The Ultimate Inca Tour to Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable journey in the Peruvian highlands with our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days tour, discover stunning nature surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, learn the local culture by exploring some of the most fascinating archaeological sites, and be amazed by the beautiful landscapes during the train ride along the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This tour is suited for those who want to experience the incredible perspectives of Cusco without needing to hike. It is perfect for families with kids, couples, and solo travelers, where you will learn about the traditional lifestyle of the locals, farming techniques, religion, and their language.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
This exclusive Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, designed by Machu Picchu by Locals Company, begins in Cusco and takes you to explore some of the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Chinchero, a place where you can see an Inca palace and colonial church, which are well preserved; Moray, the most stunning farming terraces in the Sacred Valley; the salt mines of Moray, still used by the locals to extract salt; and Ollantaytambo, one of the most incredible Inca buildings.
On day two, explore the iconic Machu Picchu early in the morning before the crowds arrive, have incredible views of the sunrise, and visit the different temples that hide mysteries and surprise everyone with their architecture.
Highlights: Moray, Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu
Considerations: Permit required
Season: Whole year
Max. Altitude: 3603masl /11820ft
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco - Chinchero- Moray-Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes
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Day02
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Cusco- Chinchero - Moray- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Moray, Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo
We pick you up at your hotel at any location in Cusco city at 7 a.m. and drive for 40 minutes with your exclusive transportation and tour guide to Chinchero, where you’ll see llamas and alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos. Your guide will explain to you the main differences between these famous South American animals; you can visit the textile center to learn about the weaving process and how the locals get their natural colors; and you can shop as well.
Then you will visit the famous Chinchero Archaeological Site with a spectacular view of the Andes, the Urubamba River, and the Sacred Valley’s farming lands of the Incas. You’ll then visit the terraces with impressive stone walls, agricultural terraces, and an irrigation system. After exploring with amazing views, you’ll drive to visit the Moray circular terraces, an enigmatic place where your tour guide will show you how the Incas used this place as a farming laboratory. Continuing the tour, you will continue to the Salt Mines of Maras, the perfect place to discover how the natural Andean salt is processed, then go for 1 hour to Urubamba for lunch in a local restaurant with various local Peruvian dishes, using fresh products from the area.
The second part of the tour is driving to Ollantaytambo , “The Last Living Inca Citadel,” named this way because the current city is built above the ancient Inca buildings. The locals here used the same foundations and the same doorways as the Inca buildings. They just made the second floor; even the water channels have run with water since the Incas. Ollantaytambo also has an impressive archeological site with temples, terraces, and storehouses, and we can find the heaviest Inca monolith transported from another mountain located 5 km away. After exploring the city, you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and you’ll take the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you need to show an original passport at the checkpoint to enter the citadel.
Your tour guide will take you on a short hike first to the viewpoint, where you can capture the famous sunrise at Machu Picchu with incredible views. Then there will be a guided tour for about 3 hours, visiting the most remarkable terraces, storehouses, temples, and palaces, and some free time to explore on your own or take the extra hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (montaña). These additional hikes are optional and not included in the tour.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, then our bus back to Cusco. The arrival time is around 6.30 pm back at your hotel.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Machu Picchu day tour. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
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Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your cultural guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
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Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism careers from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure, and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Machu Picchu.
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Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for you to explore Machu Picchu; it will be for a specific date.
Hotel
During this Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour we will provide you a night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes town
Meals
Lunch on the first day is included at the restaurant in Urubamba, as is dinner on the first night. our representative will take to our restaurant, where you can enjoy the delicious dinner
Transportation
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Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the train station. The bus will return once you are done with Machu Picchu, and the bus will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Equipment
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every 6 months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon of oxygen in the case that someone requires it.
WE NOT INCLUDED
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Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour; we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
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Meals
You will be available to take some breakfast or snacks and lunch in Aguas Calientes town; your tour guide will recommend a good restaurant
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Travel Insurance
We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
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Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team’s hard work.
SACRED VALLEY AND MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS TOUR PACKING LIST
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details that you need to know before you leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
Important
- Passport
- Good day, backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: A water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged—but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Rain jacket and pants
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to bring it as light as possible.
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Personal medication or Own first aid kit
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
2 DAYS SACRED VALLEY AND MACHU PICCHU TOUR FAQs!
These questions address the specific logistics of combining a full day of touring with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
What do I do with my main luggage while on this tour?
You must leave your large suitcases at your hotel in Cusco. The trains to Machu Picchu have a strict luggage limit of 5kg (11 lbs) per person (backpack size only). Most hotels in Cusco provide free, secure storage for your main luggage while you are away. You should only pack a small overnight bag/backpack for the 2 days.
Are all entrance tickets included in the price?
Usually, the Machu Picchu entrance is included, and the Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) is NOT.
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Included: Machu Picchu ticket, round-trip train, and bus up/down to ruins.
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Not Included: You will need to pay approx. 70 Soles (approx. $20 USD) in cash on Day 1 to enter the Sacred Valley sites (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray), plus 20 Soles if visiting the Salt Mines.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this tour?
Yes, but it requires advance planning. These are extra hikes inside the ruins and require a specific, separate permit that sells out 3–4 months in advance. You must request this at the time of booking so we can secure the correct circuit and time slot for Day 2. There is usually an extra cost (approx. $70 USD).
Where do we spend the night?
You will spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Our standard package includes a private room in a comfortable 3-star hotel (with hot showers and Wi-Fi). If you prefer luxury (e.g., Inkaterra or Casa Andina Premium), we can upgrade your hotel for an additional fee.
How physically demanding is Day 1 in the Sacred Valley?
It is low to moderate intensity. Most of the day involves driving between sites. However, exploring the ruins of Pisac and especially the fortress of Ollantaytambo involves climbing steep stone stairs. You can choose to stay at the bottom of the ruins if you prefer not to climb.
What time do we return to Cusco on Day 2?
We typically aim to have you back in Cusco by 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This depends on the train availability. Usually, we book the 2:30 PM or 4:12 PM train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a 2-hour private van ride to your hotel in Cusco.
I am traveling alone. Do I have to share a room?
No. If you are a solo traveler, you will have a private room, but a Single Supplement fee will apply to cover the cost of the hotel room (since rooms are priced for two people). If you are traveling with a friend, the price is per person based on double occupancy.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
The good news is that this tour helps you acclimate! The Sacred Valley (2,800m) and Aguas Calientes (2,040m) are both lower than Cusco (3,400m). Most people feel better once they start this tour. However, our guides carry oxygen tanks and first aid kits just in case.
Can I upgrade my train service?
Yes. The standard package includes the Expedition (PeruRail) or Voyager (Inca Rail) train. For better panoramic views and comfort, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an extra cost (approx. $35–$50 USD per person, each way).
Is food included?
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Day 1: A buffet lunch in Urubamba is included. Dinner in Aguas Calientes is usually not included, giving you the freedom to choose a restaurant that fits your taste/budget.
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Day 2: Breakfast is included at your hotel. Lunch after the Machu Picchu tour is not included.
From: USD 360.00 per person
USD 350.00: from 4 people to more
* Options to upgrade your returning train to Vistadome service (with larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60 US per person
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. 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. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
2 Days / 1 Nights
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
What's it like!!
Map of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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