Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
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The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour is a perfect option for those looking to make the most of their time in Cusco. During this tour, we’ll visit some of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic archaeological sites, starting with a visit to Chinchero, famous for its textile tradition; then Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory; the impressive Maras Salt Mines, with its hundreds of terraced salt pools; and finally Ollantaytambo, a majestic Inca city that still preserves its original architecture.
After touring these fascinating sites, we’ll board a train that will take us through Andean landscapes and high jungle to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
At dawn on the second day, we’ll board a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where our professional guide will accompany you on a comprehensive tour of this astonishing archaeological site, revealing its secrets, history, and spiritual significance. We’ll then return to Aguas Calientes for a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
ITINERARY
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes
- Our exciting 2-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 6:20 and 7:00 a.m., and we’ll head into the heart of the Sacred Valley, a place steeped in history, spectacular landscapes, and Inca heritage.
- Our first stop will be in Chinchero, known for its vibrant textile tradition. There, we will learn about the ancient process of transforming wool, from washing and natural dyeing with Andean plants to spinning and weaving traditional blankets and clothing.
- We will also explore ancient agricultural terraces and visit a colonial temple built on an Inca foundation, representing the fusion of two cultures.
- We will then continue to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, a group of more than 3,000 salt pools that have been exploited by hand since Inca times.
- Afterward, we will head to Moray, an astonishing Inca agricultural experimentation center with enormous circular depressions that were used to acclimatize crops.
- Later, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba. In the afternoon, we will visit the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress.
- Finally, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will rest in a hotel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- The second day begins very early with a light breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, we’ll board the Consettur buses that will take us to the entrance of the imposing Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in an average of 25 minutes.
- This archaeological site, known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” is famous for its extraordinary location and intricate architecture. As you walk through its different sections, depending on the type of tour you purchase, your guide will explain the history and operation of this majestic site.
- After the two-hour guided tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes. Those who have booked in advance can take an optional ascent of Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Groups for these activities are organized in two shifts: the first group travels from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. and the second from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., allowing for a more exclusive and relaxing experience at these high points of the citadel.
- Once in Aguas Calientes, we can have lunch at one of the local restaurants, sampling the regional cuisine before boarding the train that will take us back to Ollantaytambo. A bus will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, where we will arrive at the end of our trip.
INCLUDES
Includes: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days
- Pickup from hotels located in the historic center of Cusco
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Expedition or Voyager train) with the option to upgrade.
- Consettur bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance gate
- Professional guide in Spanish and English
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Two lunches
- Breakfast on the second day
- Admission to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1, 2, or 3, depending on availability)
NOT INCLUDED
Not included in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour
- Tickets: Partial tourist ticket (Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo)
- Tickets to the salt mines
- Breakfast on the first day
- Admission to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Domestic or international flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour
- Original passport or ID (required for entry to Machu Picchu)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Comfortable clothing
- Rain poncho or plastic raincoat (rainy season, October to March).
- Sun hat or cap.
- Energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate).
- Cash (tickets, small purchases in towns).
- Original passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu).
- ISIC card (if you have a student discount).
- Camera or cell phone with external battery
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour
1. What is the maximum altitude during the tour?
The highest altitude of the tour is 2,430 m at Machu Picchu.
2. Is it necessary to be in good physical condition for this tour?
Advanced physical fitness is not required, as the tour does not include long or steep hikes. However, the hike inside Machu Picchu may require some effort depending on the area covered.
3. When should I book the tour?
We recommend booking 2 to 3 months in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak season (April-September).
4. What type of train is included in the tour?
The tour includes an Expedition or Voyager train. If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train with panoramic windows, subject to availability and additional payment.
5. What are Machu Picchu circuits?
Circuits are established routes within Machu Picchu that organize the visit to enhance the tourist experience and protect the heritage. Each circuit has a different route and allows you to see specific areas of the citadel.
6. How many circuits are there?
There are currently 4 official circuits:
C1: Panoramic Route – provides an elevated view of the citadel (ideal for photos).
C2: Classic Route – a more comprehensive tour, including urban areas, temples, and terraces.
C3: Lower Route – visits lower areas such as the House of the Inca, perfect for people with limited mobility.
7. Can I choose the circuit I want?
Yes, but you must choose it when purchasing your ticket and subject to availability, as each ticket is linked to a specific circuit. It is not possible to change circuits once inside the site.
8. Which is the best circuit for a first visit?
Circuit 2 (Classic Route) is the most recommended, as it provides an overview of Machu Picchu, covering its most important points.
9. Can I do more than one circuit in a single day?
No, each ticket allows entry only once and only to one circuit per day. If you wish to visit more circuits, you must purchase another ticket for another time or day.
10. What are the entry hours for each circuit?
Hours vary depending on the circuit and shift. Admission is every hour from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
11. Where can I purchase tourist tickets if they are not included?
You can purchase them at the following locations:
COSITUC Office in Cusco (Av. El Sol 103)
At the entrance to the archaeological sites.
12. Does the tourist ticket include admission to the Maras Salt Mines?
No. The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee that must be paid directly on-site.
13. Can I purchase a ticket to only one of the Sacred Valley sites?
No. Access is sold as part of the Partial or General Tourist Ticket, which combines several destinations into a single ticket.
DEPARTURE DATES
Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Rainbow Mountain are the most popular destinations in Cusco, Peru. We currently offer daily tours to this impressive mountain.
PRICES
Adult: $380 per adult
Student: $360 per adult
