2-Day Tour from Cusco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train

Day 1: Sacred Valley: Llamas & Alpacas, Andean Weavers, Moray, Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo Inca Sites + Train to Aguas Calientes

1. Cusco
   2h
   07:45 AM. After breakfast, your guide and transportation will pick you up directly from your hotel or a previously coordinated meeting point to begin your Sacred Valley journey. Enjoy scenic Andean views, traditional villages, and the rich culture that makes this region so magical
2. Chinchero
   1h
   08:30 AM. After a 45-minute drive, we arrive at the traditional village of Chinchero. Visit an authentic textile center for a live demonstration of ancient weaving and natural dyeing techniques passed down through generations. Plus, enjoy a delightful encounter with local llamas and alpacas in a truly magical setting.
3. Maras Moray Tours
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   10:00 AM. Admire the impressive circular terraces of Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory, surrounded by the majestic Andes. Your guide will explain how the Incas experimented with different microclimates to cultivate their crops. It’s a fascinating site that perfectly combines ingenious engineering, history, and natural beauty.
4. Salt Maras Peru
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   11:00 AM. Explore the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, featuring thousands of ancient salt pools still harvested by local families since Inca times. This breathtaking landscape offers one of the most iconic photo opportunities in the Sacred Valley. Your guide will help you capture unforgettable moments here before heading to a traditional lunch.
5. Urubamba
   1h
   12:30 PM. Indulge in a premium buffet lunch at the prestigious Tunupa Restaurant (or similar colonial estate) in the Sacred Valley. Savor a feast of over 50 authentic Peruvian dishes, including gourmet salads, traditional soups, hot main courses, and local desserts, with delicious vegetarian options fully available.
6. Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   02:40 PM. Discover the magnificent archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, an essential military, religious, and agricultural center. After uncovering its fascinating history, head to the train station for your scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. Whether you booked a standard, panoramic, or observatory service, this 1 hour and 45-minute journey offers spectacular views of the Andes and the rushing Urubamba River.
7. Aguas Calientes
   1h
   06:10 PM. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), our representative will be waiting for you right at the train station exit to escort you to your hotel. After a smooth check-in, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure—explore the charming town, try a local restaurant, and rest up for your big day at Machu Picchu tomorrow

Day 2: Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Guided Tour & Return to Cusco

1. Machu Picchu
   3h
   07:00 AM. After breakfast at the hotel, we will head with our guide to the bus station to ride up to the main entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Together, we’ll step into an ancient wonder filled with an indescribable magical energy. We’ll begin a smooth, unhurried guided tour through the main areas of the Inca citadel, exploring its majestic agricultural terraces, sacred plazas, temples, and finely carved stone stairways. Your guide will ensure you have plenty of time to absorb the sacred atmosphere and capture those iconic panoramic photos. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) and explore the charming town. At the scheduled time, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying once again the spectacular landscapes of the valley.
2. Ollantaytambo
   Pass by
   Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, our private transportation will be waiting to pick you up and take you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.
   
   Estimated arrival time in Cusco: 06:30 PM.

Pickup details

We offer free pickup from hotels, hostels, houses, and apartments located within Cusco’s Historic Center. If your accommodation is not listed when booking, don’t worry: our travel advisor will contact you after your reservation to coordinate your pickup location.

Airport pickup is available only for flights arriving by 7:00 a.m. If your flight arrives within this timeframe, please provide your flight information after completing your reservation so we can arrange your transfer.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• BOOK IN ADVANCE: Due to extremely high demand and strict government regulations, we highly recommend booking 4 months or more in advance to guarantee your preferred entrance times and premium train tickets.
• PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED: The Machu Picchu government authority strictly requires the following details to issue your official entrance tickets: Full Name, Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Nationality. Please provide this data exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu entry is limited and scheduled in hourly shifts. Machupicchu CN Expeditions prioritizes the highly sought-after morning windows (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM). If these specific slots are sold out, our team will immediately secure the next closest available time, 100% ensuring your visit to the Inca citadel.
• Tickets are assigned according to real-time availability. Our first choice is always Circuit 2 (The Classic View). If Circuit 2 is fully booked by the government, an alternative route (Circuit 1 or Circuit 3) will be assigned seamlessly so you can still experience the magic of the sanctuary.
• THE BRIEFING: A Machupicchu CN Expeditions representative will contact you one day prior to your tour to coordinate a briefing at your hotel lobby or via an agreed method. We will hand over your original physical/digital tickets, maps, and a step-by-step itinerary review.
• LUGGAGE POLICY FOR THE TRAIN: The train companies only allow a small backpack or carry-on bag per person (approx. 5kg/11lbs) for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. You can leave your large luggage at your Cusco hotel storage for free, or safely leave it at our main offices in Cusco during your trip.
• Please pack: Passport (mandatory for entry), sunglasses, comfortable walking clothes, hiking shoes/sneakers, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a warm jacket, and waterproof gear if traveling during the rainy season (December to March).
• WHEELCHAIRS: Standard group tours are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible options are only available under a Private Tour format at an additional cost due to specialized logistics.
• GROUP SIZE: This tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers. During the low season, groups are often smaller (around 4 travelers), offering an incredibly personalized and intimate experience.