Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
CUSCO | SACRED VALLEY EXPLORER & SCENIC TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES
7:00 AM — Hotel pickup
Your adventure begins with a comfortable hotel pickup in Cusco. Sit back and enjoy the scenic 45-minute drive through the Andean highlands as the landscape opens up into the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas.
8:00 AM — Chinchero
Your first stop is the charming highland town of Chinchero, where your expert guide will walk you through a remarkable Inca temple and a striking colonial church built directly on top of ancient Inca stone walls — a powerful symbol of two civilizations in one site. You will also visit a local family to discover the ancient art of Andean weaving, learning how traditional techniques and natural dyes have been passed down through generations.
Mid-morning — Moray
Next, continue to the mysterious Moray circular terraces — one of the most extraordinary and enigmatic Inca agricultural sites in Peru. Believed to have functioned as an experimental farming laboratory, this series of concentric circular platforms creates distinct microclimates and is a fascinating testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Late morning — Maras Salt Mines
A short drive brings you to the stunning Maras salt mines (Salineras de Maras), where over 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside in a mosaic of whites and pinks. Your guide will explain the history of this ancient salt-harvesting site, and you will have plenty of time to explore and capture incredible photographs of this breathtaking landscape.
Midday — Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant in the valley town of Urubamba, enjoying a wide spread of traditional Peruvian and Andean cuisine in a relaxed setting before the afternoon adventures ahead.
Afternoon — Ollantaytambo
The final archaeological stop of the day is the magnificent Ollantaytambo fortress — the largest and best-preserved Inca archaeological complex in the entire Sacred Valley. Climb its impressive terraced walls, admire the precision of Inca stonework, and soak in panoramic views of the valley below. This site was also one of the very few places where the Incas successfully resisted the Spanish conquest.
Late afternoon — Scenic train to Aguas Calientes
From Ollantaytambo, board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes for an unforgettable 1.5-hour journey through the cloud forest, as towering Andean peaks and rushing rivers pass by your window. This train ride itself is one of the most spectacular in South America.
Evening — Aguas Calientes & pre-tour briefing
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be transferred to your lodge to check in and rest. At approximately 8:30 PM, your certified Machu Picchu guide will meet you at the lodge for a detailed orientation session, covering everything you need to know for the following day’s visit to the iconic citadel.
MACHU PICCHU CITADEL & RETURN JOURNEY TO CUSCO
Early morning — Bus to Machu Picchu
Rise early for the most anticipated moment of your trip. From Aguas Calientes, board the official bus that winds its way up the mountain along a series of switchbacks, arriving at the Machu Picchu citadel at approximately 6:00 AM. Arriving at this hour is one of the great privileges of an overnight stay — the site is bathed in soft morning light, the mist still drifts across the ruins, and the crowds have yet to arrive.
6:00 AM — Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Weather permitting, witness the magical sunrise over Machu Picchu — arguably one of the most spectacular natural spectacles in the world. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient stone terraces and the iconic profile of Huayna Picchu mountain emerges from the clouds, you will understand why this is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is a moment you will never forget.
6:30 AM — Guided tour of Machu Picchu (2 hours)
Your certified Machu Picchu guide — whom you met the evening before — will lead you on a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the citadel. Discover the fascinating history and astronomical precision of the Inca Empire as you walk through the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural terraces, gaining a deep understanding of how this extraordinary civilization lived and built.
Mid-morning — Free exploration time
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Revisit your favorite spots, find the perfect angle for photographs, or simply sit quietly among the ancient stones and take it all in. This is your time to connect personally with one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on the planet.
Optional add-on — Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
For those looking for an extra challenge and even more breathtaking panoramic views, you may optionally climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both offer extraordinary aerial perspectives of the citadel and the surrounding cloud forest valley. Please note that these tickets must be purchased in advance and are subject to availability, as entry is strictly limited each day.
Midday — Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll through this vibrant town nestled between the mountains and the Urubamba River before heading to the train station.
Afternoon — Scenic train back to Ollantaytambo
Board the return scenic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, retracing the stunning route through the cloud forest and along the Urubamba River — a journey as beautiful on the way back as it was on the way in.
Evening — Transfer back to Cusco
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, your private transfer will be waiting to take you on the final scenic drive back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel. You will arrive with full hearts, incredible memories, and photographs to last a lifetime.
- Tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain must be booked in advance due to strictly limited daily capacity. We recommend securing these at the time of your tour reservation to avoid disappointment.
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
- Professional bilingual guide: Expert certified guide throughout the entire Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu experience.
- Comfortable transportation throughout Day 1: Air-conditioned vehicle for all ground transfers across the Sacred Valley, including hotel pickup in Cusco.
- All entrance fees — Sacred Valley sites: Admission to Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo fortress — no hidden costs.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba: A generous buffet featuring traditional Peruvian and Andean cuisine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
- Scenic train — Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: Afternoon train departure at 16:36 or 19:04 (subject to availability), winding through the cloud forest along the Urubamba River.
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Comfortable hostel accommodation in the gateway town to Machu Picchu, allowing for an early morning ascent to the citadel.
- Round-trip bus — Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Official shuttle bus service up and down the mountain between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance gate.
- Machu Picchu official entrance ticket: Official admission to the Machu Picchu citadel, issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture under your name.
- Expert guided tour of Machu Picchu (2 hours): A comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the citadel’s most significant temples, terraces, and sacred spaces, led by a certified Machu Picchu guide.
- Return train — Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Afternoon return train at 18:20 or 19:00 (subject to availability), taking you back through the scenic Andean valley.
- Private transfer — Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Comfortable private vehicle transfer from Ollantaytambo station back to your hotel in Cusco upon completion of the tour.
Not Included
- Personal water & snacks: We recommend bringing at least 1.5 liters of water and light snacks for the day, especially during the Machu Picchu visit. Food and beverages are not permitted inside the citadel.
- Additional meals: Meals not specified in the itinerary — such as dinner in Aguas Calientes or breakfast on Day 2 — are not included and are at your own expense. Aguas Calientes offers a variety of restaurants to suit all budgets.
- Gratuities for your guide: Tips are not included in the tour price. If you enjoyed your guide’s service, gratuities are always appreciated and entirely at your discretion.
Optional upgrades
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
+$75 USD
Climb the iconic peak rising directly above the citadel for a dramatic bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu. Entry is strictly limited — advance booking is essential.
- Machu Picchu Mountain
+$75 USD
A longer but rewarding hike to the summit above the citadel, offering sweeping panoramic views of the entire Machu Picchu complex and the surrounding Andean valleys. Also requires advance booking.
- Vistadome train upgrade
+$67 USD
Upgrade your return journey to the premium Vistadome train, featuring panoramic glass-roof windows for an elevated and immersive experience through the cloud forest. Please note this is the exclusive return train option for this tour.
Important: Optional mountain tickets (Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain) must be reserved in advance due to strictly limited daily availability. We strongly recommend adding these at the time of your tour booking.
What to Pack
What to Pack
- What to bring
- Comfortable daypack
- Warm jacket & two shirts
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sun hat or cap
- Quality sunglasses
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Camera or smartphone
- Waterproof rain poncho
- Energy snacks
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Essential documents
Original passport — mandatory
Required for entry to Machu Picchu. Photocopies are not accepted. Your passport must match the name on your entrance ticket exactly.
Original student ID card — if applicable
Required to access the student discount on entrance fees. Must be an original, valid card — digital versions or photocopies may not be accepted.
Prices
Pricing
SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR 2 DAYS PRICES (GROUP SERVICE) – 2025 & 2026 SEASON
The price of the Machu Picchu tour varies depending on your traveler category—whether you are an adult, a student, or a citizen of a CAN Community country (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia). Each category has a different rate based on the official Machu Picchu ticket pricing.
SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS TOUR REGULAR PRICE:
- STUDENT: $390 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $390 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $410 USD per person
SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS TOUR PRICE FOR CAN:
- STUDENT: $350 USD per person – (Valid student ID required)
- CHILD: $350 USD per person – (For visitors aged 8 to 17 years)
- ADULT: $370 USD per person
Check Student Price: +info
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU — 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Where exactly is the Sacred Valley of the Incas located?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas sits 15 kilometers northeast of Cusco city. Transportation to the nearest villages takes approximately 40 minutes, from where you can easily access other valley communities.
What weather conditions can I expect during the tour?
The Sacred Valley villages enjoy a generally pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 23°C (39°F to 73°F). The dry season runs from April through October, while the rainy season occurs from November to March. Always come prepared with waterproof gear including jackets, pants, ponchos, and gloves.
How can I prevent altitude sickness effectively?
Upon booking your Peru trip to Cusco, altitude sickness concerns are natural. Symptoms are typically mild and manageable. We recommend gradual activity increase, allowing proper body acclimatization. Stay well-hydrated with water or traditional coca tea, which has been used for centuries to combat altitude effects. Limit alcohol and coffee consumption as they increase dehydration through frequent urination. Avoid smoking, which reduces oxygen absorption, and sleeping pills, which can cause shallow breathing and decreased oxygen intake during sleep.
Travel Guide
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