The Sacred Valley of the Incas is as essential to your trip as Machu Picchu itself. The cradle of Inca civilization, it’s home to fortresses, markets and striking landscapes.
But one of the biggest questions travelers have is how to fit this visit into the journey to Machu Picchu. Do I need to go back to Cusco to catch the train the next day, or can I go straight there?
We compare the two main options so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
Option 1: classic one-day Sacred Valley tour
This is the traditional tour. You leave Cusco in the morning and visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. At the end of the day, the bus brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Pros
- One base. You only pack your bag once.
- The essentials covered. You visit the main archaeological sites in a single day.
Cons
- A long, tiring day. Time is tight for so many stops, and the drive back to Cusco adds more hours on the road.
- Back and forth before the train. You have to return to Cusco and leave again the next day to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, which is less efficient.
Option 2: Sacred Valley with connection to Machu Picchu (2 days/1 night)
This is the option most recommended by people who know travel logistics. You take the Sacred Valley tour, but instead of returning to Cusco, you go straight to the Ollantaytambo train station or take the connecting bus.
How it works
- Day 1. You visit the Sacred Valley and, at the end, the transfer takes you straight to the train to Aguas Calientes (the town at the foot of Machu Picchu).
- Day 2. You sleep in Aguas Calientes and can go up to Machu Picchu early, before the day’s crowds arrive.
Pros
- Maximum efficiency. You save 3 to 4 hours on the road by not going back to Cusco. That means less fatigue.
- A better visit. You’re among the first to enter Machu Picchu and enjoy the citadel at a calmer pace, with fewer people.
- Less altitude sickness. Sleeping in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,690 ft) helps you go down in altitude and acclimatize better before going up to Machu Picchu.
The two options compared
| Feature | Classic tour (1 day) | Connection (2 days/1 night) |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics | Return to Cusco in the evening. | The tour ends at the train station. |
| Time saved | Minimal | Maximum (you save up to 4 hours of travel). |
| Machu Picchu visit | Entry along with most tourists. | Early entry with fewer people. |
| Best for | Travelers with a very fixed itinerary. | Travelers who want comfort and the best photo. |
Our recommendation
If you want to make better use of your time, have less stress and experience Machu Picchu at its best, the 2-day/1-night connection is the best choice. You take in the history calmly, without feeling rushed.
Want to see the Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We arrange the Sacred Valley with connection to Machu Picchu package, with transportation to the train and your night in Aguas Calientes.