Exploring the Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu from Cusco promises an unforgettable two-day adventure. This small-group tour offers a personalized experience, guiding visitors through impressive Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. With a traditional lunch, comfortable accommodations, and expert guides, the journey delves into the region’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking breathtaking landscapes, this tour might be the perfect gateway to uncovering the wonders of Peru.
Good To Know
- Two-day tour from Cusco that explores the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, priced from $60 per person.
- Includes guided tours of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu, as well as a traditional Peruvian lunch in Urubamba.
- Offers a small-group experience limited to 14 participants, with hotel pickup, entry tickets, transportation, and train tickets included.
- Opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an additional fee of $85 USD.
- Overall customer rating of 4 out of 5, with mixed feedback on transportation and accommodation quality in Aguas Calientes.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour described in the article is a two-day adventure from Cusco, exploring the Sacred Valley and visiting the iconic Machu Picchu. Priced from $60 per person, the tour lasts 11 hours to 2 days and is available in multiple languages.
It’s a small-group experience, limited to 14 participants. While the tour is non-refundable, it includes hotel pickup, entry tickets, guided tours, transportation, and train tickets.
Additional costs apply for optional activities like climbing Huayna Picchu. Travelers must bring their passport and be prepared for the tour’s restrictions, such as no pets or drones allowed.
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Itinerary Highlights
This two-day tour begins with a Sacred Valley exploration on Day 1.
The tour picks up guests from their Cusco hotels at 8:00 am and visits the following highlights:
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The Inca archaeological site of Pisac, known for its stone walls, terraces, and largest Inca cemetery
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A craft market for shopping ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and alpaca products
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Lunch in Urubamba featuring traditional Peruvian dishes
After visiting Ollantaytambo and its impressive Incan stonework, guests will board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup service to ensure a seamless start to the experience. The comprehensive package covers entry tickets, guided tours, transportation, and accommodation. Highlights include:
| Inclusions | Details |
|————|———|
| Guided Tours | Explore Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu with expert guides |
| Transportation | Comfortable bus rides through the Sacred Valley and round-trip tourist train tickets |
| Accommodations | Hotel stay in Aguas Calientes with breakfast included |
| Other | Lunch in Urubamba and free time to wander at Machu Picchu |
The tour provides a well-rounded experience to immerse visitors in the history and culture of this remarkable region.
Additional Costs and Restrictions
While the tour package covers a wide range of inclusions, there are some additional costs and restrictions to be aware of.
These include:
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Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which incurs an additional $85 USD fee.
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Purchasing the tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley, which costs $22 USD.
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Covering lunch and dinner on the second day, as these aren’t included in the package.
Plus, round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu aren’t covered, and tips aren’t included in the tour price.
The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Before embarking on the tour, there are a few important considerations.
Travelers must provide their passport details upon booking, including full name, passport ID, date of birth, and nationality.
Only personal items like a change of clothes and cash are permitted; pets, drones, and alcohol/drugs aren’t allowed.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
While customer reviews are generally positive, some mention mixed experiences with logistics and accommodations.
The itinerary and guided tours receive praise.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have provided a mix of feedback on their experiences with this Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour.
While some have praised the guided tours and itinerary, others have reported issues with logistics and accommodations:
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The overall rating for the tour is 4 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.
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Positive comments highlight the well-organized guided tours and the opportunity to explore both Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
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Negative feedback mentions problems with transportation and the quality of the hotel in Aguas Calientes, though the lunch in Urubamba received favorable remarks.
Exploring the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley exploration begins with a pickup from the hotel at 8:00 am.
Visitors first visit Pisac, an Incan archaeological site with impressive stone walls, terraces, and the largest Inca cemetery. After exploring the ruins, they browse the vibrant craft market, purchasing ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and alpaca products.
Next, they enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch in Urubamba.
The tour then continues to Ollantaytambo, known for its Incan stonework and ancient structures.
The day culminates with a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, setting the stage for the Machu Picchu visit the following day.
Uncovering the Wonders of Machu Picchu
On the second day, visitors are whisked away to Machu Picchu in the morning. The guided tour explores the iconic ruins, uncovering the mysteries of this ancient Incan citadel.
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Discover the extraordinary stonework, terraces, and ceremonial precincts that showcase the Incan architectural prowess.
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Wander through the iconic landmarks, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana, to gain insight into the sacred rituals and practices of the Incas.
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Enjoy the free time to take in the serene atmosphere and capture the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Andes mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Tour Departure Times?
The tour departs from the hotel at 8:00 am on Day 1 for the Sacred Valley exploration. On Day 2, guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning to visit Machu Picchu.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes lunch in Urubamba and free time to explore Machu Picchu, but any additional meals or snacks must be purchased separately during the trip.
Is It Possible to Upgrade the Train Tickets?
Travelers can upgrade their train tickets for this tour. However, additional costs may apply. It’s best to check with the tour operator for availability and pricing of upgraded train options to suit individual preferences.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s open to travelers of all ages, though it may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues due to the active nature of the itinerary.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Machu Picchu?
The tour allows free time to explore Machu Picchu after the guided tour, giving visitors ample opportunity to discover the site’s terraces, stairs, and ceremonial precincts at their own pace.
The Sum Up
This two-day tour from Cusco offers an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu. Visitors will marvel at the impressive Inca sites, savor a traditional lunch, and experience the region’s rich history and culture. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and comprehensive inclusions, this personalized small-group adventure promises an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru.
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