Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour – 2 Days

Discover the best of the Inca world in just two unforgettable days. This journey combines the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Sacred Valley with the wonder of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

01 Day: Sacred Valley Exploration.

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the Pisac archaeological site and market, where ancient terraces and vibrant handicrafts bring history to life. Continue to Urubamba for a traditional Andean lunch, then explore the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, an Inca stronghold that still preserves its original urban layout.
In the evening, board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

02 Day: Machu Picchu.

Rise early to take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu. Accompanied by an expert guide, uncover the secrets of this ancient citadel—its temples, terraces, and sacred stones. After your guided tour, you’ll have time to explore on your own or hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, with permit).
Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and continuing on to Cusco in the evening.


Highlights

  • Explore Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
  • Ride the scenic train along the Urubamba River
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu, with optional hikes for breathtaking views
  • Overnight in Aguas Calientes for easy access to the citadel

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days – Overview:

Sacred Valley Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, or Valle Sagrado, is a fertile stretch of land along the Urubamba River, located about 15–60 km from Cusco in the Peruvian Andes. Once the heartland of the Inca Empire, it was prized for its rich soil, mild climate, and strategic location connecting Cusco to Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Surrounded by dramatic mountains, the valley is dotted with archaeological sites, traditional villages, and vibrant markets, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its terraced fields, engineered by the Incas, are still in use today.

Key Highlights of the Sacred Valley

  • Pisac – Known for its impressive Inca terraces and colorful artisan market.
  • Urubamba – A peaceful town often used as a lunch stop, surrounded by farmland and mountains.
  • Ollantaytambo – A living Inca town with narrow cobblestone streets and a towering fortress.
  • Chinchero – Famous for textile traditions and a colonial church built on Inca foundations.

Why It’s Important

The Sacred Valley was more than just farmland for the Incas—it was a sacred space aligned with astronomical events, a hub of political power, and a vital route to Machu Picchu. Today, it’s one of the top destinations in Peru, offering visitors a mix of history, culture, and adventure.


Machu Picchu Overview

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, about 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. Often called the “Lost City of the Incas,” it is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

  • Built around 1450 under the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
  • Abandoned in the 16th century during the Spanish conquest, though it was never discovered by Spanish invaders.
  • Reintroduced to global attention in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham.

Significance

Machu Picchu showcases the engineering genius of the Incas. Its dry-stone construction, agricultural terraces, and sophisticated water management system remain intact despite centuries of exposure.

The site likely served as a royal estate or a sacred religious center. Its alignment with astronomical events—such as the solstices—reflects the Incas’ deep knowledge of the stars.

Layout

  • The Agricultural Zone: Terraces carved into the mountainside for farming and erosion control.
  • The Urban Zone: Residences, plazas, and ceremonial temples.
  • Key landmarks include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone (a ritual sundial), and the Room of the Three Windows.

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days – Visiting Today

  • Accessible via train from Cusco or by trekking the Inca Trail.
  • Entry is regulated with timed tickets to protect the site.
  • Visitors can also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views.

✨ Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days, is not only a wonder of ancient architecture but also a symbol of Inca resilience and cultural brilliance.