayna side; high season only. Max: 3 h 30 m.
Time slots & tips: Entries are hourly. Please arrive before your assigned time, use the restrooms before you enter, and bring only a small daypack. Once you exit, you cannot re-enter.
The bus up to Machu Picchu (how it works)
On the first day we explore the Sacred Valley and reach Aguas Calientes at night to check in at the hotel. Next morning, enjoy breakfast and board the shuttle buses to Machu Picchu. The first buses leave Aguas Calientes around 5:30 am and then run every few minutes; your round-trip bus ticket is included in the tour.
Expect lines in high season; your guide will set a meeting time so you arrive comfortably for your assigned entry slot.
There is also a hiking trail up and down to Machu Picchu. While popular, we don’t recommend hiking on this itinerary—it takes time and energy you’ll want for your guided visit. Our 2-day tour includes the shuttle both ways so you travel comfortably and save time.
Train classes & upgrades (Expedition vs. Vistadome)
There are two train companies to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer standard tourist services and panoramic options. Our tour includes round-trip tourist class by default, and you can upgrade if you wish.
We usually use PeruRail because they have more schedules and availability; depending on dates, we may also use Inca Rail Voyager. Our standard service is the PeruRail Expedition. If you’d like an upgrade, the best value is often to upgrade one way (usually the return) for daylight views.
Upgrade options:
- Vistadome: Panoramic windows, comfortable seats, light snacks.
- Vistadome Observatory: Panoramic coach with observatory car, live music and onboard show.
- Hiram Bingham: Luxury service with gourmet meals, bar-observatory car and live music.
Luggage, daypacks & what’s allowed inside Machu Picchu
Travel light: the trains allow 1 small carry-on up to 8 kg / 115 cm (height + length + width). Larger bags should stay at your hotel in Cusco/Sacred Valley or in our storage.
Inside Machu Picchu, bring only a small daypack (max 40 × 35 × 20 cm). No food, drones, tripods or selfie-sticks are permitted inside the citadel. Keep your passport and ticket handy for checks.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
We usually arrive in Aguas Calientes around 8:45 pm, check in and rest for the next day. Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is a small, walkable town—no taxis or public traffic—and most hotels are close to the train and bus stations, so it can feel lively and noisy.
We work with top-rated 3-star hotels such as Ferre Machu Picchu. The final hotel name is confirmed closer to your date based on availability and group size. You can request specific hotels or ask for an upgrade.
Meals & dietary needs on this specific tour
Day 1: Buffet lunch with plenty of local options is included. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo with multiple choices.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel is included. If you have an early entry to Machu Picchu, you can request a boxed breakfast. Lunch on Day 2 is not included so you can choose where to eat.
We happily cater to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets—please tell us your needs when you book.
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this 2-day tour?
Yes—if permits are available for your travel dates. Request the add-on when you book. We’ll check availability as soon as we receive your reservation; if the hike is available, we’ll secure it, and if not, we’ll let you know and refund the hike fee.
Please note: you can add only one extra hike (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) per day.
What if Circuit 2 isn’t available on my date?
We’ll reserve the best available circuit for your tour. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will offer Circuit 1 or Circuit 3 for the same date/time and confirm it on your voucher—your guide will adapt the visit so you still enjoy a complete experience.
Do I need to be in good physical shape to take the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour?
Not at all. The tour involves moderate walking around archaeological sites and along marked paths—no strenuous trekking. Anyone in basic physical condition can enjoy it; wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and take your time. Our guide keeps a relaxed, steady pace.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley?
It depends on your preferences. The dry season (April–October) offers sunnier days and clearer views but is also the busiest. The green season (November–March) is lush with occasional showers and fewer people. We operate year-round—book early for June–August and holidays.
Is the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. The itinerary suits children and seniors. Some areas have steps and uneven stone, but we move at an easy pace and take regular breaks. Tell us any needs at booking and we’ll plan the most comfortable experience for your group.
Can I end the tour in Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco?
Yes, that’s possible. We can drop you at Ollantaytambo Station on the return trip.
If you’re staying overnight in the Sacred Valley, we can also arrange a private transfer to your accommodation for an additional fee—just let us know when booking.