Visit Pisaq and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu tour. This is an ideal combination to discover Inca culture and enjoy its stunning landscapes in a short time.
Pisac, a 15th-century Inca citadel nestled in the mountains, renowned for its impressive agricultural terraces, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, the legendary "living Inca city," located 76 km from Cusco. This charming town is not only a fascinating archaeological site but also the gateway to Machu Picchu and the perfect connection point to continue your journey to the Inca wonder.
Our tour is designed for you to enjoy at a relaxed pace, with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, providing you the comfort and the necessary time to fully explore Machu Picchu on your second day. Additionally, you’ll have the option to add a hike to one of the famous mountains: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, making your experience even more spectacular.
Make the most of every moment with this perfect journey through the best of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu!
Summary
The Sacred Valley tour begins in the city of Cusco. This incredible place is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, stretching along the Urubamba River.
Along this scenic route, you’ll find authentic Peruvian villages that still preserve temples and ceremonial sites from the ancient Inca civilization, such as Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, and more, all located a few miles from one another.
In addition to its rich archaeological and cultural heritage, the sacred valley offer you some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes such as: towering mountains, rivers, farmlands, and traditional communities. Its confortable climate makes it the perfect place to acclimate before visiting Machu Picchu.
This 2 days tour is an excellent opportunity to experience the history, culture, and traditions of the Andean world in a short but unforgettable journey. Here's the perfect plan for you.
Departures: | Daily | |
Duración: | 2 days - 1 night | |
Minimum altitude: | 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) – Aguas Calientes | |
Altitud máxima: | 9,980 meters (9,776 feet) – Pisaq | |
Operating months: | every day of the year |
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Sacred Valley tour from Cusco
- visist Pisaq Inca site and Ollantaytambo fortress
- enjoy an delicious lunch at Urubamba Village
- take train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu town
- Over night at Machupicchu village
Day 1: Visit Machupicchu - return to Cusco
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Return to Cusco city by train and transport
Optional hikes inside Machupicchu citedal
Huayna Picchu Mountain : 2,693 m altitude
First shift: 7:00 am
Second shift: 9:00 am
Machu Picchu Mountain : 3,082 m altitude
First shift: 6:00 am
Second shift: 8:00 am
Itinerary
Sacred Valley Tour
Estimated Schedule: 8:00 – 15:30 hrs
Meals: Buffet lunch included
Your day begins with a hotel pick-up at 8:00 AM, followed by a journey to the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the Pisac archaeological site, famous for its impressive agricultural terraces and meticulously built palaces atop the mountain. You’ll enjoy stunning views and have the chance to take unforgettable photos before heading down to the colonial town of Pisac, where you can buy water, snacks, or souvenirs.
Next, we continue to Urubamba, a charming town where you'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After lunch, Our journey continues to Ollantaytambo, a remarkable example of Inca urban planning, featuring impressive granite structures, temples, and agricultural terraces.
After exploring the Sacred Valley, you will have free time to continue exploring Ollantaytambo on your own or head to the train station to board your train to Machu Picchu Town. The ride takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on your scheduled departure time.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will be transferred to your confortable hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s exciting visit to Machu Picchu.
Train Schedules from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Expedition train: 19:00 hrs
Vistadome Observatory train: 15:37 hrs
Voyager train Service: 16:36 hrs
Machu Picchu Tour
Entrance slots from 6:00 a.m. to 15:00 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
According to your reserved entry time for Machu Picchu, you will board the bus for a 30-minute ride to the top of the mountain, where begin the guided tour of this magnificent site. You will be accompanied by your personal tour guide, who will share the fascinating history of the site as you explore spectacular viewpoints, ancient religious temples, ceremonial plazas, and original Inca pathways - all surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The guided tour lasts a little over two hours. At the end of the visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you’ll have time to rest and enjoy lunch before boarding your return train to Cusco or sacred valley.
At the scheduled time, you’ll begin the return journey by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel approximately four hours later.
Note: Return train schedules are subject to the entry time on your Machu Picchu ticket and may be at 15:20, 16:22, or 18:20
Estimated distances
- Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo train station: 45 km / 1 hr 45 min by train
- Ollantaytambo – Cusco: 76 km / 1 hr 30 min by car
Optional Hikes (Require an Additional Ticket)
If you’re interested in hiking to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during this 2-day tour, please note that these hikes require good physical condition. The trails are steep and include narrow staircases, some of which are exposed to heights, making them challenging for those with vertigo. However, for those up to the challenge, these hikes offer incredible views and an unforgettable experience.
Huayna Picchu Mountain ("Young Mountain") – 2,693 m (8,835 ft)
Located north of Machu Picchu, this mountain features a steep trail with stone steps. Along the way, you’ll see ancient agricultural terraces and Inca constructions perfectly integrated into the mountainside. From the summit, you'll get a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu, reinforcing its astronomical and religious significance.
Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires an additional ticket): 2,693 m altitude
First shift: 7:00 am
Second shift: 9:00 am
Reservations must be made well in advance, as spaces are limited and must align with your Machu Picchu entry time.
Machu Picchu Mountain ("Old Mountain") – 3,082 m (10,111 ft)
Located south of the Machu Picchu citadel, this mountain offers a wider but more gradual trail, making it a less steep but longer hike compared to Huayna Picchu. The hike requires good physical condition, as you will ascend 600 meters (1,970 ft) along a combination of gentle slopes and stone steps.
From the summit, you will have an impressive 360° view, not only of Machu Picchu but also of the Salkantay mountain range and sections of the Inca Trail.
First shift: 6:00 am
Second shift: 8:00 am
Reservations must be made well in advance to ensure availability and alignment with your Machu Picchu visit time.
Icluded Service
Guide and transport for Sacred Valley Tour
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
1-night accommodation in a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel
1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Round-trip tourist train (Expedition or Voyager service; panoramic service available upon request)
Round-trip bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
Not included servce
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley (can be purchased during the visit)
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets (available upon request)
Accommodation in Cusco
Additional personal expenses not mentioned in the program
What Should You Bring for Your Trip?
During our 2 days Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour, you will experience a variety of climates, so we recommend bringing the following:
General Items:
Passport or identification document
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight backpack for personal belongings
Cell phone/Camera
Personal snacks
Personal medications
Mosquito repellent
For Cold or Rainy Weather:
Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket/Rain poncho
For Sunny Weather:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Long-sleeve shirts or blouses (recommended)
Hat or cap
RECOMMENDATIONS
here some additional recomendations for this 2 days trip to Machupicchu and sacred Valley
Weather: Cusco has two well-defined seasons—rainy season (November to March) and dry season (April to September), with February being the rainiest month.
Book in advance: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited, especially for optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Reservations should be made at least three months in advance.
Altitude acclimatization: This trip is ideal for adjusting to the altitude, as Machu Picchu is located in a cloud forest at over 2,000 meters (6,500 ft) in Aguas Calientes and 2,400 meters (7,800 ft) at the archaeological site.
Flexible starting and ending points: This tour can begin or end in the Sacred Valley, depending on your hotel location. We will plan everything to ensure you have a seamless experience.
Luggage storage: Extra suitcases can be stored at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We recommend bringing only the essentials for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Aguas Calientes amenities: You will find various hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options in Aguas Calientes.
Year-round availability: Unlike other tours, this experience can be done at any time of the year. However, extra precautions should be taken during the rainy season (November to April).
Suitable for all ages: This tour is ideal for both children and older adults, as it involves minimal physical difficulty.
PRICES
We can customize your trip according to your preferences, and costs may vary based on hotel category and train service selection. Please note that the prices listed are based on double occupancy.
TIPO DE HOTEL | COSTO POR PERSONA | |
Hotel a presupuesto: | $ 325 USD | |
Hotel 3 estrellas: | $ 335 USD | |
Hotel 4 estrellas: | $ 385 USD | |
Hotel 5 estrellas: | $ 485 USD |
Upgrade to the Vistadome panoramic train or Inca Rail 360° train for an additional $38 USD per route.
Upgrade to Vistadome with an observatory car for an additional $58 USD per route.
Ask us about the different train options available