2 Days Tour Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu From Cusco

Experience the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in just two days with this thoughtfully planned tour from Cusco. For around $540 per person, you’ll visit iconic sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and of course, the legendary Machu Picchu itself. Guided by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll enjoy seamless transportation, comfortable accommodations, and the certainty that your entrance tickets are secured ahead of time.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances guided exploration with free time—giving you a chance to soak in the sights at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of all entry fees and train tickets means you won’t need to worry about last-minute expenses or logistics. Our favorite part? The detailed, personable guides who make history come alive with stories and insights.

One thing to keep in mind is the early start and busy schedule—if you prefer a slow, leisurely trip, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those eager to maximize their time and see as much as possible, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s best suited for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants an all-in-one adventure with reliable logistics and expert guidance.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees, transportation, train tickets, and hotel stay are included, making it hassle-free.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Sandro, Juan Carlos, and Belisario personalize each stop with engaging stories and historical context.
• Comfort and Convenience: Pickup from your Cusco hotel and seamless transport ensure a stress-free experience.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to local markets, archaeological sites, and salt mines offer a true taste of Inca culture.
• Time Management: Carefully timed visits mean you see the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
• Memorable Overnight: Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes allows for an early start at Machu Picchu and more relaxed exploration.

Why Choose This Tour?

Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu often seems straightforward, but this tour makes it a smooth, enriching experience. For around $540, you get everything from transportation, guided visits, and an overnight hotel in Aguas Calientes—eliminating the hassle of planning each element separately. With a 5-star rating and over 200 reviews, many travelers have expressed satisfaction in how well-organized and insightful this journey is.

We loved the way the tour balances guided commentary with free time—giving you space to reflect, take photos, or wander a bit on your own. The guides, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, really enhance the experience by sharing fascinating details about each site. They help make the history of the Incas feel alive and relevant.

The tour starts early, with pickup in Cusco, then a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley. This part of the trip is a highlight, offering spectacular views and a chance to see the local markets and traditional villages. Visiting Chinchero, Moray, and the salt mines of Maras provides insight into Inca agricultural innovation and local livelihoods. As one traveler noted, “Our tour guide Sandro was amazing. He did a good job and was very helpful.”

The Sacred Valley Stops

Your first day is packed with visits to Chinchero, a lively market town where you can see local textiles and crafts. Walking through the market stalls feels like stepping into a living postcard of Andean life. Next is the Colonial Temple, which adds a layer of colonial history to the Incan backdrop.

Then you’ll visit Moray, an impressive circular agricultural experiment—think of it as a giant Inca greenhouse designed to test different microclimates. It’s a unique glimpse into Inca ingenuity. The nearby Salt Mines of Maras are another highlight—thousands of salt pans that have been in use since Inca times, still harvested by local families today.

Lunch in Urubamba, often a buffet ($20 USD optional), gives you a taste of local cuisine and a chance to rest before more sightseeing.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Ollantaytambo, a fortress and town where Inca descendants still live in traditional houses. The impressive stone terraces and complex architecture make it a favorite among visitors.

The Scenic Train to Aguas Calientes

After Ollantaytambo, you’ll take a train at around 3:37 PM to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 5:00 PM. This part of the trip is smooth and scenic, allowing you to relax before your hotel check-in. The overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes gives you a comfortable base for an early start the next day.

Day 2: Machu Picchu

The second day begins with an early breakfast and a 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. This early start means beating the crowds—something many reviewers love. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour guided tour highlighting the most iconic spots: the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Sun, and the residential sectors.

You’ll learn about the site’s architecture, purpose, and the Inca civilization, making the visit much more meaningful. After the guided part, you have free time to explore on your own—snap more photos, wander the terraces, or simply soak in the views.

When it’s time, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes for your train ride back to Ollantaytambo and then a comfortable drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the professionalism and knowledge of guides like Sandro, Juan Carlos, and Domingo. One traveler shared, “He showed us around during the two-day tour. He is knowledgeable and experienced,” highlighting how guides make a difference.

Others appreciate the seamless logistics, with transport and train tickets well coordinated. One noted, “The whole trip to Machu Picchu was amazing, and everything was well organized,” emphasizing the convenience of the included services.

Some travelers mention the hotel in Aguas Calientes—generally comfortable but not luxurious—so if a perfect hotel matters, you might consider your options. But overall, the value of the included overnight stay and guided tours outweighs this minor point.

Why This Tour Works for You

This tour is ideal if you’re a first-time visitor who wants a rundown without the stress of planning each detail. Families will appreciate the guided approach and all-inclusive pricing, which makes budgeting easier.

The experienced guides, often praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge, help make history tangible and interesting. Plus, the early start and well-orchestrated itinerary ensure you maximize your time at Machu Picchu without feeling rushed.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time at each site, you might find this schedule a little tight. But for a well-rounded, engaging experience that covers the highlights, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour offers a compelling blend of convenience, insight, and stunning scenery. It’s especially suited for first-timers, families, and those eager to tick off one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites with expert guides and all logistics handled.

You’ll love the detailed explanations that breathe life into Inca ruins, and the opportunity to see local markets and salt mines adds authenticity often missed on self-guided trips. The overnight in Aguas Calientes allows an early start at Machu Picchu, giving you a head start on the crowds and more time to absorb the site’s majesty.

While the hotel may not be deluxe, its comfort combined with seamless transportation and guided tours provide excellent value for the money. Many travelers have raved about the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Ultimately, this tour is a great way to experience the highlights of Cusco’s surroundings—especially if you’re pressed for time but don’t want to miss the essential sights. If you want a well-organized, memorable adventure with knowledgeable guides and all-inclusive planning, this 2-day journey is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from your Cusco hotel, all transportation within the tour, train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and bus tickets to Machu Picchu are included.

Do I need to book my own tickets?
No, your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets are pre-booked and included in the price, so your spot is guaranteed.

How early do we start each day?
Day 1 begins at 7:30 AM with hotel pickup, and Day 2 starts early with breakfast before heading up to Machu Picchu.

Is the hotel in Aguas Calientes comfortable?
Yes, the hotel is categorized as 3-star, providing a comfortable overnight stay, though some reviews suggest it’s not high-end.

What should I bring?
A valid original passport is required. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are also recommended.

Can I explore Machu Picchu on my own?
Yes, after the guided tour, you have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace before returning to Aguas Calientes.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 days before the trip are not refundable.

In summary, this tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to see the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with expert guidance, reliable logistics, and the comfort of all-inclusive planning. Perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a memorable, educational adventure without the stress of organizing every detail themselves.