Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley
Overview
Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour
- Cusco, Peru
- Recommended by 100% of travelers
2 Days
10+ Travellers
2450 m
Easy
Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour 2 days
Our Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2-Day Tour is a carefully designed experience that combines a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley with a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu. Travel comfortably in a private van, visiting the most important Inca sites along the way before heading to Aguas Calientes.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel and enjoy a restful evening. The following morning, you’ll wake up early for priority access to Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore the citadel with fewer crowds and fully appreciate its history, architecture, and breathtaking surroundings—making this a perfect short adventure that blends culture, comfort, and efficiency.
Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2-Day Tour Inclusions
What’s Included?
Pre-Tour Briefing in Cusco: Attend a detailed orientation at our Cusco office one day before departure, where we’ll review the itinerary, schedules, and answer any final questions to ensure a smooth experience.
Round-Trip Train Tickets: Enjoy a scenic round-trip train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the beautiful Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River.
Buffet Lunch in Urubamba: Savor a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring a variety of local and international dishes during your Sacred Valley exploration.
Round-Trip Bus to Machu Picchu: Comfortable shuttle bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu citadel, allowing you to conserve energy for your visit.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes (3★): One night of accommodation in a carefully selected 3-star hotel, offering comfort and convenience close to the Machu Picchu bus station.
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Admission to Machu Picchu Main Circuits 1, 2, or 3, depending on availability, ensuring access to the most iconic areas of the site.
Professional Bilingual Guides: Experienced English- and Spanish-speaking guides will accompany you throughout the tour. For private services, additional languages may be requested at an extra cost.
Door-to-Door Transfers: Hotel pick-up and drop-off services included, providing seamless transportation from Cusco and throughout the journey.
What’s Not Included
Sacred Valley Entrance Ticket: Admission fees to archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley are not included and can be purchased separately.
Meals Not Listed: Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions section are at your own expense.
Personal Expenses: Personal purchases such as snacks, beverages, souvenirs, or optional services are not covered.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff are optional and at your discretion.
Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket: Optional hike available for an additional USD 75 per person, subject to availability.
Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour Itinerary
Your journey begins with hotel pick-up in Cusco at 7:45 am, followed by a scenic drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is Chinchero, famous for its colorful handicraft market and traditional weaving techniques.
Next, explore Moray, known as the Inca agricultural laboratory, and continue to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside. After the guided visits, travel to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch with vegetarian and vegan options.
In the afternoon, visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important living Inca towns. After the guided tour, board the train to Aguas Calientes, where our staff will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
After breakfast, take a 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you through the checkpoint before beginning a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel, visiting its most important sectors such as the Main Plaza, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, Royal Quarters, and ceremonial areas.
After the guided visit, enjoy free time to explore on your own or, if booked in advance, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. You may also walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a panoramic view of the citadel.
Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm.
Packing List
Essentials
Passport
Bag
Bottle Water
Money Cash in Soles
Clothing
Rain jacket or rain poncho
long-sleeve trekking shirts
short-sleeve shirts
Pants
Deport Pants
Rain Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Beanie
Gloves
Short
Shoes
Additional Items
Sunscreen
Insect Repelent
Things to Know about Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days
Booking & Availability
To secure Circuit 2 at Machu Picchu, advance booking is highly recommended:
High season (May–August): Book at least 3 months in advance
Shoulder season (April, September–November): Book 2 months in advance
Low season (December–February): Still recommended 2 months ahead, as availability is limited
If Circuit 2 is unavailable, alternative options will be offered to ensure access to Machu Picchu.
Required Documents
Original passport is mandatory for Machu Picchu entry and train boarding.
Passport details must match your booking exactly.
Last-Minute Bookings
If you book at the last minute and tickets are unavailable online, we may adjust your program to a 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour, purchasing tickets directly in Aguas Calientes (subject to availability).
Footwear & What to Bring
Comfortable walking or training shoes with good traction are essential.
Bring insect repellent, especially for Machu Picchu.
Carry light luggage only—trains allow up to 8 kg.
Extra luggage can be safely stored with us or at your hotel in Cusco.
Booking Confirmation
Once availability is confirmed, we will purchase your Machu Picchu ticket and send:
Booking confirmation
Travel manual
Final itinerary
Your trip will then be 100% confirmed.
Extra Ticket Options
If Circuit 2 is sold out:
You may add an extra ticket (USD 45) to combine Circuit 1 + Circuit 3, allowing both the classic photo viewpoint and access to the citadel.
Bathrooms & Facilities
Restrooms are available at Sacred Valley sites.
No bathrooms inside Machu Picchu—use facilities outside the entrance (2 soles).
Food & Water
Day 1: Snacks and water available along the Sacred Valley route; lunch in Urubamba (not included).
Day 2: No food allowed inside Machu Picchu. Eat beforehand or outside the entrance.
Bring water from Aguas Calientes or purchase it near the entrance.
Prohibited Items at Machu Picchu
Walking sticks (unless medically required, with rubber tip)
Drones, tripods, selfie sticks
Professional cameras (special permits required)
Large backpacks (small daypacks only)
Weather Conditions
Machu Picchu weather is unpredictable year-round:
Dry season: April–October
Rainy season: November–March
Bring rain gear and warm layers—you may experience multiple climates in one day.
Strikes & Contingency Plans
In case of strikes or roadblocks:
Day 1 disruption: Transfer to Aguas Calientes the night before (hotel at your expense).
Day 2 disruption: Alternative return via Hidroelectrica, including a hike and private van to Cusco.
Return to Cusco
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
Private transfer to your Cusco hotel
Approximate travel times:
Ollantaytambo → Cusco: 1.5 hours
Poroy → Cusco: 40 minutes
Accommodation Options
Solo travelers share a room with same-gender traveler
Couples receive a private room
Private room upgrade: USD 40
Machu Picchu Rules & Safety
Visits are limited to specific circuits—re-entry is not allowed once you exit.
Mountain hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) must be done before the guided tour if included.
Avoid risky behavior (jumping or unsafe selfies).
Rangers request descent from mountains around midday.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover non-refundable permits and medical emergencies.
FAQs about Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2 Days
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included in this tour?
For this tour, we prioritize Circuit 2 – Classic Designed Route, as it offers the most complete experience of Machu Picchu, covering both the upper viewpoints and the main urban sectors of the Inca city. This circuit is ideal for travelers who want a full overview of the site.
How do I book the Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2-Day Tour?
To book, click the BOOK NOW button, select your departure date, complete the traveler information, and pay the required deposit using a credit or debit card. Once we receive your deposit, we’ll request passport copies for all participants to secure train and Machu Picchu tickets.
Is my tour guaranteed once I book?
Yes. Once your Machu Picchu tickets are confirmed, your departure date is fully guaranteed, and you will receive a confirmation email with all details.
How do I pay the remaining balance?
The remaining balance can be paid:
In cash (USD or soles) one day before departure
Via PayPal at least one week in advance (7% fee)
By Visa credit card (5% fee)
Cash payment is recommended to avoid transaction fees.
Are discounts available for students or children?
Yes.
Students (11–17 years old): USD 20 discount
Children (2–11 years old): USD 30 discount
To apply, passport copies and valid student IDs must be sent at the time of booking.
Can I change my travel date after booking?
Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. Changing your date would require purchasing new tickets and rescheduling train services, resulting in an estimated loss of USD 100 per person, subject to availability for the new date.
What happens if Circuit 2 is sold out?
If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we can arrange a combination of Circuit 3 (guided) and Circuit 1 (self-guided). This option allows you to visit the main temples and capture the classic panoramic photo. An additional USD 45 applies due to the extra ticket.
Which train company is included in the tour?
We mainly operate with PeruRail due to its higher frequency, reliability, and quicker service recovery in case of delays. This ensures smoother logistics and a better overall experience.
What train class is included?
The standard package includes Expedition Class. You may upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory during booking for enhanced comfort and panoramic views.
Can you organize the tour if official tickets show sold out?
Yes. In these cases, we adapt the itinerary to a 2-Day Machu Picchu ticket-acquisition tour, purchasing tickets directly in Aguas Calientes. While we guarantee entry to Machu Picchu, the assigned circuit will depend on availability. Price for this option is USD 370 per person.
Do I need to bring my original passport?
Yes. Your original passport is mandatory and will be checked when boarding the train and entering Machu Picchu. The passport must match the booking details exactly.
What if I renew my passport before the trip?
You may book using your old passport or official ID. Once you receive your new passport, send us a copy immediately so we can update your ticket information.
What train schedules are normally used?
Train schedules depend on availability. Typically:
Outbound: Afternoon or evening train to Aguas Calientes
Return: Afternoon train, arriving in Cusco around 6:30 pm
This allows sufficient rest for optional tours the following day.
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco?
We recommend staying in Cusco, as it allows better coordination and smoother logistics for this specific itinerary.
Can I book my own hotel in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. Booking your own hotel reduces the tour price by USD 40 per person. Please inform us of your hotel details so our guide can escort you safely.
Can I store extra luggage during the tour?
Yes. You may store luggage at our office or your Cusco hotel. We recommend carrying only essentials for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.