Sacred Valley and Connection to Machu Picchu 2 days
Tour Details
There are routes that feed the soul, and the journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with connection to Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, the most emblematic of all. This two-day tour is the smart choice for the traveler who wants a smooth and natural transition to the citadel, allowing the body to acclimate while the view delights in some of the most fertile and beautiful landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
The first day immerses you in the architectural grandeur of Písac and the living fortress of Ollantaytambo. Here, the mountains seem to whisper stories of ancient astronomers and warriors. At the end of the afternoon, instead of returning to Cusco, you will take advantage of the strategic location of the train station in the Sacred Valley to connect directly with Aguas Calientes. This small logistical change makes a big difference: you will avoid unnecessary travel and gain vital hours of rest.
Waking up at the foot of Machu Picchu gives you the advantage of serenity. As the sun begins to illuminate the mountain peaks, you will already be ready to explore the mysteries of the Llaqta. This itinerary not only optimizes your time but offers you a complete narrative: from the agricultural laboratories of the Incas to their highest spiritual refuge. It is a total immersion in the Andean legacy that combines comfort, culture, and the thrill of the unexpected.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Písac – Ollantaytambo – Train Connection
08:00 AM – Departure from Cusco: We start the journey towards the fertile Sacred Valley.
09:30 AM – Písac Complex: Guided visit to the impressive agricultural terraces and the largest Inca cemetery in the region. Then, brief time at the artisanal market for photos and shopping.
01:00 PM – Lunch in Urubamba: We will enjoy a buffet lunch with the best of Peruvian gastronomy (local ingredients from the valley).
03:00 PM – Ollantaytambo Fortress: We will explore this living Inca city, climbing through its majestic pink stone temples.
04:30 PM – Train Connection: Instead of returning to Cusco, we will board the train at the Ollantaytambo station bound for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
06:30 PM – Arrival and Rest: Transfer to the hotel and briefing with the guide for the following day. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu "The Jewel of the Incas" – Cusco
06:30 AM – Ascent by Bus: Short 25-minute trip to the entrance gate of the citadel.
08:00 AM – Tour in Machu Picchu: Detailed tour through the agricultural and urban sectors, visiting the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor.
11:00 AM – Time for Reflection: Space to enjoy the energy of the place before descending to the town.
02:30 PM – Return Train: Return journey to the Ollantaytambo station.
06:30 PM – Return to Cusco: Private transport from the station to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
Services
Included
- Hotel pick-up and tourist transport for the Sacred Valley.
- Train tickets Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (Round trip).
- 01 Night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu.
- Official entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Certified professional guide for both days.
Not Included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG) - Necessary to enter Písac and Ollantaytambo.
- Dinners and lunch on the second day.
- Tips or additional personal expenses.
Recommendations
- Tourist Ticket: Make sure to buy the Tourist Ticket (BTG) beforehand or carry cash in soles to purchase it at the first control point.
- Clothing: The Sacred Valley is temperate, but Machu Picchu can be very humid. Carry a light windbreaker and something waterproof.
- Footwear: Use shoes with good soles (track type) for the stone stairways of Písac and Machu Picchu.
- Luggage: Only one carry-on backpack is allowed on the train. You can leave your heavy luggage at your hotel in Cusco.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour different from other itineraries?
This tour avoids returning to Cusco on the first day and connects directly from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by train. This saves several hours of travel, allows better rest, and creates a smoother, more comfortable transition to Machu Picchu.
Is this tour suitable for travelers who are worried about altitude sickness?
Yes. The route gradually descends from Cusco into the Sacred Valley and then to Machu Picchu, which is at a lower altitude. This makes the tour ideal for travelers who want to acclimate naturally and avoid the effects of altitude sickness.
Do I need to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG) for this tour?
Yes. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG) is required to enter the archaeological sites of Písac and Ollantaytambo. It is not included and can be purchased in advance or at the first control point using cash in Peruvian soles.
How much luggage can I take on the train to Aguas Calientes?
Train companies allow only a small carry-on backpack. Larger luggage must be left at your hotel in Cusco, which usually offers free luggage storage during the tour.
Can I visit Machu Picchu early in the morning with this itinerary?
Yes. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes allows you to ascend early by bus and enter Machu Picchu in the morning, when the site is quieter and the light is ideal for exploration and photography.