Start an exciting two-day trip from Cusco to the amazing Machu Picchu. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu excursion spans two days. This itinerary helps you maximize your experience and time. The well-planned program ensures you enjoy your trip thoroughly.
As a top-tier travel agency, we ensure a smooth journey from beginning to end. We handle all essential bookings, such as train tickets, bus transfers, and entrance fees. Rest assured, you can unwind and savor your tour, confident that we have meticulously managed every detail.
If you visit Peru, you can explore ancient Inca history and beautiful landscapes. The 2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is a great option.
Happy Gringo expert tour operator plans this adventure. The package is perfect for travelers from the United States and other countries. You can enjoy your time in the City of Cusco.
This tour has a great mix of guided exploration and free time. It offers memorable experiences from the Plaza de Armas to the view of Machu Picchu.
Your journey starts in the City of Cusco. It is at a high altitude of over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level. After pick-up, you'll travel through the Sacred Valley, a fertile region vital to the Inca Empire.
On your journey, you will stop to see amazing agricultural terraces. The Incas used these terraces to grow crops at different heights.
These terraces are not just beautiful; they are amazing pieces of engineering. They help control water flow and temperature for better farming.
You'll also visit famous archaeological sites like Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. Both towns boast Inca ruins and stunning views that glimpse the empire's architectural mastery and spiritual beliefs.
After visiting Ollantaytambo ruins, your adventure continues. You will board a comfortable train to Aguas Calientes, the base for visiting Machu Picchu.
This beautiful train ride is a highlight of the tour. It follows the Urubamba River through green cloud forests and tall mountains. You'll be traveling in a type of train, which offers. It's a perfect opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in Peru's natural beauty.
The train journey is a true highlight of the tour. Panoramic windows offer spectacular views as you descend in altitude and approach the iconic Lost City of the Incas.
Spending the night in Aguas Calientes offers two significant benefits. First, it gives your body more time to adjust to high altitude changes. This is important if you have just arrived from lower areas in the United States or other lowland regions. Rest assured, our tour includes specific safety measures for high altitude.
Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes helps your body adjust to the high altitude. It also gives you the chance to visit Machu Picchu before the crowds come the next morning.
Most tour operators schedule the visit for the morning of Day 2, allowing you to catch the sunrise if conditions are right.
The experience of seeing the view of Machu Picchu as the morning mist clears is memorable.
On Day 2, you'll enter the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. A professional guide will take you to the most important sites. These include the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Intihuatana Stone or Sundial, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
With their expert commentary, you will understand how the Incas built this marvel. They did this without modern tools, using precise stonework and sacred geometry.
The guided portion typically lasts about two hours; afterward, you'll have free time to take photos or explore independently. Some tours also offer optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for an extra cost. These hikes provide more great views and adventure.
After you leave Machu Picchu, you will go back to Aguas Calientes. There, you can have lunch or shop before getting on the train back.
The journey ends when you reach the City of Cusco at 7:30 PM. You will have time to walk through the beautifully lit Plaza de Armas.
By the end of this two-day tour, you will enjoy a great mix of culture, nature, and history. The well-organized itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Peru.
Tour Type: Nighttime train trip to Aguas Calientes village.
Ideal For: Suitable for EVERYONE
Difficulty Level: No hiking involved, but includes walking around the Inca sites.
We conduct all our tours exclusively in English. For a Spanish-language tour, you must arrange a private booking at the time of your initial reservation.
Group Size: There must be at least 2 participants and no more than 12. This can be in small groups or private tours.
In summary, the Sacred Valley plus Machu Picchu Tour offers early entry and breathtaking views. It provides a serene environment and a comprehensive guided experience, enhancing your visit to Machu Picchu.
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is a must-see. It doesn't matter if you are traveling alone, with family, or on a short trip from the United States.
Every moment has something special. The Sacred Valley has a rich Inca history. Machu Picchu offers breathtaking views. Book in advance, prepare for high altitude, and prepare for two days you'll never forget.
This trip takes you through the amazing archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It ends with a visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
This journey takes you to the amazing archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will also visit the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is ideal for those with limited time who wish to delve deeper into the Incan civilization.
We dedicate the first day to discovering the Sacred Valley. The adventure begins with a drive from Cusco to Pisac. Here, you will explore the Inca ruins and the famous market. To enrich your experience, we will pause for a buffet lunch at a local eatery in Urubamba.
The journey proceeds with a drive to Ollantaytambo, showcasing the Inca’s sophisticated town planning.
After visiting the Sacred Valley, you will take a train. The train will take you to Aguas Calientes. People also know Aguas Calientes as Machu Picchu town. The next day, we will guide you through a tour of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca City.
Our tours are available both in small groups and as private experiences.
Please take a moment to read our reviews on TripAdvisor.
Our two-day, one-night excursion through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable experience. Happy Gringo Tours invites you to witness this iconic wonder of the world in Peru.
Join us for a serene adventure in Peru. Delve into the Sacred Valley and uncover the rich history and culture of Machu Picchu!
Tour Location: Sacred Valley of the Incas, the historic ruins of Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.
Note: You can see our full-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
We will collect you from your Cusco hotel at 7:45 in the morning. Next, we will delve into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our journey begins at the Chinchero site, renowned for its vibrant handicraft market. Here, local artisans display and sell their creations, including clothing and decorative pieces.
We continue our exploration at the Moray Inca site. It is well-known as “the laboratory of the Incas from the 15th century.” We will also visit the significant Salt Mines of Maras.
Following a guided exploration of Moray and Maras, we will proceed to the town of Urubamba.
This charming town lies surrounded by towering Andean peaks, and we will pause here for lunch.
After enjoying a local buffet lunch with vegan and vegetarian options, we will head to Ollantaytambo. This site was once an important center for the Incas.
Following a guided exploration of the complex, you will embark on a train journey to Aguas Calientes.
Our agent will meet you at the railway station and accompany you to your accommodation. The evening will be yours to enjoy at leisure.
¡Day 2 is the most magical!
After breakfast, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu. The ride will last 30 minutes. Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu entrance, our tour guide will guide you and help you navigate through the checkpoint.
You must show your entry ticket, and staff will check it against your passport.
Upon entry, you'll experience a two-hour guided tour. On this trip, we will visit important places like the central plaza, the holy sundial, and the round tower. Our journey will also include the Temple of the Three Windows, the Royal Quarters, and the burial sites.
Following the tour, you'll have some leisure time to explore the area on your own. Should you have reserved your trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will lead you to the trail's starting point.
You can also visit the Sun Gate. It does not need reservations and is free for visitors. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the citadel from this vantage point.
This is the entryway for those trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (currently, this route is unavailable). Other options at Machu Picchu include Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain hike.
Following the tour, you will board the bus returning to Aguas Calientes. You can enjoy lunch there, and afterward, you'll catch the train returning to Ollantaytambo.
Upon your arrival, our representative will greet you and transport you to your hotel in Cusco. Please arrive by 07:00 PM.
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The primary way to reach Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley is by taking a train to Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu sits in the Sacred Valley, which people also refer to as the Urubamba Valley. The Sacred Valley begins at the town of Pisac and concludes at the Machu Picchu citadel.
The trip from Pisac in the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is 100 kilometers (62 miles) long.
To book your tour from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, please follow these steps. First, make your reservation.
Then, send us a scanned copy or photo of your passport. This is necessary for purchasing your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. Ensure that the passport you provide is the same one you will use for entry into Machu Picchu. This requirement applies to all Machu Picchu tours offered by any operator.
For those visiting only the Machu Picchu ruins, the walking tour lasts approximately two hours. Travelers who hike Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain will spend over five hours in total.
Visitors will receive a one-hour briefing at Machu Picchu, according to the ticket schedule.
The tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 07:45 AM.
The journey concludes between 6:30 and 8:00 PM in the heart of Cusco. Be sure to verify your train schedule from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
There are two ways to reach Machu Picchu:
▬ The first option is on foot, following the iconic Inca trail for a total of 5 kilometers. This trek involves a 1 hour and thirty-minute ascent to the Machu Picchu ruins.
The second option is to take a tourist bus. This brief journey lasts 25 minutes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, with buses departing every five minutes.
Travelers utilize the Cusco Tourist Ticket to visit the Inca sites within the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There are two variations: General and Partial.
The general ticket costs 130.00 soles. It gives access to 14 places in Cusco city, the Sacred Valley, and the Southern Valley.
The Partial ticket costs 70.00 soles. It allows entry to only four sites in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Please note: these prices might vary if you opt to participate in additional activities once the tour has commenced.
You can acquire either partial or general tourist tickets at the initial Inca site. This location provides access to the Inca ruins and the sacred valley of Peru. We recommend booking your tour ahead of time to avoid incurring higher costs for these activities.
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Machu Picchu, often hailed as the “Lost City of the Incas,” is an awe-inspiring historical sanctuary located high in the rugged Andes Mountains of Peru. This ancient city is not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of the Inca civilization. As one of the most iconic and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu captures the imagination of travelers, historians, and adventurers from all corners of the globe. In this expanded article, we delve into the rich history, profound significance, and unforgettable visitor experience of Machu Picchu, offering you a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary destination. Machu Picchu Unveiled: Secrets of a Lost Inca Citadel The story of Machu Picchu begins in the 15th century during the reign of the illustrious Inca emperor Pachacuti. This period marked a time of great expansion and prosperity for the Inca Empire, and the construction of Machu Picchu was a monumental project that reflected their architectural prowess. Machu Picchu’s construction is a prime example of classical Inca architectural styles, which are renowned for their precision and durability. The city was built using a technique known as ashlar, where stones are cut to fit together without the use of mortar. This method not only ensured stability but also allowed the structures to withstand the region’s frequent earthquakes. The site’s design incorporates terraces and water channels, showcasing the Incas’ advanced understanding of engineering and agriculture. The exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. While it is widely believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site, some theories suggest it may have served multiple functions, including as a ceremonial center and a hub for astronomical observations. The strategic location of Machu Picchu, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon Basin, further underscores its significance as a place of spiritual and cultural convergence. Despite its grandeur, Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 16th century during the Spanish Conquest and remained hidden from the outside world for centuries. It was not until 1911 that American historian Hiram Bingham brought international attention to the site. Since its rediscovery, Machu Picchu has become a symbol of the Incan civilization’s ingenuity and resilience. In 1983, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Where Mountains Meet Genius: The Sustainable Marvel of Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is more than just an archaeological site; it is a cultural and historical treasure that offers a profound insight into the Inca Empire’s sophisticated understanding of various disciplines. The engineering marvels of Machu Picchu are evident in its intricate network of terraces, stairways, and aqueducts. These structures demonstrate the Incas’ mastery of land management and their ability to adapt to the challenging mountainous terrain. The precision with which the stones were cut and assembled has left modern architects and engineers in awe, as these structures have withstood the test of time. The location of Machu Picchu provided the Incas with access to diverse ecological zones, enabling them to cultivate a variety of crops. The terraces were ingeniously designed to optimize water distribution and prevent soil erosion, showcasing the Incas’ advanced agricultural techniques. This sustainable approach to farming ensured the city’s self-sufficiency and contributed to the prosperity of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu’s alignment with celestial events highlights the Incas’ deep understanding of astronomy. Structures such as the Intihuatana Stone served as ancient astronomical clocks, allowing the Incas to track solstices and equinoxes. This connection to the cosmos was integral to their spiritual beliefs, as they revered celestial bodies as deities and used astronomical observations to guide agricultural practices and religious ceremonies. From Valley to Citadel: The Sacred Bond Between Machu Picchu and the Andes The Sacred Valley, or “Valle Sagrado” in Spanish, is a critical component in understanding Machu Picchu’s significance. This fertile region was the heart of the Incan Empire, serving as an agricultural powerhouse and spiritual center. The interconnectedness of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu underscores the Incas’ reverence for nature and their ability to harmonize with their environment. The proximity of the two sites highlights the seamless integration of the Inca society’s agricultural, spiritual, and cultural aspects. Machu Picchu’s breathtaking location is one of its defining characteristics, offering visitors an unparalleled view of the majestic Andes Mountains and the lush Urubamba River Valley below. Perched at an elevation of approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, Machu Picchu’s location presents both challenges and rewards for visitors. The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, which is why acclimatization is essential. Spending a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, which are at slightly lower altitudes, can help travelers adjust to the thinner air and enhance their overall experience. The site is situated on a mountain ridge, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and the verdant valley. The dramatic landscape is not only visually stunning but also served a strategic purpose for the Incas, offering natural protection and a vantage point for observing the surrounding environment. The diverse flora and fauna of the region add to its ecological richness, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Machu Picchu Unshaken: Earthquakes, Architecture, and Andean Adventure…
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