Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days

Exploring the ancient Incan heartland is a captivating experience. This 2-day tour from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Travelers will uncover the vibrant Pisac market, marvel at the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, and discover the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the way, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of Quechua traditions and witness the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. With breathtaking landscapes at every turn, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that leaves visitors eager to…

Key Points

• This 2-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley and the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Highlights include visits to the Pisac market and ruins, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• The tour includes transportation, accommodations, select meals, and opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.
• Visitors can optionally hike to Huayna Picchu or the Sun Gate for panoramic views of the Inca ruins.
• The tour is suitable for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic Peruvian experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 2-day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu tour provides an immersive experience, exploring the region’s rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Travelers will visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu, with guided tours and opportunities for culture.

The itinerary includes transportation, accommodations, and select meals, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking to discover the wonders of Peru, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel, where you’ll embark on a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley. First, you’ll visit the picturesque town of Pisac, known for its lively market and Inca ruins. Next, you’ll explore the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, a well-preserved Inca town. After lunch, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu.

Day	Location	Activities
1	Pisac, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes	Visit Pisac market and ruins, explore Ollantaytambo, take train to Aguas Calientes
2	Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, Sun Gate	Tour Machu Picchu, hike to Huayna Picchu or Sun Gate

The second day is devoted entirely to discovering the iconic Machu Picchu, the highlight of the tour.

Pisac and Sacred Valley

On the first day, visitors explore the picturesque town of Pisac, known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins.

They then delve deeper into the Sacred Valley, marveling at the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this historic region.

The group visits the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca stronghold with impressive terraced ruins that offer a glimpse into the advanced engineering of the Inca civilization.

Throughout the day, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the Quechua culture and traditions, seeing the unique way of life that has endured in this enchanting part of Peru.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

After exploring the vibrant market and Inca ruins of Pisac, the tour group moves on to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca stronghold known for its stunning terraced ruins.

Here, they’ll discover the remains of an ancient fortress, temples, and an intricate water system. The guide will explain the strategic importance of Ollantaytambo, which served as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti and a fortress against the Spanish conquistadors.

Visitors can climb the steep stone steps to reach the upper terraces, offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley below. This site provides a fascinating glimpse into the engineering prowess and military might of the Inca civilization.

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Journey to Aguas Calientes

From Ollantaytambo, the group takes the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

This scenic journey along the Urubamba River provides a relaxing transition as they approach the renowned Inca citadel. The train winds through the picturesque countryside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the group is greeted by the charming atmosphere of this quaint town, with its bustling markets, cozy cafes, and friendly locals.

The journey to Aguas Calientes is a remarkable experience in itself, filled with:

1. Stunning natural landscapes
2. Opportunities for reflection and anticipation
3. A sense of excitement and adventure

Machu Picchu Exploration

Early the next morning, the group embarks on the highly anticipated exploration of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Sacred Valley. Ascending to the historic Inca citadel, the guide leads them through the magnificent ruins, sharing insights into the site’s rich history and cultural significance. As they wander the stone pathways, the group encounters archaeological wonders, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the enigmatic Inca terraces.

Machu Picchu Highlights	Description
Temple of the Sun	Intricately carved stone structure aligned with solstices
Intihuatana	Ceremonial sundial used to track the sun’s movements
Inca Terraces	Sophisticated agricultural terraces built into the mountainside
Condor Temple	Symbolic representation of the sacred Andean bird
Ritual Baths	Meticulously engineered water channels for cleansing rituals

With each step, the group is transported back in time, immersed in the grandeur of this lost civilization.

Huayna Picchu and Sun Gate

Often, the group then ventures to the iconic Huayna Picchu, the towering mountain that overlooks the ancient citadel. Hiking up the steep, winding trails, they’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes.

The Sun Gate, another highlight, offers a dramatic entrance into the lost city. Visitors can:

1. Gaze in awe at the sweeping vistas
2. Imagine the Inca sentries guarding this strategic passage
3. Feel a profound sense of connection to the site’s rich history

This portion of the journey provides a truly immersive Machu Picchu experience, leaving lasting memories of the majestic landscape and the incredible feats of the Inca civilization.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package covers several key inclusions, such as Cusco hotel transfers, a bilingual guide, and lunch on the first day. However, it explicitly excludes meals not mentioned in the itinerary, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, and travel insurance.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Cusco hotel transfer	Meals not mentioned
Bilingual guide	Personal expenses
Lunch on day 1	Tips and gratuities
Train tickets	Travel insurance
1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast on day 2
Entrance fees

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option. Group size is limited to 9 participants, and pickup is included from Cusco hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Aguas Calientes. The tour package includes 1 night’s accommodation, but you can book additional nights if you’d like more time to explore the area around Machu Picchu.

Is There an Option to Visit Machu Picchu at Sunrise?

Yes, there is an option to visit Machu Picchu at sunrise. Visitors can select an early entry ticket that allows access to the site before the regular opening time, providing a chance to experience the iconic site in the tranquil morning hours.

Can I Book Additional Activities During the Tour?

Yes, you can book additional activities during the tour. The operator offers optional extras like hiking Huayna Picchu, visiting the Sun Gate, or exploring the Inca Bridge. These can be added for an extra fee when booking the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The tour is open to participants of all ages. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility challenges given the hikes and activities involved.

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and water on the tour. Participants are typically allowed to bring personal snacks and hydration for the duration of the excursion, as the tour itinerary allows for ample time to enjoy these items.

Recap

This 2-day tour from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu provides an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Travelers will visit the Pisac market and ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, and the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, gaining a deeper understanding of Quechua culture and marveling at the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization amidst breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: