The two day tour from Cusco to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu is a popular activity as it takes you to two prominent attractions in just one trip. Visiting Machu Picchu tops the bucket list of all travelers in South America. Combining the visit with a guided tour of the prominent sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a perfect way to get an insight into the Incas history and local culture.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a picturesque region in the Andean highlands near Cusco, Peru. It is home to many Inca ruins, including the famous agricultural terraces of Moray and salt pans of Maras.
The Sacred Valley was once the heartland of the Inca Empire, and today it is a popular tourist destination for people who want to experience its unique history, culture, and natural beauty.
Machu Picchu on the other hand, is an ancient Inca city located high in the Andes Mountains. It was built in the 15th century and abandoned by the Incas during the Spanish conquest. The city was rediscovered in 1911 by an American explorer named Hiram Bingham. It has since become one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Visitors to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu can explore the ruins, hike through the mountains, and learn about Inca culture and history. The area is also known for its stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and winding rivers. It is truly a unique and awe-inspiring destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
The two day experience begins with a full day Sacred Valley tour. We will be visiting the notable sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After the tour, we will be driving you to Ollantaytambo train station where you will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu, the jump off point to visit Machu Picchu. Here we will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room.
The second day of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour is dedicated to a guided Machu Picchu day tour. You will be visiting the prominent parts of the citadel and understand its significance and importance to the Inca civilization.
Please note that if you wish to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain do let us know at the time of booking the tour. Just like the Inca Trail hike, there are permits to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. These permits are often sold out months in advance.
We offer train tickets on expedition or voyager class operated by Inca Trail or Peru Rail. If you wish to upgrade to a vista-dome train to relish a 360 degrees view, do let us know at the time of booking the tour.
We invite you to spare a moment to check our reviews on TripAdvisor.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
07:00 AM
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.
The tour is an unforgettable experience that combines stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich cultural history. Here are some things you can expect during your tour:
Your epic two day trip to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco.
Just 45 minutes away from bustling Cusco City, Chinchero is home to renowned Andean weavers. Here you will get a first hand insight into their traditional weaving methods.
We will also be visiting the Inca ruins here. The village also houses a white washed colonial church which was built on the remains of Pachacutec’s palace when the Spanish colonists invaded Chinchero.
After an immersive tour of Chinchero, we will be driving you to Maras. Home to iconic salt mines, our local expert will introduce you to the traditional salt farming method here. The salt of Maras is rich in nutrient value. This pink salt has a distinct taste.
We will then visit Moray. The circular farming terraces are arguably the most photographed site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we will be giving you a detailed tour of the complex.
After the tour, we will be driving you to Urubamba. Rightly called as the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas due to its centric location. Here we will be stopping in a local restaurant for a farm fresh buffet lunch.
Our last stop will be in Ollantaytambo. The beautiful town nestles between two hills each home to Inca sites.
Here we will be visiting the most prominent Inca ruin. This is where the infamous battle of Ollantaytambo was fought between Manco Inca and the Spanish troops led by Hernando Pizzaro in 1537.
After this immersive tour, you will have some free time to saunter the cobble stoned streets of Ollantaytambo. This is a living Inca town as it has been continuously inhabited since the Inca civilization.
Ollantaytambo is a true testament to Incas advancement in town planning. You will witness here how carefully the irrigation canals run in the middle of the street. These were built by the Incas and are functional even today.
After touring Ollantaytambo, we will be taking the train to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu. The two hours train ride offers impeccable views of the Peruvian highland regions as the train would snake through the valley down to the tropical jungle.
In Aguas Calientes, we will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room for the night.
Your epic Machu Picchu full day tour begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Aguas Calientes. We will be boarding the 30 minute bus ride up the hill to Machu Picchu citadel.
Once we reach the entrance of the citadel, local authorities will verify your original passport against the Machu Picchu entrance ticket by local authorities.
As you enter the citadel, you will witness the golden rays of the rising sun beaming on the walls of the Inca citadel.
Our tour would begin with a brief introduction to the Inca Empire and Andean mythology. We will be visiting some prime parts of the citadel like the farming terraces, religious centers, remains of the royal quarters and Inca temples and more.
After this immersive tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, our tour guide will be directing you to the respective trailhead.
Alternatively, you can hike to the Sungate (Intipunku) to relish a staggering view of the Inca citadel. This is the point of entrance to those hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Once you have soaked into the views and the history of the citadel, we will be exiting and taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes town.
Aguas Calientes, as the name suggests, is home to natural hot springs. You will have some free time here so you can visit the hot springs or market or simply rest and have lunch at one of the local restaurants here.
In the evening, we will be taking the train back to Ollantaytambo train station. We will meet you on arrival and will transfer you to the hotel in Cusco. We will be reaching Cusco by 09:00 PM.
