Travel with Pacha Expeditions on the perfect two-day Sacred Valley Peru Tour. Embark on a unique expedition from the historical city of Cusco to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Your journey will have adventure, culture, and discovery. Traverse the magnificent Valley of the Incas, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and the mighty Urubamba River.
Day one kicks off with a departure from Cusco. We head towards the Sacred Valley tour, with agricultural terraces and Inca ruins. Highlights include the town of Ollantaytambo and its ancient inca site. By nightfall, prepare for an early visit to Machu Picchu.
Day two is all about visiting Machu Picchu. Catch the sunrise over the Sun Gate. Explore the ruins with our expert guides. To finish the Machu Picchu Sacred Valley tour, we’ll take you back to Cusco.
If you can, consider visiting in the dry season, to fully enjoy this Sacred Valley Tour. Pacha Expeditions ensures a seamless and enriching experience, from securing your tourist ticket to navigating the Inca Trail. Embrace the magic of this Machu Picchu Sacred Valley tour with us. Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu with Pacha Expeditions.
Overview
The Sacred Valley Tour & Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night is the perfect combination of culture, history, and natural beauty, allowing travelers to explore the most important highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas before visiting the world-famous Machu Picchu.
This carefully designed itinerary takes you through picturesque Andean landscapes, traditional villages, vibrant local markets, and remarkable Inca archaeological sites. On the first day, you'll discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley, including impressive ruins, agricultural terraces, and authentic Andean culture. Later, you'll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning.
Combining two of Peru’s most iconic destinations into a single journey, this tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their experience while enjoying a comfortable and well-paced itinerary.
Departure: Every day from 07:30 a.m.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
Useful Information
- Start of the trek altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level in the Sacred Valley.
- Maximum altitude: 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) at Machu Picchu.
- Total distance of the hike: Approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) over 2 days.
- Average highest temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day.
- Average lowest temperature: 8°C (46°F) at night.
- Meals included: 1 lunch, 1 breakfast.
- Level of difficulty: Moderate, suitable for most travelers with general fitness.
Overview Day to Day
- Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour (visits to Pisac ruins and Ollantaytambo fortress, lunch in Urubamba, train to Aguas Calientes)
- Day 2: Visiting Machu Picchu (sunrise at Machu Picchu, guided tour and free time at the site, return to Cusco)
*CONDITIONS FOR THE WAYNA PICCHU AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Sacred Valley Peru
Our Cusco to Machu Picchu Sacred Valley Peru Tour will start early in the morning. Our first stop is the Inca ruins near the town of Pisac. Here, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the agricultural terraces and ancient buildings.
Next, we head to the Urubamba River for a short break, enjoying the scenic views. Lunch awaits in Urubamba town, offering traditional Andean cuisine.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Ollantaytambo, the living Inca town. Here, we explore the massive Inca fortress for about 1.5 hours. Learn about the Inca Empire's history and engineering marvels.
Afterward, we’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes about 1.50 hours. You'll have the evening free in Aguas Calientes, preparing for Machu Picchu the next day.
- Altitude Start: 2,800 meters (9,190 ft) in Cusco
- Maximum Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,500 ft) at Ollantaytambo
- Distance Covered: Approx. 50 km (31 miles) by vehicle, 2 km (1.24 miles) walking
- Main Places Visited: Pisac ruins, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Visiting Machu Picchu
The day begins early with a bus ride to Machu Picchu. We aim to arrive by sunrise, around 6 AM. The visit to Machu Picchu includes a 3-hour guided tour.
You'll see the Sun Gate, agricultural terraces, and the Temple of the Sun. After the tour, you'll have some free time to visit and explore.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes. You'll have time for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, Pacha Expeditions provides a vehicle back to Cusco. We'll arrive in Cusco city by evening, marking the end of our Cusco to Machu Picchu Sacred Valley Peru Tour.
- Altitude Start: 2,040 meters (6,700 ft) in Aguas Calientes
- Maximum Altitude: 2,430 meters (7.980 ft) at Machu Picchu
- Distance Covered: 6 km (3.7 miles) walking
- Main Places Visited: Machu Picchu
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Professional bilingual guide
- Transportation from Cusco to the Sacred Valley
- Round trip train tickets to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Meals as specified (1 breakfast, 1 lunch )
- Return transportation to Cusco.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Entrance tickets to archaeological sites, S/.130 - Half ticket S/.70 soles
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (U$:60)
- Additional nights in Aguas Calientes
- Snacks and beverages
- Souvenirs
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Rain protection layers
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, long sleeves, sunglasses)
- Bottle for water (reusable)
- Personal medications
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Camera or phone for photos
- Cash for personal expenses
- Insect repellent
- Passport for entrance to Machu Picchu
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Upgrade to Vistadome or luxury train service
- Huayna Picchu entrance tickets (U$:60)
- Rental of hiking poles
Price & Add-ons
Group: U$: 450
Private: U$: 550
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train – U$: 90 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train– U$: 680 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 445 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 90 Per person
Map (Cusco to Machu Picchu)
Sacred Valley Tour & Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night – FAQs
1. What is the Sacred Valley Tour & Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night?
This tour combines a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu. It is one of the most complete and popular ways to experience Peru’s most iconic attractions.
2. What sites are visited in the Sacred Valley?
Depending on the itinerary, visits may include:
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Pisac Market
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
- Traditional Andean villages
- Scenic viewpoints throughout the Sacred Valley
3. Is Machu Picchu included in the tour?
Yes. The tour includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
4. How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, beginning in Cusco and returning the following day after visiting Machu Picchu.
5. Is accommodation included?
Yes. One night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes is included in most tour packages.
6. Are Machu Picchu entrance tickets included?
Yes. Official entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are typically included, subject to availability at the time of booking.
7. How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking several weeks or months in advance, especially during the high season (May to September), when train tickets and Machu Picchu permits are in high demand.
8. Is transportation included?
Yes. Most packages include:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transportation in the Sacred Valley
- Train tickets
- Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Return transportation to Cusco
9. What type of train is used?
Tourist-class train service is generally included, operated by companies such as PeruRail or Inca Rail. Upgrades may be available.
10. Is a guide included?
Yes. Professional guides accompany visitors during the Sacred Valley tour and the guided visit to Machu Picchu.
11. What should I bring?
Recommended items include:
- Original passport
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light clothing and warm layers
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
- Reusable water bottle
- Small backpack
12. Is the tour physically demanding?
The tour is considered easy to moderate. Visitors should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain, stone paths, and stairs at archaeological sites.
13. Can children participate?
Yes. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for children, provided they are comfortable with walking and travel activities.
14. Is food included?
Tour inclusions vary. Some packages include lunch in the Sacred Valley and breakfast at the hotel, while other meals may be purchased independently.
15. What is the altitude of the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley sits at lower elevations than Cusco, generally between 2,700 m and 3,000 m (8,860–9,840 ft), making it an excellent place for acclimatization.
16. Is altitude sickness a concern?
The risk is generally lower than in Cusco, but travelers are encouraged to spend time acclimatizing before beginning their Peru adventure.
17. Can I visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. During your free time in Aguas Calientes, you may visit the town’s natural hot springs for an additional fee.
18. Can I hike Huayna Picchu?
Yes, but permits are limited and must be booked well in advance.
- Huayna Picchu
19. Can I hike Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes. Additional permits are required for:
- Machu Picchu Mountain
Availability is limited and should be requested at the time of booking.
20. What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round. The dry season (April to October) offers clearer skies and excellent conditions, while the rainy season (November to March) provides greener landscapes and fewer crowds.
21. How much time is spent at Machu Picchu?
Most guided visits last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the official circuit assigned and current visitor regulations.
22. Is luggage allowed on the train?
Most trains allow only a small carry-on bag. Large luggage should be stored at your hotel in Cusco.
23. Why combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu?
The Sacred Valley was a key region of the Inca Empire and provides valuable historical and cultural context before visiting Machu Picchu. Together, these destinations offer a more complete understanding of Inca civilization.
24. Is the Sacred Valley Tour & Machu Picchu worth it?
Absolutely. This itinerary combines Peru’s most important archaeological sites, stunning Andean landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and the unforgettable wonder of Machu Picchu, making it one of the best short tours available in the Cusco region.
