The 2-Day Sacred Valley Tour & Machu Picchu promises an unparalleled journey through the heart of Peru’s rich cultural tapestry. Travelers embark on an immersive exploration, delving into the ancient Inca ruins of Pisac and the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, before embarking on a scenic train ride to the enchanting town of Aguas Calientes. The grand finale of this tour is the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, where an expert guide unveils the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization’s architectural and cultural marvels. With all the logistics seamlessly handled, this tour offers a truly unforgettable experience that captivates the senses and sparks the imagination.
Key Points
- A 2-day small-group tour covering the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and a train ride to Aguas Calientes.
- The tour includes a briefing, lunch, hotel accommodation, and admission tickets, but does not offer wheelchair accessibility or a refundable booking policy.
- On the first day, the tour explores the Pisac archaeological site, traditional market, and the Ollantaytambo fortress, before transferring to Aguas Calientes by train.
- The second day focuses on the Machu Picchu archaeological park, providing a guided exploration and free time to immerse in the serene atmosphere.
- Optional activities such as visiting Huayna Picchu or Mountain Machu Picchu, as well as the thermal hot springs, are available during the tour.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1 Highlights
- Exploring Pisac
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Train to Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu Experience
- Inclusions and Important Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Add Extra Activities During the Tour?
- How Fit Do I Need to Be for This Tour?
- What Should I Bring to Machu Picchu?
- Is It Possible to Extend the Stay in Aguas Calientes?
- How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Machu Picchu?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
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Tour Overview
This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour from Cusco offers a small-group experience for a maximum of 15 participants.
Guests will visit remarkable archaeological sites like Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. They’ll also spend a night in Aguas Calientes and witness the sunrise at the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu.
The tour includes a briefing the day before, lunch on both days, one-night hotel accommodation, admission tickets, and optional add-ons like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Important information for travelers includes meeting in the Cusco region, no wheelchair accessibility, and a non-refundable booking policy.
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Itinerary Details
The 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour begins with a departure from Cusco at 8:00 AM.
The first stop is the Pisac archaeological site, located 45 minutes from Cusco. After exploring the site, travelers will visit the traditional Pisac market.
Next, they’ll head to the Ollantaytambo fortress, a significant military and religious center. The day concludes with a train ride to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
On the second day, the group will transfer to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, exploring the site’s buildings and temples.
After free time, they’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.
Day 1 Highlights
On the first day of the 2-day Sacred Valley tour, travelers depart from Cusco at 8:00 AM and make their way to the Pisac archaeological site, situated just 45 minutes from the city.
They’ll explore the impressive Inca ruins, which feature terraced agricultural fields and the remnants of a once-thriving civilization.
After the visit, the group moves on to the traditional Pisac market, where they can browse the local handicrafts and interact with the vibrant community.
The day continues with a visit to Ollantaytambo fortress, an important Inca military and religious center.
Exploring Pisac
Nestled within the Andes Mountains, the Pisac archaeological site captivates visitors with its well-preserved Inca ruins. Guests will spend around 45 minutes exploring the site, which features impressive agricultural terraces, religious temples, and defensive walls.
Wandering through the site, they’ll gain insights into the advanced engineering and construction techniques of the Incas. The highlight is the main temple complex, where guests can marvel at the intricate stonework and panoramic mountain vistas.
After the visit, the tour continues to the lively Pisac market, where travelers can browse local handicrafts and sample traditional Andean cuisine.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Next on the itinerary, visitors explore the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, a significant military and religious center from the Inca era.
Located about an hour’s drive from Cusco, the fortress sits atop a hill overlooking the Sacred Valley. Travelers can wander through the ancient stone ruins, admiring the impressive architecture and learning about the site’s strategic importance.
The temple complex features intricate stonework and impressive terraced agricultural areas. Guides share insights into the fortress’s history and the engineering feats of the Incas who constructed it.
With its stunning setting and well-preserved ruins, Ollantaytambo offers a glimpse into the power and ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Train to Aguas Calientes
From Ollantaytambo, the tour group boards the train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, the charming town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.
This picturesque ride along the Urubamba River offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains. The train winds through lush valleys, passing by ancient Inca ruins and small villages.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the group checks into their hotel, preparing for the next day’s visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.
The town’s quaint streets and thermal hot springs provide a relaxing atmosphere before the highly anticipated exploration of the famous Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu Experience
After arriving in Aguas Calientes, the tour group transfers to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park to begin their guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel. A knowledgeable guide leads the group through the impressive ruins, highlighting the architectural marvels and sharing the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
| Machu Picchu Experience | ||
|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour | Free Time | Return to Cusco |
| Explore ruins | Until 2:00 PM | Train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer |
| Learn about history | Arrive in Cusco |
The tour provides ample time for guests to wander the site independently, capturing breathtaking photos and seeing the serene atmosphere before the group departs for the return journey to Cusco.
Inclusions and Important Information
The tour package includes a pre-departure briefing at the hotel the day before, providing travelers with essential details and preparatory information.
Lunch is included on both days, and guests will enjoy a one-night stay in Aguas Calientes, with breakfast provided.
Admission tickets to all archaeological sites are covered, and travelers can optionally add Huayna Picchu or Mountain Machu Picchu for an additional fee.
Entrance to the hot springs is also offered as an optional activity.
Participants must provide their full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, sex, phone number, and flight details.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and guests with serious medical conditions should refrain from booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add Extra Activities During the Tour?
Yes, the tour offers optional activities like visiting Huayna Picchu or Mountain Machu Picchu for an additional $30 USD. Travellers can also choose to visit the hot springs during their free time in Aguas Calientes.
How Fit Do I Need to Be for This Tour?
This tour doesn’t require strenuous fitness, but participants should be able to walk for extended periods and handle moderate elevation changes. The itinerary includes some hiking, but the pace is leisurely and intended to be accessible for most travelers.
What Should I Bring to Machu Picchu?
To visit Machu Picchu, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, and a lightweight rain jacket. It’s also recommended to pack any necessary medications and a portable charger for electronic devices.
Is It Possible to Extend the Stay in Aguas Calientes?
The tour itinerary includes an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, but it’s possible to extend the stay beyond the scheduled one night. Guests can book additional nights in Aguas Calientes to have more time to explore the surrounding area.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Machu Picchu?
The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2-3 hours, allowing visitors to explore the major buildings and temples. Afterwards, there’s free time until 2:00 PM to further discover the site on one’s own.
2 Day Sacred Valley Tour & Machu Picchu
“We chose 2days and 1night trip to Sacred Valley+Machu picchu with Wayna Picchu. Everything was so well organized. The guide was very knowledgeable …”
Recap
This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing Peru’s incredible history, culture, and natural beauty. Travelers will explore ancient Inca ruins, discover vibrant local markets, and marvel at the iconic Machu Picchu, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance. It’s an unforgettable journey that allows visitors to connect with the rich heritage of this remarkable destination.
