Cusco: Tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Two Days

Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, is a gateway to Peru’s Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu. This two-day tour offers a chance to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From textile traditions in Chinchero to the salt pools of Maras, the itinerary promises an immersive experience. With a guided tour of Machu Picchu and flexibility in planning, this small-group adventure is an enticing option for those seeking to uncover the wonders of this remarkable destination.

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Key Points

Two-day tour covering the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, priced from $395 per person, with a small-group size of up to 15 participants.
Day 1 includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, along with an Andean buffet lunch and a tour of Ollantaytambo fortress.
The Chinchero experience offers an immersive cultural encounter, with opportunities to observe traditional weaving and explore Inca ruins and local markets.
Moray’s circular terraces provide insights into the Inca’s sophisticated agricultural practices and their understanding of environmental impacts.
Day 2 focuses on a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, followed by free time in Aguas Calientes and a return journey to Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The two-day tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of Peru’s iconic destinations.

Priced from $395 per person, the small-group tour is limited to 15 participants and available in English and Spanish.

A small-group tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu priced from $395 per person, available in English and Spanish.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve their spot and pay later.

With transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, and train tickets included, this comprehensive package provides a hassle-free way to discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

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Itinerary: Day 1

On the first day, the tour begins with pickup from hotels in Cusco.

Travelers will visit Chinchero to observe the Andean textile-making process and explore the archaeological site.

Next, they’ll discover Moray’s circular terraces, an agricultural experimental center.

After that, they’ll visit the salt extraction pools of Maras and learn about the extraction process.

Lunch will be an Andean buffet in Urubamba.

The group will then tour the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress before taking the tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where they’ll stay overnight at a hotel.

Exploring Chinchero

Chinchero, an Andean town located just outside of Cusco, offers travelers an immersive cultural experience.

Visitors will witness the traditional weaving techniques of local artisans, who demonstrate the ancient process of dyeing wool and creating intricate textiles.

Visitors can observe local artisans demonstrating the ancient craft of dyeing wool and weaving intricate textiles.

The town’s archaeological site, with its Inca ruins and colonial-era church, provides insights into the region’s rich history.

Travelers can explore the vibrant local markets, browse handcrafted products, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring traditions of the Andean people.

This stop on the Sacred Valley tour promises a memorable cultural encounter.

Discovering Moray

Situated just beyond Chinchero, Moray is an archaeological site renowned for its remarkable circular terraces.

Once an Inca agricultural experimental center, the terraces were used to study the effects of different climate conditions on crops.

Descending into the site, visitors can marvel at the intricate system of concentric terraces, each with its own microclimate.

Experts believe the Inca used this unique location to test and cultivate a variety of crops, playing a crucial role in their agricultural advancements.

Exploring Moray provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of their environment.

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Visiting Maras

Just beyond Moray, travelers encounter the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, an ancient site where salt has been extracted for centuries.

Visitors stroll along the terraced pools, observing the traditional process of evaporating salty spring water to produce the prized Maras salt. The shimmering white ponds create a striking visual against the rugged Andean landscape.

Guests can purchase salt directly from the local producers, learning about the importance of this resource to the indigenous Quechua community.

The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable farming practices.

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Touring Ollantaytambo

The tour next takes visitors to the ancient Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, a remarkable archaeological site that stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.

Visitors will explore the well-preserved ruins, which include massive stone terraces, storehouses, and ceremonial structures. They’ll learn about the site’s strategic military importance and its role as a royal estate.

The tour provides insights into the Incas’ sophisticated urban planning and masonry techniques. After the guided exploration, travelers will have free time to wander the charming streets of the town below the fortress.

Machu Picchu Pueblo

After visiting the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, the tour then takes travelers to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. This charming mountain town serves as the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu site. Visitors can explore the local markets, shops, and restaurants before taking a bus up to the ruins. The town offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. To ensure a smooth experience, consider the table below outlining key details about staying in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

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Itinerary: Day 2

On the second day, travelers begin their morning with breakfast at the hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

They then take a bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. A guided tour takes them through the main constructions and viewpoints of the iconic Inca citadel.

After the tour, they’ve free time in Aguas Calientes to explore and have lunch.

The journey back includes a tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by shared transport to return to Cusco’s main square, completing the two-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation To/From Cusco Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes pickup from Cusco hotels, transportation to Ollantaytambo, and return transport to Cusco’s main square. However, it doesn’t cover transportation to/from Cusco at the start and end of the trip.

Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour provider offers private tours for an additional cost, allowing for a more personalized experience with the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Entrance Tickets?

Yes, you’ll need to purchase a separate Partial Tourist Ticket (70 soles) and the entrance to Maras Salt Mines (20 soles) as these are not included in the tour price. The tour covers the main itinerary and transportation.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The tour package allows you to choose an upgraded hotel for an additional cost. This provides a more comfortable stay during your overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo after the tour. The tour package doesn’t include accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo, so you’re free to book additional nights there if you’d like to extend your visit.

The Sum Up

This two-day tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offers an immersive experience, showcasing Cusco’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural traditions. Visitors can explore Chinchero’s textile-making, Moray’s agricultural terraces, and the Maras salt pools, culminating in a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu. With the flexibility of free cancellation, this unforgettable journey is an ideal way to discover the magic of Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here: