Cusco and Machu Picchu package
Sacred Valley with Connection to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Two back-to-back days: the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt mines, then a direct train connection to Aguas Calientes so you can visit Machu Picchu the next day without going back to Cusco in between.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local agency in Cusco since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup at your lodging in Cusco at 6:20 a.m. on day one
Explanations in English or Spanish throughout the tour
Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu
We confirm your booking in under 2 hours
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in two days, with a train connection and no return to Cusco in between
This 2-day program uses the Sacred Valley tour to connect directly with the train to Aguas Calientes, instead of returning to Cusco and losing half a day in transit. On day one, you visit Chinchero, with its traditional spinning and dyeing process; Moray, with its four sets of elliptical terraces used for farming experiments; and the Maras salt mines (Salineras de Maras).
After the buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group explores Ollantaytambo (the temple of the sun and the views of the Patacancha and Willoq valleys) and walks to the station to catch the train. On day two, at 9 a.m., the 2-hour 30-minute guided tour of Machu Picchu begins; its circuits are published by the Ministry of Culture.
It costs US$ 415 per person and includes the Partial Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Parcial, a combined pass to the valley’s archaeological sites), the Maras salt mines, the round-trip train, the bus up and down, the Machu Picchu entrance ticket (traditional circuit), a bilingual guide and the buffet lunch. If you want to add the city tour, see Cusco Tradicional 3 Days. If you prefer to spend a full day just in the valley and return to Cusco, the alternative is the Sacred Valley tour.
Direct connection from the valley to the train
The Sacred Valley tour ends with a walk to Ollantaytambo station, which saves you a round trip to Cusco.
Moray and the Maras salt mines
The four sets of elliptical terraces of the Inca agricultural research center and the salt pools worked since pre-Columbian times.
Ollantaytambo, one of the last Inca towns
Temple of the sun, carved stone blocks, locals in traditional dress and views of the Patacancha and Willoq valleys.
Machu Picchu with a 2.5-hour guided tour
A walk through the buildings and the stairways that link the citadel's different levels, followed by free time for photos.
Itinerary
Your 2-day program, day by day
Day 1 · Sacred Valley of the Incas with connection to Aguas Calientes
- 6:20 – 6:30 a.m. · Pickup at your lodgingTransfer from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- ChincheroVisit to the church, the archaeological site and the traditional wool spinning and dyeing process.
- MorayTour of the complex of four sets of elliptical terraces that served as an agricultural research center in Inca times.
- Maras salt minesVisit to the salt pools, in use since pre-Columbian times.
- Urubamba · Buffet lunchLunch included before continuing to Ollantaytambo.
- OllantaytamboTour of the temple of the sun and the carved stone blocks, with views of the Patacancha and Willoq valleys.
- Train to Aguas CalientesWalk to the station and a train ride of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Day 2 · Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- 8 a.m. · Meeting pointOur team tells you where to meet, and from there we head to the bus station.
- 9 a.m. · Guided tour of Machu PicchuA 2-hour 30-minute tour through the buildings and the stairways that link the citadel's different levels.
- Free time for photosExtra time to explore the sanctuary's highlights on your own.
- Down to Aguas Calientes and returnBus ride down to town and train back to Ollantaytambo for the final transfer.
What's included in your Sacred Valley with Connection to Machu Picchu 2 Days?
No surprises and no fine print: here is exactly what the service covers and what you will pay separately on the day of the tour.
2 days
2,900 m (9,510 ft) above sea level
Day 1 at 6:30 a.m. (Sacred Valley) and day 2 at 8 a.m. (Machu Picchu)
English or Spanish
Included
- Hotel pickup and transportation during the Sacred Valley tour
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Partial Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Parcial, BTP) and Maras salt mines entrance fee
- Round-trip train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and bus ticket up and down
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (traditional circuit) and bilingual professional guide (English-speaking guides)
Not included
- Machu Picchu Mountain and Wayna Picchu tickets
- Hot springs entrance fee
- Food and drinks not mentioned, personal expenses and tips
Note: Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are optional and have limited spots. Before buying this tour, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Here we answer the most common questions so you can book with peace of mind.
Do I need to acclimatize before this tour?
It is recommended, even though both the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes are lower than the city of Cusco. The first day is long, with a 6:20 a.m. departure, so it is best to arrive well rested.
How difficult is the tour?
Moderate. There is no trekking, but you walk on terraces and stone stairs in Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, plus the walk to the train station. Comfortable shoes are a good idea.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The program already includes the Partial Tourist Ticket, the Maras salt mines and the Machu Picchu entrance ticket (traditional circuit). Wayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain and the Aguas Calientes hot springs are paid separately.
What time does it start and how long does it take?
On day one, we pick you up at your lodging at 6:20 a.m. and the Sacred Valley tour starts at 6:30 a.m.; in the afternoon, you board the train to Aguas Calientes, a ride of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. On day two, the meeting time is 8 a.m. and the guided tour of Machu Picchu starts at 9 a.m.
What should I bring?
Light luggage, comfortable shoes for walking on stone, layered clothing and a windbreaker, a rain poncho, insect repellent for Aguas Calientes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for shopping and tips and, without fail, your original passport to enter Machu Picchu.
How do booking and payment work?
Before buying, please contact us to confirm availability, since train tickets and Machu Picchu tickets are issued in each traveler’s name and have limited spots per time slot. Then we arrange each traveler’s details and all the logistics with you.
What happens if the weather affects the departure?
The program runs year-round. In the rainy season, bring a rain jacket, since almost all visits are outdoors. If there are weather or operational issues with the train or at the sanctuary, we work out the best possible alternative with you.
How much does the Sacred Valley with Connection to Machu Picchu cost?
The price is US$ 415 per person. It includes hotel pickup and transportation in the Sacred Valley, the buffet lunch in Urubamba, the Partial Tourist Ticket (BTP), the Maras salt mines entrance, the round-trip Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes train, the bus up and down, the Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the traditional circuit and the bilingual professional guide.
Why combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu?
For logistics and altitude. The valley tour ends in Ollantaytambo, which is exactly where the train leaves from; this way, you avoid going back to Cusco and a predawn departure the next day. Also, both the valley and Aguas Calientes are lower than the city, which helps you acclimatize.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to one of our travel advisors in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).