The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a smooth 2-day itinerary.
The most classic and balanced way to discover the heart of the Inca Empire: one day exploring the Sacred Valley and another fully dedicated to Machu Picchu.
On the first day you walk through the archaeological complex of Pisac, with its suspended agricultural terraces, and the living fortress of Ollantaytambo, before boarding the tourist train to Aguas Calientes — the town at the foot of the citadel.
On the second day you head up to Machu Picchu early for the guided visit, when the light is ideal and the citadel is at its quietest. Transport, train, tickets, hotel and bilingual guide are all sorted: you simply live the experience.
What makes this itinerary unique.
Archaeological center of Pisac, atop the Sacred Valley.
Fortress of Ollantaytambo, a still-living Inca town.
Buffet lunch with the best of Peruvian cuisine in the Valley.
Tourist train along the Urubamba river.
3★ hotel overnight in Aguas Calientes, with breakfast.
Full guided tour of Machu Picchu on the second day.
Day by day.
We leave Cusco heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, along the Vilcanota river. The first visit is the archaeological center of Pisac, high on a mountain, with its impressive terraces and buildings spread across the slopes.
After a buffet lunch featuring typical dishes, we continue to the citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the valley's entrance. We walk through its stone streets before boarding the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, where we check into the hotel.
In the morning, we take a bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu (about 30 minutes) for a 2–3 hour guided visit through the main sectors — one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
After the visit, we descend to Aguas Calientes and, in the afternoon, board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Everything we take care of for you.
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and tourist transport during the itinerary
- Professional bilingual guide
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
- Round-trip tourist train (Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes)
- Sacred Valley entry and Machu Picchu entry
- Up and down bus at Machu Picchu
- 1 night 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes (double/twin room)
- Ollantaytambo → Cusco transfer and continuous support
- First-aid kit
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Entry to Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu (optional)
Essential packing list.
- Original passport (required)
- Small day backpack
- Comfortable layered clothing
- Closed, comfortable walking shoes
- Cap/hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Rain poncho (umbrellas are not allowed at Machu Picchu)
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera
- Personal medication
- Cash in soles for tips and extras
Important information
- Machu Picchu tickets and train schedules sell out weeks in advance.
- The Machu Picchu circuit is confirmed at booking — we guarantee the best available alternative.
- 1 day of altitude acclimatization in Cusco is recommended before the itinerary.
- Large luggage stays in your Cusco hotel storage (the train only accepts carry-on).
- Suitable for families with children from age 6.
Book early to secure the best circuit and times.
Machu Picchu tickets and train schedules sell out weeks in advance — especially Circuit 2, the most complete. If it's not available for your date, we guarantee the best alternative (Circuit 3 and, then, Circuit 1).
Our team checks official availability and aligns date, train, hotel and circuit with you. The earlier you book, the better the times we can secure.
Common questions about this itinerary.
Yes. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are among the destinations with English-speaking native guides. Confirm at booking to guarantee guide availability.
Yes — the round-trip tourist train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes is included in the package.
The train only allows a small backpack (up to 5 kg). Larger luggage stays safe in your Cusco hotel storage.
Yes. It's a light-effort itinerary with short walks, ideal for families and first-time visitors to Peru.
No. The railway company assigns seats automatically through their system.
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