The 2 Days Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour offers a comprehensive look into Peru’s rich Inca heritage. Travelers embark on a guided exploration of the Sacred Valley, visiting key archaeological sites and seeing the region’s history and culture. From the vibrant textiles of Chinchero to the Incan agricultural terraces of Moray, this tour provides a deep understanding of the Inca’s ingenuity and sophistication. After an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the grand finale awaits – a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, where the sheer scale and beauty of this ancient wonder leave a lasting impression. With careful planning and expert guidance, this tour ensures an unforgettable journey through Peru’s captivating past.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 2-day tour exploring the Sacred Valley and visiting the iconic Machu Picchu site.
- Visits to Chinchero, Moray, Salinas de Maras, and Ollantaytambo, showcasing Inca history and culture.
- Professional guide providing insights and round-trip transportation from Cusco.
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day.
- Tour includes breakfast, entrance tickets, and train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Highlights
- Day 1: Sacred Valley Exploration
- Chinchero: Archaeology and Weaving
- Moray: Experimental Agricultural Terraces
- Salinas De Maras: Salt Evaporation Wells
- Ollantaytambo: Inca Fortress and Town
- Day 2: Machu Picchu Visit
- Inclusions and Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?
- Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
- What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
- Can I Add Extra Activities to the Itinerary?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
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Tour Overview and Highlights
This tour offers a comprehensive 2-day exploration of the Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu.
It includes visits to the picturesque villages of Pisaq, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, as well as the archaeological site of Moray and the salt evaporation pools of Salinas de Maras.
Travelers will have the opportunity to learn about Inca history and culture from a professional guide.
The tour also includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, train tickets, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.
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Day 1: Sacred Valley Exploration
The first day of the tour begins with a visit to the village of Chinchero. Here, travelers explore the archaeological site and local market, learning about the process of natural wool dyeing.
Next, they venture to Moray, a unique site featuring experimental Inca agricultural terraces.
The tour then moves to the Salinas de Maras, where they discover the ancient salt evaporation wells.
The day culminates with a visit to Ollantaytambo, the Inca fortress and living town, before taking the train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
The key stops on the first day include:
- Chinchero: Archaeological site and market, natural wool dyeing
- Moray: Experimental agricultural terraces
- Salinas de Maras: Salt evaporation wells
Chinchero: Archaeology and Weaving
Nestled in the Andean highlands, the charming village of Chinchero serves as the starting point for the tour’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.
Visitors will discover the archaeological site and colorful local market, where they’ll learn about the traditional art of natural wool dyeing. The 1-hour stop provides an immersive cultural experience, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
Travelers can browse the vibrant stalls, admire the intricate textiles, and interact with the skilled artisans who maintain these time-honored practices.
This introductory visit sets the stage for the day’s journey through the captivating landscapes and ancient Inca sites of the Sacred Valley.
Moray: Experimental Agricultural Terraces
Next, the tour explores Moray, an incredible site showcasing the Inca’s innovative agricultural techniques.
Visitors will discover a series of intricately carved terraces, arranged in a distinctive concentric circular pattern. These terraces served as an experimental agricultural lab, where the Inca could test the effects of altitude, temperature, and soil composition on crop growth.
Highlights include:
- Exploring the vast, stepped depressions that reach over 100 feet deep.
- Marveling at the precision engineering that allowed the Inca to create microclimates across the terraces.
- Learning how this unique site contributed to the Inca’s agricultural prowess and ability to feed their expansive empire.
Salinas De Maras: Salt Evaporation Wells
From Moray, the tour continues to the Salinas de Maras, an astonishing complex of over 5,000 small salt evaporation ponds.
Located in a breathtaking valley, these centuries-old salt pans have been used by the Incas and local people for generations.
Visitors can explore the intricate network of ponds and witness the traditional salt harvesting process.
Guides explain how the salty spring water is channeled into the ponds, where it evaporates under the Andean sun, leaving behind the precious salt.
This unique landscape provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
Ollantaytambo: Inca Fortress and Town
After exploring the unique Salinas de Maras, the tour progresses to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, home to a magnificent Inca fortress.
Visitors can enjoy the town’s rich history and architecture. The tour includes:
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A visit to the impressive Inca fortress, which features massive stone terraces and temples that offer stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
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A guided exploration of the living town, where visitors can wander through the cobblestone streets and observe the local people going about their daily lives.
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The tour concludes at the Ollantaytambo train station, where travelers board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Visit
The second day of the tour begins with an early breakfast, as travelers prepare to make the ascent to the iconic Machu Picchu. After a short bus ride, the group embarks on a 3-hour guided tour, exploring key sites like the Temple of the Three Windows and the Solar Clock. Visitors are then free to wander and capture the breathtaking views on their own. Following the exploration, the group has free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and the journey to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM.
| Key Sites Explored | Duration |
|---|---|
| Temple of the Three Windows | 30 mins |
| Solar Clock | 30 mins |
| Free Exploration | 2 hours |
Inclusions and Additional Information
This tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Breakfast is provided, allowing travelers to start their day energized. The package also includes a professional guide, driver, and all necessary entrance tickets for the Sacred Valley portion of the tour.
Plus, the tour provides:
- Train tickets for the journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back.
- A limit of one 8 kg bag per traveler on the train.
- A minimum of two people per booking requirement.
Travelers can choose from hotel options in Aguas Calientes, such as Terrazas de Luna and Fenix, to complete their Machu Picchu experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, so travelers don’t need to worry about getting to the starting point. They’ll be conveniently picked up and dropped off at the end of the tour.
Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes after the tour. The tour includes one night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes, but travelers can book additional nights if they’d like more time to explore the town and surrounding areas.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy for this tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Travelers can cancel their booking and receive a full refund within this time frame.
Can I Add Extra Activities to the Itinerary?
Yes, you can add extra activities to the itinerary for this tour. The tour provider offers flexibility and customization options, allowing you to enhance your experience based on your interests and preferences.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual, comfortable dress code. Visitors are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection like hats and sunglasses. Layering is recommended due to the varying temperatures in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
2 Days Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
“Excellent tour and great value, had a great time, Tania and the guides really took care of us, totally recommended.”
Recap
The 2 Days Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour offers a comprehensive insight into Peru’s captivating Inca heritage. Visitors will enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural traditions. From the enchanting Sacred Valley to the iconic Machu Picchu, this tour provides an unforgettable journey that showcases the timeless allure of this remarkable destination.
