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Classic Cultural Cusco - 2 Days
- Duration2 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- Group sizeMax. 15
Overview
For anyone who dreams of visiting Machu Picchu, a trip to the Sacred Valley the day before this amazing experience is simply a must. This tour connects Cusco with the Inca citadel, and along the way, you’ll get to explore stunning archaeological sites. It’s the perfect combination that will make yo…
For anyone who dreams of visiting Machu Picchu, a trip to the Sacred Valley the day before this amazing experience is simply a must.
This tour connects Cusco with the Inca citadel, and along the way, you’ll get to explore stunning archaeological sites.
It’s the perfect combination that will make your journey to Machu Picchu even more memorable.
General conditions
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Passport Mandatory: You must present your original, physical passport used during booking for train boarding, hotel check-in, and entry into the Machu Picchu Citadel. Copies or digital photos are not accepted by park authorities.
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Luggage Restriction: Train regulations strictly limit baggage to 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger. Large suitcases must be left in secure storage at your hotel in Cusco; you only need to carry a lightweight overnight daypack.
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Non-Refundable Permits: Machu Picchu tickets and train reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued by governing authorities. Any date changes are subject to government availability and re-issuance fees.
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Inclusions & Site Fees: Tour packages include Sacred Valley guided transfers, lunch on Day 1, overnight hotel accommodation with breakfast in Aguas Calientes, round-trip train and bus tickets, and guided entry to Machu Picchu. Sacred Valley site entry fees (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) are purchased separately on-site in Peruvian Soles unless pre-bundled.
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Cancellation Policy: Operator services can be canceled up to 7 days prior to departure for a partial refund, minus non-refundable train and entry permit fees. Cancellations within 7 days or no-shows incur a 100% penalty.
Itinerary
Day 1Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas with a stop in Águas Calientes
🌄 HEADING TO THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
At 7:30 a.m., we’ll begin a day exploring the most iconic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Before leaving, remember to check out of your hotel in Cusco. Leave your luggage at the front desk and bring only a backpack for greater comfort during the trip.
🔹 1st Stop – Pisaq Archaeological Complex
Our first stop will be the ruins of the town of Pisaq, famous for its vast agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and viewpoints offering spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.🔹 2nd Stop – Lunch in Urubamba
We’ll take a break to enjoy authentic Andean cuisine at a local restaurant.🔹 3rd Stop – Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the imposing Ollantaytambo complex, an ancient Inca fortress and ceremonial center. Its monumental walls and stone streets preserve the grandeur of this gem of ancient engineering.🔹 4th Stop – Ollantaytambo Train Station
The experience gets even more MAGICAL!
We’ll take you to the train station for one of the most memorable journeys in Peru.The trip takes about 2 hours, winding through valleys, rivers, and mountains, revealing breathtaking landscapes at every turn.
A natural spectacle that will take you to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the charming town at the foot of the Wonder of the World.
🔹 5th Stop – Águas Calientes
Upon arrival at the train station, our partner will be waiting to escort you to your hotel and provide all the details about the much-anticipated experience the following day: the unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.Day 2Águas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco
🌄 Machu Picchu – An Unforgettable Day
Your day will begin early, filled with anticipation and excitement. At the appointed time, you’ll head to the boarding point, where the tour bus will wind its way up through the Andean mountains toward the entrance to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
✨ Exploring Machu Picchu
Get ready for one of the most magnificent moments of your life.
Accompanied by our expert guide, you’ll spend approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes exploring stone temples, ceremonial plazas, suspended agricultural terraces, and breathtaking viewpoints.Each explanation will reveal the spiritual, astronomical, and historical secrets that make Machu Picchu a true wonder of the world.
More than just a visit, it’s a profound encounter with the ancestral wisdom of the Incas and the sacred energy of the mountains surrounding this mystical place.☕ Return to Aguas Calientes
After the tour, the bus will take you back to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to relax, have lunch at a local restaurant, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.🚂 The Train Ride – A Spectacle in Its Own Right
At the scheduled time, head to the train station (arrive 30 minutes early).
The return journey to Ollantaytambo is a true treat: the train glides smoothly between towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and the lush greenery of the Sacred Valley, turning a simple transfer into a memorable experience.🚐 From Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Upon arrival, your transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco—a trip of approximately 2 hours.When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be left with a single feeling: the certainty that you’ve experienced a Magical Day at Machu Picchu—an experience that will remain in your memory forever.
What's included
Included
- Pickup from your hotel.
- Tour transportation for each tour.
- Professional bilingual guide for each tour.
- Tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
- Admission to Machu Picchu National Park.
- Assistance at the train station.
- Round-trip train service: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (TOURIST CLASS).
- Bus transportation to and from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Not included
- Lunch and dinner.
- Partial tourist ticket: $25 (for admission to the archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley).
- Personal expenses.
What to bring
- Bring personal documents (passport or national ID).
- Students must bring their current student ID.
- Sunscreen during sunny weather.
- Insect repellent for Machu Picchu.
- Raincoat or poncho during the rainy season.
- Appropriate clothing for cold weather.
- Extra battery for your camera.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Portuguese-language guide service.
- Private service.
- Buffet lunch at Machu Picchu.
- VISTADOME OBSERVATORY TRAIN (additional): For a more immersive experience, featuring panoramic windows, background music, live dance, and traditional performances. Includes an observatory bar car and a balcony with spectacular views. Additional round trip: US$ 94
- Additional one-way: US$ 79
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN (additional): One of Machu Picchu’s most iconic attractions, offering a challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views. Book in advance; limited availability. Additional cost: US$ 70
Frequently asked questions
Why is visiting the Sacred Valley on Day 1 recommended before Machu Picchu?
Spending Day 1 in the Sacred Valley serves two great purposes: it allows you to explore major Inca sights like Pisac and Ollantaytambo while gradually acclimatizing to lower elevations (2,800 m) before heading into Aguas Calientes. It also eliminates the need for an ultra-early 4:00 AM departure on your Machu Picchu day.
What happens with my main luggage while I am on this 2-day tour?
Almost all hotels in Cusco offer free, secure luggage storage while you are on multi-day excursions. You will store your primary luggage in Cusco and travel to the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes with just a small overnight backpack containing your essentials.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) included for Day 1?
Entrance tickets for Sacred Valley ruins are generally paid separately at the entrance gates using local currency (Peruvian Soles) unless you requested an all-inclusive package. Your guide will assist you with purchasing the appropriate ticket option on the morning of Day 1.
What time will we return to Cusco on Day 2?
Your return time depends on your designated Machu Picchu entry slot and train schedule. Most travelers take an afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private or group transfer back to Cusco, arriving at their hotel between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
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