Amazing trip, thoughtful logistics, and a guide who made Machu Picchu unforgettable.
Thi W TripadvisorSignature Peru Tour
Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Tour 2 Days
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StartsStarts at
DurationDuration
Physical LevelEasy
SitesCusco, Soraypampa
Trip Overview
Some routes in Peru do more than take you from one place to another. They change the way you understand the Andes.
This 2-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Tour is built for travelers who want more than a fast train ride to the Inca citadel. First, you pass through Andean towns, farming terraces, weaving areas, old stone walls, salt ponds, and valley roads shaped by centuries of local life. Then, after a night near Machu Picchu, you rise early and reach the Inca city with better timing and less pressure.
With Elvis Adventures, the route is planned with care: transport, guide, train, hotel, bus, entrance ticket, and return are handled in one clean plan.
For Machu Picchu, early booking matters. Entry spaces, train seats, and the most requested circuits can run out quickly, especially in high-demand months. Booking this route in advance gives you a better chance of getting a stronger circuit, smoother train times, and a better-paced journey.
This is a smart choice for travelers who want the Sacred Valley first, Machu Picchu next, and no rushed one-day return from Cusco.
Day by Day Schedule
Highlight of the day: Move from Cusco into the Sacred Valley, seeing Andean towns, farming terraces, salt ponds, and Inca stonework before taking the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Your day begins in Cusco, where the morning can feel cold and dry. After pickup from your hotel or an agreed meeting point, the road leaves the city and rises toward open Andean areas before descending toward the Sacred Valley.
The first part of the route usually includes Chinchero, a town known for its textile work, Inca walls, terraces, and wide mountain views. Here, the air is still high and crisp. You may see local weaving methods, plant-based dyes, and traditional clothing used by local families.
The route continues toward Moray, where circular farming terraces sit inside large depressions in the land. The ground is mostly compact dirt and stone paths, with open exposure to sun and wind. Your guide will explain why this place is often linked to Inca agricultural testing and climate control.
Next, the road moves toward the Maras Salt Mines, a slope covered with thousands of salt ponds fed by a salty spring. The path can be dusty in dry season and slippery in rainy months. The white and pale-brown pools create a strong contrast with the valley walls, and the site is still connected to local community work.
After this section, the journey continues through the Sacred Valley toward Urubamba or a nearby area for lunch, depending on the selected service. The valley has a warmer feel than Cusco, with cornfields, river views, eucalyptus trees, and small towns along the road.
In the afternoon, you reach Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca towns in the valley. Its stone streets, terraces, and fortress-like structures show how the Incas used the mountain slope for defense, farming, and control of the valley. The walking here may include stone steps and uneven sections.
Later, you board the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train follows the Urubamba River, passing a narrower valley where the air becomes warmer and more humid.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, our team will assist you with hotel check-in. The town is small, busy, and surrounded by steep green mountains. You will spend the night here so the next day can start closer to Machu Picchu.
Technical details of the day
- Transport: Tourist vehicle from Cusco through the Sacred Valley, then train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Walking level: Easy to moderate
- Walking surface: Stone steps, compact dirt, paved streets, and some uneven paths
- Climate: Cold in Cusco, warmer in the Sacred Valley, humid near Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Main places: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Altitude change: From high Cusco to lower valley zones
- Meals: Lunch may be included depending on the selected service
- Overnight: Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Physical demand: Manageable for most travelers
Highlight of the day: Take the official bus up to Machu Picchu, walk the confirmed circuit with your guide, and return to Cusco by train and tourist transport.
The day starts in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The morning is often humid, and the mountains may be covered by moving clouds. After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will assist you with the bus process to reach the Machu Picchu entrance.
The bus ride climbs a narrow mountain road with many curves. It is short, but some travelers feel the height of the road, so it is better to sit calmly and follow the guide’s timing.
At the entrance, you must show your passport and Machu Picchu ticket. The ticket is linked to a specific circuit, route, date, and entry time. Once inside, travelers must follow the assigned route and cannot freely change to another circuit.
Inside Machu Picchu, the walking surface includes stone steps, narrow paths, terraces, compact dirt, and uneven Inca stone. In rainy season, some steps may feel slippery. Your guide will lead the group at a steady pace, with stops for explanation and photos in allowed areas.
Depending on the confirmed circuit, you may see panoramic terraces, farming areas, ceremonial sectors, stone channels, the Sacred Rock area, lower urban areas, or other key zones. The route will depend on official availability at the time of booking.
After the guided route, you will take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Depending on your train time, you may have time for lunch, a short walk through town, or time to pick up luggage from the hotel.
Later, you board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our transport will take you back to Cusco. Arrival is usually at night, depending on train timing, railway operation, road traffic, and weather.
Technical details of the day
- Transport: Official bus, train, and tourist vehicle
- Walking level: Moderate
- Walking surface: Stone steps, compact dirt, terraces, and uneven paths
- Climate: Humid near Machu Picchu, cooler at night on return to Cusco
- Guided time inside Machu Picchu: Usually around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the circuit
- Bus ride: Around 25 to 30 minutes each way
- Main places: Machu Picchu Pueblo, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Cusco
- Physical demand: Moderate due to stairs, altitude change, and long travel day
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco or pickup from an agreed central meeting point
- Tourist transport from Cusco through the Sacred Valley
- Professional guide for the Sacred Valley route
- Entry coordination for the Sacred Valley sites included in the itinerary
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Assistance with train boarding
- 1 night accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu entrance
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket, subject to official availability
- Professional guide inside Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu entrance back to Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Return train from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
- Pre-tour assistance from Elvis Adventures
- Guidance about luggage, passport use, weather, train timing, and Machu Picchu circuit rules
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinners, unless listed in the selected service
- Drinks and snacks
- Sacred Valley entrance tickets, unless clearly listed in your confirmation
- Maras Salt Mines entrance, unless clearly listed in your confirmation
- Personal travel insurance
- Train upgrades
- Extra hikes such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu
- Tips for guide, driver, or hotel staff
- Hotel upgrades
- Extra night in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Personal expenses
- Services not clearly listed as included
More Tour Information
- Tour name: Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Tour 2 Days
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- Start: Cusco
- End: Cusco
- Main places: Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Machu Picchu
- Service type: Group or private
- Accommodation: 1 night in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Transport: Tourist vehicle, train, official Machu Picchu bus, and return vehicle
- Train route: Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo and return
- Main walking level: Easy to moderate
- Machu Picchu walking level: Moderate
- Highest point: Cusco, around 3,399 m / 11,152 ft
- Sacred Valley altitude: Lower than Cusco in most sections
- Machu Picchu altitude: Around 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Best travel months: April to October for drier days; November to March for greener mountains and possible rain
- Important document: Original passport used for booking
- Main condition: Machu Picchu entry depends on official ticket availability
- Recommended booking time: Up to 6 months in advance for stronger circuit options
- Walk through the Sacred Valley before reaching Machu Picchu — instead of going straight to the train, you spend the first day seeing Inca terraces, stonework, valley towns, and local traditions that help you understand why Machu Picchu mattered.
- Start from Cusco and move gradually into warmer valleys — the route lowers in altitude, which can feel easier for travelers who have just arrived in the Andes.
- See Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo — each place adds a different layer: textiles, farming terraces, salt ponds, and Inca military and urban planning.
- Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo — the train follows the Urubamba River through a narrow valley where the air becomes warmer and the mountains grow closer.
- Spend the night near Machu Picchu — staying in Machu Picchu Pueblo helps avoid the long early-morning road from Cusco on the Machu Picchu day.
- Enter Machu Picchu with a professional guide — your guide leads you through the confirmed circuit and explains the city’s terraces, temples, stonework, water channels, and mountain setting.
- Better timing than a one-day tour — this 2-day plan gives the route more breathing room, especially for travelers who do not want to spend the entire day moving from one transport to another.
- A strong option for couples, families, and first-time travelers in Peru — the journey combines heritage, landscapes, local towns, train travel, and Machu Picchu in a balanced way.
- Food with Andean character — during the Sacred Valley day, lunch can include local ingredients such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, vegetables, trout, chicken, soups, and fresh valley produce depending on the restaurant selected.
- Guides who know how to pace the route — Elvis Adventures works with guides who understand timing, altitude, road conditions, train schedules, and the moments where travelers need clear explanations or quiet time.
Clothing
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain poncho or compact rain jacket
- Comfortable walking pants
- T-shirts or breathable layers
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Extra socks
- Sleepwear for the hotel night
- Small change of clothes for Day 2
Travel Items
- Small overnight backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal snacks
- Power bank
- Phone charger
- Camera, if desired
- Small lock for your bag
- Small plastic bag for wet clothes or trash
Documents
- Valid passport
- Student card, if applying for a student discount
- Travel insurance details
- Copies of important documents saved on your phone
- Booking confirmation from Elvis Adventures
Personal Medication
- Personal medicine in original packaging
- Motion sickness tablets, if needed
- Altitude support medicine, only if approved by your doctor
- Basic stomach medicine
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Any allergy medication you normally use
Special Requirements
If you need to travel with medical equipment, crutches, a wheelchair, a service animal, professional filming gear, drones, or special photography equipment, you must inform the Elvis Adventures reservations team in advance.
Some items may require permits, special coordination, or may not be allowed inside Machu Picchu or on the train.
Months Before the Tour
- Book early if you travel from April to October. Machu Picchu spaces and train seats can run out quickly.
- Decide whether you prefer private or group service. Private service gives more control over timing and pace.
- Send passport details exactly as shown on your document. Machu Picchu tickets are issued with personal information.
- If you want Circuit 2, request it as early as possible. It is one of the most requested options.
- If you qualify for a student discount, send your valid student card before ticket purchase.
- Buy travel insurance before arriving in Peru. Delays, health issues, strikes, or personal changes can happen.
A Few Days Before the Tour
- Sleep well before Day 1. The journey is not extremely hard, but the route has many stops and a train connection.
- Avoid bringing large luggage to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Use a small bag for the overnight stay.
- Confirm your hotel pickup point with Elvis Adventures.
- Carry cash in Peruvian soles for snacks, drinks, restrooms, tips, or extra entrances.
- Check the weather. Rain is possible even in months with drier conditions.
- Keep your passport in your day bag, not in stored luggage.
During the Tour
- Follow the guide’s timing at each stop. The train schedule cannot be missed.
- Walk carefully in archaeological sites. Stone steps and old paths can be uneven.
- Respect local families, markets, textile workers, and salt workers. Ask before taking close photos.
- Stay hydrated, especially on Day 1 when you move through different altitudes.
- Do not rush Machu Picchu. The route is controlled, and once you leave certain areas, you may not be allowed to return.
- Keep a calm mindset if weather changes. Cloud, sun, wind, and rain can all appear during the same journey.
Hotel Pickup
Pickup is usually arranged from hotels in Cusco’s main tourist area. If your hotel is on a narrow street where vehicles cannot enter, we will set a nearby meeting point.
For private service, pickup timing may be adapted to the confirmed route, train schedule, and traveler needs. For group service, pickup time is fixed and must be followed carefully.
Luggage Storage
For this 2-day tour, you should bring only a small overnight bag to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Large suitcases should remain at your hotel in Cusco or in a safe storage point arranged before departure.
Train companies apply small-luggage rules, and large bags are not practical for this route. A small backpack is enough for clothing, personal items, passport, and basic toiletries.
Payment Conditions
A deposit or full payment is required to secure the tour because Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, hotel rooms, and guides must be reserved in advance.
Once Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets are issued, changes, cancellations, or refunds depend on official rules and supplier policies. This is why correct passport information, travel date, circuit preference, and service type are required before purchase.
The remaining balance, if any, must be paid before the tour or according to the agreement made with the reservations team.
Return From Machu Picchu to Cusco
After your guided route inside Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Depending on your train schedule, you may have time for lunch or a short walk in town.
Then you will board the train from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo. Once you arrive at Ollantaytambo station, our tourist transport will take you back to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco is usually at night. The exact time depends on the return train, railway operation, road traffic, and weather conditions.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability is controlled by official ticket spaces, circuit capacity, entry times, and train seats. For this 2-day tour, we recommend booking up to 6 months in advance, especially if you want Circuit 2 or if your travel date falls in a high-demand month.
Last-minute bookings may be possible, but Elvis Adventures is not responsible for extra delays, limited circuit options, higher train costs, or lack of preferred entry times caused by late booking.
For this tour, the traveler must choose one available Machu Picchu circuit at booking. If you want a specific circuit, please contact our reservations team before payment. In private service, we can check better options and adapt the plan when possible.
If Circuit 2 is not available, we may offer another available route such as Circuit 1B or Circuit 3B, depending on the date, route rules, and official availability.
Useful Information
Trains to Machu Picchu
The usual train route for this tour is:
- Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo on Day 1
- Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo on Day 2
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
Standard train service is practical for most travelers. Travelers who want larger windows or a different onboard style may request Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, or 360-style train options for an additional cost.
Train schedules vary by season and availability. Elvis Adventures will choose the best possible schedule according to your Machu Picchu entrance time, hotel location, and return plan.
Accommodation
This tour includes 1 night in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The standard hotel is selected for cleanliness, location, and practical access to the train station or bus area.
Hotel upgrades are available upon request. In private service, travelers can request better room categories, special bedding, early breakfast, or hotel upgrades depending on availability and price.
Included Transport
This route includes tourist transport from Cusco through the Sacred Valley, train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, official bus to Machu Picchu, return bus to town, return train to Ollantaytambo, and tourist transport back to Cusco.
Private service includes private land transport and private guide. Group service may use shared or coordinated land transport depending on operation.
Machu Picchu Circuits
Machu Picchu is controlled by circuits. Travelers cannot enter any route they want once inside; they must follow the circuit printed on the ticket.
Common options for this tour may include:
- Circuit 2A: One of the strongest options when available, with a fuller route through important areas of the Inca city.
- Circuit 2B: A strong alternative to 2A, with access to key areas and a classic angle of the site.
- Circuit 1B: A panoramic route focused on upper terrace views, often used when Circuit 2 is sold out.
- Circuit 3B: A lower route option that may be used depending on availability and traveler needs.
Only one circuit is included in the standard tour. If you want a different circuit or an extra hike, please request a private quote.
Sacred Valley Entrances
Some Sacred Valley sites require the Cusco Tourist Ticket, while Maras Salt Mines usually require a separate local entrance. These entrance conditions may change, so the final confirmation from Elvis Adventures will clearly state what is included and what must be paid directly.
In private service, the route can be adjusted according to the traveler’s interests, time, and ticket conditions.
Travel Restrictions
Strikes and Demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and they may interrupt some tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks may be affected. If this happens, Elvis Adventures will try to keep your trip as close as possible to the original plan, even if this means leaving earlier or adjusting the route.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled or changed. In case of changes or cancellations, our operations team will coordinate with you directly. Your safety is always the main priority.
Lost Objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, train, bus, hotel, restaurants, or waiting areas.
Each traveler is responsible for personal belongings during the tour. Elvis Adventures is not responsible for lost items left in public areas, vehicles, trains, buses, restaurants, hotels, or stations.
Health and Physical Conditions
This tour is not a demanding trek, but it includes altitude, early starts, stairs, uneven stone paths, train travel, road travel, and a full day inside the Andes.
Travelers with heart conditions, strong knee pain, recent surgery, severe vertigo, mobility limitations, or altitude sensitivity should speak with their doctor before booking.
Older travelers can take this tour, but private service is often a better choice because the pace can be adjusted. If you need assistance walking, please inform our reservations team before booking so we can check the best circuit and service type for you.
Final Booking Note
To book this tour, Elvis Adventures needs your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, travel date, hotel details in Cusco, and preferred service type.
Machu Picchu tickets, hotel rooms, and train seats are limited. Early booking gives you a better chance of getting a strong circuit, better train timing, and a smoother 2-day route through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
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