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Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train
Experience the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train, combining iconic Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo with a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu. This carefully designed itinerary offers the perfect balance of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, including a comfortable overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and guided visits led by expert local professionals.
This journey combines the cultural richness of the Sacred Valley with a visit to Machu Picchu, offering a unique mix of archaeology, natural beauty, and authentic Andean traditions. With smooth logistics and well-planned timing, you can explore ancient Inca sites without rushing while enjoying a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
From the impressive terraces of Pisac to the strategic fortress of Ollantaytambo and the unforgettable guided tour of Machu Picchu, every detail is designed to maximize your time and experience. Ideal for travelers with limited time, this 2-day tour delivers a complete and memorable journey through the heart of the Andes.
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour from Cusco
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour from Cusco is the perfect short itinerary to explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu. Discover iconic Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, then take a scenic train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
On day two, enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu, exploring its temples, terraces, and panoramic viewpoints with our expert local guide. This 2-day tour includes transportation, accommodation, and smooth logistics, making it ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and efficient experience from Cusco.
What Makes This Tour Unique
- Enjoy a small-group or private tour for personalized attention.
- Follow a thoughtfully planned itinerary that maximizes your time without feeling rushed.
- Experience a scenic train journey through the Urubamba Valley.
- Visit Machu Picchu early in the day for a more relaxed experience.
- Benefit from seamless logistics throughout your stay in Cusco.
- Learn from expert local guides who offer deep cultural insights.
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: Alpaca farm, Pisac Inca site & local market, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
- Tour Type: Cultural, historical, scenic
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Difficult Level: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Ideal for first-time visitors to Machu Picchu, couples, families, and travelers seeking a well-organized, comfortable two-day tour from Cusco.
Availability
We operate this tour year-round from Cusco. However, availability depends on official Machu Picchu entrance tickets, which are limited and may sell out quickly.
We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance to secure your preferred entry. Our priority is to obtain Circuit 2, which offers the most comprehensive route through Machu Picchu, including classic panoramic views and main archaeological sectors.
If Circuit 2 is unavailable at the time of booking, we will offer the best alternative: a combination of Circuit 3 and Circuit 1, which covers most highlights. This option may require an additional entrance ticket, approximately $50 USD.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley depends on your preferences. Each season offers unique advantages, and the area is accessible year-round.
- The dry season, from mid-April to October, typically offers the best weather and clear views. This period is ideal for photography and outdoor activities.
- During the rainy season, from November to mid-April, the landscape becomes lush and green. Fewer visitors create a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Peak season (June to August) experiences high demand. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Why Travel with Champions Peru Travel
At Champions Peru Travel, we create authentic journeys with personalized service and deep local expertise. Our team is dedicated to showcasing Peru’s culture, history, and natural beauty while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout your trip.
We offer small-group or private tours led by certified local guides, carefully selected accommodations, and seamless logistics. Our commitment to quality service and responsible tourism ensures a smooth meaningful, and memorable experience.
Limited availability for Machu Picchu tickets, Book your Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour today and travel with confidence from Cusco.
Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Aguas Calientes
Your unforgettable journey begins with an 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, heading 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. You’ll learn how their wool has shaped Andean culture. Next, 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 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 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.
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva or Similar.
- Entry fees. included
- 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 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 lets you experience the citadel bathed in golden morning light, a magical time when the site is 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 unforgettable postcard-worthy photos of the ancient city framed by lush Andean peaks and dramatic cloud forest.
IMPORTANT: Book this tour at least 4 months in advance to secure tickets for Circuit N°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 agricultural 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 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 and offers 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 transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. Expect to arrive around 7:30pm, filled with awe and lifelong memories.
- Accommodation: Book on your own.
- Entry fees. included
- Meals: only breakfast at Hotel.
Inclusions for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
✔️ Night Before Briefing: An informative session at 6 PM at your hotel, led by your experienced English-speaking tour guide. The briefing covers the itinerary, what to expect and answers your questions so you are well-prepared for your adventure.
✔️ Entrance Fees: All entry fees for exploring the Sacred Valley’s ancient sites and local markets are included, ensuring a seamless experience.
✔️ Round Trip Expeditions Tourist Class Train: Enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views on your journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back, making your trip to Machu Picchu more enjoyable.
✔️ Private Transportation: Private transportation is provided for the Sacred Valley tour and for the transfer back to Cusco after your visit to Machu Picchu, offering comfort and convenience throughout the trip.
✔️ Accommodation: Stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with modern amenities for a restful night before your visit to Machu Picchu.
✔️ Meals: Lunch and dinner on day 1, and breakfast at the hotel on day 2.
✔️ Bus Tickets: Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu are included, providing convenient transportation from Aguas Calientes to the entrance so you can maximize your time at the site.
✔️ Machu Picchu Entry Fee: We recommend booking your Machu Picchu entry fee in advance, especially for Circuit 2, the most popular option. This circuit offers stunning views and access to iconic areas of Machu Picchu for an unforgettable experience. Reserve your spot today.
✔️ Guided Tour: Enjoy a guided experience of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, led by a knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide who provides insights into the history, architecture and cultural significance of the sites.
✔️ All Taxes: All applicable taxes are included, with no hidden costs.
These inclusions ensure you have a well-rounded, enjoyable, and hassle-free experience as you explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley and majestic Machu Picchu.
EXCLUDED
- Accommodation in Cusco before and after the tour is not included.
- Gratuities for your guide and driver are optional but appreciated.
- Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
UPGRADES: You may enhance your experience with the following optional upgrades:
Train Upgrades:
✔️ Vistadome Train: One-way ticket for $65 or round-trip for $120 per person, offering panoramic views on your journey.
✔️ Luxury Hiram Bingham Train: Return journey only, $520 per person, featuring gourmet meals, live entertainment, and exceptional views.
Hotel Upgrades:
✔️ Luxury 5-Star Hotels:
- Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel: $350 per person for a high-end experience in the Andean landscape.
- Sumaq Hotel: $290 per person, recognized for premium service.
✔️ Huayna Picchu Ticket: $75 per person. Due to high demand, advance booking is recommended. This challenging hike occurs on the second day after your guided Machu Picchu visit and offers spectacular views from above.
Group Service
$ 495.00 USD
Per person (minimum of 2 participants)
PRIVATE TOUR
Private tours are available, with pricing based on group size:
- $650 per person for groups of 2 to 3
- $600 per person for groups of 4 to 5
- $550 per person for groups of 6 to 7
- $495 per person for groups of 8 or more
For a personalized experience, select a private tour that matches your group size.
