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Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour takes you from Inca terraces and colorful markets to the magical sunrise over Machu Picchu, blending culture, history, and unforgettable views.

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Pisac, Moray, Maras Salineras, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Physical level

Moderate

Trip style

Hike, Culture, Adventure

Max altitude

2700msnm

Group size

Group Service

This 2 days journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offers a glimpse into the heart of Inca culture and history as we traverse the scenic Sacred Valley, known for its moderate climate and lower elevation compared to Cusco. Experience charming villages, ancient Inca terraces, and key archaeological sites. Explore the fascinating Salt Mines and Moray terraces, where the Incas constructed terraces with containment walls to cultivate fertile soil. Discover the awe-inspiring ruins and the legendary Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, a pinnacle of Incan art, urban planning, architecture, and engineering.

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days trip details

Day 1: Cusco – Pisac – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Hotel pick-up at 7:30am in Cusco.

  • Scenic drive to Pisac: visit Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins (Inca cemetery, terraces, sacred tunnels), and Pisac market.
  • Lunch stop in Urubamba (not included).
  • Afternoon visit to Moray (Inca agricultural terraces) and Maras Salt Mines.
  • Continue to Ollantaytambo: explore its ancient town and Sun Temple.
  • Dinner included, then train at 7:04pm to Aguas Calientes (arrival 8:45pm).
  • Overnight in a 3-star (Ferre Hotel) or 4-star hotel (El Mapi / Tierra Viva Superior).

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

  • Early breakfast at the hotel.
  • Take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness sunrise.
  • 2-hour guided tour covering agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
  • Free time for photos, shopping, hot springs, or the museum (depending on train schedule).
  • Return by Expedition Train (2:55pm or 3:20pm), upgrade to Vistadome available.
  • Arrival back in Cusco around 7:30pm.
  • Meals: Day 1 – Dinner | Day 2 – Breakfast.
Highlights

Highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days

  • Explore Pisac, with its ancient cemetery, agricultural terraces, and vibrant artisan market.
  • Visit Moray, the Inca “greenhouse,” and learn how the Incas mastered microclimates for agriculture.
  • Discover the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras), still producing pink salt using pre-Inca methods.
  • Wander through Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town with impressive ruins and the Sun Temple.
  • Spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
  • Watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of its agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
  • Travel comfortably by Expedition Train, with upgrades available to Vistadome.
DAY 1

Pisac – Moray – Maras Salineras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Our adventure begins at 7:30am, with your guide picking you up from your Cusco hotel in a private van. We drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, making our first stop at Pisac. From the Taray Mirador, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming communities. The agricultural practices here have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Next, we visit the Pisac archaeological site, where you can explore an extensive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs, marvel at the meticulously crafted farming terraces, and discover the Inca tunnels and sacred areas. Spend around 2 hours exploring this significant Inca site. Afterwards, we visit the vibrant Pisac market for about 20 minutes before heading to Urubamba for lunch (not included).

Our journey continues to the Moray archaeological site, often referred to as “The Greenhouse of the Incas.” This site features a series of concentric terraces built into a natural depression, showcasing advanced Inca agricultural techniques. These terraces were used to experiment with different microclimates to optimize crop growth.

Next, we drive to the town of Maras to view the pre-Inca salt mines, known as salineras. These ancient salt pans have been in use for generations and are still operational today. A natural spring at the valley’s top provides salt-laden water, which is then collected in the pans to evaporate and produce salt. This unique location is one of the few in the world where you can find naturally pink salt.

Finally, we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a town that has preserved its Inca heritage. Here, you will explore the ancient Inca village and its impressive ruins, including the Sun Temple, which played a crucial role during the early Spanish conquest. After dinner, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will stay overnight. The train departs from Ollantaytambo at 7:04pm and arrives in Aguas Calientes at 8:45pm.

Accommodations:

  • 3-Star: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
  • 4-Star: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
    Dinner: Included
DAY 2

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the highlight of your journey! After an early breakfast at your hotel, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise—an unforgettable experience. Your guide will provide a 2-hour tour, covering the main areas of Machu Picchu and explaining its three distinct sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

Once you’ve absorbed the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you might have some time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will return you to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the picturesque Urubamba River. Along the way, you can spot Wiñay Wayna on the steep canyon walls. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a driver will meet you at the train station to transfer you back to your Cusco hotel, arriving by approximately 7:30pm.

Meal included: Breakfast

Important notes:

  • Hiking to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge will be available from June 1st, 2024, at an additional cost of $55 per person.
  • Return train times are subject to availability and advance booking.
  • Upgrades to the Vistadome Train are available for $67 USD for departures at 2:55pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. Early train options can be arranged upon request at the time of booking.
  • Our tour includes either Circuit 2A or Circuit 2B, subject to ticket availability.

Included in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days

  • Small groups of 2 to 8 participants
  • Pickup from your hotel
  • Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish
  • Private, comfortable transportation
  • All entrance tickets to archaeological sites
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Round-trip Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • 1 Breakfast
  • 1 Dinner
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes with private room, bathroom, and Wi-Fi
  • Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco via private van
  • Taxes

Not included in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days

  • Water and snacks
  • Additional meals
  • Huayna Picchu ($75 USD)
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train ($67 USD, return train only)
  • Other meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips for your guide

Huayna Picchu Mountain: This optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel does not include a guide. Typically, this climb is done independently after your Machu Picchu tour. If you prefer a guided hike, please request it in advance. An additional cost applies for guided tours.

Prices for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days

  • Without Hotel: $437 USD
  • 3-Star Hotel (Included): $457 USD
  • 3-Star Hotel (Others): By request
  • 4-Star Hotel: $547 USD

The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour can be scheduled on any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 participants.

With Hotel – 3-Star Ferre Machu Picchu

  • Hotel single supplement: $40 USD for solo travelers
  • Private service available for an additional $100 USD per person
  • All entrance fees are included, and tours are conducted in small groups, averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 8.

Discounts:

  • Ages 18 to 25: $30 USD (Please provide a student card with university name, student name, photo, and expiration date for verification)
  • Under 18: $30 USD (A copy of your passport is required at booking)
  • Under 11: $40 USD (A copy of your passport is required at booking)

Extras:

  • Huayna Picchu: $75 USD
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD
  • Upgraded Hotel (4 or 5 stars)
  • Hotel single supplement: $40 USD for solo travelers
What to bring

What to bring for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour:

  • A small backpack or carry bag (larger bags are not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
  • A change of clothing for the second day
  • Comfortable shoes or runners
  • Camera
  • Drinking water
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Fleece or jacket
  • Basic toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun hat
  • Extra money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs
  • Original passport (necessary for entry to Machu Picchu)
Travel guide
Aditional information

General Important Information:
Briefing:
A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office, located at Calle Punacchupan 196, office 201 (second floor)

Luggage Storage:
During the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel. Ensure you pack only what you need for the hike.

How to Book the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour:
To book your tour, fill out our booking form by clicking on “BOOK NOW” on our homepage.

Please provide the following information for each participant:

  • Full name (as per passport)
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • Nationality

Balance Payment Information:

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the remaining balance in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are numerous ATMs in the historical center for withdrawing money. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL, but note that a 5.5% service fee will be charged by these platforms. To pay via PAYPAL, log in to your account and use our email address: balances@incasexpeditions.com.

Student Discount Eligibility:

In accordance with Peruvian law, to qualify for a student discount, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Students aged 18 and above need to present a valid university ID. For instance, if you are 17 at the time of booking but turn 18 before your trek, you must provide a valid university ID to qualify for the discount.

  • University students must provide a copy of their ID showing a photo, university name, and card expiration date. IDs must be valid for the current academic year only.
  • Discount for students aged 11 to 17: $30 USD
  • Discount for children aged 2 to 11: $40 USD
  • Children aged 0 to 2: Free

Please send a copy of your passport to info@incasexpeditions.com when booking to receive the student discount.

Changing Departure Dates:

Changes to departure dates are not allowed once Machu Picchu tickets have been purchased, as government regulations prohibit modifications. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Please note that if you cancel your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is non-refundable.

Original Passport Requirement:

You must bring your original passport, which must match the number used to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, and other reservations. This will be checked by rangers at Machu Picchu and by the train company. If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information to secure your permit. We can update it when you receive your new passport number or updated name for a $25 fee per person. We require copies of both your old and new passports for this process. If you prefer not to pay this fee, bring both passports with you to Peru, as you will need to show both to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.

Weather Conditions:

The weather in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu can be quite unpredictable. We recommend packing a warm jacket for early mornings and a rain jacket in case of showers. INCAS EXPEDITIONS will provide you with a rain poncho.

Hotel Drop-off:

Yes, we will drop you off at your hotel after your trek or tour. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there as well.

Tipping:

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. While it might not be customary in your country, tipping is a significant practice in the tourism industry across many INCA EXPEDITIONS destinations and helps inspire excellent service. Tip as you see fit, based on the quality and length of your tour.

Sustainability:

INCA EXPEDITIONS is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. We follow universal principles to protect the environment and benefit local communities while respecting their culture and religion. Our staff are trained to understand and respect the local environment and people.

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