Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley – 2 days guided tour from Cusco

Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley – 2 Days Guided Tour from Cusco

If you’re dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu and exploring the Sacred Valley, this two-day guided tour from Cusco offers a well-rounded, practical way to do it. For $389 per person, you get a full itinerary that covers iconic sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and of course, the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu itself. The tour is designed for those who want a balance of guided insight, scenic transportation, and free time to absorb the sights at your own pace.

Two things we love about this tour: first, the small-group size, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention from guides; second, the inclusion of transport, entrance tickets, and meals, providing great value for a comprehensive experience. The one thing to consider is that meals on Day 1 dinner and Day 2 lunch aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for a few meals on your own.

This tour best suits travelers who appreciate detailed guidance, want to see key Inca sites without the stress of planning, and enjoy a small-group atmosphere that feels intimate rather than touristy. Whether you’re visiting Machu Picchu for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding with expert guides, this trip offers a practical and memorable way to experience Peru’s most famous attractions.

Key Points

• All-inclusive value with entrance tickets, meals, and accommodations included in the price.
• Expert guides bring the sites’ history to life, making the experience more meaningful.
• Small-group size ensures a more personalized and less rushed experience.
• Comfortable transfers from Cusco, including train rides and bus trips, make logistics smooth.
• Flexible free time at key points allows you to explore or relax as you wish.
• Authentic sites like Pisac market and Ollantaytambo fortress add a local flavor to the trip.

A Practical Breakdown of Your Two-Day Adventure

This tour is designed for travelers who want to make the most of their limited time in Peru without sacrificing depth or comfort. It begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco, setting the tone for a smooth, hassle-free experience. The first day is packed with visits to some of the most iconic Sacred Valley sites, while the second day culminates with the stunning sights of Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Sacred Valley Highlights

Your journey starts with a briefing the night before, where you’ll meet your guide and receive your train tickets and entry passes. This quick orientation is valuable, as it sets expectations and ensures you’re prepared.

Pisac is the first site, famous for its vibrant markets and Inca ruins. You’ll have about three hours here, including free time to wander through artisan stalls or explore the archaeological site with your guide. Many travelers find Pisac’s market a highlight, especially if you’re interested in Peruvian crafts and souvenirs. The guide will help you purchase your Cusco tourist ticket if necessary, making sure you don’t miss out on the ruins.

Next, it’s off to Urubamba for a traditional Peruvian lunch. Travelers rave about the food—many say it’s some of the best they’ve had in Peru. This pause offers genuine local flavors and a chance to relax.

After lunch, your next stop is Ollantaytambo, a fortress and town that’s still largely inhabited, with cobblestone streets and impressive terraces. Your guide’s tour here gives insight into Inca military and agricultural ingenuity, making the site much more engaging than just wandering around. You’ll then be dropped off near the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board your train to Aguas Calientes.

The train ride itself is a highlight—about an hour and a half of stunning scenery, following the Vilcanota River through landscapes that shift from snow-capped peaks to lush jungle. Many travelers comment on how scenic and relaxing the ride is, and a light snack on board adds to the comfort.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel and have free time for dinner and settling in. Your guide will inform you of your pickup time for Machu Picchu the next morning.

Day 2: The Magnificence of Machu Picchu

Early breakfast is followed by a bus ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu. This rapid ascent offers awe-inspiring views of the site and the surrounding mountains.

Your guided tour lasts about two hours in a small group of no more than eight people, which means you receive more personalized attention. The guide will navigate the various circuits, focusing on the most significant areas and explaining their cultural and historical importance. Expect to see the iconic terraces, the Intihuatana stone, and the Temple of the Sun. After the guided part, you’ll have some free time to revisit favorite spots or explore independently—though access is limited to protect the site.

After the tour, you can grab lunch in Aguas Calientes or relax before your return journey. The train back to Ollantaytambo takes around three hours, following the same scenic route as the journey in. Once back in Ollantaytambo, a transfer will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 9:00 PM or later, depending on train schedules.

Why this tour offers great value

The price of $389 covers most essentials—entrance fees, guided tours, train tickets, accommodations, and meals in the Sacred Valley. When you add up what you’d pay if you arranged all independently—transport, entry, guided explanations, and meals—it’s a competitive offer.

The inclusion of professional guides is crucial; they make the history and significance of each site come alive. One review highlights Ulysses’ engaging storytelling, describing him as “very funny, animated, and informative.” Guides add depth to the experience, turning ruins into stories and landscapes into memories.

Comfortable and convenient transportation

Traveling in a comfortable shared van from Cusco to Sacred Valley sites, combined with the scenic train ride, means you won’t have to worry about logistical details. The round-trip train is a highlight, offering travelers spectacular views and a relaxed way to travel.

Small-group experience

Limiting the group size to about 8-15 travelers ensures you don’t get lost in a sea of travelers, and guides can focus more on your questions and interests. This intimacy often leads to a richer, more engaging experience.

Consideration: Meals and timing

While most essentials are covered, meals on Day 1 dinner and Day 2 lunch are not included. That’s a good thing for flexibility, but you’ll want to budget accordingly. Also, the tour is paced to cover significant sites comfortably, but if you prefer more free time or want to avoid a busy schedule, this may feel somewhat structured.

Who will love this tour?

This tour suits travelers who want an all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially ideal for those who value expert guides bringing their sites to life, and those who enjoy scenic train rides and small-group intimacy. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see the major highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a manageable, comfortable way.

The Sum Up

This two-day guided adventure from Cusco strikes a fine balance between convenience, depth, and authenticity. The inclusion of guided explanations, scenic transport, and well-chosen stops makes it a strong choice for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to see the best of Inca territory.

We appreciated the thoughtful itinerary, the chance to explore iconic sites with knowledgeable guides, and the seamless logistics that let us concentrate on enjoying the scenery and history. The small-group setup enhances the experience, making it more personal and engaging.

Of course, careful planning of meals and some flexibility in timing can further elevate your trip. All in all, this tour provides a solid, memorable way to experience Peru’s crown jewels without breaking the bank or feeling overwhelmed.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most sites involve walking on uneven terrain, especially at Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. However, guides can help accommodate different paces.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, your tour price includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket when booking this specific option, along with tickets for other sites.

Does the tour include lunch and dinner?
Lunch on Day 1 is included, but dinner and lunch on Day 2 are not, so you should plan to budget for those meals.

What transportation is used?
A comfortable shared van takes you from Cusco to Sacred Valley sites, and scenic trains connect Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. On Day 2, buses are used to reach Machu Picchu.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to about 8 travelers for the Machu Picchu guided tour, offering a more intimate experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and any personal essentials. A light rain jacket is advisable, depending on the season.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup from your Cusco hotel is offered, making logistics easier.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 97 days in advance, as spots fill quickly due to high demand.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but guides are often flexible about extra questions or short side explorations.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While not specified, considering Peru’s climate, the dry season (May to September) is ideal for clear views and comfortable weather, but the tour runs year-round.

This detailed, well-organized tour offers a full, enriching look at Peru’s most famous sites, making it an excellent choice for those who want a guided, convenient, and authentic experience.