The Sacred Valley Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a captivating two-day journey that immerses travelers in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Peru. Beginning with guided explorations of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, guests enjoy cultural insights and breathtaking views before taking a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The highlight, however, is a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu, where visitors can marvel at its architectural wonders and historical significance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site promises an unforgettable experience, leaving one to wonder what other secrets this ancient wonder holds.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 2-day tour from Cusco exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including guided visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu.
- Tour includes all transportation, accommodations, and entrance fees, providing a seamless and immersive experience in the region.
- Guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides, offering in-depth insights into the cultural and historical significance of the visited sites.
- Highly recommended by travelers with a perfect 5.0 rating, ensuring a high-quality and satisfying tour experience.
- Opportunity for independent exploration and discovery at Machu Picchu, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the ancient Inca citadel.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- Centro Historico De Cusco
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo Sanctuary
- Day 2: Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- What Is the Policy for Travelers Under 18 Years Old?
- Can I Leave My Luggage at the Hotel During the Tour?
- Is There an Option to Upgrade the Train Tickets?
- 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
Tour Overview
This 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu is recommended by 100% of travelers, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 10 reviews.
It provides a comprehensive guided experience covering the cultural and historic highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and the Pisaq market.
Travelers will enjoy pre-tour information and ticket distribution in historic Cusco, followed by guided tours of the Pisac Archaeological Park and the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary.
The second day includes a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with ample time for personal exploration.
With all transportation, accommodations, and entrance fees included, this tour offers an immersive and hassle-free way to discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley.
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Itinerary Details
The 2-day tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu begins with a pre-tour meeting in historic Centro Historico De Cusco, where travelers receive information and ticket distribution for the upcoming journey.
Day 1 takes guests to the archaeological site of Pisac, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour and have the option to visit the local handcraft market. Next, they’ll explore the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary with a guided tour, followed by lunch in Urubamba and a train ride to Aguas Calientes.
On Day 2, the highlight is a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, with ample time for independent exploration. The tour concludes with a train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Starting the 2-day tour from Cusco, travelers first gather at the Centro Historico De Cusco for a pre-tour meeting, where they receive important information and ticket distribution for the journey ahead.
The group then heads to Pisac, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Archaeological Park, taking in the impressive Inca ruins. Afterward, they have the option to visit the nearby handcraft market.
Next, the tour moves on to the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary, where a guided tour reveals the site’s historical significance. Following lunch in Urubamba, the group boards a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, where they’ll spend the night.
Centro Historico De Cusco
Gathering at the Centro Historico De Cusco, travelers receive important information and ticket distribution for the 2-day tour journey ahead. This pre-tour meeting covers key details:
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Tour itinerary and schedule for the next two days.
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Safety guidelines and recommendations for the trip.
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Distribution of admission tickets and other necessary documentation.
The historic center of Cusco serves as the starting point, where the guide provides a rundown of the tour.
Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and ensure they’re fully prepared before embarking on the exploration of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
This initial gathering lays the foundation for a smooth and informative experience.
Pisac
From the Centro Historico De Cusco, the tour continues onward to Pisac, where travelers embark on a guided tour of the Archaeological Park Pisac lasting approximately one hour. This guided visit allows participants to explore the Inca ruins and marvel at the impressive engineering feats of the ancient civilization. Afterward, travelers have the option to visit the lively Pisac handcraft market, seeing the vibrant local culture and browsing a variety of traditional Peruvian wares.
| Highlights of Pisac Archaeological Park | |
|---|---|
| Terraced agricultural platforms | Impressive architectural structures |
| Spiritual and ceremonial sites | Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley |
Ollantaytambo Sanctuary
Following the visit to Pisac, the tour then guides travelers to the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary, where they embark on a captivating 1-hour guided tour of this historic Inca site.
The tour highlights the impressive stone terraces, temples, and fortifications that demonstrate the Inca’s remarkable engineering prowess and shed light on the site’s strategic and ceremonial significance within the Sacred Valley.
The highlights of the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary tour include:
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The dramatic setting of the site, built on a hilltop overlooking the Urubamba River.
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The towering stone structures, some of which were used as warehouses and military outposts.
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The impressive Sun Temple, a monumental structure that was believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes to Cusco
On the second day, travelers begin their journey back to Cusco after exploring the renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
They embark on the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where they then transfer to a vehicle for the return trip to Cusco.
During the train ride, travelers can take in the breathtaking scenery of the Urubamba River Valley.
Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, the group boards a private transfer that will deliver them safely back to their starting point in Cusco.
The entire journey is guided, ensuring a seamless experience as travelers depart Machu Picchu and head back to the historic city of Cusco.
Machu Picchu
At the very heart of the two-day tour lies the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which travelers embark upon exploring on the second day. During the guided tour lasting 2-2.5 hours, they’ll wander amidst the remarkably well-preserved ruins, marveling at the ingenuity of the ancient Inca civilization that constructed this magnificent site high in the Andes mountains.
Travelers will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and significance of Machu Picchu, as the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the cultural and architectural wonders that define this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour at Machu Picchu typically includes:
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A rundown of the site’s history and layout
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Exploration of key structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone
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Breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean peaks and valleys
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, it is a comprehensive guided experience, so the group size is likely small to provide a personalized and immersive tour of the cultural and historic sites in the Sacred Valley.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider allows outside food and beverages, though they may recommend purchasing meals at local restaurants during the itinerary. Bringing snacks and water is generally encouraged.
What Is the Policy for Travelers Under 18 Years Old?
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There’s no age minimum, but infants and toddlers may find the tour challenging. The tour operator recommends it for most travelers, with some exceptions for those with physical limitations.
Can I Leave My Luggage at the Hotel During the Tour?
Travelers can typically leave their luggage at the hotel during the tour. The tour provider will likely offer secure storage for belongings not needed during the day’s activities. However, it’s best to confirm this with the tour company prior to the trip.
Is There an Option to Upgrade the Train Tickets?
Yes, there are upgrade options for the train tickets. Travelers can choose to upgrade to a more premium train service, like the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham trains, which offer enhanced amenities and a more comfortable journey to Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley Tour to Machu Picchu From Cusco 2-Day
“The Sacred Valley was amazing and of course Machu Pichu the highlight. What more can I say I think that is enough”
Recap
The Sacred Valley Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a captivating 2-day journey that immerses travelers in Peru’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Guests enjoy cultural insights, breathtaking views, and a comprehensive tour of the architectural wonders and historical significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
