Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu can be a transformative experience. This 2-day tour from Vidal Expeditions offers travelers a chance to enjoy Inca history, from the ancient farming terraces of Moray to the awe-inspiring ruins of the lost city. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect a seamless, enriching journey that showcases the region’s natural beauty and time-honored traditions. But what truly sets this tour apart is the opportunity to uncover the deeper significance behind these extraordinary sites.

Good To Know

• A two-day guided tour that explores iconic Inca sites around Cusco, including Chinchero, Moray, Salinas de Maras, Ollantaytambo, and a visit to Machu Picchu.
• The tour is operated by Vidal Expeditions, a highly-rated tour company, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
• The package includes lunch, dinner, bottled water, and admission to Moray and Machu Picchu, while the Salinas de Maras fee is additional.
• Highlights of the tour include traditional weaving demonstrations, insights into Inca farming techniques, and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
• The tour has received consistently positive reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and efficient itinerary, though it is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

What’s the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days Tour?

It’s a two-day excursion that takes travelers to the iconic Inca sites in and around Cusco, Peru. The tour is operated by Vidal Expeditions and has an impressive 5.0 rating from 6 reviews.

Priced from $540 with a maximum group size of 10, the tour includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Salinas de Maras, Ollantaytambo, and the renowned Machu Picchu.

The package covers lunch, dinner, bottled water, and admission to Moray and Machu Picchu, though the Salinas de Maras entrance fee is additional.

Travelers can expect knowledgeable guides, efficient itineraries, and satisfactory planning from the reputable Vidal Expeditions.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, an Inca site featuring well-preserved buildings, terraces, and a colonial church.

Travelers can observe traditional weaving techniques at this stop.

Next, the group explores Moray’s stunning Inca farming terraces, which were used for crop experimentation.

The tour then moves to Salinas de Maras, where visitors learn about the ancient salt extraction process at the over 3,000 salt pools.

Finally, the group visits Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca fortress with large stones, water fountains, and agricultural terraces.

On the second day, the highlight is a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, discovering its temples and scenic viewpoints.

Cultural Attractions

While the tour explores a range of Inca and colonial sites, the cultural attractions are the highlight.

Visitors begin at Chinchero, an archaeological site with Inca buildings, terraces, and a colonial church. Here, they can observe a traditional weaving demonstration.

Next, they’ll visit Moray, the Inca’s innovative farming terraces used for studying crops.

The tour then takes them to the Salinas de Maras, where they’ll learn about the ancient salt extraction techniques still in use.

Finally, they’ll explore the impressive Inca complex of Ollantaytambo, with its large stones, water fountains, and farming terraces.

These cultural experiences provide a deep understanding of the region’s rich history and traditions.

Scenic Highlights

Aside from the cultural attractions, the tour also showcases the scenic splendor of the Sacred Valley.

Among the highlights are:

1. Moray, the fascinating Inca farming terraces that offer stunning vistas and insights into Andean agricultural practices.

2. Salinas de Maras, the centuries-old salt mines with over 3,000 salt pools, providing a glimpse into a unique and enduring local industry.

3. Ollantaytambo, the Inca complex with its imposing stones, water fountains, and verdant farming terraces.

4. The crowning jewel, Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel perched atop a mountain, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views.

These scenic highlights seamlessly complement the cultural experiences, creating a well-rounded and memorable tour.

Included and Excluded

For this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, several key inclusions and exclusions are noteworthy.

The tour includes lunch, dinner, bottled water, and admission to both Moray and Machu Picchu.

However, the first breakfast and admission to Salinas de Maras (20 soles) aren’t included in the tour price.

Pickup is from the Vidal Expeditions Peru office, with the time confirmed the night before the tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infants can sit on laps.

It’s important to note the non-refundable cancellation policy, as there are no refunds for cancellations.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts with pickup from the Vidal Expeditions Peru office located in Urb, Santiago, Cusco 08007, Peru.

The pickup time is confirmed the night before departure. The tour begins promptly at 12:00 am.

Travelers should note the following:

1. Pickup location: Vidal Expeditions Peru office
2. Pickup confirmation: Time confirmed the night before
3. Start time: 12:00 am
4. Travelers must be ready at the specified pickup location and time, as the tour operates on a tight schedule to maximize the cultural and natural experiences.

Customer Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, all 6 reviews for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour have rated it a perfect 5 stars.

Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Urbano, who provided an efficient itinerary that maximized cultural and natural experiences.

Customers praised the tour operator, Vidal Expeditions, for their satisfactory planning and communication.

Additional Details

Regarding accessibility, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.

Travelers should be aware of the following key details:

1. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
2. Admission to Salinas de Maras isn’t included and costs 20 soles.
3. The tour starts at 12:00 am, and pickup confirmation is provided the night before.
4. Vidal Expeditions, the tour operator, has received consistently positive reviews for its knowledgeable guides and efficient itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

The tour provider may allow some itinerary customization to fit the traveler’s preferences. However, the standard itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive cultural and historical experience, so significant changes aren’t typically recommended.

How Long Is the Travel Time Between the Different Sites?

The travel times between sites vary, with Chinchero taking 1 hour, Moray 40 minutes, Salinas de Maras 40 minutes, and Ollantaytambo 40 minutes. The tour of Machu Picchu sanctuary is approximately 4 hours long.

What Is the Policy for Children or Elderly Travelers?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. However, it’s suitable for most travelers, including children and the elderly, who can participate in the activities and explore the historic sites.

Are There Any Health or Fitness Requirements for This Tour?

The tour does not have any specific health or fitness requirements. However, it involves walking on uneven terrain at high altitudes, so participants should be in reasonably good physical condition. Those with mobility issues may find parts of the tour challenging.

Can I Book Additional Activities or Extend the Tour Length?

Travelers can book additional Cusco and Sacred Valley activities through the tour provider, and may be able to extend their tour length for an additional fee, subject to availability. However, the standard tour itinerary is 2 days.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour offers an immersive experience of Peru’s rich Inca heritage. Visitors can explore cultural gems, marvel at ancient farming terraces and traditional weaving, and culminate with a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu. With knowledgeable experts from Vidal Expeditions, travelers are sure to gain a deeper appreciation of Peru’s remarkable history and natural wonders.