Join us for an exciting two-day adventure to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. This trip is perfect for anyone looking to see some of Peru's most beautiful and historical places. The Sacred Valley contains ancient Inca sites, colorful markets, and lively villages. The highlight of our trip will be the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, a mysterious and beautiful old city high in the mountains.
On our journey, we'll visit the ancient Pisac Inca Site, where you can explore the Inca site and learn about its history. We'll also go to the Pisac market, where you can see and buy local crafts and food. Next, we will enjoy lunch in Urubamba and drive to explore the Terraces of Moray, an amazing spot where the Incas used to grow crops. We'll also see the Salineras of Maras, where salt is made from mountain water, and the old town of Ollantaytambo. On day 2, you will explore the best of Machu Picchu with an expert tour guide and return to Cusco.
This tour is a great way to see some amazing places, learn about history, and have an adventure you'll never forget. Join us to discover the wonders of Peru!
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Overview
Our 2-day tour from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu lets you explore some of Peru's most famous places. It's a great way to learn about the history and culture of the Inca people. The Sacred Valley, high in the Andes mountains close to the city of Cusco, has many old Inca sites and villages where people still live as they did hundreds of years ago. Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places in the world. It was built by the Incas long ago and is situated atop a mountain.
On this tour, you will visit many iconic places in Cusco. You'll see an Alpaca farm where you can meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. You'll also visit Mirador Taray for a great view, the Pisac Inca Site, and Pisac Market, where you can learn about the past and shop for handmade items. We'll also visit the Moray terraces, large circles in the ground that were used for farming, and the Salineras of Maras, where people have been extracting salt from water for many years. We'll stop at Ollantaytambo, an old town with lots of history.
To get to Machu Picchu, we take a train to Aguas Calientes, a small town at the base of the mountain. From there, you'll ascend by bus to Machu Picchu. Your Expert tour guide will show you around, and you can hike up to see beautiful views. Machu Picchu is a special place full of beauty and mystery.
This tour is a great way to see the Inca sites and learn about their history in just two days.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the best places in the Sacred Valley
- Pisac, Moray, Salineras Maras, Ollantaytambo
- Arrive before sunrise at Machu Picchu.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
A two-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu is a great way to experience some of Peru's most iconic and historic sites.
Day 1: Sacred Valley
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 AM.
- Visit Alpaca Farm and Mirador Taray.
- Explore the Pisac Inca site and the local handicraft market.
- Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba.
- Explore the circular terraces of Moray.
- Visit the Salineras of Maras.
- Explore the Ollantaytambo fortress and its narrow streets.
- Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Spend the night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then board the bus to Machu Picchu.
- Arrive at Machu Picchu before sunrise.
- Embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu, lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Enjoy free time in Machu Picchu for independent exploration or optional hikes.
- Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time to explore the town.
- Board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Take a private van back to Cusco, with an expected arrival time of 7:00 PM.
This itinerary can be customized to your interests and schedule, and there are many other sites in the Sacred Valley that you could include in your tour.
Included
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- All transportation included from hotel to hotel.
- Entrance fee to Pisac, Moray, Salineras Maras
- Entrance fee to Ollantaytambo, Machu Pichcu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 1 night in a 3-start hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide for 2 days
- Buffet lunch on day 1
- Dinner in a local restaurant on day 1
- Round-trip Expedition train
- Drop off back to your hotel
- Door-to-door service
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned
- Huayna Picchu tickets
- Montaña tickets
- Travel Insurance
Extra hikes after the Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – Additional US$ 68 per person. The walk takes 2 hours round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – Additional US$ 68 per person. The hike takes 3 hours round trip.
Additional Info:
- This is a door-to-door service. We start at your hotel and take you back to your hotel.
- Vegetarian meals are available during lunch on day 1.
- By booking this tour, you support social projects that help education in rural villages.
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Pueblo
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 AM and drive for 20 minutes to the Alpaca Center. There, you will meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos and learn about their role in Andean culture. Our next stop is the Taray Lookout Point, which offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
We will then visit the Pisac Archaeological Site, exploring ancient terraces, temples, and ruins, with our guide providing historical context. You'll have time to explore and enjoy the views. The journey continues to the Pisac Local Market, bustling with handicrafts and souvenirs, offering a glimpse into local life and culture.
Lunch in Urubamba introduces you to local cuisine with a buffet of dishes featuring quinoa, corn, and potatoes. The afternoon is spent at the Moray terraces, an Incan agricultural site, and the Salineras de Maras, showcasing traditional salt extraction methods.
Our final stop is Ollantaytambo, which has its Inca fortress and charming streets. After exploring, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then board the 7:00 pm train to Aguas Calientes for a restful night in a 3-star hotel, ready for Machu Picchu the next day.
- Entrance fees: Included
- Transportation: Private van and train
- Tour Guide: Professional Guide
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Hotel: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and you’ll take the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you must show an original passport to enter the citadel at the checkpoint. You will explore the best of Machu Picchu in a guided tour for about 3 hours, visiting the most remarkable terraces, storehouses, temples, and palaces, and giving some free time to explore by yourself or take the extra hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña). These additional hikes are optional and not included in the tour.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the Expedition train. We return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then our modern back to Cusco. The arrival time is around 7.30 pm, back to your hotel.
- Entrance fees: Included
- Transportation: Train and Private van
- Tour Guide: Professional Guide
- Meals: Not Included (Breakfast at hotel)
- Hotel: Not Included (you must book a hotel in Cusco)
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour Packing List
During the 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, you will travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley by bus and then by train to Aguas Calientes. It is important to mention that you can only take a small carry-on bag on the train with you. Big luggage is not allowed.
You will also participate in short hikes during the day when visiting the Inca sites and local markets. You need to have a small daypack where you will put daily essentials like rain gear, money, documents, water, and warm clothes. This daypack must be light and comfortable.
- During the Sacred Valley tour, your carry-on stays in the van, and you will visit the Inca sites with your daypack.
- During the tour in Machu Picchu, you will need to store your carry-on luggage in the hotel after checkout and visit Machu Picchu only with a day pack.
Essentials for the tour:
- Original passport
- Small daypack
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Warm clothes
- Clothe for 2 days
- Toiletries
- Water bottle
- Extra money
- Camera
- Snacks
Clothing:
- Lightweight, quick-drying pants or shorts
- Breathable, moisture-wicking shirts (long and short-sleeved)
- A fleece or lightweight jacket for cooler temperatures
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes, sandals
- Socks (preferably moisture-wicking)
- Undergarments
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit (if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and soap (biodegradable if possible)
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
- Insect repellent
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour Price
Price per person:
- From US$ 450 - Adults
- From US$ 420 - Children and students
To book the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card.
Student Discount:
- US$ 30 off
All travelers under 17 have a $30 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Places we visit during the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour
Llama and Alpaca farm:
The Alpaca Farm, nestled near Cusco, serves as a living museum that celebrates the traditional Andean art of textile weaving and dyeing, along with showcasing native camelid species like llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. A visit offers insight into the diverse camelid species, their history, and their vital contribution to Andean culture for millennia. These animals are crucial for their wool, utilized in textiles, and have also served as sources of food, transportation, and religious symbols in Andean societies.
Mirador Taray:
Mirador Taray, located on the road between Pisac and Cusco, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean mountains and the verdant Urubamba Valley, making it a favored spot for tourists and photographers. Visitors can marvel at the agricultural terraces along the valley slopes, showcasing the Inca civilization's advanced engineering and farming skills.
Pisac Inca Site:
Located about 33 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Cusco, Pisac is approximately 3300 meters (10826 feet) above sea level. Renowned for its agricultural terraces etched into the mountainsides, Pisac exemplifies the Inca's sophisticated farming and irrigation methods and engineering prowess, helping to prevent erosion and landslides in the hilly terrain.
Beyond its terraces, Pisac boasts a variety of religious and ceremonial sites, including temples, baths, and altars. Among its most significant features is the Intihuatana, a carved stone believed to serve as both an astronomical observatory and calendar, akin to the famed one at Machu Picchu.
Pisac Market:
Located in Pisac, this vibrant and colorful market is famous for its traditional Andean crafts, textiles, clothing, pottery, and jewelry. It's a magnet for tourists and locals alike, offering a deep dive into the area's cultural heritage with unique, handmade items available for purchase.
Operating daily, it's at its liveliest on Sundays when it expands with local farmers selling fresh produce, making the experience even more authentic. Highlights include traditional Andean textiles from alpaca and llama wool, adorned with intricate patterns and vivid colors, and handcrafted jewelry featuring silver and semi-precious stones.
Moray Terraces
The Moray Terraces showcase an astonishing ancient site with terraced circular depressions. Believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural experiment station, these terraces create a variety of microclimates at different levels, enabling the testing of crops under varying conditions. This innovative approach underscores the Incas' advanced agricultural knowledge and their understanding of biodiversity.
Salineras of Maras
The Salineras de Maras, close to Moray, presents a unique and fascinating sight. These ancient salt pans, predating the Incas, are fed by highly saline spring water, filling thousands of small pools. Salt is harvested manually as the water evaporates, showcasing a beautiful example of traditional salt extraction methods still in use today.
Ollantaytambo (Last living Inca Citadel):
Ollantaytambo, in southern Peru's Sacred Valley, is 2,792 meters above sea level and about 60 kilometers from Cusco. Known as the "last living Inca citadel," it has been inhabited since the Inca Empire and retains much of its Incan architecture and urban design.
The archaeological site is divided into a religious and ceremonial center on a hillside, and a residential and agricultural area below. Constructed in the 15th century by Inca Emperor Pachacuti, the ceremonial center boasts impressive stone terraces leading to the Sun Temple, crafted from large stone blocks. Additional structures include storehouses, baths, and a ceremonial platform.
Ollantaytambo was listed among the World’s Greatest Places to visit in 2023 by TIME magazine.
Machu Picchu (Lost Inca City):
Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel, was built in the mid-15th century under Incan Emperor Pachacuti. Located at 2,430 meters above sea level, it overlooks the Urubamba River valley. Its name, meaning "Old Mountain" in Quechua, encompasses over 200 buildings, including temples, houses, and agricultural terraces. The citadel features impressive engineering and construction, as well as dry stone walls.
Rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction. Emblematic of the Inca civilization's brilliance, Peru restricts visitor numbers and mandates specific exploration routes to protect it from environmental and structural damage.
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu tour?
This tour takes 2 days and 1 night, with one day dedicated to exploring the Sacred Valley and another day to visiting Machu Picchu.
What is included in the tour package?
The tour package usually includes transportation to and from your hotel, entrance fees to the attractions, a bilingual guide, meals during the Sacred Valley tour, and accommodation.
How do I get to the Sacred Valley from Cusco?
The Sacred Valley is located about 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Cusco. You can get there by bus or taxi, but the easiest and most convenient way is to take a guided tour that includes transportation.
How do I get to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley?
From Cusco, you will travel in a private van until Ollantaytambo, visiting several Inca sites and local markets. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a 1.5 hours train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the nights in a hotel.
On the second day, you will board the bus to Machu Picchu and explore the citadel.
Do I need to be in good physical shape to visit Machu Picchu?
While Machu Picchu can be physically demanding, you do not need to be in top shape to visit. However, the tour involves walking, so being in good enough physical condition to handle these activities is recommended.
When is the best time to take the tour?
The best time depends on your travel preferences and schedule. However, the dry season (April to October) is generally considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as the weather is sunny and clear. Remember that this is also the peak tourist season, so prices and crowds may be higher.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.