Group tour
FromUS$395per person
- Voyager train, round trip
- Standard hotel (single, double or matrimonial room)
Cultural Journeys
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour
Sacred ValleyMachu Picchu
- Duration
- 2 days
- Physical level
- Easy
- Max. altitude
- 3,399 m
- Group size
- Group or private
- Accommodation
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- From
- US$395
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel, with a night in Aguas Calientes
A Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour in two days from Cusco: the Pisac ruins and market, the Ollantaytambo fortress, the train to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu the next morning.
This tour combines the two essentials of any trip to Cusco: the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu. On the first day you travel through the valley with a guide, and in the afternoon you take the train to Aguas Calientes. You visit Machu Picchu the next morning, rested and without the rush of a day trip.
What you will see in the Sacred Valley
Pisac: Inca terraces and ruins high above the valley, with some of its best viewpoints, and the traditional local market down in the town.
Urubamba: a stop in the heart of the valley for a buffet lunch of local dishes.
Ollantaytambo: a guided visit to the fortress, with the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon and its ceremonial terraces. From its station you take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Extra hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
If you want more adventure, you can add the climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (US$60 each). They take about 3 to 4 hours up and down, and spots are very limited: let us know when you book so we can buy the ticket in advance and adjust your schedule.
- The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a single trip
- Pisac ruins and market and the Ollantaytambo fortress
- A night in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu in the morning
- Group tour or private tour with the Vistadome train
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour route map
← Swipe →© OpenStreetMap
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Cusco – Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Pisac and its market, lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour itinerary
Aguas Calientes
3,399 mDay 1: Cusco – Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
07:30 – 08:00 · Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Pisac: guided visit to the ruins and the main viewpoints, and time to walk around the traditional market. Urubamba: about 45 minutes later, buffet lunch of local dishes. Ollantaytambo: guided visit to the fortress — the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon and the ceremonial terraces. Afternoon: Voyager or Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes (about 1.5 hours). Our guide meets you at the station and helps you check in at your hotel. Free time to explore the town, buy souvenirs or visit the hot springs.
Sacred Valley
Breakfast2.5 h2,430 mDay 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early breakfast at your hotel and a 30-minute bus ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Guided tour of the citadel: its history, architecture and the culture of the Incas. Bus back down to Aguas Calientes and free time for lunch (not included). Late afternoon: train back to Ollantaytambo (the time is printed on your ticket). Our private transport drives you back to Cusco, with drop-off at the Plaza de Armas. Your arrival time depends on the train schedule.
Customize this journey
Change the pace, upgrade hotels, add days — this itinerary is yours to shape.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco and transport through the Sacred Valley
- Professional guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Sacred Valley sites
- Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Voyager or Vistadome, depending on the option)
- 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guided tour
- Transport Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Plaza de Armas)
Not included
- Meals (buffet lunch in Urubamba and lunch on day 2)
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (US$60)
- Huayna Picchu ticket (US$60)
- Tips and personal expenses
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour prices
Private tour
FromUS$525per person
- Vistadome Observatory train one way and Vistadome the other
- 3-star hotel (double or matrimonial room)
- Private service: only your group
Before you go
Passport
Your passport or a valid ID is mandatory for the train and for entering Machu Picchu.
Luggage
Pack a small backpack (5–6 kg) for the night in Aguas Calientes: large suitcases are not allowed on the train.
Clothing
Light clothes for the day, warm layers for the evening and a rain jacket or poncho, especially from November to March. Comfortable shoes with good grip.
Sun and insects
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the valley and Machu Picchu, and insect repellent for Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Cash
Bring Peruvian soles for meals, souvenirs and personal expenses: not every shop or restaurant takes cards.
What to pack
PassportOriginal, not a copy
Soles in cashFor tips and markets
Personal medicationPlus something for altitude
Reusable bottleStay hydrated at altitude
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour FAQs
G
Machu Picchu tickets have a daily limit and are issued with your name, circuit and entry time. From June to September book 3 to 6 months ahead; the rest of the year, at least a few weeks.
The group tour travels on the Voyager train and stays at a standard hotel, from US$395. The private tour is just for your group, with the Vistadome trains and a 3-star hotel, from US$525 per person.
Yes, as an extra (US$60 each). Each hike takes about 3 to 4 hours up and down and spots are very limited, so tell us when you book and we will buy your ticket in advance.
A small backpack of 5 to 6 kg for the night in Aguas Calientes. Large suitcases are not allowed on the train; you can leave them at your hotel in Cusco.
Our transport drops you at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. Your arrival time depends on the return train schedule printed on your ticket.
We plan a gradual ascent, starting in the lower Sacred Valley. Our guides carry oxygen, monitor how you feel and adjust the pace whenever needed.
What our travelers say
- ★★★★★
“Fast, honest answers on WhatsApp before we booked and real support during the trip. When a train was delayed, everything was rearranged before we even noticed.”
Laura & James P., United KingdomPeru Essentials in Style - ★★★★★
“Walking the Inca Trail had been on my list for twenty years. The team handled the permits, the porters were incredible and arriving through the Sun Gate was pure emotion.”
Michael K., AustraliaClassic Inca TrailGoogle - ★★★★★
“Travelling with three kids could have been stressful, but the pace was just right. The llama trek and the chocolate workshop were the highlights for our children.”
The Harrison family, United StatesFamily Adventure in the AndesTripadvisor - ★★★★★
“The perfect honeymoon. The Hiram Bingham train, a private sunrise at Machu Picchu and three nights in the Amazon — Giovanni designed something that felt completely ours.”
Emma T., United KingdomRomantic Peru HoneymoonGoogle - ★★★★★
“Our guide on the Salkantay trek knew every plant, every story and exactly when we needed a break. Crossing the pass at sunrise is a memory we will keep forever.”
David & Claire R., CanadaSalkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTripadvisor - ★★★★★
“Every single detail was taken care of, from the airport pick-up in Lima to a quiet table overlooking the Sacred Valley. We never once had to think about logistics — we just enjoyed Peru.”
Sarah M., United StatesPeru Essentials in Style
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