Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Day Tours

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes

Your unforgettable Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour begins with an early morning transfer from your Cusco hotel. We will embark on a 45-minute drive to Chinchero, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Chinchero:

Our first stop is Chinchero, known for its skilled Andean textile weavers. Here, we will visit a local weaving center where you can witness the wool extraction process from llamas and alpacas, as well as the intricate craft of knitting their renowned handicrafts.

Afterward, we will explore the Inca site, where a white-washed church now stands. This was once the summer palace of Pachacutec, the Inca emperor. Although it was destroyed during the Spanish conquest, the church was built on its remains. Chinchero boasts fertile soil, and you will learn about the innovative farming methods employed by the Incas.

Moray:

Our next destination is the nearby village of Moray, home to fascinating circular farming terraces dug into the ground.

These terraces feature different levels, each with distinct temperatures. The Incas used this agricultural laboratory to determine optimal weather conditions for crop growth.

Maras Salt Mines:

Continuing our tour, we will visit the famous and visually stunning Maras Salt Mines. These geometric salt pools have existed since pre-Inca times. Local salt farmers still use the traditional solar evaporation method, allowing natural spring water from nearby hot springs to flow into the pools.

As the water evaporates, it leaves behind manually harvested salt crystals, known for their pinkish color and distinct taste.

Urubamba:

After immersing ourselves in these captivating sites, we will drive to Urubamba, where you can enjoy a delightful buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

These establishments are owned and operated by local farmers, ensuring a farm-fresh culinary experience.

Ollantaytambo:

Following lunch, we will journey to Ollantaytambo, the former administrative capital of the Incas. This picturesque town is nestled between two hills, each housing an Inca ruin. We will visit the temple of the Incas and explore the remains of the main plaza and ceremonial sites.

Ollantaytambo is famous for the Battle of Ollantaytambo, a historic clash between Manco Inca and the Spanish conquistador Hernando Pizarro in 1531.

Although the Incas initially emerged victorious, they eventually abandoned the site and sought refuge in Vilcabamba, a jungle region in Peru.

Aguas Calientes:

After the Sacred Valley tour, we will drive you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes. The scenic one-and-a-half-hour journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks as the train winds through remote villages en route to Aguas Calientes, situated in the Amazon rainforest.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will meet you and arrange accommodation in a comfortable ensuite hotel room for the night.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The second day of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour begins with an early breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, you will board a 25-minute bus ride up the hill to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, our tour guide will meet you and assist you in entering the citadel. The local authorities will verify your Machu Picchu ticket against your original passport.

Machu Picchu Tour:

Inside the citadel, you will witness the mesmerizing sight of the rising sun casting its rays on the Inca walls. Our two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu will commence with a brief introduction to the citadel.

We will explore the remains of the main square, ceremonial sites, temples, royal quarters, sundial clock, and more. After this immersive guided tour, you will have some free time to further explore the citadel or simply bask in its breathtaking views.

If you have booked to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our tour guide will direct you to the respective trailhead.

Alternatively, you can hike to the Sun Gate, which does not require a permit and is free of cost. This is the entrance point to the citadel for those hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the citadel nestled between the peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

After the tour, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you will have some free time to relax in the natural hot springs or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

At 4:00 PM, we will board the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo. Our representative will meet you upon arrival and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We expect to arrive in Cusco by 9:30 PM, completing the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour.

How far in advance should I book tickets to Machu Picchu?

To secure your spot at Machu Picchu, we recommend purchasing tickets online 2 to 3 months in advance. This will allow you to choose the date and time that best suit your plans, avoiding any last-minute issues. Tickets sell out quickly, so if you plan to buy them directly in Cusco, you risk not being able to get them.

Booking recommendations based on the tour option:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain, Machu Picchu + Classic Postcard, Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu + Lower Temples: Book 2 to 3 months in advance.

• Machu Picchu Classic Route, Machu Picchu Classic Route (Lower Terrace): Book 3 to 4 months in advance.

• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Temples, Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon, Machu Picchu + Inti Punku: Book 1 to 2 months in advance.

• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu: Book 1 month in advance.

Important considerations:

• Tickets during the high season can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.

• You can make reservations for tickets for the next year if you wish.

• Access to Machu Picchu is only allowed with a pre-purchased ticket.

• No tickets are sold at the Machu Picchu entrance, so it’s essential to purchase your tickets ahead of time.