Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 days / 1 night

Physical Level:
Easy

Max group size:
2 - 12 people

Trip Details

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Difficulty: No trekking, but lots of walking around the archeological sites
Departures: Every day
Meals: Lunch included in the Sacred Valley Tour
Transportation: Touristic train (Expedition or Voyager, according to the schedule) and busses. Optional upgrade Vistadome Observatory Train US$ 75.00
Entrance permits: Machu Picchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability, Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)

Detailed map of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour itinerary, highlighting stops in Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

OVERVIEW

Journey to the Wonder of the World by the Stunning Andean Train

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour is designed for those opting for a shorter itinerary or for families who will be spending less time in Cusco. This excursion is ideal for those who want to enjoy spectacular views of Peru without having to hike, as it is done entirely by bus and train. It is also an excellent option for those who want to relax and enjoy a calm and cultural atmosphere.

On this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour, you will appreciate the picturesque Andean landscape while learning about the traditional lifestyles of the locals, such as agriculture, religion, and language. You’ll visit several Inca archaeological sites, such as Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, and see llamas and alpacas, the traditional animals of the region.

Afterward, you’ll take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night. On the second day of the trip, you’ll enjoy a beautiful sunrise and a guided tour of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, one of the wonders of the modern world.

Join us for a relaxing vacation in Peru filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes with the best 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour!

TRIP ITINERARY

To begin the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:30 am. You and your tour guide will then travel to our first destination: the Sacred Valley Viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture beautiful photographs of the Andean landscape.

We will then continue to the Pisaq Market, where women from the Andean villages offer their textiles and agricultural products.

The market is open every day, although Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are the busiest.
After the visit, we will continue to the Inca Archaeological Site of Pisaq, located on the summit of the mountain of the same name. Your guide will show you the highlights of this ancient Inca city, full of history and energy.
Then we will travel through the valley for about 45 minutes until we reach Urubamba, where we will stop to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with a wide variety of typical Peruvian dishes. After lunch, we will head to Ollantaytambo to explore one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley. Here you will visit the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Ten Niches, amidst an environment surrounded by water channels and authentic Inca alleyways.

In the afternoon, you will take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), usually at 4:00 pm. We recommend arriving at the station 30 minutes early. The train journey lasts approximately two hours and travels through the magical Cloud Forest, where you can observe orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Upon arrival, our representatives will be waiting for you at the station to accompany you to your hotel.

Overnight: In a standard hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The most common choice is Hotel Casa de Luz. It is possible to upgrade your hotel category; please consult your travel agent for options.
Tour Type: Historical and cultural tour, with private van transportation and train trip to Machu Picchu.
Meals: Buffet lunch included.
Highlights: Pisaq Inca Archeological, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.

After a beautiful breakfast in the hotel, we will visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and, according to your Machu Picchu entrance price schedule, ride the bus from Machu Picchu town to the Inca site. This brief bus excursion will take about 30 minutes down an unpaved road. During the bus tour, you will enjoy the magnificent and gorgeous scenery rich of plantswith plants and flowers, as well as the Vilcanota River.
After a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will take you to the prime viewpoints before the day visitors arrive. Then, we will begin a two-hour guided walking tour of this amazing citadel, visiting all of its notable sites, including the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Intihuatana (sundial rock), the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Artisan Sector, the Condor Temple, and many more.
If you have booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will go on that expedition.
You will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes at least two hours before your train departs to eat lunch at one of the various eateries. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes before your departure. Our train normally departs at 14:30 p.m. for Ollantaytambo, where you will board our private conveyance for the two-hour trip back to Cusco. If you want to upgrade the train to the Vistadome Observatory class, the cost is $75.00 each way.
Machu Picchu Inca site is distinct from Machu Picchu Mountain. Most people refer to Machu Picchu as an archaeological site. To climb Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll need a special permission. Please let us know if you are interested, and we will schedule it for you. It must be completed ahead of time and is included with your registration on the website.
The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu includes a day of touring in the Sacred Valley followed by a day exploring Machu Picchu, the lost Incan metropolis.

Hotel: No hotel as we return to Cusco this day
Tour Type: Historical and cultural Machu Picchu tour and exploration
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Highlights: Visit to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.

ADITIONAL INFORMATION:

If you wish to make this tour, you should follow these recommendations:
For this type of trip, light clothing, long pants, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended because the temperature can range from 8 to 22 degrees depending on altitude in this warm and humid subtropical area, with warmth during the day and cool at night. During the day, it might rain, so bring a rain poncho. During the winter months, it is critical to wear a jacket and thick clothing because the cold can be strong, particularly at night. If you are bringing a camera or video camera, remember to bring a plastic bag to protect it from rain.
Note: that you can reserve these services even if you are only one person, because they are shared and all costs are in dollars. If you have any questions, please shoot us an email.

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure Brieﬁng
Before the tour, you will meet with your tour leader and other participants for an orientation.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
All the entrance fee included in the Sacred Valley tour
Permits and Ticket for Machupicchu Circuit 2 (subject to availability): As soon as we get your complete information and the payment required to guarantee your reservation, we will purchase the necessary permits (subject to availability). These permits are granted on a certain date and will be in your name. They cannot be altered under any circumstances. Changes to passport numbers are only permitted for renewal reasons. In that scenario, bring both your old and new passports.
Professional Guides
All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Accommodation
We include a 2-star hotel in Machu Picchu Town. Depending on availability, Casa de Luz Hotel is the most common choice. This hotel can be upgraded to any other hotel in town for the price difference. This tour can also be booked without a hotel for $20 off the mentioned price (per person). Our prices are based on two people per room. A single room at Casa de Luz costs an additional $30 (prices vary by hotel).
Transportation
This journey includes all of your transportation. You will be picked up from your hotel about 07:30am to begin this excursion.
Train tickets: Expedition or Voyager Service (both provide high-quality service). Vistadome Observatory Train, an optional addition, costs $75.00 per way.
Round-Trip Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Meals
Buffet lunch included in the Sacred Valley Tour (Vegetarian and vegan options available at no extra cost).
Breakfast will be available at your hotel.
24/7 Customer Service
Personalized assistance

What is not included?

Vistadome Observatory train
It is possible to upgrade to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory train service for an additional fee of US$ 75.00 per way; alternatively, you can upgrade only one way.
Not mentioned meals
Dinner at Indio Feliz Restaurant US$ 30.00
Lunch at El Mapi By Inkaterra restaurant: US$ 20.00
Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge Machupicchu Restaurant US$ 40.00
Upgrade to the hotel
Please discuss our various alternatives with any of our sales executives.
Day packs
It is recommended that you take snacks, water, a hat, clothing layers, bug spray, and other items with you at all times, so you will most likely need a small bag. We do not give this, and the volume should not exceed 25L.
Gratuities
Tipping is always appreciated and should be solely based on your happiness. Although it may not be usual for you, it is really important to the individuals who will care for you during your trip.
Travel Insurance
This is optional but always encouraged. For those who live at sea level, landing in Cusco will require some adjustment. Most people take one to two days to adjust. If you have difficulty adjusting to the altitude, it is recommended that you acquire trip cancellation insurance.

What to Pack?

If you plan to tackle the Sacred Valley of the Inkas and Machupicchu, you will need to pack appropriately. Here are some important items to consider bringing.

CLOTHING:

Comfortable shoes/boots
Quick-drying pants
Long-sleeved shirt
Fleece jacket or sweater
Hat or cap

GEAR:

Sunscreen or sunblock (factor 50 or more)
insect or mosquitoes repellent
Water
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Passport and necessary documents
Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
Portable charger for electronic devices

FAQ

We recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and take in the sights and sounds of the city before embarking on the tour. Here are some ideas for things to do in Cusco before you begin your adventure:

City Tour ½ day
Salt Mines of Maras and Moray ½ day
ATVs to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray ½ day

All information meetings and briefings take place in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., the night before the trek/tour begins. These meetings last about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to be there, please schedule another time via email, phone, or Whatsapp.

If you have a pending balance, you must pay it until one day before your tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be verified. If feasible, we would prefer it if you could pay the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our Cusco office or your hotel. You may withdraw money from many ATMs along Avenida Sol, which offer both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you can pay with a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please keep in mind that our payment gateway (Izipay) will apply a 5% service charge. We apologize that we are unable to take bank or traveler’s checks as payment for the balance.

During the trip, your primary luggage can be housed in our office (arranged with us on the briefing day or via email) or at your hotel, both of which are free of charge. Any equipment you will not need during the hike can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost every hotel will offer this service. Do not leave valuable items in your suitcases; instead, put them in the hotel safe and receive an itemized receipt. For added security, keep goods like credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope.

The tour includes a delicious buffet lunch at El Mapi By Inkaterra Restaurant in Machupicchu town (Vegetarian and vegan options available at no extra cost.

Some months are better than others, as you will see below. Peru has both a dry and wet season. Andean Ecotravel recommends hiking during the dry season rather than the rainy season due to harsh weather. The wet season consists largely of rain, snow, and ice, making the trail difficult and views limited.

January: less recommended
February: less recommended
March: less recommended
April: Recommended
May: Highly recommended
June: Highly recommended
July: Highly recommended
August: Highly recommended
September: Highly recommended
November: Recommended
December: Recommended

Andean Ecotravel may take you up from your accommodation if it is located in Cusco’s Historical Center. Your guide will organize the pickup time during the briefing session, however please bear in mind that the time may change by 30 to 45 minutes owing to traffic. Cusco is a historic city, with many tiny cobblestone alleyways. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on car-free streets or on long, steep slopes, making luggage transportation challenging. We strongly recommend that you book accommodations with easy access.

Because group trips include a diverse range of people, physical conditions and ages may differ. By agreeing to join a group trip, you acknowledge that some persons may be quicker or slower than you. As a result, each person can travel at their own pace throughout the path. A group may desire to modify the trip; however, the guide will decide, after speaking with all participants, whether such modifications are possible.

Please, pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything when you leave our transportation, tents, or restaurants. Throughout the excursion, you are solely responsible for your objects.

Small Groups