Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days / 1 Night
OVERVIEW
Discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the world-famous Machu Picchu on this carefully designed 2-Day / 1-Night adventure operated by Llama Path. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore the most important archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu. Unlike traditional day tours, this itinerary allows you to spend the night in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes), giving you the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu early the next morning while avoiding a rushed schedule.
Travel through breathtaking Andean landscapes, visit ancient Inca sites, learn about local traditions, and enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys in South America.
At Llama Path, we focus on providing personalized service, professional guides, comfortable transportation, and unforgettable experiences.
Tour Highlights
Explore the traditional Andean village of Chinchero.
Visit the mysterious circular terraces of Moray.
Discover the famous Maras Salt Mines.
Explore the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu Town.
Overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu with an expert guide.
Small groups and personalized service by Llama Path.
WHY CHOOSE LLAMA PATH?
Operated by a locally owned company based in Cusco.
Experienced professional English-speaking guides.
Personalized attention before and during your trip.
Carefully designed itinerary to maximize your experience.
Comfortable transportation and reliable logistics.
Excellent customer service and support throughout your journey.
One of Cusco’s most trusted tour operators.
SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU – 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and discover the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu on this carefully designed 2-day journey with Llama Path. Visit ancient Inca sites, traditional Andean communities, the fascinating salt mines of Maras, and the impressive archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo before traveling by train to Aguas Calientes.
The following morning, enjoy a guided visit to Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco by train and private transportation.
DAY 1: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – MORAY – MARAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel & lunch
7:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your Llama Path guide and private transportation will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. After meeting your guide, we will begin our journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
As we leave Cusco behind, you will travel through spectacular Andean landscapes, traditional villages, agricultural fields, and mountain valleys while your guide introduces you to the history and culture of the region.
Chinchero – The Land of Weavers
Our first stop is the traditional Andean village of Chinchero, located at approximately 3,762 m (12,342 ft).
Chinchero is known for its remarkable combination of Inca and colonial heritage. We will visit the archaeological site and learn about the importance of this area during the Inca period.
You will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional textile center, where local families demonstrate ancestral weaving techniques. Using natural fibers and traditional dyes, local artisans continue to preserve techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Take some time to appreciate the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the traditional way of life of the local communities.
Moray – The Inca Agricultural Laboratory
We continue to Moray, one of the most unusual and fascinating archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.
Moray is characterized by enormous circular terraces built into a natural depression in the landscape. The terraces create different microclimates at various levels, and researchers believe the Incas used the site for agricultural experimentation and the adaptation of crops to different environmental conditions.
Your guide will explain the theories surrounding this remarkable site and how agricultural knowledge contributed to the development of the Inca Empire.
Maras Salt Mines – An Ancient Tradition
Our next destination is the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, located on the slopes of the mountains overlooking the Sacred Valley.
More than 3,000 small salt pools are arranged along the mountainside. Salt-rich spring water flows through the pools, where it gradually evaporates under the Andean sun, leaving behind layers of salt.
The salt is harvested by local families using traditional techniques that have been practiced in the area for centuries.
This is one of the most photogenic landscapes in the Sacred Valley and offers a unique opportunity to learn about a tradition that remains an important part of the local economy.
Lunch in the Sacred Valley
After exploring Maras, we continue toward the Sacred Valley where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, included in your tour.
This is also a chance to relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery before continuing our journey.
Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca Town
In the afternoon, we arrive at Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in Peru.
Ollantaytambo is often described as a "living Inca town" because many of its original streets, foundations, and water channels are still in use today.
With your guide, you will explore the archaeological complex, including its impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, stone temples, and massive Inca walls.
Your guide will explain the strategic and historical importance of Ollantaytambo, including its role during the final years of the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquest.
After the guided visit, we will make our way to the train station.
Train to Aguas Calientes
Board your train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery as the train follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley and into the dramatic cloud-forest landscape surrounding Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will meet you at the train station and assist you with your transfer to your hotel.
Evening in Aguas Calientes
Check in to your comfortable 3-star hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
You can explore the small town of Aguas Calientes, visit its restaurants and local shops, or simply relax and prepare for the following day's visit to Machu Picchu.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
Meals: Breakfast
Early Breakfast at Your Hotel
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Your Llama Path guide will provide you with the necessary instructions for your visit before you head to the bus station.
Bus to Machu Picchu
We will take the official shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.
The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and climbs through the lush cloud forest, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River valley.
Guided Visit of Machu Picchu
Upon arrival, enter Machu Picchu with your professional Llama Path guide.
During the guided tour, you will discover the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this extraordinary Inca sanctuary. Your guide will explain the most important features of the site and share the stories and theories surrounding the civilization that built Machu Picchu.
You will have time to appreciate the spectacular mountain scenery and take photographs from the viewpoints permitted by your assigned route.
IMPORTANT: MACHU PICCHU CIRCUIT
Machu Picchu operates under an official circuit system established by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
The circuit and entrance schedule assigned to your reservation will depend on availability at the time your Machu Picchu tickets are purchased.
Because circuits and visiting times are subject to official regulations and availability, we cannot guarantee a specific circuit before the reservation is confirmed.
We strongly recommend booking your trip as early as possible. Early reservations give us more options to secure the most suitable available Machu Picchu entrance and visiting circuit for your travel date.
Your visit will always follow the official regulations in place on the day of your visit.
Return to Aguas Calientes
After completing your guided visit, we will take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
You will have some free time in town to enjoy lunch, explore the local market, or relax before your departure train.
Train to Ollantaytambo
At the scheduled time, board your return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Enjoy your final views of the spectacular Andes and the lush landscapes of the Urubamba River valley as you travel back toward the Sacred Valley.
Private Transportation to Cusco
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, our private transportation will be waiting for you.
Relax during the drive back to Cusco while enjoying the final landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Estimated arrival in Cusco: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Drop-off will be provided at your hotel in Cusco.
INCLUSIONS
Professional English-speaking guide.
Hotel pickup in Cusco.
Private Tourist transportation throughout the Sacred Valley.
Profesional Tour Guide
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED
Breakfast Day 1.
Dinner in Aguas Calientes on Day 1.
Lunch on Day 2.
Travel insurance.
Tips for guides and drivers.
Personal expenses.
WHAT TO BRING
Original passport.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
Warm layer for the evening.
Sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle.
Camera.
Small daypack.
Personal medications.
Extra cash for meals and souvenirs.
RECOMMENDATIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Weather & Clothing
Weather in the Andes can change quickly. We recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Mornings can be cool, while temperatures can become warmer during the day. Rain is also possible, particularly during the rainy season, so carrying a lightweight rain jacket or poncho is highly recommended.
Luggage
You do not need to take all of your luggage to Aguas Calientes.
We recommend traveling with a small daypack containing the essentials you will need for the two-day journey. Larger luggage can normally be stored in Cusco according to your hotel's or Llama Path's luggage-storage arrangements.
Passport
Please make sure you travel with the same original passport used to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
If your passport information changes after your reservation has been made, please contact Llama Path as soon as possible so we can advise you about the applicable procedures.
Machu Picchu Tickets & Circuits
Machu Picchu entrance tickets are subject to availability and official regulations.
We strongly recommend booking in advance. Early booking gives us more opportunities to secure suitable entrance times and available circuits for your preferred travel date.
The circuit assigned to your visit will be the one available at the time your entrance ticket is purchased. Llama Path cannot guarantee a specific circuit unless it has been confirmed on your official ticket.
Physical Preparation
This tour does not require a multi-day trek, but you should expect several hours of walking, including stairs and uneven surfaces at the archaeological sites.
Take your time, stay hydrated, and inform your guide if you need a break during the tour.
Altitude
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are located at high altitude. We recommend spending some time acclimatizing in Cusco before undertaking this tour, especially if you have recently arrived from a lower altitude.
Stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol before the tour, and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended for all travelers. We suggest choosing a policy that provides coverage for medical expenses, trip interruptions, cancellations, and unexpected travel changes.
Respect for Local Communities & Heritage
During the journey, we visit communities and archaeological sites that are an important part of Peru's cultural heritage.
We encourage our travelers to respect local traditions, ask permission before photographing people, avoid touching or climbing archaeological structures, and follow the instructions of their guide and site authorities.
PRICES
Private Service
2 Travelers USD 690 per person
3 Travelers USD 670
4 Travelers USD 640
5+ Travelers USD 650
Hotel Upgrades
✓ 4-Star Hotel Upgrade: Available upon request.
✓ Train Upgrades : Vistadome Train Upgrade: Available upon request.
IMPORTANT
Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets have limited availability and can sell out weeks or
months in advance, especially during the high season.
Llama Path highly recommends booking early to secure your preferred travel date.
Contact us today and let our team help you experience the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in
comfort, safety, and style.
