The Ultimate Inca Tour
This package is a combination of the popular day tour of the Sacred Valley and the classic train tour to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We offer you incredible amounts of beauty and history over an exciting 2-day trip.
This adventure includes a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, a trip to Aguas Calientes, a night of rest in a comfortable hotel, and dinner at the best restaurant in Aguas Calientes. The next day, after a visit to the fantastic city of Machu Picchu, where you’ll have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain and learn all the secrets of the Incas, we’ll board the train.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Trip Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Do you want to visit the most amazing places the Incas left us but don’t have much time? Our 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour will take you to the most amazing Inca complexes, including World Wonder Machu Picchu. You’ll get the opportunity to learn all about this ancient civilization and marvel at its incredible architecture and engineering.
The Sacred Valley is an incomparably beautiful place with small towns and ancient archaeological sites in the midst of rugged mountains northeast of Cusco. This valley was extremely important to the Incas due to its geographical location and excellent climate. To this day, it stands as one of the best places for corn production in Peru, which is a very popular food among Peruvians.
In the middle of the mountains runs the sacred river of Urubamba (also called Willkamayu or Vilcanota), the focus of Inca cosmology. The Incas knew this river was not only fully linked to the constellations and snow-capped peaks but was also the reflection of the Milky Way.
On the second day, you’ll visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make your dreams come true, and enjoy this archaeological sanctuary to the fullest in a package that gives you, like no other tour, the most amount of time Machu Picchu to enjoy it to the fullest. So, what are you waiting for? Come and discover the magic of the Incas with us.
Itinerary at a Glance
-
Day 01
Cusco | Pisac - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo complexes in the Sacred Valley before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Relax and enjoy dinner in a restaurant before heading to bed at your hotel.
-
Day 02
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
You’ll wake up early to visit Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours. Have lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo and then our transport to your accommodation in Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
- Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas and learn why this astounding place was so important to the ancient civilization.
- Visit the Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological complexes and appreciate the beauty of the Inca architecture, the quality of its hydraulic engineering, and the impressive cultivation platforms.
- Observe the incredibly beautiful Andes and the stunning landscapes throughout.
- Explore one of the most energetic places on the planet, Machu Picchu. Discover its secrets and be in awe of the amazing architecture.
- Travel along one of the prettiest railways in the world.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Pisac - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Visiting the Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites.
Epic Day Out in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
We’ll pick you up early this morning to head out on our tour of the Sacred Valley. First off, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Pisac and then head to their colorful market for some souvenir shopping. Then, we’ll continue until we reach Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular buffet lunch in a nice restaurant.
This afternoon, we’ll make our way to Ollantaytambo. This is another fascinating Inca complex. From there, we’ll make our way to the train station, where you’ll board the Expedition train service to Aguas Calientes. Once there, you’ll check into the hotel and have some free time to wander around or visit the hot springs. After, we’ll enjoy dinner in a nice restaurant before heading to bed.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 am and go to Pisac in the Sacred Valley to visit the first archaeological site of the route. The architecture and engineering of the Incas here is truly astounding. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Písac complex that’ll last around 2 hours. Then, we’ll head down to visit one of the most colorful traditional markets in the entire region. Take advantage of the excellent prices and buy directly from the producers! You’re sure to find many souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home.
Our next stop is Urubamba, where we’ll arrive around midday. In this quiet place, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best Peruvian food in a buffet lunch in a nice restaurant. There’ll be plenty of dishes to choose from to give you a taste of the region with fresh ingredients.
The last archaeological destination of the tour is 30 minutes from Urubamba in Ollantaytambo. This site was built from pink granite rocks and is another impressive example of Inca engineering. Here you’ll be able to appreciate the second-largest Inca stone preserved to date (90 tons), which was used as part of the Temple of the Sun. You’ll discover all the secrets of Ollantaytambo on a guided tour of this fascinating place.
Later, we’ll go to the train station, where you’ll board the Expedition Train heading to Aguas Calientes. During the trip, you’ll see pretty glaciers and snowy peaks, as well as fertile green valleys and Inca agricultural platforms on both sides of the valley. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll head to your hotel to check-in.
You’ll have some free time to unwind this afternoon. An unbeatable way to relax is to visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. In the evening, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious dinner in the best restaurant before heading to bed for the night.
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Discovering the best-kept secrets of Machu Picchu.
Discover Machu Picchu’s Secrets on the Ultimate Guided Tour
You’ll wake up early to have a good breakfast before boarding the bus to Machu Picchu. We like to leave early to avoid the large crowds of tourists. Once inside, you’ll watch the sunrise over the incredible site and then have a guided tour of approximately two hours to the most important sites. Afterward, you’ll have the possibility to climb the additional mountains if you booked in advance. Then, you’ll descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes.
In the town, you’ll have some time to find a restaurant for lunch before making your way to the train station. You’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. It’ll now be time for some well-deserved rest.
We’ll wake you up very early to enjoy your breakfast without being rushed at 5:00 am. This way, we can board one of the first buses that leave for Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). This means you’ll beat the large crowds and get to enjoy the complex in peace as the sun comes up and casts a stunning orange glow over the huge stones.
At the entrance to the Inca city, you must show your entry ticket and your passport. If you’re a student, you must carry your student card with you. You won’t be allowed inside without these.
Feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. You’ll feel the happiness of observing how the golden light of the sun gradually covers all the corners of Machu Picchu. Learn all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour, where you’ll also learn a lot about its history and local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for approximately two hours through the most significant areas.
If you choose to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, additional entrance fees are required. Then, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
In Aguas Calientes, you’ll find a place to have lunch and board the Train heading to Ollantaytambo, where a colorful spectacle of dances and traditions will amaze you. From there, you’ll travel to Cusco on our transport. We’ll drop you off at the door of your accommodation. The time of your arrival will depend on the time of your train ticket.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing - The day before the trip, at 5:00 pm you will meet your trekking guide.
Experienced Tour Guide - All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Medical Kit or First AID Kit - Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
24/7 Customer Service - We have 24 hours a day telephone service.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your tour.
Accommodation
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
You will spend one night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. Accommodation is in double, twin, and triple rooms.
Meals
Day 1: Buffet Lunch in the Sacred Valley and Dinner in Aguas Calientes
Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel to explore the Sacred Valley. Then, you'll be transported to Ollantaytambo train station, where you'll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2: Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Tickets
- Day 1: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition Train).
- Day 2: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Train).
Round-Trip Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
What Is Not Included?
Cusco Tourist Ticket
This ticket is necessary and allows you admission to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including archaeological sites and museums.
- From PEN 70.00 (US$ 20.00) to PEN 150.00 (US$ 45.00) per person.
Huayna Picchu Mountain - If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain- If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Day 1: Breakfast
Day 2: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is usual on any excursion to Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our team, something extra is always welcome.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Pre-departure Briefing
The evening before your trip, our staff will contact you to provide full instructions on the tour (between 6 to 8 p.m., by phone call and Whatsapp).
Please make sure you are available at that time. If not, please contact us by email or phone to schedule a different time or visit the Salkantay Trekking Office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don't worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- From Machu Picchu, you'll board a bus for 25 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you'll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets with the boarding time. Make sure you're on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, we'll drop you off directly at your hotel and, depending on your hotel's location, as close as possible.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave a place or a transport. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
The "Sacred Valley And Machu Picchu Trip" can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
2024 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 450.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 250.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
- City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
- Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru
