Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour – 2 Days

Itinerary Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour

Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour – Pisac, Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

We start your adventure with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 7:30am. Your professional guide will meet you at reception and you will travel in our private van.

Start by traveling through the Sacred Valley past beautiful Andean countryside, with a stop at the Mirador of Taray for classic valley photos, then continue to the town of Pisac. Further up the hill visit the ruins of Pisac, perched on top of the mountain with the most amazing views. Your guide will give you an informative tour where you will learn the history of the site. After the archaeological tour, explore the colorful artisan market in Pisac town.

After lunch, not included, travel further into the valley to the interesting site of Moray, known as the Greenhouse of the Inca. See the terraces carved into huge circular bowls in the ground. Archaeologists believe the Inca used this site to experiment growing different crops at different temperatures. Each level is believed to have had different soil brought from different parts of Peru.

Next stop is the pre Inca salt mines of Maras. See thousands of salt pans that have been passed down through generations of local families and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A natural hot spring above the pans discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water which is diverted into the pans. When the water evaporates, the salt remains. The Maras Salt Mines are one of the only places left in the world producing natural pink salt.

After a fascinating visit to Maras, travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Explore the authentic Inca village with its wonderful stone streets and impressive main plaza. Next visit the large fortress, said to have been the last stronghold of the Inca. When you see the massive stone walls you will understand why. See the Sun Temple and terraces and learn the history of this spectacular town from your guide.

After time for dinner, included, take the train to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 7:04pm and arrives in Aguas Calientes at 8:45pm.

• Accommodation:
  • 3 star: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu or similar
  • 4 star: El Mapi by Inkaterra or Tierra Viva Superior, breakfast included
• Meals: Dinner included

Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Today is the day you explore Machu Picchu. Start with an early breakfast at your hotel, then take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. If you arrive early you may see the sunrise, a golden light that slowly covers Machu Picchu. If you are lucky enough to see it, it will stay with you forever.

Your expert guide will give you a private tour of the site for about 2 hours. Learn about the site and the important parts of the citadel. See how Machu Picchu is divided into three different sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

What You Will See on Circuit 2 – Classic Route

Circuit 2 is the most complete and popular circuit. It covers the classic postcard photo plus almost all major sites inside the citadel.

You will see:

• Classic Viewpoint / Guardhouse – The famous postcard photo of Machu Picchu
• Temple of the Sun – Viewpoint to admire this important construction dedicated to the sun
• Main Plaza – The heart of the citadel
• Temple of Three Windows
• Main Temple / Sacred Plaza
• Intihuatana Stone – The ritual sundial
• Sacred Rock – Ceremonial place
• Royal Tomb
• Temple of the Condor – Sacred to the Inca
• Agricultural Terraces
• Quarry and Workshop Sector
• Urban Sector (Llacta) – Houses and residential area

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, not included. Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

Take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Look back up toward Wiñay Wayna from the train window. At Ollantaytambo your driver will meet you at the train station exit to take you back through the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:30pm.

• Meal included: Breakfast

After your guided tour, there is time for those who have booked in advance to do extra hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. This extra hike is without a guide unless requested in advance.

Important Information for the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days

• Our package includes Circuit 2A or Circuit 2B for Machu Picchu, depending on availability. This is the most complete circuit for photos.
• Hiking to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge is available from June 1st and costs 75 USD per person. Must be requested at booking.
• Return Expedition train time depends on availability and how far in advance you book.
• You can upgrade to Vistadome train for return times 2:55pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. Cost is 67 USD per person.
• Early morning trains can be organized by request at the time of booking.
• Extra hikes like Huayna Picchu require advance booking.