Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu (2 days)
If you want to see both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu but are short on time, this two-day route is the smartest way to do it. You take in the valley's greatest sites on the way out — then reach the citadel without ever doubling back to Cusco.
Why combine the two
The Sacred Valley lies on the road and rail line toward Machu Picchu, so visiting it first is the natural path rather than a detour. The valley also sits lower than Cusco, which helps you acclimatize, and the train to Machu Picchu leaves from Ollantaytambo in the heart of the valley. Doing both as one trip saves you a whole day of backtracking.
The route, day by day
Day 1 — the Sacred Valley: leaving Cusco, you explore the valley's highlights, usually the hilltop ruins and market town of Pisac and the towering fortress of Ollantaytambo, with lunch along the way (our Sacred Valley sites guide covers each one). In the afternoon you board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, where you spend the night.
Day 2 — Machu Picchu: an early bus up to the citadel for a guided tour as the day begins, with time afterwards for photos and the classic viewpoints. You then return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco.
Who it is for
This is the ideal trip if you have limited days but do not want to choose between the valley and the citadel. It is comfortable and mostly low-effort — short walks at the ruins and a relaxed pace at Machu Picchu — so it suits almost everyone. If you would rather take it slower or add Maras and Moray, consider the 3-day version or a standalone day in the Sacred Valley first.
See the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour
The valley's highlights and a guided morning at the citadel, in two days.
Tickets, timing and what to bring
Entry to Machu Picchu is by timed ticket for a set circuit and sells out in high season — see tickets and circuits and the full Machu Picchu guide for planning. On a guided package the tickets and train are arranged for you. Bring layers for cool mornings and strong midday sun, comfortable shoes for the ruins, and a small day pack; you can leave your main luggage in Cusco and travel light. For more on the routes and trains, see Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu routes.
Frequently asked questions
Day one explores the Sacred Valley — typically Pisac and the great fortress of Ollantaytambo — before the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Day two is an early guided visit to Machu Picchu, followed by the train and transfer back to Cusco.
Yes, it is the most efficient way to combine both. You see the valley's main highlights on the way and reach Machu Picchu without backtracking to Cusco, which saves a full day compared with doing them separately.
The valley sits lower than Cusco, so a day there helps you acclimatize, and Ollantaytambo is where the train to Machu Picchu departs — making it the natural stepping stone toward the citadel.
Yes. Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a specific circuit and sells out in high season, so book ahead. On a guided tour this is arranged for you as part of the package.