Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu the perfect combination to discover the two most iconic treasures of the Inca Empire in a single experience. If you are looking for the most complete and exciting way to experience the magic of the Andes, get ready for a 2-day journey that will take you from the fertile valleys and living communities of the Inca era to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Our 2-day tour combines a full day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its ancestral markets, agricultural terraces, and fortresses, followed by an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and an early visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, when the dawn light illuminates its ancient stones. This is the ultimate experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Inca civilization.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore the most important sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and the salt mines of Maras, connecting with the grandeur of the Andean civilization.
- Visit the citadel of Machu Picchu at dawn, when the golden sunlight illuminates its terraces, temples, and plazas, offering a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
- Browse the artisan market of Pisac, one of the most colorful and traditional in the Andes, where local communities sell textiles, ceramics, and handicrafts made with ancestral techniques.
- Discover the impressive agricultural terraces of Ollantaytambo and its majestic fortress, a masterpiece of Inca engineering that still amazes the world.
- Spend a night in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush vegetation and the constant sound of the Urubamba River, preparing for the most anticipated visit of your trip.
Itinerary.
We pick you up at your hotel at 7:00 am from hotels, Airbnbs, houses, and apartments in the historic center of Cusco. We will begin our journey toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a route filled with spectacular landscapes that will prepare you for the grandeur that awaits.
First, we will stop at the Taray viewpoint to admire a breathtaking panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba with its agricultural terraces and winding river. Then we will visit the archaeological site of Pisac, an Inca complex of agricultural terraces, temples, and burial towers built atop a mountain with spectacular views of the valley. We will descend to the town of Pisac to explore its famous artisan market, where you can find handwoven textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and a wide variety of traditional handicrafts.
We will continue toward the fortress and Inca city of Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley. Here we will explore its massive stepped terraces, the Temple of the Sun with its pink stone monoliths, and the ceremonial bath of the Inca. We will also walk through the living town of Ollantaytambo, considered the "living Inca city" as its inhabitants still reside in houses built upon original Inca foundations. We will enjoy a buffet lunch with typical regional dishes at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). The train ride is an experience in itself, crossing a spectacular landscape of mountains, valleys, and lush vegetation as we descend toward the cloud forest. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will escort you to the hotel where you will spend the night. Your guide will provide instructions for the following day and recommend the best places to have dinner.
This is the most anticipated day of your trip. Early in the morning, after an energizing breakfast at the hotel, we will take the 25-minute bus ride up to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). You will arrive in time to witness the sunrise over the mountains surrounding the citadel, a spectacle of light and nature that will leave you speechless.
Your guide will lead you on a guided tour of approximately 2 and a half hours through the main sectors of the citadel: the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana (Inca sundial), the Temple of the Condor, the agricultural area with its terraces, and the residential and urban sectors. Your guide will explain the history, function, and mysteries surrounding this Inca citadel that remained hidden for centuries among the mountain vegetation until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace, take photographs, and if you have booked entrance for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will undertake that additional ascent. When you are ready, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch and pick up your belongings from the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco, arriving approximately between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
What is included
- Pre-departure information service.
- Expert tour guide English – Spanish for both days.
- Tourist transportation Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo (Day 1).
- Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Day 2).
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (round trip).
- Bus ride up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
- 1 night accommodation at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 1 Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley (Day 1).
- 1 Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 2).
- First aid kit
- 24/7 customer service
What is not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for the Sacred Valley sites (70 soles or 130 soles depending on the circuit).
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, subject to availability).
- Lunch in Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes (Day 2).
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes (Day 1).
- Tips for the guide and staff.
- Additional snacks and drinks.
What do I need to bring for the Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu tour?
- The original passport, it is essential for entry to Machu Picchu.
- Cash in soles for purchases, tips, lunches, and dinners not included.
- Comfortable layered clothing, as the weather varies considerably between the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential.
- Comfortable and waterproof footwear for walking on uneven and cobblestone terrain.
- Items to protect yourself from the sun: high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Solar radiation is intense at altitude.
- Insect repellent, especially for Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- A reusable water bottle and snacks for the journey.
- Toiletries and a change of clothes for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- Personal medications, including altitude pills if needed.
How long does the Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu tour last?
The tour spans 2 full days. The first day covers the Sacred Valley with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. The second day is the visit to Machu Picchu with return to Cusco in the evening.
What level of hotel is included for the night in Aguas Calientes?
The package includes one night at a tourist-class hotel with breakfast included. If you would prefer a higher-category hotel or one with river views, we can quote an upgrade subject to availability.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, both mountains are optional and subject to availability. We recommend booking them well in advance, as spots are limited. There is an additional cost. If you wish to include either mountain, please indicate this at the time of your reservation.
How long in advance should I make my reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 3 days before. However, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially during high season (May to September), as train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets sell out quickly.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my reservation?
Yes, it will be guaranteed with a deposit payment of the total cost of the tour per person through our 2 forms of payment mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What is the best time to do the Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu tour?
The best season is from April to October, during the dry season, when skies are clear and the views of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are most spectacular. From November to March, the rainy season may bring showers, but the vegetation is greener and more lush. Machu Picchu is visitable year-round.
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the tour in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco. You could also do it at our office located on Calle Portal de Panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de Armas de Cusco.
