2 Days Tour Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley

Andes Mountain Range

3500 ft

START POINT

Cusco

DURATION

Full Day

PRICE

$550

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy

SERVICE

Shared

START POINT

Cusco

SERVICE

Shared

DURATION

Full Day

PRICE

550
Home » Tours » 2 Days Tour Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley

Experience Overview

Embark on a 2-day adventure through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Explore ancient Inca sites, interact with local artisans, and admire breathtaking landscapes.

On day two, witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu and uncover its secrets with a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River, following one of the most stunning railway routes in the world.

Let our expert team handle all the details while you immerse yourself in history, culture, and breathtaking views. This Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour is the perfect blend of exploration and discovery.


Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Sacred Valley Exploration & Train to Aguas Calientes

Your adventure begins early, as we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 AM to explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley. You will have two route options, each offering unique experiences. Firstly, let’s look at the options:

Option A: Pisac Route
  • Awana Kancha: See Andean camelids like llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.

  • Pisac Archaeological Site: Explore the Inca complex, which is famous for its agricultural terraces and strategic location.

  • Pisac Market: Stroll through the vibrant market, known for its handicrafts and silver jewelry.

  • Buffet Lunch: Afterward, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, offering vegetarian and vegan options.

  • Ollantaytambo: Later, discover this ancient Inca town with massive stone terraces and an impressive fortress.

Subsequently, board your train to Aguas Calientes at either 3:37 PM or 7:30 PM, depending on availability.

Option B: Maras & Moray Route
  • Chinchero: Start by visiting the town, known for its textile workshops where artisans use traditional Inca weaving techniques.

  • Maras: Continue your journey to explore this charming colonial town.

  • Moray: Discover the fascinating circular terraces, which were once used for agricultural experimentation.

  • Salt Ponds of Maras: Moreover, witness the stunning salt ponds where natural salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times.

  • Ollantaytambo: Finally, visit the impressive Inca fortress before boarding your train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will then check in at your hotel and enjoy free time for dinner and relaxation.

Day 2: Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas

The following day, wake up early to witness the sunrise over one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After a quick breakfast, you will take the first bus to Machu Picchu, which is a 30-minute ride up the mountain.

Arrival at Machu Picchu
  • Upon arrival, you will present your passport and entry ticket. Then, head to the famous Guardhouse, where you will get a stunning panoramic view.

Guided Tour
  • Your guided tour (approximately 2 hours) will cover key sites such as:

    • Main Gate

    • Sun Temple

    • Sacred Plaza

    • Temple of the Condor

    • Inca Quarry & Agricultural Terraces

If you’ve booked the Huayna Picchu hike ($65 extra per person), you will then embark on this thrilling climb for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the ruins.

Return to Aguas Calientes
  • After exploring Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Enjoy some free time for lunch and browse local shops before boarding your train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will transfer you to Cusco, where you’ll arrive around 7:30 PM.

INCLUSION

Included Services:

  • Professional Tour Guide: An English-speaking guide will accompany you for two days.
  • Accommodation: One night in a 3-star hotel, such as Tara Machu Picchu or a similar establishment.
  • Transportation: A tourist van will be available for the Sacred Valley tour.
  • Entrance Fees: All entry tickets for the Sacred Valley archaeological sites are covered.
  • Oxygen Tank: The tourist van is equipped with an oxygen tank for emergencies.
  • First Aid Kit: The guide will carry a first aid kit for any medical emergencies.
  • Train Ticket: Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is included.
  • Return Train Ticket: Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo is also provided.
  • Bus Ticket: Transportation by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is included.
  • Return Bus Ticket: A return bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is included.
  • Breakfast: Breakfast on the second day is provided at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Round-Trip Bus Ticket: Includes both the outbound and return journey between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu Entry Ticket: Admission to Circuit 2 of Machu Picchu is included.
  • Guided Tour: A 2 to 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu is provided.
  • Return Transportation: A tourist van will take you back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
  • Hotel Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco are included.

Not Included in the Package:

  • Meals on the First Day:
    • Breakfast: You can have breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before departure.
    • Lunch and Dinner: There are various restaurant options available for you to choose from.
  • Lunch on the Second Day: Not included in the package.

Optional Upgrades:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket: $65 USD
  • Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket: $65 USD
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade:
    • One-Way Vistadome Ticket: $35 USD
    • Round-Trip Vistadome Ticket: $70 USD

WHAT TO BRING

  • Comfortable Footwear & Lightweight Clothing – Ensure ease of movement during your visit.
  • Sunscreen & Sunglasses – Protect yourself from the strong Andean sun.
  • Hat & Gloves – Stay comfortable in changing temperatures.
  • Rain Gear (Especially November – April) – Be prepared for unpredictable weather.
  • Insect Repellent – Essential for Machu Picchu.
  • Valid Passport or ID – Required for entry.
  • Student ISIC Card – If applicable, bring it for discounts.
  • Travel Insurance – Always a smart choice.
  • Cash in Local Currency – Useful for small purchases.
  • Camera or Phone for Photos & Videos – Capture unforgettable memories.
  • Swimsuit & Towel (Optional) – Ideal if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Important Information for Visiting Machu Picchu

  • Bring Your Passport: You must carry your passport as it is required for entry to Machu Picchu.
  • Single Entry Policy: Standard Machu Picchu tickets do not allow re-entry once you leave, even if you haven’t used the full 2-hour visit time.
  • Ticket Availability: Machu Picchu tickets are limited to 5,600 per day, so it is strongly recommended to book at least two months in advance.
  • Non-Refundable Tickets: All Machu Picchu tickets, including those for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be rescheduled, as per the regulations of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
  • Photo Safety: Avoid risky selfie angles and jumping photos, as these are the leading causes of accidents in the area.
  • Recommended Footwear: Wear comfortable training shoes or lightweight hiking shoes for the best experience.
  • Mountain Climbing Restrictions: The Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco does not include climbing Machu Picchu Mountain due to time constraints.
  • Sunrise Limitation: You won’t be able to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu on this one-day tour, as the earliest possible arrival time is 8:00 AM.
  • Insect Protection: Strong insect repellent is essential, as there are many mosquitoes.
  • Passport Stamp: You can get a unique Machu Picchu stamp on your passport as a special souvenir.
  • Ideal for All Travelers: This one-day tour is perfect for couples, families, friends, and children.
  • Physical Fitness Requirement: A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for this tour.
  • Best Option for Limited Time: This full-day tour is the ideal choice for travelers with a tight schedule.
  • Arrival in Cusco: You must arrive in Cusco at least one day before your Machu Picchu day tour.
  • Guided Tour Duration: The guided tour inside Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Group Size: The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

Prohibited Items Inside Machu Picchu

  • Walking sticks are not allowed, except for those who require them for medical reasons.
  • Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.
  • Walking canes for elderly visitors must have a rubber tip instead of a metal one.
  • Professional cameras are not permitted, and permits for professional photography cost over $300, so avoid bringing equipment that looks too professional.
  • Large backpacks are not allowed. Only small bags can enter Machu Picchu, so leave your larger backpack at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

FAQ

How can I book the Rainbow Mountain tour with Waka Explorers?

For now, bookings are made directly through our contact form on the website. Just follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the contact form with your details and the date you’d like to take the tour.
  2. You can also click on “Plan Your Trip” and send us a message via WhatsApp or email.
  3. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to coordinate the details and answer any questions.
  4. To secure your spot, a prepayment is required at least 2 days before the tour.

What are the payment methods?

You can securely pay through PayPal, Stripe, or Visa.

Which Circuit Will Your Machu Picchu Tour Follow?

For our Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, we purchase Circuit 2 tickets, allowing you to explore both the upper and lower sections of the citadel with our guide. This circuit is highly recommended as it covers the entire Inca City.

How Can I Pay the Outstanding Balance?

The remaining balance must be settled at least one day before your trip and can be paid in cash (USD or soles) or via credit card (a 2.9% service fee applies). We highly recommend paying in cash to avoid transaction fees.

Can I Change My Departure Date After Booking?

Yes, but a change requires purchasing a new Machu Picchu ticket and paying a penalty for modifying the train ticket. The additional cost for rescheduling your Machu Picchu excursion is $100 per person.

Circuit 2 Tickets Are Sold Out for My Preferred Date. Can You Still Arrange My Tour?

If Circuit 2 tickets are no longer available, we cannot secure them either, as we purchase tickets directly from the official Peruvian website. However, we offer an alternative:

  • We will purchase two tickets: one for Circuit 1 and another for Circuit 3.
  • First, you will explore Circuit 3 with our guide for two hours.
  • After exiting, you will re-enter on your own to visit Circuit 1 for one hour.
  • This arrangement ensures you still experience the main attractions, iconic viewpoints, and temples within Machu Picchu.
  • Since this requires purchasing two separate tickets, there is an additional cost of $45 per person.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

The ideal months to visit Machu Picchu are April, May, September, October, and November. These months have minimal rainfall, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists, making them the best times to explore the citadel comfortably.

Top Attractions to See During Your Machu Picchu Day Trip

Machu Picchu is filled with incredible archaeological sites. Some of the most important places include:

  • The Guardhouse: The best spot for capturing the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.
  • The Temple of the Sun: One of the most significant and well-preserved structures in the citadel.
  • Inca House: A key architectural site located in the heart of Machu Picchu.
  • The Sundial (Intihuatana): A stone structure believed to have been used by the Incas for astronomical observations.
  • The Temple of the Condor: Situated in the lower section of Machu Picchu, this temple is shaped like a condor in flight.
  • Water Mirrors: Circular stone structures carved into the ground that reflect the sky when filled with water.

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern at Machu Picchu?

No, altitude sickness is usually not a problem at Machu Picchu, as it sits at a lower altitude than Cusco and the Sacred Valley. If you haven’t experienced altitude sickness in Cusco, it is unlikely to affect you at Machu Picchu.

Do I Need to Be in Excellent Physical Shape?

Not at all! Our Machu Picchu tours from Cusco are classified as easy, requiring no advanced hiking skills. The tour primarily consists of sightseeing and walking within the citadel.

Why choose Waka Explorers?

  • Trips Managed by Local Experts
  • Personalized Small Group Tours
  • Customized Packages
  • Environmental Commitment
  • Great Value for Money

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