From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train

This 2-day tour from Cusco immerses travelers in the captivating history and culture of Peru’s Sacred Valley. From charming Chinchero and its alpacas to the archaeological wonders of Moray and Maras, the journey showcases the region’s stunning Andean landscapes. After exploring the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, travelers embark on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes before discovering the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This comprehensive tour offers an unforgettable window into the enduring legacy of the Incas, leaving one to wonder about the untold stories hidden within these ancient lands.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day tour exploring cultural and archaeological highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
• Train journey to Aguas Calientes and guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Opportunity to interact with alpacas and llamas, and witness traditional weaving techniques in Chinchero.
• Discover the Inca Empire’s innovative agricultural practices at Moray and the centuries-old salt-harvesting traditions at Maras Salt Mines.
• Admire the impressive stone ruins and architectural prowess of the Incas at the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 2-Day Tour from Cusco: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s cultural and archaeological highlights.

On day one, you’ll visit the charming town of Chinchero, a local alpaca and llama farm, the Moray ruins, and the Maras salt mines. After a buffet lunch, you’ll explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological site before taking the train to Aguas Calientes.

The second day is dedicated to the iconic Machu Picchu, where you’ll soak in the majestic views and discover the site’s lower areas. The tour includes round-trip train tickets, bus transfers, and an English-speaking guide to ensure a seamless and informative experience.

Day 1 Itinerary

On the first day, visitors start their journey by exploring the charming town of Chinchero and getting an up-close look at a local family’s alpaca and llama farm.

From there, they’ll venture to the Moray Archaeological Park and the Maras Salt Mines, marveling at these unique cultural sites.

After a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group heads to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, where they’ll discover the impressive Inca ruins.

Chinchero Town and Alpaca Farm

Visitors begin their journey by exploring the charming town of Chinchero, where they’ll get an up-close look at a local family’s alpaca and llama farm.

Here, they’ll learn about the traditional techniques used to herd and care for these majestic animals. Guests can watch as the alpacas and llamas graze peacefully, and they’ll even have the chance to interact with the friendly creatures.

The tour also includes a visit to a local weaving demonstration, where skilled artisans showcase their intricate techniques for creating vibrant textiles. This immersive cultural experience provides a glimpse into the rich heritage and daily life of the Chinchero community.

Moray Archaeological Park and Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour takes visitors to the captivating Moray Archaeological Park, where they’ll uncover the mysteries of the Inca Empire’s innovative agricultural practices.

At Moray, the group will explore the impressive concentric terraces, which were likely used for crop experimentation.

Nearby, the Maras Salt Mines glisten in the sunlight, offering a glimpse into the region’s centuries-old salt-harvesting traditions.

The Maras Salt Mines feature rows of salt ponds where locals have been extracting salt from the Andean mountains for generations.

These unique sites provide a fascinating look into the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization.

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Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park

After exploring the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, the tour moves on to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, a site that offers a captivating glimpse into the Inca Empire’s architectural prowess and strategic planning.

Perched on a hilltop, the impressive stone ruins showcase the Incas’ engineering skills, with massive stone terraces and walls that were once part of a thriving town. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved streets and imagine the bustling marketplace that once existed here.

The site’s strategic location, overlooking the Sacred Valley, also hints at its former importance as a military fortress. With its stunning vistas and historical significance, Ollantaytambo is a highlight of the Sacred Valley tour.

Train to Aguas Calientes

From Ollantaytambo, the tour group boards the train for the scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

Winding through the lush Andean countryside, the train ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river valleys. The train trip takes approximately 1.5 hours, providing a comfortable and relaxing transition to the next stage of the tour.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the group will:

• Disembark the train and make their way to the bus station
• Take a short bus ride up the winding road to the Machu Picchu entrance
• Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel
• Descend back to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon to board the return train to Ollantaytambo.

Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary

The tour group ascends to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, where they’ll explore the iconic Inca citadel and witness the classic photo spot along with the lower part of the site.

With an expert guide leading the way, they’ll learn about the fascinating history and architecture of this world-famous wonder.

They’ll wander through the well-preserved ruins, marveling at the ingenious engineering and the stunning natural setting.

The group will have ample time to soak in the atmosphere and capture unforgettable photos before heading back to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco.

This day at Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the highlight of the 2-day tour.

Return to Cusco

After exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, the tour group boards the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

They’re then transported back to their hotel in Cusco, concluding the 2-day adventure through the Sacred Valley and Inca citadel.

The return journey includes:

• A train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Ground transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Convenient hotel drop-off at the conclusion of the tour
• Ample time to rest and reflect on the incredible sights witnessed

With memories of Machu Picchu etched in their minds, the travelers can now savor the experience and plan their next adventure in this captivating region of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Physical Requirements for This Tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people over 95, or those over 70 years old. Participants must be able to walk short distances and manage uneven terrain. The small group size ensures a personalized experience.

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, a buffet lunch is provided on the first day, so you may not need to bring your own meals. Snacks and water are recommended to have with you.

Is It Possible to Visit Other Sites in the Sacred Valley?

Yes, it’s possible to visit other sites in the Sacred Valley. The tour includes key highlights, but travelers can opt to visit additional sites like Pisac, Moray, or the Chinchero weaving co-op for an additional fee.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Unexpected Delays?

The tour schedule has some flexibility to accommodate unexpected delays, but participants should expect the overall itinerary to be followed closely. The guide can make minor adjustments as needed to ensure the key sites are visited.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

There are no discounts for children or seniors on this 2-day tour. The price is the same for all adults, regardless of age. However, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, people over 95 years, or people over 70 years.

Recap

This 2-day tour from Cusco immerses travelers in the Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu.

Highlights include visiting Chinchero, interacting with alpacas, and exploring the archaeological wonders of Moray and Maras.

The journey culminates with a guided tour of the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, showcasing the cultural and historical richness of Peru’s stunning Andean landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: