- Tour Type
Cultural | Adventure - Duration
2 Days - Elevation
2040m – 2430m - Difficulty
Moderate - Departure
Plaza Regocijo – Kusipata - Destination
Machu Picchu - Latitude
-13.1631</li> - Longitude
-72.5450
Discover the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 Days
Explore two of Peru’s most important destinations on a 2-day group tour from Cusco that combines a full day in the Sacred Valley, an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
First, choose between two carefully organized Sacred Valley routes. The classic route visits Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, while the alternative route combines Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. In both cases, the day continues toward Ollantaytambo, where you board the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, hotel staff will meet the group at the station and accompany you to your accommodation for the night. As a result, you can rest near Machu Picchu instead of returning to Cusco after the Sacred Valley tour.
The following morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide and traveling by bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. During the guided visit, explore the citadel with your group and learn about its history, architecture and cultural significance.
Moreover, this Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Group Tour from Cusco combines transportation, train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance, accommodation and guided visits into one coordinated itinerary. Therefore, it is a practical option for travelers who want to experience both destinations without organizing each connection independently.
Because this is a shared group service, the itinerary follows coordinated schedules rather than a personalized private timetable. This makes the tour particularly suitable for travelers who want to combine the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in two days while keeping the experience organized and accessible.
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Tour Highlights
Itinerary – Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Group Tour
Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour and Train to Aguas Calientes
Your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Group Tour from Cusco begins with an early hotel pick-up at approximately 6:10 AM. From there, you’ll travel with the group through the Sacred Valley and follow your selected route before continuing to Ollantaytambo.
Option 1: Classic Sacred Valley Route
First, visit Pisac Archaeological Site, where you’ll explore the impressive Inca terraces and learn about the site’s historical importance.
Then, enjoy time at the Pisac Market, where you can browse traditional handicrafts and experience part of the local culture.
Afterward, continue to Urubamba for the group lunch included in the tour. Once you have finished lunch, travel toward Ollantaytambo and visit its remarkable Inca archaeological site.
In the afternoon, continue to the train station and board the scheduled train toward Aguas Calientes.
Option 2: Alternative Sacred Valley Route
First, visit Chinchero, where you’ll experience both its living textile tradition and its important archaeological heritage. In addition to visiting the traditional textile center, you’ll explore the Chinchero Archaeological Site, where your guide will explain the history of this important Inca and colonial complex.
Next, continue to Maras and Moray. At Moray, discover the impressive circular Inca terraces, while in Maras you’ll learn about the traditional salt-production practices maintained by local families at the nearby salt mines.
Afterward, continue to Urubamba for the group lunch included in the tour. Once you have finished lunch, travel toward Ollantaytambo, one of the most important archaeological centers in the Sacred Valley.
At Ollantaytambo, you’ll visit the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, exploring its monumental terraces, ceremonial structures and impressive stonework. Rather than making only a panoramic stop, this part of the itinerary gives you time to experience the archaeological complex before continuing to the train station.
Finally, after completing the archaeological visit, continue to Ollantaytambo train station and board the scheduled train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Visit and Return to Cusco
- Breakfast at the Hotel
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Afterward, meet your guide and prepare for the journey to Machu Picchu.
- Bus to Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Next, your guide will accompany the group to the CONSETTUR bus station. The bus journey to the entrance of Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
Once inside the sanctuary, enjoy an approximately 2-hour guided group visit.
During the tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture and cultural significance of Machu Picchu. Depending on the official circuit assigned to your entrance, the visit may include important areas such as the Sacred Plaza, Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana.
- Return to Aguas Calientes
After the guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
Then, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch or explore the town before returning to the train station.
- Return Train to Ollantaytambo
At the scheduled time, board your return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Because train schedules can vary, the exact departure time will depend on the service confirmed for your reservation.
- Transfer Back to Cusco
Finally, once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, our transportation team will transfer the group back to Cusco.
Hotel drop-off is included, completing your 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu group tour from Cusco. - Important Schedule Information
Please note that the route options, train departure times and Machu Picchu entry schedule depend on availability and the confirmed booking.
Therefore, we recommend treating the times shown on this page as approximate unless specifically confirmed.
After your reservation is confirmed, our team will provide the final itinerary, including the selected Sacred Valley route, train schedule, accommodation details and Machu Picchu visit information.
Includes
- Professional English- or Spanish-speaking tour guide for both days
- Tourist transportation for the Sacred Valley group tour (Day 1)
- Lunch in the Sacred Valley (Day 1, in Urubamba)
- Round-trip train ticket (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Round-trip bus ticket (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (standard circuit, subject to availability)
- Approximately 2-hour guided tour inside Machu Picchu
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 2)
- Transportation back to Cusco with hotel drop-off
Excludes
- Partial Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket: 70 Peruvian soles (paid in cash)
- Maras Salt Mines entrance fee (20 Peruvian soles – only if Route Option 2 is chosen, paid in cash)
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (optional, subject to availability)
- Personal expenses and optional gratuities
FAQs
How long is the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Group Tour from Cusco?
The tour lasts 2 days and includes 1 night in Aguas Calientes. Day 1 covers the Sacred Valley, while Day 2 includes the guided visit to Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco
What are the two Sacred Valley route options?
Option 1 includes Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Option 2 includes Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Both routes connect with the train to Aguas Calientes
What is included in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Group Tour?
The tour includes guiding, transportation, lunch on Day 1, round-trip train tickets, round-trip bus tickets, Machu Picchu entrance, a guided visit, 1 night in Aguas Calientes, breakfast on Day 2 and transportation back to Cusco.
Does the tour include one night in Aguas Calientes?
Yes. The tour includes 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes after the Sacred Valley tour on Day 1. Hotel staff meet the group at the station and accompany travelers to the accommodation.
Are train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes included?
Yes. The package includes round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. The exact train schedule depends on availability and the confirmed reservation.
Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
Yes. The tour includes the standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket, subject to availability, plus an approximately 2-hour guided visit.
What time does the 2-day tour start?
Day 1 normally starts at approximately 6:10 AM with hotel pick-up in Cusco. However, the final schedule may vary according to the confirmed itinerary and train connection.
Is this a group or private tour?
This is a shared group tour. Transportation and activities follow coordinated schedules rather than a personalized private itinerary.
How many people are in the group?
The Sacred Valley portion normally operates with approximately 15 to 19 travelers, while the Machu Picchu guided visit usually has a smaller group of about 5 to 10 participants
Are meals included in the 2-day tour?
Some meals are included. The tour includes lunch in Urubamba on Day 1 and breakfast at the hotel on Day 2. Other meals and beverages are not included..
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Yes, for the applicable Sacred Valley sites. The Partial Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket is not included and must be paid separately. The current service information lists it at S/70
What should I bring for the 2-day tour?
Bring your original passport, small backpack, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, rain protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, personal medication and cash in Peruvian soles.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2 months in advance, especially during high-demand periods, because Machu Picchu tickets, train services and accommodation in Aguas Calientes have limited availability.
What is the difference between the 2-day group tour and the Machu Picchu 1-day group tour?
The 2-day group tour combines the Sacred Valley, an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu on Day 2. In contrast, the 1-day group tour focuses on Machu Picchu and returns to Cusco on the same day.
Is this tour suitable for travelers who want more time in the Sacred Valley?
Yes. The 2-day itinerary allows travelers to explore the Sacred Valley on Day 1 and continue directly to Aguas Calientes instead of returning to Cusco. As a result, the trip combines both destinations without compressing them into a single day.