Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley: 2 Day Combo Tour

Exploring the Best of Cusco’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Two Days

This two-day combo tour takes you from Cusco through the lush Sacred Valley to the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, all for a reasonable $443 per person. With a focus on authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtful logistics, it offers an excellent way to see some of Peru’s most iconic sites without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The tour is priced to include entrance fees, roundtrip train rides, and a shared hostel stay in Aguas Calientes, making it a mostly hassle-free way to tick these major highlights off your bucket list.

What we especially like about this experience are the carefully curated stops at key Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and the small group size—only up to 8 travelers—which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. Another highlight is the expert guidance that really brings the sites to life, with guides who are praised for their knowledge and clear communication.

However, a consideration to keep in mind is the additional costs for things like the Machu Picchu entrance ticket (about $20), or the Aguas Calientes roundtrip bus (around $24). While these aren’t included in the base price, they are common extras for this type of tour.

This tour would suit travelers who value depth over breadth, enjoy history and culture, and prefer a well-organized trip with a small group. It’s perfect for those who want to see the highlights with a knowledgeable guide but don’t want to spend days planning logistics.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu provide a well-rounded experience of Inca culture and architecture.
• Expert guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make history engaging.
• Small group size: Up to 8 travelers means a more intimate, flexible experience and better interaction with guides.
• All-inclusive essentials: Includes train tickets, transportation, entrance fees, and hostel accommodation.
• Additional costs: Entrance to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes bus are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Authentic cultural stops: Visits to local markets and traditional towns offer insights into native life.

The Complete Experience Breakdown

Day 1: From Cusco to Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

The adventure begins with an early pickup from your Cusco hotel, around 7:00-7:30 am. The journey immediately sets the tone—you’re heading into the Sacred Valley, a lush corridor that was once the heartland of the Inca Empire.

Our first stop is Pisac, where we explore the impressive archaeological site. The site’s terraced fields, water channels, and stone structures are remarkably well-preserved, and they reveal the Inca’s mastery of urban planning. The local market is a lively place where artisans sell colorful textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs—good for a quick browse and appreciation of local craftsmanship.

Next, we head to Ollantaytambo, often called the “Living Inca Town.” Here, the Incan fortress and terraces display ingenious engineering and strategic design. The guides are excellent at explaining how these structures served both defensive and ceremonial purposes. We also get to observe local people in traditional dress, which adds a genuine flavor to the visit.

Lunchtime is in Urubamba, a peaceful town nestled in the valley, where the tour includes a stop for lunch—a good opportunity to sample Peruvian cuisine. Afterward, we head to the train station in Ollantaytambo for our scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. The train journey, about 1 hour and 50 minutes, offers impressive views of the river and mountains that surround Machu Picchu.

Once in Aguas Calientes, a Yapa Explorer staff member will meet you and escort you to your hostel, setting you up for an early start the next day. The shared hostel rooms are straightforward but comfortable, a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Day 2: The Magnificence of Machu Picchu

Rising early, you’ll walk or take a bus from Aguas Calientes into the Machu Picchu sanctuary. We loved the way guides provide insightful commentary at key sites—like the Main Plaza, Circular Tower, and Royal Quarters—which helps turn a stunning ruin into a story of Inca ingenuity.

Our guide, Marcelo, was praised for his calm demeanor and deep knowledge—a recurring theme in reviews. Once inside, you’ll have about two hours of guided exploration, during which you’ll learn how Machu Picchu’s architecture was perfectly aligned with astronomical phenomena and the surrounding landscape.

After the tour, there’s free time to wander, take photos, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the “Lost City of the Incas.” Many travelers appreciate the flexibility here—some climb Huayna Picchu or explore the terraces further if they’ve secured additional tickets, though that’s not included in this tour.

Descending back to Aguas Calientes by train around 6:20 pm, you’ll return to Ollantaytambo and then bus back to Cusco, completing a well-paced but full 2 days.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Based on reviews, the guides are consistently highlighted for their enthusiasm and knowledge, transforming what could be just a sightseeing trip into a memorable learning experience. The small group size is another advantage, fostering a more personal connection and smoother logistics.

The logistic planning—including train tickets, transport, and entrance fees—means you don’t have to worry about planning every detail. The inclusion of breakfast and lunch also adds value, easing the challenge of managing meals during busy days.

Some travelers note that the hotel in Aguas Calientes is basic, and the extra costs for the Machu Picchu entrance or bus can add up, but these are standard for most organized tours. The tour’s reputation for reliability and smooth coordination often outweighs these minor inconveniences.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

If you’re someone who values expert guidance, wants to see key Inca sites with a small group, and prefers a well-organized, hassle-free experience, this tour is a great choice. It’s perfect for travelers with moderate physical fitness, given the walking involved and the early start.

It also suits those who want a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and scenic highlights without the stress of planning every detail. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality, the included train, transport, and guide services make this a good value.

Final Thoughts

This two-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour is an excellent way to see some of Peru’s most iconic sites in a manageable timeframe. The careful planning, knowledgeable guides, and small group size mean you’ll experience the sites beyond just taking photos—you’ll hear stories, learn about Inca engineering, and get a real sense of the landscape and its history.

While some extra costs are unavoidable, they are typical for this kind of trip and clearly laid out. The accommodations are simple but functional, and the train rides offer fantastic views and comfort for the journey.

For anyone ready to explore with local insight, appreciate authentic cultural stops, and avoid overwhelming logistics, this tour offers a solid, engaging, and well-reviewed experience.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel/hostel pickup (not available for Airbnb), Sacred Valley tour with guide and tourist bus, roundtrip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, transportation back to Cusco, hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes, admission to Machu Picchu, and professional guides speaking Spanish or English.

Are meals included?
Yes, there’s breakfast the first morning and lunch on the first day in Urubamba. However, lunch in Aguas Calientes and drinks are not included.

How much do extra costs add up to?
You’ll need to budget about $20 for the Machu Picchu entrance fee and $24 for the roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. These are extra but standard for similar tours.

What is the group size?
This tour caters to a maximum of 8 travelers, providing a more personal and flexible experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness due to walking up to the ruins and some uneven terrain.

When should I book?
Most travelers book around 12 days in advance, which is advisable to secure train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance.

What if I miss a part of the itinerary?
Since the tour is well-organized with scheduled stops and transportation, missing parts isn’t typical. But always confirm your arrangements beforehand.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is pre-set, but guides often accommodate some personal interests, especially if communicated in advance.

What happens if I cancel?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so plan carefully before booking.

Is the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes comfortable?
The hostel offers shared rooms that are functional and clean, focusing on convenience rather than luxury—perfect for budget travelers.

This detailed review hopefully sheds light on what makes this Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley tour a popular choice—and why it might be the right fit for your Peruvian adventure.