Experience the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on a 2-Day All-Inclusive Tour

Imagine a trip where everything is taken care of—your transport, accommodation, tickets, and expert guiding—so you can focus on soaking in the awe-inspiring sights of Peru’s most iconic locations. For just $698 per person, this 2-day tour covers the highlights: from the colorful markets of Pisaq to the mysterious ruins of Ollantaytambo, culminating in an unforgettable sunrise at Machu Picchu. Led by knowledgeable guides like Jason, Vincent, or Miguel, you’ll learn about the Inca civilization while exploring some of South America’s most breathtaking scenery.

What we love about this experience? First, the hassle-free logistics save you countless hours planning and booking. Second, the expert guides truly bring each site to life with engaging stories and insights. The one thing to consider is that this tour involves a fairly packed schedule, so if you prefer a slow-paced, in-depth exploration, you might find it a tad brisk. But overall, it’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu—especially if you’re short on time but still want depth and authenticity.

Key Points

All-Inclusive Ease: Everything from hotel pickup to train tickets is handled, reducing stress.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding and enjoyment of each site.
Cultural Highlights: Visit alpaca farms, local markets, and archaeological sites for a well-rounded experience.
Breathtaking Views: Witness stunning landscapes along the Vilcanota River and at Machu Picchu.
Time Efficiency: The 2-day format maximizes your visit without feeling rushed.
Great Value: Offers a comprehensive experience for a competitive price, with many travelers praising the guides and organization.

Exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Depth

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The Convenience of a Pre-Arranged Tour

One of the main benefits of this tour is how it simplifies your trip. Planning a visit to Machu Picchu independently involves securing train tickets, booking accommodations, and managing transportation logistics—an often confusing and time-consuming process. By choosing an all-inclusive package, you bypass this hassle. Your transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, the train ride, and the hotel stay in Aguas Calientes are all arranged beforehand. This means you can relax and enjoy the journey instead of stressing over tickets or navigating unfamiliar transport systems.

Day 1: From Cusco to the Sacred Valley

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your Cusco hotel at 8:00 am. The first stop is Awanacancha, an alpaca farm where you can see and learn about the four South American camelids—Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos. We found this to be a charming and informative introduction, especially if you’re interested in local textiles and wildlife.

Next, the tour ventures to the Pisaq archaeological site and local market. Pisaq’s ruins are perched above the village and offer a fascinating glimpse into Inca engineering, with terraced fields and stone structures. The market is lively, full of artisans selling handcrafted souvenirs—an opportunity to bargain for unique keepsakes. Many reviewers mention how much they appreciated the chance to shop for authentic Peruvian crafts and the friendly, lively atmosphere.

Following Pisaq, the journey continues along the Vilcanota River to Urubamba. Here, a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant offers fresh, regional ingredients, giving you a taste of Peruvian cuisine. Afterwards, a walk along the ancient Inca street in Ollantaytambo reveals more about Inca urban planning and architecture. Dinner in Ollantaytambo provides a relaxed end to the first day, setting the stage for the early start tomorrow.

Day 2: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

The highlight of the trip is, of course, Machu Picchu. An early breakfast kicks off your day, followed by a quick bus ride to watch the sunrise over the ruins—a moment many reviewers described as unforgettable. Your guided tour lasts approximately three hours, during which your guide will bring to life the stories behind the stones, explaining how the Incas built this “lost city” between towering mountains.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an optional climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which many travelers rave about but require advance booking. For most, the guided tour provides enough insight and stunning vistas to satisfy curiosity.

After the tour, you have free time to explore independently. Many reviewers mention how much they appreciated the detailed explanations from guides like Jason and Vicente, which made the site’s mysteries come alive. Afterward, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch is available (not included), before catching the Panoramic Vistadome train back to Cusco. The scenic train ride is often highlighted as a beautiful, comfortable way to conclude the journey.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

This tour pack offers dinner and breakfast, a 3-star hotel stay, and all transport between sites. The Vistadome train is a plus, offering panoramic windows for incredible views during your return to Cusco. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets are not included and must be purchased separately, which is a standard practice but worth noting.

Some travelers express satisfaction with the organization, calling the trip “very well planned” and “meticulously arranged,” which truly enhances the experience. Guides like Miguel and Katia receive high praise for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to adapt the tour to group interests.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, stress-free introduction to Inca sites, especially if time is limited. It suits those who value expert guidance and appreciate a well-organized itinerary that balances culture with stunning scenery. If you enjoy learning about history but prefer to do so with a guide who makes the stories engaging, this tour hits the mark. It’s also perfect for first-timers to Machu Picchu who want the peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is the tight schedule—if you prefer a leisurely pace or in-depth exploration of each site, this might feel a bit rushed. Some reviews mention “packed schedules” that leave little time for shopping or relaxing. Also, since admission fees are not included, you’ll need to budget for the Machu Picchu entrance separately, which adds a layer of planning.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those wanting a convenient, all-encompassing trip that takes the stress out of visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, this 2-day tour offers excellent value. The combination of expert guides, scenic travel, and thoughtfully selected stops makes it a strong choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a thorough overview of Inca highlights without the hassle of planning every detail.

Travelers who appreciate storytelling and cultural insights, along with stunning vistas, will find this tour particularly rewarding. The consistent praise for guides like Jason, Vincent, and Miguel underscores how important knowledgeable hosts are in transforming a sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.

If you are short on time but long on curiosity, and prefer a comfortable, well-organized adventure, this tour could be your perfect introduction to Peru’s most iconic sights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers, including families, can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring your passport (required for tickets), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at booking.

Are the train tickets booked in advance?
Yes, the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is included, and it’s arranged as part of the tour.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu during this tour?
Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is optional and requires advance booking, which is not included in this tour package.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How many people are in each tour group?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

In short, this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour combines convenience, expert guidance, and scenic wonder—perfect for those wanting to make the most of their limited time in Peru.