A beautiful 2-day journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, ideal for travelers who want a richer and more relaxed experience.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour Overview
Explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on a 2-day tour from Cusco designed for travelers who want more time to enjoy the journey instead of rushing to Machu Picchu and back in a single day.
The first day combines Andean landscapes, traditional communities and Inca archaeological sites before continuing by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. After spending the night near Machu Picchu, the second day is dedicated to a guided visit of the citadel before returning comfortably to Cusco.
Travel with a local Cusco-based team that coordinates your transport, train journey, hotel accommodation, Machu Picchu entrance, guided visits and the essential logistics of the trip.
Tour highlights
- Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas before traveling to Machu Picchu.
- Choose between two Sacred Valley route options according to your interests and availability.
- Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Spend one night in Aguas Calientes with breakfast included.
- Visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
- Return to Cusco with coordinated train and ground transportation.
Why choose this 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour?
Visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco in a single day can involve a long sequence of transfers, train schedules, bus connections and entrance times. This 2-day itinerary gives you more breathing room and adds the Sacred Valley to the experience without turning the journey into a rushed schedule.
It is especially suitable for first-time visitors, couples, families and travelers who want to combine Inca history, Andean culture, mountain scenery and Machu Picchu within one well-connected itinerary.
2-Day Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Start and finish: Cusco
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes
- Sacred Valley: Two route options
- Machu Picchu: Entrance and guided visit included
- Train: Round-trip train tickets included
- Hotel: One night with breakfast included
- Travel style: Better paced than a one-day Machu Picchu tour
Which Sacred Valley Route Is Best for You?
Route 1 — Classic Sacred Valley
Taray → Pisac → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo
A strong choice if you want classic Inca archaeology, panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, the traditional town of Pisac and the impressive archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo.
Best for: Inca history, archaeological sites and classic Sacred Valley scenery.
Route 2 — Culture and Andean Landscapes
Chinchero → Moray → Maras → Ollantaytambo
A good option if you are interested in traditional textile culture, photography and distinctive Andean landscapes, including the circular terraces of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras.
Best for: Local culture, textiles, photography and unique landscapes.
The final Sacred Valley route is confirmed according to your preference, operating conditions, ticket availability and the train schedule for your travel date.
2-Day Itinerary from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco, Sacred Valley and Train to Aguas Calientes
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Your journey begins in the morning with pickup in Cusco and travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the day, you explore Andean landscapes, traditional communities and archaeological sites according to the Sacred Valley route confirmed for your departure.
You can choose between the classic Taray – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo route or the Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo route, depending on your interests, operating conditions and train schedule.
After completing the Sacred Valley visit, continue to Ollantaytambo station and board the train to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, you will receive the corresponding assistance and spend the night in your hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco
After breakfast, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Your entrance time and visiting circuit are coordinated according to official ticket availability for your travel date.
Inside the citadel, your professional guide explains the history, architecture and importance of Machu Picchu while accompanying you through the areas permitted by your assigned entrance circuit. The guided visit generally lasts around two hours.
After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, coordinated ground transportation takes you back to Cusco.
Machu Picchu Entrance and Circuit Information
Machu Picchu entrance times and circuits are assigned according to official availability. Before your reservation is confirmed, our team checks the available entrance options together with your train and hotel schedule.
Because availability can change, we do not promise a specific circuit until your Machu Picchu ticket has been confirmed.
Practical Information for Your Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Bring a small overnight bag for your stay in Aguas Calientes whenever possible.
- Keep your passport or required travel document accessible for train and Machu Picchu procedures.
- Breakfast at your Aguas Calientes hotel is included.
- Lunch on Day 2 is not included, so you will have free time to choose where to eat in Aguas Calientes.
- Train schedules, Machu Picchu entrance times and the final Sacred Valley route are coordinated as part of the confirmed itinerary.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour Price and Booking Information
Choose the available service for your travel date. Current prices are shown below according to the configured tour service and number of travelers.
The final cost may vary depending on train category, hotel availability, Machu Picchu ticket availability, travel date and optional upgrades. Because train seats and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Before confirming your reservation, our team checks Machu Picchu entrance availability, train schedules, hotel accommodation and the selected Sacred Valley route for your travel date.
Group Price
What Is Included in This 2-Day Tour
Included Services
- Transportation and professional guide for the Sacred Valley tour.
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- Round-trip train tickets.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Professional guide in Machu Picchu.
- One night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
Not Included
- Sacred Valley tourist ticket for the archaeological sites visited on Day 1.
- Lunch on the second day.
- Dinners.
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Additional entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability and extra cost.
- Personal expenses, tips, travel insurance, and services not clearly mentioned as included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour better than a one-day Machu Picchu tour?
For many travelers, yes. A 2-day itinerary is less rushed and allows you to explore the Sacred Valley before traveling to Machu Picchu. It is a good choice if you want more culture, more scenery and a smoother travel pace.
Does this tour include a hotel in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. The tour includes one night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast. This allows you to stay close to Machu Picchu and begin the second day without returning to Cusco overnight.
Can I choose the Sacred Valley route?
The tour can operate with different Sacred Valley route options. You may choose between the classic Taray, Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo route, or the Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo route.
The final route is confirmed according to your preference, operating conditions, ticket availability and the train schedule for your travel date.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during the high season. Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train seats and hotel rooms can sell out, and their availability can affect the entrance time, circuit and overall itinerary.
Is this tour private or shared?
This depends on the service selected at the time of booking. Contact our team to confirm whether your departure will operate as a shared, private or customized service for your group.
What is not included in the tour price?
The Sacred Valley tourist ticket for the archaeological sites visited on Day 1, lunch on Day 2, dinners, entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, optional entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, personal expenses, tips and travel insurance are not included unless specifically confirmed in writing.
Which Machu Picchu circuit will I visit?
Your Machu Picchu entrance circuit and visiting time depend on official ticket availability for your travel date.
Before confirming your reservation, our team checks the available entrance options together with your train and hotel schedule. Because availability changes, a specific circuit is only confirmed once your Machu Picchu ticket has been secured.
What luggage should I take to Aguas Calientes?
We recommend traveling with a small overnight bag for your stay in Aguas Calientes whenever possible. Your main luggage can normally remain at your accommodation in Cusco.
Exact baggage conditions depend on the confirmed train service, so our team will provide the corresponding information with your final travel details.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
This is not a trekking tour. Most transportation is by vehicle, train and bus, but the Sacred Valley archaeological sites and Machu Picchu require walking on uneven surfaces, stone paths and some steps.
The 2-day itinerary provides a more comfortable pace than visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco and returning in a single day.
What time will I return to Cusco on Day 2?
The exact return time depends on your confirmed Machu Picchu entrance time, train schedule and ground transportation.
Your final schedule is provided once your entrance ticket and train reservations have been confirmed.