Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour (Classic)

Two travelers looking at the citadel of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint
Traveler in the citadel of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu in the background
Inca terraces of Pisac in the Sacred Valley
Terraces of the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo
Guide with the group in front of the Wall of the Six Monoliths in Ollantaytambo
DURATION 2 Days / 1 Night
DEPARTURE Hotel in Cusco
MAX. ALTITUDE 3399 m.a.s.l.
DIFFICULTY Easy
Updated every 30 minutes

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Source: official availability of the Ministry of Culture of Peru · last reading 24 Oct · 00:43 (Peru time)

The beginning of the journey

The 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour combines the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to Machu Picchu, with a train connection from Ollantaytambo. On day one you explore Pisac and its market, enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba and visit Ollantaytambo, where you board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) to spend the night. On day two you take the bus up to Machu Picchu, tour it with a guide and return to Cusco.

No long walks are needed: you go up to the citadel and back down by bus. Our guides are from Cusco and know the history and traditions of the region in depth.

Classic or VIP? The Classic visits Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. The VIP Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (2 days) covers Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo before the train.

About the Sacred Valley

  • It played an important role in Inca civilization and is still a key farming area, watered by the Urubamba River.
  • Before the Incas, it was inhabited by the Qotacalla and Killke cultures.
  • It lies lower than Cusco, so its climate is milder. Besides potatoes, corn was a central crop for the Incas, and chicha is still made from it today.

Itinerary

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco between 8:10 and 8:20 a.m. If you arrive in Cusco that same day, airport pickup is included with prior notice.

We visit the large archaeological complex of Pisac, high on a hill overlooking the valley, with a guided tour of its different areas. Pisac is also famous for its market, where locals sell their produce and crafts.

In the heart of the Sacred Valley we have lunch at a local restaurant, buffet style and with vegan options.

With the guide, we explore the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo and its Inca architecture. Then you board the train (Expedition or Voyager) to Aguas Calientes, a ride of between an hour and a half and two hours.

Our representative meets you at the station and takes you to the hotel, where you spend the night in a basic room.

Early in the morning you take the bus (about 25 minutes) to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Our guide takes you on a full tour of its temples, royal quarters, ceremonial sites and farming terraces. If you booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you do the hike afterwards.

You take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included) before the train back to Ollantaytambo. There our representative meets you and transfers you to Cusco.

What's included

  • Cusco Airport Pickup (Upon prior intimation)
  • Transportation (Maximum capacity of 18 people)
  • Professional Bi-Lingual local guide (English and Spanish)
  • Buffet Lunch in the Sacred Valley of Incas
  • Breakfast on the second day
  • Round Trip Train Tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition or Voyager class)
  • 1 night basic hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • Round Trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Citadel
  • Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
  • Communication during the tour (WhatsApp or E-Mail)
  • Access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (additional USD 60)
  • Vistadome train upgrade (USD 40 each way)
  • Entrance to the Sacred Valley of the Incas ( 70 Soles – Foreigners | 40 Soles – Peruvians)
  • Any private expense

Additional information

  • *Wayna Picchu Mountain Hike ($55 USD)
  • *Machu Picchu Mountain Hike ($55 USD)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade (Return Trip) ($45 USD)
  • 360º Train Upgrade (Return Trip) ($45 USD)
  • Simple Room (3*** Hotel) ($75 USD)
  • Simple Room (2** Hotel) ($35 USD)

Recommended to bring

Should Bring

  • Water Bottle
  • Original Passport
  • ISIC Card (if availing students discount)
  • Enough money to pay for your entrance fees and any personal requirements

Frequently asked questions

From USD 438 per person. It includes transport, the guide, a buffet lunch on day 1, breakfast on day 2, the round-trip train, 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, the bus to the citadel and Machu Picchu entrance tickets. It does not include entrance to the Sacred Valley sites or Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Pickup at Cusco airport (with prior notice), transport, a bilingual local guide (Spanish and English), a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley, breakfast on day two, the round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Expedition or Voyager), 1 night at a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes, the round-trip bus to the citadel, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and communication during the tour by WhatsApp or email.

At a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), with breakfast included on day two.

Between an hour and a half and two hours each way, between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. You can upgrade to the Vistadome train at an additional cost (see “Not included”).

No. This is the most comfortable option: you go up and down by bus between Aguas Calientes and the citadel, a ride of about 25 minutes each way.

Entrance to the Sacred Valley sites (S/ 70 for foreigners and S/ 40 for Peruvians) and, if you wish, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (an additional USD 60, subject to availability).

The Classic visits Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo on day one. The VIP covers Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo. Day two, Machu Picchu, is the same on both.

Your original passport and, if you choose the student discount, your ISIC card.

Groups of 2 to 10 people.

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