From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu: Every Route Compared
The Sacred Valley is on the way to Machu Picchu: the train leaves from Ollantaytambo, at the far end of the valley. That is why the best way to see both is to travel through the valley and continue to the citadel, instead of visiting them on separate days from Cusco. Here are the routes we run, from the quickest to the most adventurous, and how to choose.
Why combine them
- Geography: trains to Aguas Calientes leave from Ollantaytambo, so a valley tour that ends there saves you a separate trip.
- Altitude: the valley lies at about 2,870 m, lower than Cusco (3,400 m), and Machu Picchu is lower still (2,430 m). Travelling down the valley is an easy way to acclimatize.
- Pace: sleeping in Aguas Calientes means you reach Machu Picchu fresh in the morning, without the 4:30 am start of the one-day tour.
The routes at a glance
| Route | Days | Valley sites | To Machu Picchu | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu | 2 | Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo | Train | US $425 |
| Sacred Valley cultural and Machu Picchu | 3 | Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Misminay community, Ollantaytambo | Train | US $600 |
| Sacred Valley and Inca Trail | 3 | Pisac, Ollantaytambo | Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate | US $625 |
| Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu | 3 | Huchuy Qosqo, above the valley | Trek, then train | US $510 |
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 days
Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo, a night in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu — from US $425.
In 2 days: the efficient choice
Day 1 covers the upper valley — the market town of Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt pans and the temple-fortress of Ollantaytambo — before the 3:37 pm train to Aguas Calientes. Day 2 is a guided tour of Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco at around 6:30 pm. It suits travellers with limited time who still want to see the valley properly. Note that the Cusco Tourist Ticket and the Maras entrance are paid separately. Full details in our 2-day guide.
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In 3 days: with a community stay
The 3-day version visits Chinchero, Maras and Moray, then spends a night with a family in the Andean community of Misminay, where you share meals, work in the fields and learn how wool is woven and dyed. On day 2 you continue to Ollantaytambo and take the train; day 3 is Machu Picchu. Every entrance is included. It is the best choice if you want to understand Andean life, not just see the ruins. Read the 3-day guide.
On foot: the short Inca Trail
If you want to walk into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, the Sacred Valley and Inca Trail tour visits Pisac and Ollantaytambo on day 1, with a night in Ollantaytambo. On day 2 the train drops you at Km 104 for a day’s hike past Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku, and day 3 is the full guided tour of the citadel. It needs an Inca Trail permit, so book early. See our Sacred Valley and Inca Trail guide.
For a quieter trek, the Huchuy Qosqo route crosses the mountains above the valley to the Inca estate of Huchuy Qosqo and continues by train to Machu Picchu, with no permit needed.
Which one should you choose?
- Short on time: 2 days by train.
- Culture and a slower pace: 3 days with the Misminay homestay.
- The classic hiker’s arrival: the short Inca Trail through the Sun Gate.
- A trek without crowds or permits: Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu.
- Want Pisac too? Pisac is not part of the 2-day and 3-day train tours. Add our Sacred Valley day tour on another day, or choose a Cusco package that includes both.
Whichever you pick, bring your original passport for Machu Picchu and book early in the dry season. Our Sacred Valley sites guide describes every stop.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, and it is the best way to do it. Trains leave from Ollantaytambo, at the end of the valley, so you tour the valley and then take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Two days is enough to see the main valley sites and Machu Picchu. Three days adds a community homestay or a hike on the short Inca Trail and a calmer pace.
Yes. At about 2,870 m it is lower than Cusco (3,400 m), and Machu Picchu is lower again at 2,430 m.
The Sacred Valley and Inca Trail tour includes Pisac. The 2-day and 3-day train tours focus on Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo.
In Aguas Calientes the night before Machu Picchu. The 3-day tours add a night in Misminay or in Ollantaytambo.
