Set out on a captivating 2-day exploration of Peru’s Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu. Uncover the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Andes as you discover remarkable Inca ruins and learn about the region’s vibrant indigenous communities. From the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo to the bustling market of Pisac, this all-inclusive tour offers a personalized experience for a maximum of 8 travelers. But the real adventure lies in uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu, where a guided tour promises to reveal the architectural marvels and historical significance of this legendary site. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes.
Key Points
- This is a private 2-day tour from Cusco that covers the highlights of the Sacred Valley and a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
- The tour includes visits to the Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, and a train journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation, meals, entrance tickets, and transportation are all included, ensuring a hassle-free and personalized experience for a maximum of 8 travelers.
- Explore the rich cultural heritage and Inca engineering at the Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo fortress, as well as the vibrant local markets.
- The Machu Picchu guided tour provides insights into the history, architecture, and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Trip Overview
- Highlights of the Sacred Valley
- Exploring Pisac Ruins and Market
- Discovering Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Train Journey to Aguas Calientes
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
- Accommodations and Meals
- Preparing for the Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include More Sites?
- How Much Free Time Is Provided at Each Location?
- Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
- What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Trip Overview
This 2-day private tour from Cusco takes travelers to explore the iconic Sacred Valley and the renowned Machu Picchu.
Over the course of the two days, visitors will visit the ancient Inca ruins of Pisac and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.
The second day is dedicated to the jewel of the Inca Empire – Machu Picchu. After a train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, travelers will embark on a guided tour of the majestic citadel.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
Entrance tickets, accommodations, meals, and transportation are all included, making this an all-inclusive experience of Peru’s most impressive Inca sites.
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Highlights of the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is home to numerous impressive Inca ruins and vibrant local markets, offering visitors a glimpse into the ancient Andean civilization.
Explore the ruins of Pisac, a former Inca administrative center, and browse the lively artisan market for traditional crafts.
Visit the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, a strategic military, agricultural, and religious site.
Discover the stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, rivers, and terraced agricultural fields.
Enjoy the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of the local Quechua communities.
- Vibrant local markets
- Impressive Inca ruins
- Stunning natural landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage
Exploring Pisac Ruins and Market
Beginning the Sacred Valley tour, visitors explore the Pisac ruins, an impressive Inca fortress perched atop a mountain ridge. The ruins showcase Inca engineering and architecture, with intricate stone terraces, agricultural platforms, and ceremonial plazas. At the heart of the site lies the Inti Watana, a ritual stone used to determine the winter solstice.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fortress | Strategically located atop a mountain |
| Terraces | Extensive agricultural terraces |
| Inti Watana | Ritual stone for solstice tracking |
| Plazas | Ceremonial gathering spaces |
Descending from the ruins, travelers browse the lively Pisac market, filled with vibrant Andean handicrafts, textiles, and local produce. The bustling market offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Sacred Valley.
Discovering Ollantaytambo Fortress
After exploring the Pisac ruins, the tour continues to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site that offers insights into the engineering prowess and strategic thinking of the Incas.
Perched on a steep hillside, the fortress features impressive stone terraces, storehouses, and a series of staircases that once provided access to the upper levels. The site’s layout and defensive structures suggest it served as a royal estate and a military stronghold, showcasing the Incas’ remarkable architectural and engineering achievements.
Key features include:
- Massive stone blocks, some weighing over 50 tons
- Intricate hydraulic engineering and water management systems
- Remnants of temples, plazas, and residential areas
- Impressive views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains
Train Journey to Aguas Calientes
Departing from Ollantaytambo, the train journey to Aguas Calientes winds its way through the lush, verdant landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Passengers are treated to stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and terraced hillsides as the train navigates the winding tracks. The leisurely ride allows travelers to soak in the natural beauty of the region before arriving in the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu.
Once in Aguas Calientes, travelers will board a bus that takes them up the steep, serpentine road to the ancient Inca citadel, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore this wonder of the world.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, travelers embark on a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel.
An expert guide leads the group through the ancient ruins, sharing insights into the site’s history, architecture, and significance.
The tour covers key landmarks, including:
- The Main Plaza, the center of activity in Machu Picchu
- The Intihuatana, a ritual stone believed to have been used as a solar calendar
- The Temple of the Sun, a sacred structure aligned with astronomical events
- The Terraces, intricate agricultural platforms crucial to the Inca’s self-sufficient society
The guided experience offers travelers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the majesty and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accommodations and Meals
As part of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, travelers are provided with one night’s accommodation in a 3-star hotel located in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu site.
This hotel stay includes breakfast and lunch. The tour also covers round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, as well as round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance.
However, any additional snacks, meals, or unspecified food aren’t included in the tour price.
Preparing for the Tour
To prepare for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, travelers will need to provide their accommodation address to the tour operator at least 3 days prior to the start of the tour.
Pickup points are available for selection, allowing for convenient meeting locations.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the intimate group size ensures a personalized experience.
The tour also includes round-trip transportation by train and bus, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Notably, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.
- Provide accommodation address at least 3 days prior
- Select from available pickup points
- Maximum of 15 travelers for a personalized experience
- Round-trip transportation by train and bus included
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary restrictions. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure proper arrangements are made.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include More Sites?
There is an option to extend the tour to include more sites, such as the stunning Moray ruins and the Maras salt mines. Travelers can discuss customizing the itinerary with the tour operator to meet their specific interests.
How Much Free Time Is Provided at Each Location?
The tour provides approximately 1-2 hours of free time at each location, allowing visitors to explore the ruins and markets at their own pace. However, the schedule is fairly tight, so free time may be limited.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to suit individual preferences, though the overall itinerary and inclusions remain fixed. Travelers can discuss any special requests or needs with the tour operator prior to booking.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund if cancelled up to 14 days before the start date. There’s a 50% refund for cancellations between 7-14 days, and no refund for cancellations within 7 days.
2 Days Tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu
“Every part of our tour ran smoothly. There was a briefing each night to fill us in on what the following days itinerary would be. Our tour guide Ri…”
Recap
This captivating 2-day tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu immerses travelers in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Andes. From exploring remarkable archaeological sites to embarking on a scenic train journey, this all-inclusive experience promises an unforgettable adventure for a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized journey through one of Peru’s most iconic destinations.
