Discover Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Inca citadel through the famous Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour with expert guides and guaranteed departures.
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour is a cultural journey that connects the agricultural heart of the ancient empire with the sacred citadel through a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Throughout this fascinating route, you will traverse fertile Andean valleys and the lush subtropical cloud forest, exploring imposing archaeological centers such as Pisac and the living fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Beyond the natural landscape, this journey will connect you deeply with the Inca historical legacy and their extraordinary level of civil and agricultural engineering. You will be a direct witness to monumental terraces, royal temples, and hydraulic systems built over 500 years ago that, to this day, continue to amaze the world with their astronomical and architectural precision in perfect harmony with the mountain.
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour is the most complete and intelligent cultural route to discover the heart of the Inca Empire while gradually acclimatizing to the altitude. This journey connects the fertile landscapes of the Sacred Valley with the cloud forest, combining history, monumental architecture, and Peruvian gastronomy until arriving by train in Aguas Calientes to visit the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
Throughout the tour, you will explore iconic Qhapaq Ñan archaeological complexes such as the agricultural terraces of Pisac with its artisan market and the imposing living fortress of Ollantaytambo, established by the Inca Pachacutec. A comfortable, non-strenuous, and deeply enriching experience, guided step-by-step by local experts.
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour begins around 7:30 a.m. with pick-up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We will head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas to explore its most impressive archaeological complexes, enjoy local gastronomy, and connect by train to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will check into your selected hotel. In town, you will find ATMs, restaurants, and the option to relax in the thermal hot springs before the following day’s ascent.
On the second day of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour, we will head early to the station to board the bus to the historical sanctuary. Following a 25-minute ascent along the zig-zagging road, we will enter the Inca citadel alongside our local guide.
Important Notice: To take the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour, carrying your original valid passport or government-issued ID is strictly mandatory. You must present it along with your tickets both at the entrance of the Machu Picchu sanctuary and at the train station (30 minutes prior to departure). Without the original document, authorities will not permit entry.
Please keep in mind that railway companies allow a maximum baggage limit of 5 kg (11 lbs) per person inside a small backpack or bag. Larger main luggage can be stored free of charge at the reception of your hotel in Cusco.
*Note: Our team will provide logistical assistance at all times in case of any unforeseen events during your trip.
To book your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour with us, click the BOOK NOW button above, select your departure date and hotel category in Aguas Calientes (from 2 to 4 stars), fill in the personal details for each traveler (full names and ID number), and complete the payment to secure your train tickets and official entrance tickets.
Agricultural Zone and Urban Zone (Classic Circuit): On the second day, you will tour the main Inca plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, staircases, and aqueducts for approximately 2 hours alongside our official guide. We prioritize Circuit 2 (Classic Route) by booking in advance; if it is sold out for your date, Circuit 1 or 3 will be assigned according to the official availability of the Ministry of Culture.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) prior to the start of the tour in Cusco, or via a payment link and credit card (subject to a bank transaction fee).
Additionally, we recommend carrying cash in soles or dollars during the two days of the route, as many shops, restaurants, and artisan markets in Pisac and Aguas Calientes do not accept cards. You will find ATMs available in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes.
We classify this route as easy to moderate in difficulty. Unlike the Inca Trail, here you will not undertake long high-mountain hikes or camp, as the entire journey is completed by tourist bus and train. The only physical effort involves climbing up and down stone staircases at the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu, making it suitable for all ages.
Railway companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) allow a maximum limit of 5 kg (11 lbs) per person in a small backpack or hand luggage to board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Your main luggage or large travel suitcases can be stored completely free of charge and securely at your hotel’s luggage storage room in Cusco while you take the 2-day excursion.
Yes! According to Peruvian government regulations, reduced rates on the Machu Picchu entrance ticket are available for:
Note: To apply the discount, it is essential to send us a photo of your passport, national ID (DNI), or valid student ID at the time of booking.
It is the best route to acclimatize! While the city of Cusco sits at 3,399 m.a.s.l. (11,151 ft), on this itinerary you will descend from the first day into the Sacred Valley (Urubamba at 2,870 m.a.s.l. / 9,416 ft and Ollantaytambo at 2,792 m.a.s.l. / 9,160 ft) and spend your first night in Aguas Calientes at just 2,040 m.a.s.l. (6,692 ft).
This progressive decrease in altitude drastically reduces the risk of altitude sickness and lets you rest in a mild climate before visiting Machu Picchu (2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft).
We recommend booking at least 1 to 2 months in advance (and 2 to 3 months if traveling during peak season, from May to September), because daily tickets to Machu Picchu have strictly limited quotas.
Regarding date changes, tickets issued by the Ministry of Culture are non-transferable and fixed-date; any modification after issuance requires purchasing a new admission and paying the train ticket rescheduling penalty.
Yes, our program adapts to your travel style. You can choose from 2★, 3★, 3★ Superior, and 4★ hotels in Aguas Calientes. Likewise, if you indicate it at the time of booking, we can quote upgrades for your train category (such as the Vistadome or 360° panoramic train) or add tickets to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Yes, it is strictly mandatory! You must carry your physical and original passport or national ID document (the exact one used for your reservation). You will be required to show it both at the checkpoint to enter Machu Picchu and at the train stations in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (where you must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time).
If you are about to renew your passport, you can secure your spots by sending us a copy of your current passport or valid ID document.
Important: Once you receive your new passport, send us a photo immediately before your trip so we can update your ID number on your train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets, or bring both passports (the old and the new one) with you on the day of the tour.
Inside your small daypack of up to 5 kg, we recommend including:
We understand that unexpected events can arise and we will handle your case with complete transparency. However, please keep in mind that once issued, official Ministry of Culture Machu Picchu entrance tickets and tourist train tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person.
In case of early cancellation, only the cost of tickets and taxes already purchased along with applicable hotel penalties based on the notice date will be withheld.
Discover Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Inca citadel through the famous Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day tour with expert guides...
Discover Machu Picchu on a day trip with panoramic train transfers, an expert guide, and guaranteed departures from Cusco.
