For travelers who want to experience both the charm of the Sacred Valley and the wonder of Machu Picchu without rushing, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Package is the perfect choice. This itinerary combines Inca ruins, colorful markets, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a journey that blends history, culture, and natural beauty in just two unforgettable days.
Day 1: Exploring the Sacred Valley
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cusco. The drive takes you into the fertile Sacred Valley, once the agricultural heartland of the Incas. Along the way, you’ll stop at panoramic viewpoints where you can see the Urubamba River winding through fields and mountains.
Pisac Archaeological Site and Market
The first major stop is Pisac, home to impressive terraced ruins that overlook the valley. After exploring the site, travelers visit the Pisac market, famous for its vibrant stalls filled with textiles, ceramics, and handmade crafts. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for souvenirs and witness local traditions firsthand.
Lunch in Urubamba
In the heart of the valley lies Urubamba, where most tours include a buffet lunch. Surrounded by green hills and traditional villages, it’s an excellent place to recharge before continuing your journey.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
The afternoon takes you to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable Inca sites still standing. Its fortress, terraces, and ceremonial temples show the strategic and spiritual importance of this town. Ollantaytambo is also a living Inca city, with cobblestone streets and houses built on original foundations.
Train Journey to Aguas Calientes
In the evening, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The journey is spectacular, with the tracks running alongside rivers and through lush valleys. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll settle into your hotel and rest for the big day ahead.
Day 2: Discovering Machu Picchu
The second day begins early, with buses taking you from Aguas Calientes up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Guided Tour of the Citadel
A professional guide leads you through the ruins, explaining the significance of temples, terraces, and plazas. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the entire citadel.
Free Time to Explore
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Some travelers choose to hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or simply relax and take in the majestic scenery.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, you’ll return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
What’s Included in the 2 Day Package
Tourist transport from Cusco through the Sacred Valley
Visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and local markets
Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Train tickets to and from Aguas Calientes
Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Professional bilingual guide
Return transfer to Cusco
Who Is This Package For?
This tour is perfect for travelers who:
Want to experience both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without rushing.
Prefer a balanced mix of history, culture, and nature.
Enjoy scenic train journeys and overnight stays in charming towns.
Why Choose the 2 Day Package?
Unlike one-day Machu Picchu tours, this package allows you to enjoy the Sacred Valley’s highlights and then experience Machu Picchu at a slower pace. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes makes the visit more relaxed and less tiring, offering more time to soak in the beauty of each destination.
Book Your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Adventure
Experience the perfect combination of the Sacred Valley’s cultural treasures and the majesty of Machu Picchu in just two days. This package is one of the most complete and rewarding ways to explore Cusco.
Sacred Valley Peru – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Cusco region of Peru, about 15 km northeast of Cusco city, following the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu.
The valley was sacred to the Incas because of its fertile lands, mild climate, and strategic importance. It was used for agriculture and as a spiritual and political center.
The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, averaging 2,800 meters (9,180 ft) above sea level. This makes it an ideal place to acclimatize before visiting higher-altitude sites like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
Key sites include:
Pisac: Famous for its ruins and handicraft market.
Ollantaytambo: An Inca fortress and living Inca town.
Moray: Circular agricultural terraces.
Maras: Salt mines still in use today.
Chinchero: Known for textiles and colonial church.
The most common option is a full-day tour from Cusco (10–12 hours). Some travelers also choose a 2-day tour with an overnight stay in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.
Tourist transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Entrance tickets (with Boleto Turístico for archaeological sites)
Buffet lunch in Urubamba (depending on the package)
Yes. The Boleto Turístico del Cusco is required to enter most archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
The dry season (April to October) is the best time, with sunny days and clear skies. The rainy season (November to March) is greener and less crowded but has wetter conditions.
Yes. The Sacred Valley has a lower altitude than Cusco, making it easier for children and older travelers. Many tours are family-friendly.
It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Pisac from Cusco, and around 2 hours to reach Ollantaytambo by tourist transport.
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Camera for landscapes and ruins
Local currency for handicrafts and souvenirs
You must be interested
- Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Package
- Sacred Valley Archaeological Sites and Markets
- Sacred Valley Day Trip from Cusco: Highlights
- Sacred Valley Full Day Tour from Cusco
- Sacred Valley Guided Tours with Lunch Included
- Sacred Valley Peru Itinerary with Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Sacred Valley Private Tour from Cusco
- Sacred Valley Tour with Maras and Moray
