Discover the best of Cusco in just two days on this incredible journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. On the first day, you’ll visit ancient Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, explore local markets, and see the amazing circular terraces of Moray and the Maras salt mines.
On the second day, you will explore Machu Picchu. Our expert tour guides will show you the best of this great Inca citadel. If you want to experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, this is the perfect option. Don’t miss out—book now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Overview
Join us for an unforgettable 2-day journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, two of Peru’s amazing treasures. You will discover the interesting world of the Incas while enjoying amazing mountain views, visiting ancient Inca sites, and exploring local markets.
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 salt mines of Maras, 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.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Explore Pisac, Moray, Salineras de Maras, and Ollantaytambo
- Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning with an expert guide
- Experience real Peruvian culture, from local markets to hidden Inca sites.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 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.
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.
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- All transportation from hotel to hotel
- Entrance fees to Pisac, Moray, and Salineras Maras
- Entrance fee to Ollantaytambo
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- One night in a 3-star 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 at your hotel
- Door-to-door service
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned
- Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets
- Machu Picchu 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.
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 am 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 camels to Andean culture. Next, you will drive to Mirador Taray, a perfect viewpoint to enjoy amazing views of the Sacred Valley and the Andes.
Next, we will visit the Pisac Inca 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 market of Pisac, where local women from the villages sell their handmade products. This is a perfect place to bargain and shop.
The next stop is Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley. There, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. You will have plenty of options to choose from, including meat and vegetables, all of which are locally produced.
After lunch, we will drive to the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, where you will explore the circular terraces on the ground that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory or greenhouse. You will also visit the Salineras of Maras, where salt is still collected from over 3,000 pools located on the slopes.
The last place we visit is Ollantaytambo, where we explore the 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 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: 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
We will wake up early for the most important day of the tour. You will enjoy breakfast at the hotel and board 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 to 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.
After Machu Picchu, you will board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice, explore the town, and board the afternoon Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, we will transfer you in our comfortable vans back to Cusco. The tour will end at your hotel around 7:00 PM.
- Entrance fees: Included
- Transportation: Train and Private van
- Tour Guide: Professional Guide
- Meals: Not Included (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Hotel: Not Included (you must book a hotel in Cusco)
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour – Packing Guide
You’ll take a bus from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and then a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) on this two-day trip. Please note that you are allowed to bring only one small carry-on bag on the train. Any additional bags must be left in Cusco or at your hotel.
Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour
You can leave your small carry-on bag in the tour van while you visit shops and Inca sites. However, you must carry a small daypack with essentials such as cash, documents, drinks, warm clothes, and rain gear while exploring with your tour guide.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Tour
You will leave your carry-on at the Aguas Calientes hotel when you check out. When you visit Machu Picchu, you only carry a daypack with all the essentials for the day.
Essentials:
- Original Passport
- A small daypack to carry rain gear, cash, papers, and other things.
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Bottle of water
- Extra money (to buy snacks and gifts)
- Camera (not required but strongly suggested)
- Dried fruit or snacks
Clothes:
- Light and warm clothes for two days (mornings can be cold)
- Shorts or pants that dry quickly and are light
- Shirts that let air flow (long and short sleeves)
- For cool mornings and afternoons, wear a fleece or light jacket.
- A jacket or cover for rain
- Walking shoes that are easy to wear (and socks if you want)
- Socks that wick away moisture
- In the sun, wear a hat or cap.
- Sunglasses
- If you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, be sure to bring swimwear.
Toiletries:
- Toothpaste and a toothbrush
- Wash and soap that break down naturally
- Beard oil (if you need it)
- Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
- Keeping bugs away
With this list, you'll be prepared for shorter walks and the unpredictable weather that can change quickly in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Enjoy your trip, and don't forget to pack light for comfort.
Price for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour
The price for this small-group tour varies depending on the room type you choose. You can select a single, double, or triple room based on the number of people traveling with you, as long as you’re all in the same party. You can also upgrade, book your own hotel, upgrade your train service, or modify your schedule. Feel free to contact us with any special requests—even after booking!
Price per person:
- From US$ 450 - Adults
- From US$ 420 - Children and students
To book the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour, you’ll need to pay a US$200 deposit per person. The remaining balance can be paid at our office in Cusco with cash, online, or by credit card.
Student Discount — Save US$30
- All travelers under 17 automatically receive a US$30 discount.
- If you are 25 or younger on the day you enter Machu Picchu, you can also get this discount by showing a valid Student ID.
- Please email us to request your discount code.
Valid Student ID Requirements
You must be 25 or younger at the time you visit Machu Picchu (anyone older than 25 does not qualify as a student). Your ID must clearly show:
- The name of the university
- Your full name and a photo
- 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:
Learn about the importance of llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas in Andean culture while getting a close look at them. This living museum near Cusco shows how people in the area have used the wool of these animals for hundreds of years to make beautiful fabrics by weaving it and dyeing it with natural colors. You will also learn about how these gentle animals have been used as food, transportation, and even holy symbols in the world of the Andes.
Mirador Taray:
Mirador Taray is on the road that goes from Pisac to Cusco. It has stunning views of the high Andes and the green Urubamba Valley below. You can take great pictures there, especially when you see the Inca agricultural terraces carved into the valley walls. These are a great reminder of how smart the Incas were at engineering and farming in a way that didn’t harm the land.
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 to Ollantaytambo, visiting several Inca sites and local markets. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a 1.5-hour 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.