Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days
See the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in two days, without trekking. On Day 1, a private van takes you from Cusco to a camelid and weaving center, the Inca terraces of Pisac, the Maras salt mines, the circular terraces of Moray and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, with lunch in Urubamba. In the evening, you take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel. On Day 2, your guide leads you through Machu Picchu on Circuit 2 before the train and van take you back to Cusco.
It’s an easy, two-day, one-night tour for travelers who want to see the Inca heartland at a comfortable pace, with hotel, train, entrance fees and guide included.
Overview
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour Overview
The Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River lies between Cusco and Machu Picchu and is lower and warmer than Cusco. This tour follows it from east to west on the way to the train. You’ll meet llamas, alpacas and vicuñas at Awanacancha and see natural dyeing and weaving, walk the agricultural terraces of Pisac above the valley, and drive up to the Maras plateau for the salt pans and the terraces of Moray. The day ends in Ollantaytambo, where you climb the temple hill before dinner and the evening train.
Spending the night in Aguas Calientes means you don’t have to make a long round trip from Cusco on the same day as your Machu Picchu visit. You’ll have a full morning at the site with your guide before the afternoon train back.
Tour Highlights
- Awanacancha. Meet Andean camelids and watch a demonstration of natural dyeing and weaving.
- Pisac. Walk among Inca terraces and buildings on a ridge above the valley, with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint on the way.
- Maras salt mines. See thousands of salt pans on the hillside, worked by local families since before the Incas.
- Moray. Look down into circular Inca terraces that are widely believed to have been used for agricultural experiments.
- Ollantaytambo. Climb the temple hill, with its huge stone blocks, in a town still laid out on its Inca street grid.
- Machu Picchu. Take a guided tour on Circuit 2, the classic route with the postcard view and the main urban sector.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days |
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night (hotel in Aguas Calientes) |
| Start and finish | Pickup at your Cusco hotel at 7:30 AM on Day 1; return to your Cusco hotel around 7:30 PM on Day 2 |
| Transport | Private van, train (Expedition or Voyager class) and bus |
| Highest point | About 3,500 m (11,480 ft) at Pisac and Moray; Machu Picchu is about 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Walking | Short walks on stone paths and stairs at each site |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Group size | Up to 12 travelers |
| Meals | 1 lunch, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast |
| Machu Picchu | Guided tour, Circuit 2 (Machupicchu Clásico) |
| Season | Year-round; dry season from April to October |
| Price | From US$490 per person |
Who This Tour Is For
This tour suits travelers who want to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley without camping or long hikes, including families, older travelers and first-time visitors. You walk at your own pace at each site, with some stone stairs at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Spend at least one day in Cusco first to adjust to the altitude.
How This Tour Compares
| Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days | Sacred Valley Tour Full Day | Machu Picchu Full Day Tour | |
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night | 1 day | 1 day |
| Sacred Valley sites | Awanacancha, Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo | Same sites | None (drive only) |
| Machu Picchu | Yes, guided tour on Day 2 | No | Yes |
| Overnight | Aguas Calientes | No | No |
| Price from | US$490 | US$100 | US$290 |
Short on time? See our Sacred Valley tour from Cusco (one day, no Machu Picchu) or the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco. Want Cusco and Rainbow Mountain as well? See the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days.
Why Travel with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned and operated. We are a Cusco-based company with our own guides and transport. See our official certifications and permits.
- Private transport. You travel in a modern van from your hotel door and back.
- Everything booked for you. We buy your train, Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tickets and hand them to you at the briefing.
- One guide for the whole trip. A professional English-speaking guide explains each site on both days.
- Dietary needs covered. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available at no extra cost if you tell us when you book.
Itinerary
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco, Awanacancha, Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
Your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu experience begins at 7:30 AM with our private pickup service directly from your hotel lobby. We will board our private van meticulously maintained and fully equipped to ensure maximum comfort and safety as we descend into the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Awanacancha Textile Center: Our first stop is this iconic “living museum.” Here, you will observe South American camelids up close in their natural environment: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and the prized vicuña. You will witness a live demonstration of ancestral spinning, dyeing, and weaving techniques, discovering how natural fibers are transformed into world-class textile art.
- Sacred Valley Lookout (Taray): We will make a strategic stop at a premier panoramic viewpoint, perfect for capturing the sweeping majesty of the valley and the winding Urubamba River.
- Pisac Archaeological Site: We explore this monumental Inca complex, famous for its massive agricultural terraces built into the mountain slopes and its ancient ceremonial sectors. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets of Inca hydraulic engineering and the astronomical significance of this mountaintop citadel.
- Gourmet Buffet Lunch in Urubamba: Enjoy a standout culinary experience. We have handpicked an exclusive restaurant specializing in Andean fusion cuisine, offering a varied buffet prepared with organic local ingredients in a serene, garden setting.
- Maras Salt Mines: Tour over 3,000 ancestral salt ponds actively harvested since pre-Inca times. You will learn about the natural evaporation process from subterranean spring water and the unique mineral properties of the famous “Pink Salt of the Incas.”
- Moray Agricultural Laboratory: Admire this masterpiece of ancient agronomy. Its concentric circular terraces served as a sophisticated agricultural research station where the Incas created microclimates to experiment with and adapt crops to different altitudes.
- Ollantaytambo Fortress: We conclude our overland tour in the “Living Inca Town.” We will climb to the Temple of the Sun to marvel at the 90-ton Megalith, an extraordinary feat of stonemasonry and logistics that continues to amaze modern architects.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, we will head to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will check in to your hotel and prepare for your unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Pickup | 7:30 AM at your Cusco hotel |
| Sites | Awanacancha, Pisac, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo |
| Highest point | About 3,500 m (11,480 ft) at Pisac and Moray |
| Transport | Private van; evening train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes |
| Overnight | Hatun Inti Classic Hotel (or similar), Aguas Calientes |
| Meals | Lunch (buffet in Urubamba), dinner (Ollantaytambo) |
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco
After enjoying an early breakfast at your hotel, we launch into the most anticipated day of your journey. At Ali Perú Treks, we manage every logistical detail to ensure a seamless, comfortable, and worry-free experience:
- Lightweight Daypack: You only need to carry a small daypack with your essentials for the tour.
- Luggage Storage: Your hotel in Aguas Calientes will securely store your main luggage until you return from the sanctuary.
Your ascent to the citadel begins with a scenic 25-minute eco-friendly bus ride, bringing you straight to the main entrance gate.
Once inside the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary (7,972 ft / 2,430 m), the magic of the Inca site comes alive. Your licensed Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you on a private 2-hour tour. We prioritize booking Circuit 2 (The Classic Route), widely recognized as the most complete way to explore the sanctuary. (If Circuit 2 is sold out at the time of your reservation, we will immediately secure the best available alternative, Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, based on official government availability).
- The Classic Postcard View: Access the most iconic viewpoints to capture the world-famous panoramic photo of Machu Picchu for a timeless memory.
- Historical & Archaeological Immersion: Explore the urban and ceremonial heart of the citadel, uncovering the architectural secrets of the Incas as you visit key temples, sacred plazas, and royal sectors.
Optional Hike: Huayna Picchu Mountain
For travelers who reserved this additional permit in advance, you will have the chance to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (8,835 ft / 2,693 m). This steep yet highly rewarding climb offers an unmatched aerial perspective of the entire archaeological complex.
Following your guided tour, we recommend taking the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes at least 2 hours before your scheduled train departure. This allows ample time to enjoy lunch at your leisure (lunch is not included, giving you full freedom to choose a local restaurant that fits your taste).
Finally, you will board your return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the station, our team will greet you and provide direct private transportation back to your hotel doorstep in Cusco, bringing this unforgettable journey to a perfect close.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Activity | Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Circuit 2 |
| Tour length | About 3 hours, plus free time |
| Machu Picchu altitude | About 2,430 m (7,970 ft) |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, private van to your hotel in Cusco |
| Arrival in Cusco | Around 7:30 PM |
| Meals | Breakfast (lunch is not included) |
Included
What’s Included in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
Included
- Pre-tour briefing at our Cusco office at 6:00 PM the day before, where you meet your guide and receive your tickets
- Professional English-speaking guide on both days
- Private transport from your Cusco hotel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, and from Ollantaytambo station back to your Cusco hotel
- Entrance fees for Pisac, Moray, the Maras salt mines and Ollantaytambo
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2)
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back (Expedition or Voyager class)
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Hotel: one night at the Hatun Inti Classic Hotel or a similar 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals:
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba (Day 1)
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo (Day 1)
- Breakfast at the hotel (Day 2)
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1 (served at your Cusco hotel)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 2
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional Extras
- Huayna Picchu ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability
- Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability
- Train upgrade to Vistadome or a panoramic service, on request
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have limited daily spaces, so book them months ahead, together with your tour.
Packing List
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Packing List
Pack light. You only take a small bag for one night, and your main luggage stays at your hotel in Cusco. On the train, PeruRail allows one backpack of up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) and 100 cm in total dimensions, or one carry-on of up to 12 kg (26 lb) and 115 cm.
Your Daypack
- Original passport. You need the same passport you used to book, to board the train and to enter Machu Picchu.
- A small backpack. Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in).
- Water: 1 to 2 liters in a reusable bottle
- Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses and lip balm
- Rain jacket or poncho. Umbrellas aren’t allowed inside Machu Picchu.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for snacks, souvenirs, tips and your lunch on Day 2
Clothing and Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots with good grip for stone steps
- Layers: a T-shirt or light long-sleeved shirt for the day, and a fleece or light down jacket for cool mornings and evenings
- Comfortable pants for walking (jeans aren’t ideal)
Health and Personal Care
- Insect repellent for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Personal medication, including anything your doctor recommends for altitude or motion sickness on mountain roads
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Electronics
- Camera or phone and a power bank for a long day of sightseeing
Travel Info
Travel Information for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
Pre-Tour Briefing
Your briefing takes place directly at your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour. You will meet your guide to go over the itinerary, review the weather forecast, and answer any questions before your journey begins.
How Difficult Is This Tour
It’s easy to moderate. There’s no trekking, but you walk on uneven stone paths and climb stairs at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. You can go at your own pace, and your guide can suggest shorter routes at each site.
Altitude
Cusco is at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). The floor of the Sacred Valley is lower (Ollantaytambo is at about 2,790 m / 9,160 ft), but Pisac, Maras and Moray are higher, at about 3,200 to 3,500 m (10,500 to 11,480 ft). Machu Picchu is at about 2,430 m (7,970 ft). Spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.
Machu Picchu Rules
- Your circuit: your ticket is for Circuit 2 (Machupicchu Clásico). Your guided tour lasts about two hours.
- Bags: no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in). Larger bags must be left at the entrance.
- Not allowed: food, umbrellas, walking sticks, tripods, selfie sticks and drones. If you need a walking stick for mobility, tell us when you book.
- Passport: bring the original passport you booked with.
Trains
You travel on PeruRail Expedition, Inca Rail Voyager or a similar tourist-class train. On Day 1, the evening train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. On Day 2, the afternoon train back takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Upgrades to Vistadome or a panoramic train are available on request. Compare them in our guide to Vistadome vs Expedition trains.
Luggage
Leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco; most hotels store it for free. Take only a small bag for one night. On Day 2, your hotel in Aguas Calientes stores it while you visit Machu Picchu.
Weather and Best Time to Go
The tour runs year-round. The dry season runs from April to October, with sunny days and very cold nights. From November to March, expect short, heavy showers followed by sunshine, so pack a rain jacket. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Money and Tips
Bring 200 to 300 Peruvian soles for lunch on Day 2, snacks and souvenirs. Tips for your guide and driver are voluntary.
Responsible Travel
Please bring a reusable water bottle; we avoid single-use plastic bottles. Take all your trash with you from the archaeological sites.
For more general advice, see our Peru travel information page.
Map
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Map
From Cusco, the van crosses the hills to the Sacred Valley, stopping at Awanacancha on the road to Pisac. From Pisac, it follows the Urubamba River west to Urubamba for lunch, then climbs to the Maras plateau for the salt mines and Moray before descending to Ollantaytambo. From there, the train follows the Urubamba River down to Aguas Calientes, below Machu Picchu. On Day 2, you return the same way by train and van.

Price
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days Price
All prices are per person in US dollars and include the services listed under What’s Included. The price per person depends on the size of your group.
| Group size | Price per person |
| 2–3 travelers | US$650 |
| 4–5 travelers | US$600 |
| 6–7 travelers | US$550 |
| 8 or more travelers | US$490 |
Discounts and Extras
- Student and youth discount: US$25 off per person for university students with a valid physical student ID and for travelers aged 17 and under. Email a clear copy of the ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when you book.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability
- Train upgrades: on request
Ready to book? Contact us to check train and Machu Picchu availability for your dates. Train and Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable once issued; see our terms and conditions.
Faqs
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour FAQs
We pick you up at your Cusco hotel at 7:30 AM on Day 1, and you’re back at your hotel around 7:30 PM on Day 2, depending on your train time.
A tourist-class train: PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager. Upgrades to Vistadome or a panoramic train are available on request.
Circuit 2 (Machu Picchu Clásico), with the classic view from the upper terraces and a walk through the main urban sector. Your guided tour lasts about two hours.
No. Your Sacred Valley entrance fees, the Maras salt mines, your Machu Picchu ticket and your train tickets are included, and we give them to you at the briefing.
Yes, with an extra ticket for US$80 per person. Spaces are limited, so book it months ahead, together with the tour.
It’s easy to moderate. You walk on stone paths and climb some stairs at the archaeological sites, but there’s no trekking.
The Sacred Valley floor and Machu Picchu are lower than Cusco, but Pisac and Moray are at about 3,500 m (11,480 ft). Spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour.
At your hotel in Cusco. Take only a small bag for the night in Aguas Calientes; the train allows one backpack of up to 8 kg.
A buffet in Urubamba with Peruvian and international dishes, including salads, meats and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if you tell us when you book.
Yes. The walking is moderate, and you can go at your own pace. Let us know about any mobility needs when you book.
We book a hotel of the same category in Aguas Calientes.
Train and Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable once issued, so refunds depend on how much notice you give. See our terms and conditions.
No. Tips for your guide and driver are voluntary.
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