Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
What is included
Included
- Guided Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray tour (transport and licensed guide)
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley (day 1)
- Round-trip train ticket to Machu Picchu
- 1 night hotel in Machu Picchu town (2*, 3* or 4* hotel with breakfast)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (subject to availability)
- Shared transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- Ongoing assistance before and during your trip
Not included
- Partial Sacred Valley tourist ticket (70 soles)
- Entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines (20 soles)
- Bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Meals not mentioned (breakfast and dinner on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 2)
- Personal expenses
- International and domestic flights
- Guide at Machu Picchu (optional)
A guide is not mandatory to visit Machu Picchu. However, we highly recommend adding a private guide to your booking for a deeper understanding of the site. A private guide can be added during the booking process.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Maras & Moray – Aguas Calientes
- 6:30 a.m. – Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Start your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour with a full Sacred Valley day.
- Chinchero – Visit the Inca ruins and colonial church. Learn about traditional Andean weaving from a local family.
- Moray – Explore the circular agricultural terraces used by the Incas.
- Maras Salt Mines – Walk among the salt ponds that are still in use today.
- Lunch in Urubamba – Buffet lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
- Ollantaytambo – Visit one of the most important Inca sites before taking the train.
- Free time in Ollantaytambo to explore the town or have dinner.
- Evening – Take the sacred valley to machu picchu train to Aguas Calientes.
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes and hotel check-in. Rest before your Machu Picchu visit.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Go up to Machu Picchu by bus or on foot.
- Machu Picchu guided visit (if booked a private guide). Explore temples, terraces, and viewpoints with your licensed guide.
- Return to Aguas Calientes after the tour.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.
By default, we book a return train between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., depending on availability. If you prefer a specific departure time, please let us know in advance so we can check if available.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, shared transport by bus or minivan will take you back to Cusco. This completes your machu picchu tour from cusco 2 days.
Important information
The times listed above reflect the default schedule we normally book. Exact train times and Machu Picchu entry times depend on availability.
At Wander Free Peru, we focus on authentic cultural and natural experiences. During the Sacred Valley day, we may include short and respectful visits with local families or small producers. Participation is always optional.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Tour duration
- 2 days
Full tour description
The Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour is one of the best ways to see Peru’s top highlights in a short time.
In two days, you visit the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, and Machu Picchu.
This is a popular Machu Picchu two day tour for travelers who want clear planning and reliable logistics.
At Wander Free Peru, we focus on honest advice, clear communication, and smooth organization.
You know what to expect, so you can enjoy the trip without stress.
Why choose Wander Free Peru for this sacred valley and machu picchu tour
- Licensed local guides from Cusco
- Clear tour updates sent the day before departure
- Carefully selected train times, so you do not need to rush
- Hotel stay in Aguas Calientes with private room and breakfast
- Fast and honest support on WhatsApp before and during the tour
Overview of the machu picchu tour from cusco 2 days
Day 1 is a full Sacred Valley day, then you travel by train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 2 is your guided Machu Picchu visit, then you return to Cusco.
This sacred valley to machu picchu train journey is one of the most scenic parts of the trip.
Sacred Valley Machu Picchu itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
- Pick up in Cusco around 6:30 a.m.
- Chinchero visit, Inca site and colonial church
- Short stop with a local family to learn about Andean weaving
- Moray visit, the circular terraces
- Maras salt mines visit, with views over the valley
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Ollantaytambo visit, the main archaeological site in the Sacred Valley
- Free time in Ollantaytambo before your train
In the evening, you take the sacred valley to machu picchu train to Aguas Calientes.
By default, we book an evening departure, often around 7:00 p.m., or earlier if available.
You arrive in Aguas Calientes and check in at your hotel.
Day 2: Machu Picchu to Cusco
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Go up to Machu Picchu by bus or on foot
- Visit of Machu Picchu, by default we book Circuit 2 if available
- Return to Aguas Calientes after the visit
- Return train to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon
By default, we book a train departing between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, depending on availability.
If you prefer a specific departure time, please tell us in advance so we can check availability.
From Ollantaytambo, we arrange shared transport to Cusco, by bus or minivan.
What to expect on this sacred valley and machu picchu tour
This tour includes many highlights in a short time.
Day 1 combines the Sacred Valley with Maras and Moray, so the day can feel busy.
If you prefer a slower pace, we can help you plan a calmer option.
More relaxed options
Option 1: Do only the main Sacred Valley sites on Day 1, then take the train.
Visit Maras and Moray on a separate day.
Option 2: Split the program into two easier days before Machu Picchu:
- Day 1: Maras and Moray tour
- Day 2: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 days tour
Group and private options
The Sacred Valley part of this tour is normally group service.
If you prefer a private day, you can request a private tour.
The train and hotel stay are shared services with other travelers.
The return transport to Cusco is also shared by bus or minivan.
Guide at Machu Picchu
A guide is not mandatory to visit Machu Picchu. You are allowed to enter the site without a guide.
However, we highly recommend adding a private guide to your booking. A guide helps you understand the history, architecture, and meaning of the site. It makes the visit much more complete.
A private guide can be added during the booking process for any circuit and any time slot.
Short cultural stops
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 briefly share a regional product.
These moments are short, respectful, and always optional.
What to bring
- Passport
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Medium backpack (max 25L for Machu Picchu)
- Water bottle (at least 1–2 liters)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (waterproof in rainy season)
Luggage for Machu Picchu town
Train luggage limit is 7–8 kg per person. Bring only essential items.
- 2 long sleeve shirts
- 2 pairs of pants
- Underwear and socks
- Fleece or warm jacket
- Rain jacket (and rain pants in rainy season)
- Sun hat
- Small quick-drying towel
- Phone and camera charger
- Optional: swimwear and sandals for hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medication
- Basic first aid items
For visiting Machu Picchu
Backpacks over 25 liters are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. Larger bags must be stored outside. Lockers are available at the entrance for a small fee.
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Camera (small) or phone
- Hand sanitizer
- Small amount of cash for snacks or tips
Frequently asked questions
I heard there are different circuits/routes on Machu Picchu, what are those? which one do I pick?
Yes, there are 3 different circuits on Machu Picchu in 2026. Each circuit is its own route on Machu Picchu and there is definitely a best circuit (circuit 2). We’ve written a great article with all information you need about; New Machu Picchu Circuits for 2026.
Is the sacred valley machu picchu tour worth doing in 2 days?
Yes. This itinerary allows you to visit the main highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a short time. It is ideal if you have limited days in Cusco but still want a complete experience.
How long is the sacred valley to machu picchu train ride?
The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. It is one of the most scenic train rides in Peru, following the Urubamba River through the mountains.
Can I do a private sacred valley and machu picchu tour?
Yes. The Sacred Valley part can be organized as a private tour. A private guide at Machu Picchu is also possible. This option gives you more flexibility and a more personal experience.
Is this machu picchu tour from cusco 2 days suitable for families?
Yes. This tour is suitable for families with teenagers and active travelers. If you prefer a slower pace, we can adjust the Sacred Valley day or split the itinerary into separate days.