Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley (2 Days)

Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley offer a captivating journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This two-day tour immerses travelers in the region’s stunning landscapes and archaeological wonders. From exploring the historic site of Pisac to marveling at the breathtaking scenery of Urubamba, the itinerary promises an unforgettable experience. The highlight, of course, is the guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, where visitors can discover the site’s main square and sacred sundial. With exceptional service and a maximum of 15 participants, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. What secrets might Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley hold?

Key Points

• This two-day adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley is operated by Encuentros Peru Adventure with a maximum of 15 travelers.
• The tour includes visits to Pisac’s archaeological complex, handicraft market, and a lunch experience in Urubamba surrounded by Andean peaks.
• The guided tour of Machu Picchu covers the main areas of the UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Main Square, Sacred Sundial, and Royal Quarters.
• Breakfast in Aguas Calientes and lunch in Urubamba are included, along with transportation and all entrance fees to the Sacred Valley.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and participants should be prepared for extended periods of walking on uneven terrain.

Overview of the Tour

The Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley tour is a two-day adventure that takes travelers from the historic center of Cusco to explore the renowned archaeological site of Machu Picchu and the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Operated by Encuentros Peru Adventure, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and is priced from $579.

With an exceptional 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including visits to Pisac’s archaeological complex and handicraft market, lunch in Urubamba, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

The tour provides an excellent opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Peru’s most iconic destinations.

Highlights of Day 1

On the first day, the tour begins with pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco at 6:00 am.

The first stop is Pisac, where travelers visit the archaeological complex and browse the vibrant handicraft market.

Next, they’ll ride a bus up to the ancient ruins perched on a hill.

After, the group enjoys lunch in Urubamba, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley region before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Lunch in Urubamba

After exploring the archaeological wonders of Pisac, the group travels on to Urubamba, where they indulge in a delightful lunch surrounded by the majestic Andean peaks.

The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, showcasing the region’s vibrant culinary heritage. As the group savors the flavorful meals, they’re treated to breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains that tower above the lush, verdant valley.

This leisurely lunch provides a much-needed respite from the morning’s activities, allowing the travelers to recharge and prepare for the next stage of their Machu Picchu adventure.

Machu Picchu Exploration

With the delicious lunch in Urubamba behind them, the group now turns their attention to the highlight of the tour – exploring the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu.

After a 30-minute transfer by tourist bus, they arrive at the entrance, where they’re assigned to small groups for a guided tour.

Over the next two hours, the guide leads them through the main areas, including the main square, sacred sundial, circular tower, Temple of the Three Windows, Royal Quarters, and cemeteries.

Afterwards, the group has free time to further explore the breathtaking citadel on their own, seeing the history and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

The guided tour of Machu Picchu takes visitors through the main areas of the ancient Inca citadel. Over the course of two hours, the tour covers the main square, the sacred sundial, the circular tower, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Royal Quarters, and the cemeteries. Each group is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Area Covered	Significance
Main Square	Center of Inca religious and administrative activities
Sacred Sundial	Used for timekeeping and astronomical observations
Circular Tower	Architectural marvel with intricate stonework
Temple of the Three Windows	Symbolic representation of the Inca trinity
Royal Quarters	Residential areas for the Inca nobility
Cemeteries	Resting place for the Inca elite

Included Meals and Transport

This tour package includes both breakfast and lunch for the two-day itinerary.

Travelers will enjoy a breakfast in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu on the second day. Lunch is provided on the first day in Urubamba, surrounded by the stunning Andean peaks.

Transportation is covered as well, with pickup from the hotel in Cusco’s historic center and travel to Ollantaytambo via bus. From there, the journey continues to the iconic Machu Picchu site.

All entrance fees to the Sacred Valley are also included in the package price, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience for guests.

Accessibility and Confirmation

Accessibility is an important consideration for this tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with serious medical conditions.

Participants should be able to walk for extended periods and navigate uneven terrain. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase.

Travelers should be aware that the tour is non-refundable, so it’s crucial to ensure the dates and itinerary fit their needs before committing.

Positive Customer Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the tour guides for their professionalism and helpfulness, highlighting the memorable experiences the tour provides.

Customers commend the tour operator for their quick responses to inquiries, ensuring a smooth booking process.

One reviewer raved about the "breathtaking" visit to the archaeological complex and market in Pisac, while another enthusiastically described the "unforgettable" guided tour of Machu Picchu’s main areas.

Across the board, travelers emphasize the exceptional service and unforgettable nature of this Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley adventure, making it a top-rated tour choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, though there is no specified minimum group size. The small group size allows for a more personalized and intimate travel experience.

Do I Need a Special Permit to Visit Machu Picchu?

No, travelers don’t need a special permit to visit Machu Picchu. The tour includes a group entrance ticket and guided tour of the historic site, which is arranged by the tour operator.

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Extend My Stay?

Yes, travelers can often modify the itinerary to extend their stay at Machu Picchu. However, they’ll need to check with the tour operator about availability and any additional costs for extending the trip.

What Should I Pack for the Tour?

When packing for the tour, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying temperatures, sun protection, a small backpack, snacks, and cash for optional expenses. Bringing a camera is also recommended to capture the stunning Andean scenery.

Are There Any Optional Activities Available?

The tour does not mention any optional activities. However, travelers may have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu further on their own after the guided tour. Guests should check with the tour operator for any additional options.

Recap

This immersive 2-day tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s cultural and natural wonders. Travelers will marvel at the archaeological marvels of Pisac, savor a traditional lunch in Urubamba, and be captivated by the breathtaking Machu Picchu. With personalized service and ample time for discovery, this tour promises an exceptional experience for up to 15 participants.