Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days
2 days - 1 night
Up to 8 people
Easy - moderate
2980 m.s.n.m
Cultural
Trip Overview
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour is experiential tourism at its best. The valley is known for its special geographical location and warm climate.
It falls under the Cusco region and includes the provinces of Calca and Urubamba and encompasses all the small village towns between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Its elevation is between 2,000m/6,565ft and 2,800m/9,186ft, which is a welcomed reprieve for the breathtaking heights of Cusco 3,399m/11,152ft. Besides the lower elevation, the Sacred Valley draws in visitors because of its pleasant climate which ranges (22°C/71.6°F to 25°C/77°F) during the day and (10°C/50°F to 8°C/46,4°F) at night. The small towns that make up the Valley are home to a number of traditional Quechua speaking locals. They maintain their ancestral ways and are known for their warm and welcoming hearts to visitors who want to learn more about their way of life.
A tour of the Sacred Valley takes you to isolated weaving villages, handicraft markets and lofty 10th and 11th century Inca Citadels of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. Visiting the Salt Mines of Maras and the Moray terraces, which were made by building containment walls filled with fertile earth and watered through a complex irrigation system.
To end this great journey, we explore the fabled Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The Inca City of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is the articulating center of its surroundings, a masterpiece of art, urbanism, architecture and engineering of the Inca Civilization.
From 457 USD
Per personWhen booking through Orange Cares a percentage of the proceeds is used to finance our projects
ITINERARY FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR PACKAGE.
Day 1: Pisac – Moray – Maras Salineras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Just as we depart Cusco we have close views of the great ceremonial site of Sacsayhuaman, however our first stop is at Cchochahuasi Animal Sanctuary. We then continue to Mirador of Taray which has stunning views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A small taste of what the day has in store. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. After some time exploring this Inca site we drive to Urubamba for lunch (Not included).
Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops.
Continuing on, we visit the colonial town of Maras, where the Pre-Inca Salt Mines (Salineras) are located. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, to explore the archeological site perched at the top of the hill. It´s an important symbol to Inca people, as the last strong hold against the resistance from Spanish invasion.
After dinner (not included), we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 7:04 and arrives in Aguas Calientes at 8:45.
- Hotel 3* Ferré´ Hotel Machu Picchu
- Hotel 4* El Mapi o Tierra Viva Superior
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. Explore the ancient temples and plazas and learn more about the history and culture of the Incas.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:30pm.
***IMPORTANT:
- Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is not possible anymore due to new regulations.
- Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the following times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized on request, but it has to be done at booking.
What is included for the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu tour Package 2 days?
- Small group of 2 to 8 people.
- Pick up at your hotel
- Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish
- Private comfortable transportation
- All entrance tickets for the different archeological sites
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Round trip Expedition train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- 1 breakfasy
- Hotel at Aguas Calientes with private room, bathroom, and wifi
- Round trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco via private van
- Taxes
What is not included?
- Water and snacks
- Meals
- Huayna Picchu -$75 USD
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train – $67 USD (for the return train only)
- Other meals as indicated on the itinerary
- Tips for your guide
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!
PRICES:
| Without Hotel | 3* Hotel (Included) | 3* Hotel (Others) | 4* Hotel | |
| Price Per Person | $437 USD | $457 USD | By request | US$547 |
- With Hotel – 3* Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3* for solo travelers
- Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required for booking & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu $75 USD.
- Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $67 USD.
- Upgraded Hotel – (Can upgrade to 4 or 5)
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3 for solo travelers
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climbs is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for these guided tours.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR PACKAGE?
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger bags not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (you cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
Day Highlights Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
Included Experience
The Sacred Valley: The heart of the great Inca Empire
From Pisac to Ollantaytambo, appreciate the warm climate, lower elevation, archeological marvels and experiential tourism that make the Sacred Valley a dream vacation
Included Experience
The Incas constructed the original greenhouse
Another ingenuity of the Inca civilization is revealed in this historical site. Their ability to adapt to harsh geographical and climatic conditions is astounding.
Included Experience
The colorful market of Pisac.
Experience the authenticity of the Sacred Valley: Embrace Andean culture and become part of the locals day to day life.
Included Experience
Maras Salineras: A great fusion of culture, nature and history
A 500 year old tradition that continues to be the heart and soul of all the families in this small community.
Included Experience
Ollantaytambo: An insight into a fearless and passionate civilization that left it all on the battleground.
The displaced stones are all that remains in the great fortress where the Incas poured their heart and souls into defending their land.
Included Experience
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, wonder of the world
It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to explore the wonderful lost citadel of the Incas
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General FAQs Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley is a region in the Peruvian Andes that used to be the heart of the Inca Empire. Today, it is known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages and archaeological sites.
Chinchero: This the birth place of some of the most intricate weaving techniques in Peru. The town square is where the true archeological gem of Chinchero is located. This stand out adobe church was built on the foundations of an Incan Palace. It is said that the Inca Tupac Yupanqui ordered the construction of Chinchero so he could use it as a kind of resort town.
Pisac: The ruins of Pisac are located (3,300m/10,827ft) and overlook the town and the Urubamba River. The archeological site comprises of ceremonial baths, terraces, storehouses and a large Inca cemetry with over 2 000 tombs.
Moray: This is a huge bowl that has different level of terraces carved into it. The Incas used the different temperatures on each terrace to research the optimum conditions for growing their crops.
Ollantaytambo: Where the last and most intense battle between the Incas and Spanish conquerors was fought. The archeological site has the enigmatic sun temple, the water fountains, the incahuatana and a row of storehouses located parallel to the actual site.
This depends. If you want a comprehensive tour of the valley in just a day, then the ideal choice is a day tour with an established tour operator, which normally includes private transportation and a guided tour of all the Archeological sites. However, if you have plenty of time and wish to explore the small towns nice and slowly then you can either use a taxi or bus. Also note that the Boleta Turistico (tourist ticket) needed to enter the archeological sites is only valid for 10 consecutive days.
All year round is really a good time to visit the Sacred Valley. There are 2 distinct seasons, dry and wet season. Dry season runs from April to November and during this time of year you can look forward to warm days with little to no rain. This is also high tourist season, so the markets are usually crawling with both tourist and locals alike. Wet season in the valley just means you are more likely to experience rain, but it doesn´t really take anything away from the experience, it just has the added benefit of less people on the small cobble streets.
The most common way to get to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley is by taking a train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. From there, you can take a bus to the citadel. Most hikes to Machu Picchu also begin in Ollantatytambo in the Sacred Valley. Hiking options include the Inca Trail, Huchuy Cusco, Inca Quarry Trek or Hydroelectric which follows the train tracks, among many others. Check our alternative treks for more details.
For the Sacred Valley it´s not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, as they provide invaluable information about the history and culture of the places you visit. On the other hand, you cannot enter the citadel of Machu Picchu without a guide.
Most people spend at least half a day exploring Machu Picchu. A normal just Machu Picchu ticket allows you to spend 4 hours inside the citadel. If you book an additional ticket for the extra hikes of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain then those tickets have an extended time, so you have the extra 3 or 4 hours needed to ascend and descend the mountains.
Yes, it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance, since the entrance to Machu Picchu has a daily limit of visitors. You should also purchase tickets for the train in advance.
There are no age restrictions, but keep in mind that visiting Machu Picchu involves walking and climbing stairs. If you have health problems, consult your doctor before traveling.
Aguas Calientes offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury to budget hostels. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season.
