2 Days Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

Two days exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offers an incredible window into Peru’s most iconic and breathtaking sites. For $520 per person, this 2-day journey takes you through vibrant villages, ancient ruins, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu itself. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit Chinchero, Maras salt mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and of course, the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. The tour includes train rides, bus transfers, and a night at a comfortable hotel, making it a well-rounded experience for travelers seeking culture, history, and stunning scenery in a manageable timeframe.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guidance helps you truly appreciate each site’s story and significance. Second, the combination of scenic stops—from colorful textiles to impressive terraces—keeps the journey engaging and visually spectacular. One thing to consider is that this is a physically moderate tour, requiring some walking and outdoor exposure, so travelers should be prepared for the terrain.

This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive but manageable trip, especially if you’re short on time but eager to experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting an organized, insightful visit or seasoned travelers looking for a hassle-free way to see the highlights with expert guides.

Key Points

• In-depth visits to key sites like Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo provide context and culture.
• Expert bilingual guides enhance understanding and storytelling throughout the trip.
• Stunning mountain scenery and carefully curated stops make this a visually memorable experience.
• Comfortable arrangements like train travel, bus transfers, and a night in Aguas Calientes streamline logistics.
• Value for money given the inclusion of transport, accommodation, entrance fees, and guided tours.
• Moderate physical activity means some walking is involved, but the pace is manageable for most.

Discovering the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: A Detailed Review

The Tour’s Highlights: What Makes It Special

From the moment you are picked up in Cusco at 7:00 am, this tour begins with a sense of adventure. The first stop in Chinchero is a delightful introduction. Known for its vibrant textiles, it’s a place where you can see artisans at work using traditional dyeing techniques. The colorful woven fabrics and colonial architecture, built on Inca foundations, set a tone of cultural richness. We loved the opportunity to see the craftsmanship firsthand—a glimpse into living traditions.

Next, visiting the Salinas de Maras salt mines adds a dash of legend and striking visuals. The salt wells, still in use since Inca times, produce the famous Pink Salt, colored by mineral-rich soil. The legend of Ayar Cachi’s tears adds some local mythology to the scene. The salt pans, arranged like a giant mosaic, are impressive both historically and visually.

Moray offers another fascinating insight, with its circular terraces believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory or astronomical observatory. As you walk around, you’ll notice the terraces’ precise construction, and the guides often share theories about their purpose—whether for experimenting with different crops or observing celestial events. It’s a site that sparks curiosity and questions.

A hearty buffet lunch in Urubamba, the “Pearl of the Vilcanota,” provides a relaxing break amid scenic mountain views and lush greenery. This small town with a picturesque square and native palms is a pleasant spot to recharge before heading to Ollantaytambo. The fortress here, with its colossal stone walls and terraces, is awe-inspiring. Walking among the massive stones, some reaching four meters high, gives a tangible sense of Inca engineering prowess.

As the afternoon winds down, the train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes offers beautiful vistas of the river valley and mountains. This makes the journey not just logistical but part of the experience. We’ve heard reviews praising the reliability and comfort of the train, which is a crucial part of the overall value.

Day Two: The Crown Jewel — Machu Picchu

The early morning bus ride from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu is short but scenic—think misty mountains and lush jungle. Your guide will give a well-paced tour of the citadel, highlighting key structures like the Intihuatana stone, Temple of the Sun, and the Royal quarters. Expect to learn the stories behind the stonework and why this site is so architecturally remarkable.

You’ll have ample time to explore on your own after the guided tour, soaking in the breathtaking views and imagining what life was like for the Incas. The site’s high placement between two mountain peaks creates an almost surreal setting—an image you’ll carry long after.

In Aguas Calientes, you’re free to enjoy local cuisine, visit the market, or take a dip in the hot springs—an experience that many reviewers find relaxing after a busy day. The return trip begins with an evening train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a drive to Cusco, arriving around 9:00 pm.

The Practicalities: Comfort and Convenience

This tour’s logistics are thoughtfully designed. The private transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo sets a comfortable tone at the start, and the train tickets included mean you don’t have to worry about booking separately. The hotel in Aguas Calientes is a 3-star option, providing a good balance of comfort and affordability.

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are included, which is a major convenience and value—especially given the current popularity of the site. Plus, the bus tickets from Aguas Calientes are arranged, saving you the hassle of organizing transport on the fly.

The group size is capped at 9 travelers, making the experience intimate enough for personalized attention but still lively. The tour guides are bilingual and highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often going beyond just facts to share stories and insights.

What’s Not Included and Why It Matters

While this tour is comprehensive, a few optional expenses are not covered, such as the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance fees, which you can purchase separately if you want to hike higher. Also, meals beyond breakfast, additional nights in Cusco, or the hot springs are extras.

A small consideration is the additional entrance fee to sites like Maras and Moray—these cost 10 and 70 Soles respectively—and require separate tickets if you wish to visit independently. The tour includes the main attractions, but a few hidden gems may cost extra.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

Reviews highlight the professionalism and warmth of guides like Mateo and Dayana, emphasizing their attentiveness and deep knowledge. One reviewer noted, “Mateo nos ayudó mucho a personalizarlo y hacer que se cumpliera todo el itinerario a como lo habíamos pedido,” which underscores the personalized touch that makes this trip stand out.

Other travelers appreciated the stunning views and the peace of mind that comes with organized logistics, especially when visiting such a complex site as Machu Picchu. The convenience of train and bus transfers, combined with guided insights, allows you to focus on enjoying each moment rather than worrying about details.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who values expert guidance and wants a well-organized way to see key sites without the stress of planning every detail, this tour is a winner. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate authentic stories, scenic stops, and comfortable transportation.

For those with moderate physical fitness, the trip involves walking around archaeological sites and some uphill bus rides, so it’s best for active travelers. If you’re on a tight schedule, this 2-day tour packs in a lot, making it ideal for first-timers or those with limited time in Peru.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour offers a balanced mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. The combination of expert guides, carefully curated stops, and smooth logistics makes it a smart choice for travelers wanting to maximize their experience in a short amount of time.

The price reflects the inclusion of entrance fees, train rides, and a hotel stay, which adds significant value. Plus, the reviews consistently praise the guides and the stunning scenery, indicating that most travelers leave with a sense of fulfillment and awe.

If you crave a thoughtfully organized trip that highlights the best of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without sacrificing comfort or authenticity, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast, private transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station, Sacred Valley guided tour, round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, assistance at Machu Picchu, one night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, official entrance to Machu Picchu, and a bilingual guide.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience spans approximately two days, starting early in Cusco and ending around 9:00 pm on the second day after returning from Machu Picchu.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and some uphill bus rides. It’s best suited for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy outdoor exploration.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included, but lunch and dinner are not. You can enjoy a buffet in Urubamba and explore local eateries in Aguas Calientes.

Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
These optional hikes require separate tickets purchased in advance. The tour covers general access to Machu Picchu but not these additional peaks.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 183 days ahead, given the high demand and limited tickets for Machu Picchu.

What’s the group size?
The tour limits groups to a maximum of 9 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transport includes private pickups, train journeys, and bus rides—all arranged for comfort and reliability.

What if I want to extend my stay?
Extra hotel nights or additional excursions are not included but can be arranged separately.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 days before the tour start are non-refundable.

In short, this tour balances the must-see sights with thoughtful logistics, guided expertise, and a touch of adventure—ideal for those eager to experience Peru’s treasures efficiently and comfortably.