SACRED VALLEY TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS

Experience the Majesty of Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Just Two Days
Starting at $479 per person, this two-day tour from Cusco takes you through some of the most iconic Inca sites, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu. Led by knowledgeable guides in both English and Spanish, you’ll explore ancient ruins, enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas, and travel comfortably by train and bus.

Two things we particularly love about this experience: First, the combination of guided insights with free time to explore the sites on your own—there’s a good balance of structured learning and personal discovery. Second, the picturesque train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which offers stunning views that make the trip feel more like a scenic adventure than a mere transfer.

A small drawback? The cost of entry tickets to certain sites, like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, isn’t included and adds up to around 80 soles per person. That’s an extra expense to plan for, but it’s common with guided tours that aim to keep the main package straightforward.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, well-organized experience without the hassle of planning each detail. If you’re short on time but craving a thorough taste of Inca heritage, this is a great option. Just be prepared for some early mornings and a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day experience covering Sacred Valley sites and Machu Picchu
• Balanced mix of guided tours and free exploration for a personalized touch
• Includes train rides, shuttle buses, and hotel stay, making logistics smoother
• Additional costs like entrance tickets and optional hikes should be budgeted
• Ideal for travelers seeking a hassle-free, immersive adventure in Peru
• Early mornings and tight schedule—good for the energetic traveler who wants to maximize time

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: A Deep Dive

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This 2-day Sacred Valley tour is designed for those who want to get the most out of their visit in a short amount of time. For $479, you get a well-rounded itinerary that takes you from the vibrant city of Cusco out into the heart of the Inca Empire, with spectacular sights along the way.

Your journey begins with a pick-up from Cusco, setting the tone for a smooth, well-organized trip. The tour is operated by Exploor Trip E.R.L, and guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

The first day is packed with visits to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, two of the most significant Inca sites. The second day is dedicated to the star of the show—Machu Picchu—with plenty of time to explore this awe-inspiring ruin.

Day 1: From Cusco to Sacred Valley

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive along the Urubamba River, passing through lush landscapes and rolling hills. Your guide will share stories about the Inca civilization, adding context to what you see.

Pisac is your first stop—a site famous for its terraces, fountains, observatories, and a necropolis. The ruins are situated on a mountain ridge, offering sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. We loved the way the site is built on such a dramatic elevation, making it feel like stepping back into a time when the Incas strategically used the terrain for defense and agriculture. The spectacular vistas of the valley below make it hard to look away.

While the archaeological site is included in the tour, the Pisac artisan market is an optional stop where you can browse local crafts. Many reviews mention that the market is a wonderful place to find handcrafted souvenirs—just remember that the entrance tickets to Pisac are not included in the main price and cost about 80 soles.

Next, the tour moves to Ollantaytambo, a fortress and town that served as a defensive outpost to protect the valley from invasions. The Inca complex here is beautifully preserved, with terraced slopes and massive stone structures. We loved the incredible engineering and how the site’s strategic position offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, it’s time to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The train ride itself is a highlight, with spectacular views of the river, mountains, and lush vegetation rolling past your window. The train company offers a comfortable, scenic journey that builds anticipation for what’s to come.

The evening is spent in Aguas Calientes, where your hotel provides a welcome rest after a busy day. Keep in mind that the entrance tickets to Pisac and Ollantaytambo are not included—so plan to purchase those separately if you want to visit these sites independently.

Day 2: The Marvel of Machu Picchu

An early start is essential for this day. The bus ride up to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views as you ascend to the site. Once there, your guided tour brings the ruins to life—covering neighborhoods, squares, terraces, and astronomical observatories. Our guide, Carlos, was particularly good at weaving stories that made the stones feel alive and meaningful.

Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, is everything you’ve heard about and more. The scale of the stonework, the terraces, and the temples is staggering. We loved the way the site balances natural beauty with human ingenuity.

For those who have booked to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll do so during designated times (early morning or late morning). This is optional but highly recommended if you’re looking for a more adventurous view of the site. Expect to spend around $60 extra for this.

After exploring on your own, you’ll descend back down and take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on the morning’s wonder.

The return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo offers more scenic views, and your transport team will pick you up to return to Cusco. The entire second day is a mix of guided insights and personal exploration—a good balance for most travelers.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers most transportation needs: hotel in Aguas Calientes, train from Ollantaytambo, shuttle buses to Machu Picchu, and transfers back to Cusco. The entrance to Machu Picchu is included, which is a significant value considering the site’s popularity.

However, you’ll need to budget separately for lunches, entrance tickets to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and optional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These additional costs are typical for guided tours but worth considering when planning your overall budget.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Many travelers appreciated the local guides’ storytelling, which added depth to their understanding of the sites—something you might not get if exploring independently. Some reviews mentioned that the group size was manageable, allowing for better interaction and questions.

One tip from reviews: arrive early at Machu Picchu if you want a quieter experience and better photos. The tour’s schedule is tight, but it’s designed to maximize your time at the key sites, especially with the early bus to Machu Picchu.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without having to plan every detail. It’s especially suitable for those with limited time but a desire to see the main highlights with knowledgeable guides.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore sites with more free time, you might find this schedule a little packed. But for active travelers who enjoy structured days filled with history, culture, and stunning scenery, it fits well.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth Your While?

This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour offers an excellent blend of guided expertise, scenic travel, and culture. It provides good value, considering the included transportation, entrance fees, and hotel stay.

The highlights—like the spectacular ruins of Ollantaytambo, the vibrant Pisac market, and of course Machu Picchu itself—make it a memorable experience. The tour’s logistical planning minimizes stress, so you can focus on soaking in the views and stories.

While the additional costs for entrance tickets and optional hikes mean you should budget accordingly, these are common expenses for such trips. Travelers who prioritize convenience and want to see the main highlights efficiently will find this tour especially rewarding.

This tour is best suited for travelers who:
– Want a guided, all-in-one experience with minimal fuss
– Have limited days but want to cover key Inca sites
– Appreciate scenic train journeys and authentic local insights
– Don’t mind a busy schedule and early mornings for maximum sightseeing

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized adventure in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, this tour hits the mark. Just come prepared for a full, exhilarating two days—your photos and memories will thank you.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby