2-day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu tour - Overview

This immersive 2-day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu tour is perfect for travelers seeking a deep connection with Peru’s rich Incan heritage in a short time. You’ll explore the stunning Sacred Valley, visit traditional Andean villages and Inca ruins, then continue by train to Aguas Calientes. On day two, wake early to witness the majestic Machu Picchu with a guided tour before returning to Cusco.

Highlights of the tour:

Explore the vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins of Pisac.

Discover the living Inca town and archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo.

Take a scenic train journey through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes.

Enjoy an early morning guided tour of Machu Picchu, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

There are incredible photo opportunities and cultural insights throughout.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Start/End: Cusco

Destinations: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Tour Type: Cultural, historical, scenic

Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Level: Easy to moderate

Highlights of the Tour

• Explore Pisac’s vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins

• Discover Ollantaytambo’s living Inca town and archaeological complex

• Scenic train journey through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes

• Early morning guided tour of Machu Picchu with time to explore on your own

• Incredible photo opportunities and cultural insights throughout

Why Travel with Champions Peru Travel

At Champions Peru Travel, we specialize in authentic, unforgettable journeys with personalized service and local expertise. Our team is passionate about showcasing Peru’s culture, history, and natural beauty while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.

We offer small-group or private tours led by certified local guides, handpicked accommodations, and seamless logistics. With a strong commitment to responsible tourism and traveler satisfaction, Champions Peru Travel delivers more than just a trip—we craft meaningful experiences that stay with you long after the adventure ends.

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley Tour – Train to Aguas Calientes

Your unforgettable journey begins with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, heading straight into the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, we stop at a peaceful Alpaca and llama farm, where you’ll meet Peru’s four native camelids, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, and learn how their wool has shaped Andean culture, we visit a traditional weaving center, where local women demonstrate how they create beautiful textiles using natural dyes and centuries-old techniques. It’s a hands-on glimpse into the living traditions of the Andes.

Our journey continues to the Pisac archaeological complex, a stunning mountaintop site known for its sweeping agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and Inca ingenuity. After exploring, we head down to the famous Pisac market, where you’ll have time to browse vibrant stalls filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs.

We then drive through scenic valleys to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.

In the afternoon, we explore Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns and a strategic stronghold featuring colossal stone terraces and spiritual sites. After your visit, we board the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying panoramic windows and river views as you descend into the cloud forest.

Upon arrival, we check into a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes and settle in for the night, Machu Picchu awaits tomorrow.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva or Similar.

Entry fees. include

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Today marks the crowning moment of your journey, a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the majestic Machu Picchu, the most iconic archaeological wonder of South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we board one of the first shuttle buses up the winding mountain road to Machu Picchu. This early start ensures you experience the citadel bathed in the golden morning light, a magical time when the site is still serene and the surrounding peaks are often veiled in mist.

At the entrance, we complete the official check-in, where you'll present your passport and entrance ticket. We then ascend to the upper terraces, the perfect viewpoint for those unforgettable postcard-worthy photos of the ancient city framed by lush Andean peaks and dramatic cloud forest.

👉 Travel Tip: Book this tour at least 4 months in advance to secure tickets for Circuit 2, the most complete and photogenic route. This circuit includes all of Machu Picchu’s most important areas and offers a well-rounded, immersive experience.

Your 2.5-hour guided walking tour covers the citadel’s most fascinating highlights: the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Royal Quarters, main ceremonial areas, and the agrucultural sector. As you explore, your expert guide will reveal stories of Inca engineering brilliance, spirituality, and daily life in this mountain sanctuary.

If you're seeking an extra adventure, consider hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be requested during booking, $75 USD). This challenging but rewarding hike takes about 2 hours round-trip, offering stunning aerial views over Machu Picchu. Please note: the path is steep and narrow, not suitable for travelers with vertigo or mobility concerns. The best hiking season is May to October, when trails are dry and visibility is optimal.

After your exploration, take the shuttle back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, board the Expeditions train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. Expect to arrive around 7,30pm, filled with awe and lifelong memories.

Accomodation: None

Entry fees. include

Meals: only breakfast at hotel