The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- 6:30 a.m. – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Start the tour of the Sacred Valley.
- Visit Chinchero to explore the archaeological site, a colonial temple, and learn about Andean textile art with a local family.
- Stop at Moray to see the impressive circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
- Visit the Maras salt mines to observe traditional salt production methods.
- Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological park, including its terraces and temples.
- From around 2.30 p.m. have time for yourself to explore Ollantaytambo and have dinner for example.
- 6:30 p.m. – Arrive at the train station.
- 7:00 p.m. – Board the train to Aguas Calientes. Hotel staff will meet you with a name sign.
- Around 9:00 p.m. – Check in at your hotel, rest and get ready for the next day visiting Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- After breakfast, by foot/take a bus to Machu Picchu for our guided tour!
- Explore and learn lots more about the Inca city with your guide.
- Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
- 4:00 p.m. – Take the return train to Ollantaytambo.
- Upon arrival, the train staff will meet you and guide you to the bus for transportation to Ollantaytambo town.
- Take transportation back to Cusco.
- Private transport from bus station to your stay in Cusco.
Please note: The times in this itinerary are the default schedule we book. They are subject to change depending on the availability of train tickets and Machu Picchu entry tickets etc.
At Wander Free Peru, we aim to keep our focus on cultural and natural highlights. We do include brief stops with local families or communities during the Sacred Valley tour. Occasionally, a local producer may join part of the drive to share a regional product like artisanal drinks or crafts. These moments are short, respectful and voluntary.
What to bring on Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night
- Passport
- Valid student card (if booked as a student)
- Good backpack (medium size)
- Water bottle: recommended at least 1-2 liters capacity.
- Comfortable shoes (lightweight with good grip), waterproof for rainy season.
For your luggage (Limit of 7 to 8 kilograms on the train, bring only important items):
- 2-3 long sleeve shirts
- 2 pairs of pants
- 3 sets of underwear
- 3 sets of socks
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 raincoat and pants for rainy season
- 1 sun hat
- Small quick-drying towel
- Battery charger for phone and cameras
- Optional: swimwear for visiting hot springs in Machu Picchu town
- Optional: sandals for visiting hot springs in Machu Picchu town
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturizer
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit (band-aids, moleskin, etc.)
Items to take for visiting Machu Picchu:
Backpacks of any size are okay, but medium is recommended because bags over 25 liters are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. If larger, you must store them outside. At the entrance of Machu Picchu there are lockers that you can rent for 3 soles.
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Camera or phone camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Description of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night
Discover the best of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in just two days
This Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray and Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night tour is one of the most complete ways to experience Peru’s highlights. In two days, you will explore the Sacred Valley, the unique sites of Maras and Moray, and finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
With licensed local guides from Cusco, who do this tour daily, you are in expert hands. At Wander Free Peru, we focus on clear communication, reliable organization, and honest advice. We make sure you know exactly what to expect — so you can enjoy every moment without stress.
Why choose Wander Free Peru for this tour?
- Experienced guides – Our licensed guides know every corner of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
- Reliable logistics – We send you a clear “latest info” message with all details the day before. Train schedules are chosen carefully (afternoon or evening departure), so you don’t need to rush.
- Comfort included – In Aguas Calientes, you stay in a hotel with a private room, private shower, and breakfast. Hotel staff will be waiting for you at the station with a sign.
- Always available – Our team is on WhatsApp to answer questions or help during your trip.
- Honest advice – Sacred Valley + Maras & Moray in one day can feel fast-paced. If you prefer a calmer journey, you can split it into two days (see below).
Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray and Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night tour itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Maras & Moray – Aguas Calientes
- Pick-up in Cusco around 6:30 a.m. and drive through the Sacred Valley.
- Chinchero – Explore Inca and colonial history, visit a local family, and learn about traditional Andean weaving.
- Moray – See the impressive circular terraces, once used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
- Salineras de Maras – Discover thousands of salt ponds used since Inca times, and enjoy spectacular views.
- Lunch in Urubamba – Buffet lunch with plenty of options to recharge.
- Ollantaytambo – Visit the largest archaeological site in the Sacred Valley with its terraces, temples, and history. Free time to explore the town before your train.
In the evening, board the train to Aguas Calientes (by default departure around 7:00 p.m. or earlier if available). Hotel staff will be waiting for you at the station. You’ll check in around 9:00 p.m. and rest for your Machu Picchu visit the next day.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Go up to Machu Picchu by bus ($12) or on foot (about 2 hours).
- Machu Picchu guided tour (Circuit 2) – With your guide and small group, explore the highlights of this Inca wonder and learn about its history and significance.
- Return to Aguas Calientes by bus or on foot. Time for lunch in town.
- Train back to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon (around 4:00 p.m.), where the train staff will guide you to the bus.
- Private transfer to Cusco – Our driver will be waiting with a sign and bring you back to your stay.
Practical tips
- Luggage storage available in Cusco. You can also leave bags at the hotel in Aguas Calientes during your Machu Picchu visit.
- In Ollantaytambo, we recommend having dinner before taking the evening train.
- Bring your camera — the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are full of breathtaking views.
- If you want to relax after the hike, consider booking a massage in Aguas Calientes.
What to expect
This tour is full of highlights in just two days. On day 1, you will visit the Sacred Valley plus Maras & Moray before continuing to Aguas Calientes. Because of this, the day can feel busy and sometimes a bit rushed.
Alternative: If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can skip Maras & Moray on day 1 and visit only the Sacred Valley with us before taking the train. You can then visit Maras & Moray separately on another day, for example the day before. This way you have more time at each site.
If you want even more time, you can split the itinerary into two days:
This way, you avoid the rush and enjoy a calmer experience.
Group vs. private options
The Sacred Valley part of this tour is done in group service. If you prefer a more personal experience, you can request a private tour.
The train and hotel stay are not with the same group, but with other travelers who are also on the train/stay at the same hotel.
The return journey to Cusco is organized by us, but you travel on the train and bus with other travelers, not the same group from day 1.
Guide at Machu Picchu
At Machu Picchu the tour is normally in group service (circuit 2), if this is available. If you prefer a private guide, this is possible at an extra cost. For Circuit 1 or 3 there is no group guide included, but a private guide can always be arranged.
Important about the Machu Picchu guide (only circuit 2)
If you book this tour without a Machu Picchu ticket (for example because tickets are sold out), the included guide at Machu Picchu is subject to availability.
Because we do not know which time slot you will get, we have to look for a guide last minute. This means there is a chance we cannot find one. We will of course do everything we can through our network of Machu Picchu guides.
If you want 100% certainty, you can always book a private guide, for any circuit and any time slot.
We support local families and communities
At Wander Free Peru, we focus on cultural and natural highlights. During the Sacred Valley tour, we may include short stops with local families or communities. Sometimes, a local producer may join part of the drive to share a regional product like artisanal drinks or crafts. These moments are short, respectful, and always voluntary.
