2-Day MachuPicchu Small-Group Tour Including Moray and Salineras

A Practical Look at the 2-Day Machu Picchu Small-Group Tour

If you’re dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu, this 2-day small-group tour from Cusco offers an accessible, well-organized way to see one of the world’s most iconic landmarks without the hassle. For $459 per person, you’ll spend two days exploring not just the citadel but also surrounding highlights like Moray and Salinas de Maras, with all transportation and a cozy overnight stay in Aguas Calientes included. This tour is limited to just eight people, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances convenience with depth. The inclusion of round-trip train and bus tickets means you won’t have to worry about navigating confusing transportation schedules. Plus, the guided visits to key sites are both informative and engaging—our guides in reviews are praised for their knowledge and passion. Another highlight is the overnight stay, giving you a chance to relax and soak in Aguas Calientes’ charm and thermal springs after a busy day of exploring.

A possible downside is the fixed schedule and non-refundable policy—once booked, changes are off the table. This might not suit travelers who prefer more flexibility or those tight on time. Also, some reviews mention that the first day’s itinerary can feel rushed if you’re hoping for more free time or exploration. Still, for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with minimal planning, this tour really hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers looking for value, organized logistics, and the chance to see multiple highlights in a short window. It’s especially perfect if you prefer traveling in a small group for a more personal touch and want all the tough travel arrangements handled smoothly for you. If your main goal is to visit Machu Picchu confidently and comfortably, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transport, guides, and accommodation are covered, removing the stress of planning logistics.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to just eight travelers, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes Moray, Salinas de Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu, offering a well-rounded journey.
• Authentic Encounters: Guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making history come alive.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes: Relax in a 3-star hotel and enjoy the hot springs after a day of sightseeing.
• Time-Efficient: The schedule is packed to maximize your experience over just two days.

The Complete Experience: An In-Depth Review

Setting Out from Cusco

Your adventure kicks off early—around 7:30 am, with hotel pickups in Cusco and a drive through the Sacred Valley. The journey involves stops at several notable sites like Chinchero, Moray, and Salinas de Maras. These sites aren’t just sightseeing stops but are steeped in history and engineering marvels.

Chinchero offers a glimpse of traditional Inca walls and local weaving traditions. It’s a colorful, culturally rich stop that gives you a sense of local life and ancient architecture. Our review mentions that visits here are about 45 minutes, giving enough time to appreciate the craftsmanship and maybe pick up textiles directly from local women in traditional dress.

Next, the visit to Moray is a highlight—an archaeological site with impressive circular terraces. These terraces were likely used for agricultural experiments, creating microclimates at different levels. This site provides a fascinating insight into how the Incas mastered the environment. One reviewer notes that Moray was possibly one of the most important agricultural research centers of the Incan Empire.

Salinas de Maras is a visually striking salt mine with thousands of small, artisanal salt wells. The manual extraction process, still in use today, offers a tangible link to Inca economic practices. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, soaking in the view and atmosphere.

Traveling to Ollantaytambo and the Train Ride

After sampling these archaeological gems, you’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress and town famous for its striking stone constructions and terraces. The site is a marvel of Inca engineering, with a large stone amphitheater and a sacred rock representing Wiracocha, the Inca god of creation.

Post-lunch (which isn’t included), you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The train ride itself is a scenic journey along the Vilcanota River, often praised for its stunning views.

Many reviews underline how well-organized the train and bus transfers are, minimizing waiting times and making the journey smooth. One traveler mentioned that guides ensure all documents are correct and that pickups and drop-offs are seamless—an important point when traveling in a foreign country.

Staying in Aguas Calientes

Arriving in Aguas Calientes around 5-6 pm, you’ll check into a 3-star hotel. This overnight stay is a real advantage—giving you time to relax, freshen up, and visit the town’s famous hot springs if you wish. After a long day, many reviewers appreciate this break from the rush.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Unveiled

The second day begins with breakfast and an early bus ride up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride is about 30 minutes, and the sunrise views are often highlighted as magical. Your guide then takes you on a detailed tour of the main sites: the Main Plaza, Circular Tower, and Solar Clock.

One reviewer praised their guide, Fredi, for making the tour easy and very informative. If you’ve pre-arranged, you might even climb Huayna Picchu—a steep but rewarding hike offering incredible vistas over Machu Picchu. Note that this requires a separate fee and booking well in advance.

After your guided exploration, you’ll have some free time to soak in the scenery or browse for souvenirs in Aguas Calientes. Then, it’s back on the train to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will transfer you back to Cusco, completing the loop.

Value and Authenticity

Our review highlights that the guides tend to be very knowledgeable, making the history and significance of each site much clearer. Many travelers, including those who had concerns, acknowledge the professionalism of the guides and the meticulous organization that keeps the schedule flowing smoothly.

The hotels in Aguas Calientes are generally well-reviewed as clean and comfortable, providing a good rest before the big day at Machu Picchu. The inclusion of round-trip train tickets and bus transfers is a big plus, especially considering how complicated logistics can be for independent travelers.

The cost of $459 covers a lot—a hotel, transportation, guides, and entrance fees—making it a good value compared to organizing each part yourself. However, extras like the Waynapicchu climb or additional tickets for certain sites cost extra, so plan accordingly.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews point out that the first day can feel a bit rushed, especially if you wanted to explore more freely or spend extra time at certain sites. The schedule is tight, designed to maximize sights in a short timeframe. Also, the non-refundable policy could be a concern if your plans change or if weather impacts your trip.

Plus, a few travelers mentioned encountering language barriers with drivers or guides not speaking English fluently—so, if language is a concern, confirm in advance. It’s worth noting that the tour is designed for most travelers and includes professional guides, but communication can sometimes be less than perfect.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided adventure without the stress of planning every detail. If you appreciate small groups and personalized attention, you’ll find this tour more intimate and flexible. It’s also perfect for those who prefer organized logistics—train, bus, hotel—all arranged for you.

However, if you’re seeking complete independence or want to hike Waynapicchu on your own schedule, you might find the package setup a bit restrictive. The tour’s fixed itinerary is a strength for many and a downside for some.

Final Words: Is It Worth It?

In our view, this tour offers exceptional value for a well-rounded Machu Picchu experience. It’s about the right balance of guided insight, culture, and comfortable logistics. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more personal interactions and better access to guides’ knowledge.

Your time in Cusco will be enriched by these stops—Moray, with its fascinating agricultural terraces, and Salineras, where salt has been harvested since Inca times. The overnight stay in Aguas Calientes offers flexibility to relax and enjoy the thermal springs or explore the town at your leisure.

Most importantly, this tour takes the nerve-wracking guesswork out of traveling in unfamiliar terrain, leaving you free to enjoy the sights and history. It’s a solid choice for first-timers, history enthusiasts, and travelers who value well-organized, authentic experiences.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Does the tour include transportation from Cusco?
Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is provided, and the tour covers all transport between sites, including train tickets, buses, and transfers.

Are guides available throughout the trip?
Absolutely. Professional guides accompany you at each major site, sharing insights and ensuring smooth transitions.

Can I visit the Sacred Valley as part of this tour?
This tour does not include the Sacred Valley; it focuses on Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. For Sacred Valley visits, you might need a different tour option.

Is overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes included?
Yes, a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is part of the package, providing a comfortable base after your day of exploration.

How much does the optional Huayna Picchu climb cost?
It requires a separate fee of US$70 and must be requested months in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for walking, stairs, and hills—especially at Machu Picchu.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat or umbrella, bottled water (provided on day 1), and your valid passport. If you want to buy souvenirs, leave some room in your bag!

How long is the train ride?
The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 50 minutes. The return journey is about 1.5 hours.

Final Summary

This 2-day small-group tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu offers a well-crafted blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With the inclusion of Moray and Salinas de Maras, it gives travelers a richer perspective on Inca innovations and economic practices. The personalized guides, comfortable logistics, and overnight stay in Aguas Calientes make it an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.

While it’s not perfect for everyone—especially those seeking maximum flexibility or independent hiking—most travelers will find this tour a fantastic way to make the most of their time in Peru. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed, and for travelers who appreciate small groups, quality guides, and organized travel.

If you’re ready for an adventure that balances structure with authentic encounters, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to bring your curiosity and your sense of adventure—Machu Picchu awaits.