Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley Tour

🧭 Description

This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience one of the most complete Peruvian experiences in just two days: combining the majesty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu. From the archaeological treasures of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to the immensity of Machu Picchu, this route connects the most emblematic sites of the ancient Inca empire on a cultural, spiritual, and scenic journey.

The tour takes you through Andean landscapes, colonial towns, local markets, ancient fortifications, and tourist trains that cross the high jungle. An experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Peru’s living history while enjoying comfortable transfers, a professional guide, included entrance fees, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of one of the Wonders of the World.

• ⚠️ Important: Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and sell out quickly, so it’s always important to check availability before confirming any tour. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to guarantee admission on your desired date.

🗺️ Itinerary

📍 Day 1: Sacred Valley of the Incas and arrival in Aguas Calientes

The adventure begins with departure from Cusco to the legendary Sacred Valley. As you travel through the Andean valleys, the landscapes transform into a mosaic of farmland, winding rivers, and sacred mountains. The first stop is the archaeological site of Pisac, an Inca complex perched high on a mountain, with impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial sites, ancient cemeteries, and a panoramic view overlooking the entire valley. Your guide will explain its strategic role within the empire and the symbolism of its structures.

The tour continues along the road that runs through the heart of the valley. Along the way, you’ll see small communities that still preserve ancestral customs, women dressed in traditional costumes, and herds of alpacas peacefully crossing the landscape. The next destination is Urubamba, a peaceful and fertile town where you will enjoy an Andean buffet lunch featuring a variety of local flavors such as quinoa, potatoes, corn, tamales, and traditional meats.

After lunch, the route takes you to Ollantaytambo, one of the last surviving Inca cities. You will visit its imposing fortress, with stepped terraces that defy gravity, sun temples, and structures that still retain their astronomical alignment. This site was the scene of Inca resistance to the conquest, and its energy still vibrates strongly.

• RETURN

At the end of the visit, you will head to the train station located in the same town, where you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes. During the journey, the landscape changes drastically: the climate becomes more humid, the greenery intensifies, and the Urubamba River guides the way to the edge of the jungle. Upon arrival in town, your hotel host will be waiting to take you to your reserved accommodation.

Once settled in, you will have time to rest and acclimatize. In the evening, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to give you a personalized briefing about your visit to Machu Picchu the next day. It’s time to prepare for the big day ahead.

📍 Day 2: Machu Picchu, the sanctuary among the clouds

From early on, the day begins with excitement and anticipation. You’ll board the tourist bus that ascends a steep route between the jungle and the mountains, until you reach the entrance to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. As soon as you pass through the entrance, you’ll feel time stand still: you’re about to discover a city that for centuries remained hidden from the world, untouched, suspended between clouds and mystery.

During the approximately two-and-a-half-hour guided tour, you’ll visit the most important sections of the citadel: the Temple of the Sun, with its perfectly assembled stones; the Main Plaza, overlooking the entire city; the Intihuatana, considered a ceremonial sundial; the cultivation terraces, designed to support the mountain; The noble homes, the warehouses, the water channels, the ceremonial paths—every space has a meaning, a function, and a connection with nature.

Your guide will reveal not only historical facts but also legends, archaeoastronomical interpretations, and cultural aspects that will make the experience deeper and more meaningful. At the end of the tour, you will have a moment to contemplate Machu Picchu at your own pace, take photographs from the viewpoints, or simply breathe and be grateful for being in one of the most special places on the planet.

The bus descent takes you back to Aguas Calientes, where a traditional lunch awaits you in a restaurant. Afterward, you will have free time to stroll through the town’s colorful streets, visit its handicraft market, or relax in the hot springs if you wish.

• RETURN

Finally, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, and from there, a tourist transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. The return feels different: you come back not only with photographs and souvenirs, but with a unique connection to the history, nature, and soul of the Andean world.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

This tour has been carefully designed so you can enjoy a complete experience, without worrying about logistics. Everything is organized so you can fully enjoy your tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu:

✅Pickup from your hotel in Cusco, to comfortably begin the route to the Sacred Valley.

✅Round-trip tourist transportation on both days of the tour (Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco).

✅Partial tourist ticket, which gives you access to the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

✅Professional guided tour of the entire Sacred Valley, led by a bilingual guide (Spanish – English) with in-depth historical and cultural knowledge.

✅Traditional buffet lunch in Urubamba, with a variety of Andean dishes made with local ingredients.

✅Admission to the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, arranged in advance.

✅Expedition tourist train (or similar), from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and return the next day.

✅One-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a comfortable tourist hotel with personalized service.

✅Internal transfers in Aguas Calientes, from the train station to the hotel and vice versa.

✅Tourist bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, roundtrip.

✅Guided tour of Machu Picchu, with an official bilingual guide who will accompany you throughout your exploration of the citadel.

✅Lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, after your visit to Machu Picchu.

✅Personalized assistance before and during the tour, including a pre-visit briefing at Machu Picchu.

❌ What’s not included?

Although the package is very comprehensive, there are some optional or personal items that are not included and should be considered before your trip:

❌Meals not specified, such as breakfast on the first day, dinner in Aguas Calientes, and lunch on the second day in Cusco.

❌Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, optional access that must be reserved in advance (additional cost and subject to availability).

❌Tickets to the Aguas Calientes hot springs, optional if you want to relax after the visit (approx. 10 soles).

❌Travel insurance or medical assistance, recommended to be purchased before the trip at your own expense.

❌Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff, not mandatory, but appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.

❌Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, additional snacks, bottled drinks, medications, or personal items.

🌟 Recommendations

To fully enjoy this unique experience, we leave you a list of essential recommendations that will make your trip more comfortable, safe, and enriching:

• Acclimatize to Cusco at least one day before the tour. This will help your body adjust to the altitude, especially if you are arriving from lowland areas.
• Bring your original passport. It is required to board the train and access the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
• Wear comfortable, layered clothing. The weather changes between morning, midday, and afternoon. Combine T-shirts, a light coat, a raincoat, and thermal clothing during the rainy season.
• Wear appropriate hiking footwear. Archaeological visits include steps and uneven surfaces, so non-slip and worn-in footwear is recommended.
• Stay hydrated. Bring a canteen or reusable bottle to refill with water during the tour.
• Sun protection and insecticide. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; It’s also recommended to bring insect repellent, especially in Aguas Calientes.
• Small backpack. For the day of your visit to Machu Picchu, only small backpacks (max. 25 liters) are allowed. Bring the bare essentials: water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, raincoat, documents, and money.
• Bring cash (preferably soles). Some businesses in Aguas Calientes don’t accept cards, and it’s useful for souvenirs, tips, or optional admissions.
• Don’t forget your swimsuit if you plan to visit the hot springs. This is optional for those who want to relax before returning to Cusco.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this tour suitable for all types of travelers?

Yes, it’s an ideal option for couples, groups, families, and seniors. It doesn’t require long walks or excessive physical exertion, except for the guided tours of the archaeological sites, which include stairs and cobblestone sections.

• What type of train is included in the package?

The tour includes the Expedition tourist train or similar, which is comfortable and has panoramic windows. If you’d like to enhance your experience, you can check out the Vistadome train option with onboard service and a superior view (additional cost).

• Can I climb Huayna Picchu?

Yes, but it’s optional and has limited seating. You must book in advance, as it sells out quickly. It has an additional cost and requires good physical fitness, as the climb is steep and narrow.

• Do I need a passport to enter Machu Picchu?

Yes. Entry to Machu Picchu and boarding the train requires presenting a valid original passport. If you are a foreign student, you must also present your physical university ID.

• Is accommodation in Aguas Calientes included?

Yes, the tour includes one night in a standard hotel in Aguas Calientes. If you wish to upgrade your accommodations, you can request an upgrade at the time of booking.

• What happens if it rains?

The tour operates normally, even during the rainy season (November to March). Therefore, it is essential to bring a poncho or rain jacket. Archaeological visits are not canceled except for unforeseen circumstances.

• Can I leave luggage in Cusco during the tour?

Yes. Most hotels in Cusco offer free luggage storage while you take the two-day tour.