Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 days: the complete itinerary
This is the classic way to reach Machu Picchu: travel through the Sacred Valley on day 1, take the train from Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, sleep at the foot of the mountain in Aguas Calientes and go up to the citadel early the next morning, before the day-trippers arrive from Cusco.
The tour at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night in Aguas Calientes |
| Day 1 | Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, train to Aguas Calientes |
| Day 2 | Guided tour of Machu Picchu, train and transfer back to Cusco |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Price | From US $425 per person, shared group of 2–14 |
Day 1: the upper Sacred Valley and the train
A 7:30 am pickup takes you to Chinchero, with its market, colonial church and Inca site, then to the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras salt pans. After an optional lunch in Urubamba, you tour the Inca temple-fortress of Ollantaytambo and board the 3:37 pm train to Aguas Calientes, arriving around 5:00 pm for the night.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 days
Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, a night in Aguas Calientes and a guided Machu Picchu visit — from US $425.
Day 2: Machu Picchu
An early bus takes you up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m) for a guided tour of about three hours through its temples, plazas and palaces, followed by free time. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can add it for an extra US $65 — see which one to choose. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, the train and a transfer bring you back to Cusco at around 6:30 pm.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| All transport and transfers | Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) |
| Train to Aguas Calientes and back to Ollantaytambo | Maras entrance |
| Buses up to and down from Machu Picchu | Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (US $65) |
| Machu Picchu entrance and guide | Tips |
| Lunch in Aguas Calientes, oxygen and first aid | — |
Why spend the night in Aguas Calientes?
Compared with the one-day tour, sleeping in Aguas Calientes turns two very long days into two comfortable ones: you see the Sacred Valley on the way, you do not start at 4:30 am, and you reach Machu Picchu fresh in the morning. Our Aguas Calientes guide has ideas for the evening.
Tips
- Travel light: train luggage is limited, so pack a small overnight bag and leave the rest at your Cusco hotel.
- Bring cash for the BTC, the Maras entrance and lunch on day 1.
- Book early: Machu Picchu tickets and Huayna Picchu slots sell out in the dry season; check availability.
- Want more time in the valley? The 3-day version adds a night with a community near Moray.
Frequently asked questions
Transport, trains, Machu Picchu buses and entrance, guide, lunch in Aguas Calientes, oxygen and first aid. The BTC and the Maras entrance are paid separately.
Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt pans and Ollantaytambo on day 1.
From US $425 per person in a shared group. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain can be added for US $65.
Around 6:30 pm on day 2.
If you have the time, yes: you see the Sacred Valley, avoid the 4:30 am start and visit Machu Picchu rested.
