2-Day Private Tour Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Citadel Upper Level

Setting out on a 2-day private tour of Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Citadel’s upper level promises an immersive exploration of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers can expect to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Pisac Market, uncover the living traditions at the Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, and culminate their journey with a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, where they’ll have the opportunity to choose from various visitor circuits, including the exclusive upper level. This captivating itinerary offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking Andean landscapes and gain a deeper understanding of Peru’s captivating history and culture.

About Your Stay

• This 2-day private tour offers access to the Machu Picchu Citadel’s Upper Level, providing a more in-depth exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The itinerary includes visits to Pisac Market, Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, and Ollantaytambo, offering a comprehensive culture in the Sacred Valley.
• The tour includes round-trip airport transfers, one night’s accommodation, and all necessary transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours.
• Guests can expect a guided sightseeing tour of Machu Picchu lasting approximately 12 hours, with a buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge.
• Feedback indicates potential concerns regarding the pace and duration of activities, as well as some confusion around the new visitor circuits at Machu Picchu.

Tour Overview

The 2-Day Private Tour of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu is offered by VIPAC Travel, a tour provider based in Cusco, Peru.

This tour has received 2 reviews and is priced from $779.00, with the price varying by group size. The tour lasts 2 days and is accessible to most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Cancellations are non-refundable.

The itinerary includes visits to the Pisac Market, Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, and the Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo on the first day, followed by a guided exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel on the second day.

The tour includes round-trip airport transport, hotel accommodation, meals, and all necessary tickets and transportation.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, the tour explores the Sacred Valley, starting with a 2-hour visit to the vibrant Pisac Market, where travelers can browse an array of local handicrafts and produce.

Next, the group visits the Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva for a 40-minute culture, followed by a 2-hour exploration of the archaeological marvels at Ollantaytambo.

On the second day, the highlight is a guided sightseeing tour of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel, lasting approximately 12 hours.

The experience includes a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge and a return train journey to Cusco, offering scenic vistas along the way.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes a comprehensive set of services and experiences to ensure a seamless and enjoyable exploration of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

The inclusions cover:

• Round-trip airport transfers in Cusco
• One night’s accommodation in a first- or deluxe-class hotel
• Breakfast, lunch (2), and beverages
• All necessary entrance fees, train tickets, and bus passes
• Private transportation and guided tours throughout the itinerary

The tour also provides a Vistadome train journey with scenic views and refreshments, as well as a one-on-one guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Visitors can expect a well-organized and immersive experience exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley and the iconic Inca ruins.

Transportation and Logistics

Seamless transportation and convenient logistics play a pivotal role in this 2-day private tour. Guests are picked up directly from the Cusco airport, ensuring a hassle-free start to the adventure.

The journey to Machu Picchu is made comfortable aboard the Vistadome train, offering scenic views and refreshments. Once at the iconic site, a guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of the citadel’s streets, temples, and terraces.

To enhance the experience, the tour offers flexibility with visitor circuit options, allowing guests to select the route that best suits their interests.

The entire experience is meticulously planned, ensuring a seamless and memorable journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Experience

The highlight of this 2-day private tour is the immersive Machu Picchu experience on Day 2.

Visitors embark on a 12-hour journey to explore the ancient citadel, including:

• A guided sightseeing tour to uncover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
• A buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, offering panoramic views of Machu Picchu
• The return train journey to Ollantaytambo, providing scenic vistas of the Andes
• Options to experience different visitor circuits, including the priority Circuit 2
• A timed arrival at Cusco airport to ensure a smooth connection to Machu Picchu.

This comprehensive Machu Picchu experience, combined with the previous day’s Sacred Valley exploration, offers a well-rounded and unforgettable two-day adventure.

Important Considerations

Travelers’ experiences on this 2-day private tour may not fully align with their expectations, according to some reviews. While the tour includes visits to key sites like Machu Picchu, the duration and activities in Cusco may not be as extensive as anticipated. Plus, the new visitor circuits at Machu Picchu, while aimed at improving the experience, may not align with all preferences. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s important to consider the following:

Consideration	Details
Visitor Circuits	Options include Circuit 2 (priority), Circuit 3B, or Circuit 1B.
Flight Requirement	First flight to Cusco is required to catch the train to Machu Picchu.
Feedback	Some reviews indicate the tour may not fully meet expectations regarding duration and activities in Cusco.

Traveler Feedback

Some reviews suggest this 2-day private tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu may not entirely match travelers’ expectations.

While the itinerary covers key highlights, feedback indicates:

• Limited time in Cusco itself, leaving some visitors feeling the tour is too focused on the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

• Concerns about the pace and duration of activities, with some feeling rushed through certain stops.

• Disappointment that the tour doesn’t include a guided exploration of Cusco’s historic center.

• Confusion around the new visitor circuits at Machu Picchu and their impact on the overall experience.

• Variability in the quality of the tour guides, with some providing more in-depth information than others.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes a provided breakfast, lunch, and drinks, so you generally don’t need to bring your own food and beverages. However, you’re welcome to pack any additional snacks or water if desired.

Are Photography and Video Allowed at Machu Picchu?

Photography and video are generally allowed at Machu Picchu, though visitors can’t use tripods or drones. Some restrictions may apply to certain areas to preserve the archaeological site. It’s best to check with the tour provider for the latest policies.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to September. This period offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and smaller crowds, making for an optimal sightseeing experience at the iconic Inca citadel.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Extra Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour to include extra activities. The tour operator is typically flexible and can customize the itinerary to accommodate additional stops or experiences based on your interests and availability.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for most travelers, though it may not be accessible for those with mobility issues. The itinerary can be customized to accommodate special needs or interests.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The 2-Day Private Tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Citadel Upper Level offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Peru’s rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant Pisac Market to the exclusive exploration of Machu Picchu’s upper level, this tour promises an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking Andean landscapes. Travelers can expect a seamless journey filled with insightful experiences and lasting memories.