Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour from Cusco
Chinchero | Moray | Maras Salt Mines | Sacred Valley Picnic Lunch | Ollantaytambo | Machu PicchuThis Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour is designed for travelers who want a smarter, more scenic, and more relaxed way to reach Machu Picchu.
Many traditional 2-day itineraries follow the classic route through Pisac Market, Pisac ruins, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes. That route is beautiful and can still be arranged on request.
Our recommended route is different. We take you through Chinchero, Moray, and the Salt Mines of Maras, then pause for a private picnic lunch with Sacred Valley views before continuing to Ollantaytambo and boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. The next day, you visit Machu Picchu with your private guide and enjoy lunch at Café Inkaterra before returning to Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
This is one of the best options for travelers who want to combine Sacred Valley culture, landscapes, train travel, and Machu Picchu in a well-paced 2-day experience.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour from Cusco
This Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour is designed for travelers who want a smarter, more scenic, and more relaxed way to reach Machu Picchu.
Many traditional 2-day itineraries follow the classic route through Pisac Market, Pisac ruins, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes. That route is beautiful and can still be arranged on request.
Our recommended route is different. We take you through Chinchero, Moray, and the Salt Mines of Maras, then pause for a private picnic lunch with Sacred Valley views before continuing to Ollantaytambo and boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. The next day, you visit Machu Picchu with your private guide and enjoy lunch at Café Inkaterra before returning to Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
This is one of the best options for travelers who want to combine Sacred Valley culture, landscapes, train travel, and Machu Picchu in a well-paced 2-day experience.
Luxury Train
Private Transfers
Machu Picchu ticket Guidance
Machu Picchu Access
Luxury Train
Private Transfers
Machu Picchu ticket Guidance
Machu Picchu Access
Trip Snapshot
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Style
Private Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour by train
Start / Finish
Cusco or Sacred Valley
Route 1
Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, picnic lunch, Ollantaytambo, train to Aguas Calientes
Route 2
Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Café Inkaterra lunch, return train
Train
Tourist-class train included, panoramic upgrade available
Machu Picchu entry
1 night in Aguas Calientes, based on selected hotel category
Recommended circuit
Timed entry, subject to official availability
Optional upgrades
Circuit 2A or 2B when available
Best for
First-time visitors, couples, families, private groups, and travelers who want a smoother Machu Picchu experience
Why Choose This Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour?
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to avoid a rushed one-day Machu Picchu trip and experience the Sacred Valley in a more meaningful way.
Instead of trying to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco in one long day, this 2-day journey places you closer to the citadel the night before your visit. That means better pacing, more time in the Sacred Valley, and a more comfortable Machu Picchu experience on Day 2.
What makes this itinerary different is the route. Rather than following the most common Pisac-focused itinerary, our recommended route highlights Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and a scenic picnic lunch before connecting to the train in Ollantaytambo.
Tour Highlights
Visit Chinchero, known for Andean textiles, Inca terraces, and colonial heritage
Explore Moray, one of the most fascinating agricultural sites of the Inca world
See the Salt Mines of Maras, a striking landscape of thousands of salt pools
Enjoy a private picnic lunch with views of the Sacred Valley
Visit Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes
Spend the night near Machu Picchu for a smoother second day
Visit Machu Picchu with your private guide
Enjoy lunch at Café Inkaterra before your return journey
Travel with private transfers, train coordination, and 24/7 local support
24/7 Local Support
24/7 local support from our Cusco-based team
Machu Picchu Tickets, Circuits & Routes
Machu Picchu entrances are limited and organized by official circuits and routes. Since June 1, 2024, the official system includes 3 main circuits grouping 10 routes.
Your ticket is personal, timed, and circuit-specific. Once inside Machu Picchu, visitors must follow the confirmed route and cannot freely switch circuits at the entrance.
What Your Ticket Confirms
Panoramic
Best For
Classic photos, upper terraces, Machu Picchu Mountain
Main Value
Best for views, but limited access to the inner archaeological sectors
Important Note
Less access to core archeological areas compared to Circuit 2
Classic
Best For
First-time visitors wanting the most complete experience
Main Value
Best balance of classic views and access to main archeological areas.
Important Note
Often the best option for families and first-time travelers, but sells out first
Royalty / Lower Sector
Best For
Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, lower temples
Main Value
Useful for specific add-ons, but less panoramic than Circuit 1 or 2
Important Note
More focused on specific sites and lower sector areas.
Recommended Circuit for This Tour
For this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour, our first recommendation is usually Circuit 2A or 2B, when available.
Circuit 2 is often the best option for first-time visitors because it offers a strong balance between classic viewpoints, terraces, temples, and the main archaeological areas.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will recommend the best available alternative based on your travel date, train schedule, walking comfort, and preferred experience.
FROM
$99
USD
PER PERSON
Intinerary
Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Picnic Lunch – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Your journey begins with private pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You travel first toward Chinchero, a highland town known for its Andean textile traditions, Inca terraces, colonial church, and views of the surrounding mountains.
From Chinchero, continue toward Moray, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Its circular terraces are often associated with agricultural experimentation, microclimates, and Inca knowledge of the land.
After Moray, visit the Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pools create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region. Your guide will explain how salt has been harvested here for generations and why this place remains important for local families today.
Instead of a standard restaurant stop, we include a private picnic lunch with Sacred Valley views. This gives the day a slower and more scenic rhythm, with time to enjoy the landscape before continuing toward Ollantaytambo.
In the afternoon, visit Ollantaytambo, one of the most important living Inca towns in Peru. Depending on timing, your guide will lead you through the archaeological site or historic town before your train.
Later, board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our team assists with hotel check-in. Your guide will review the plan for the next morning, including Machu Picchu entry time, circuit, bus logistics, and return schedule.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Guided Visit – Café Inkaterra Lunch – Return to Cusco or Sacred Valley
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu.
Your visit follows your confirmed timed entry and official circuit. Inside the citadel, your private guide will explain the history, architecture, temples, terraces, viewpoints, and cultural meaning of Machu Picchu. The pace is adapted to your group whenever circuit rules and timing allow.
After the guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will then enjoy lunch at Café Inkaterra, a refined way to close your Machu Picchu experience before boarding the return train.
Later, take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Inclusions
What Is Included
Private professional guide
A professional guide will accompany your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu experience, providing cultural interpretation, route guidance, and support throughout the journey.
Personalized pacing
Because this is a private tour, the pace can be adapted to your group whenever timing, route conditions, train schedules, and ticket regulations allow.
Local coordination
Our Cusco-based team coordinates transfers, trains, hotel logistics, Machu Picchu tickets, bus tickets, lunch arrangements, and daily timing.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are included.
Private transport through the Sacred Valley
Private transportation is included for Chinchero, Moray, Maras, the picnic lunch location, and Ollantaytambo.
Train to Aguas Calientes
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is included according to confirmed availability.
Return train after Machu Picchu
Your return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is included.
Private transfer after the train
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Sacred Valley entrance tickets
Entrance tickets for included Sacred Valley sites are included according to the confirmed itinerary.
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Your timed Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included, subject to official availability and assigned circuit regulations.
Machu Picchu bus tickets
Round-trip shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are included.
Picnic lunch on Day 1
A private picnic lunch with Sacred Valley views is included.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
One 3 stars hotel night in Aguas Calientes is included. Upgrades can be arranged upon request.
Breakfast on Day 2
Breakfast at your hotel is included.
Lunch at Café Inkaterra
Lunch at Café Inkaterra is included according to the confirmed schedule and availability.
Lunch at 24/7
Our operations team remains available for timing, coordination, and any necessary updates during your journey.
Not Included
Flights and hotels before or after the tour
International flights, domestic flights, and accommodation before or after the tour are not included unless added to a custom itinerary.
Optional hikes
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, or other optional routes are not included unless requested and confirmed.
Personal expenses
Souvenirs, extra drinks, personal purchases, and optional expenses are not included.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended.
Tips
Tips for guides, drivers, train staff, or local support staff are voluntary.
Note
Optional upgrade and add-ons are subject to schedule, ticket availability, and confirmed travel dates
Tickets & Availability
Machu Picchu tickets are limited and must be purchased with each traveler’s passport details. Your ticket is assigned to a specific date, entry time, name, passport number, and official circuit.
Availability changes quickly, especially from May to September. Circuit 2, often preferred by first-time visitors, can sell out early.
To organize your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour, we will need:
Information Required to Secure Your Permit
Early booking is strongly recommended, especially from May to September and around major travel periods.
Circuits & Routes
Circuit 1 : Panoramic
Best for classic views and wider panoramic
Circuit 2: Classic
Best for balance of iconic view points and key archaeological areas
Circuit 3: Royalty / Lower Sector
Useful for specific routes and lower-sector access
Machu Picchu entrance is subject to Ministry of Culture availability so we recommend checking availability for circuits 1, 2, or 3 around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM at the time of purchase.
Difficulty & Accessibility
This tour is considered easy to moderate. It is not a trek, but it does include walking through archaeological sites, uneven stone paths, steps, terraces, and some narrow sections.
Day 1 includes cultural visits in the Sacred Valley, with short walks at Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo. Day 2 includes walking inside Machu Picchu according to the confirmed circuit.
The experience is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable walking for a few hours with breaks. The exact walking level depends on the confirmed Machu Picchu circuit and the pace of your group.
Machu Picchu is located at approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft, which is lower than Cusco. Many travelers find it easier to breathe at Machu Picchu than in Cusco, but the day still includes stairs, sun, rain, and changing mountain weather.
Easy to Moderate
This is not a trek, but it involves walking inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Walking conditions
Expect stone paths, steps, uneven surfaces, and some narrow sections
Suitable for Most Travelers
Ideal for travelers comfortable walking a few hours with breaks along the way.
Circuit Dependent
The walking level varies depending on the Machu Picchu circuit confirmed
Altitude
Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, at approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft, but travelers should still be prepared for stairs, sun, rain, and changing mountain weather.
Stairs
Sun
Rain
Changing weather
Comfortable
Comfortable walking shoes. sun protection, and a ligth rain layer are recommend.
Pack ligth and dress in layers for you comfort.
Train Options
This tour normally includes Voyager, Expedition, or a similar tourist-class train, depending on availability. These trains are comfortable, practical, and well suited for travelers who want a complete Machu Picchu day trip with good value.
For a more scenic experience, panoramic train upgrades may be available upon request.
Voyager / Expedition
Practical / IncludedBest For : Comfortable and practical train service for families.
Vistadome / 360
Practical / IncludedBest For : Larger windows and a more scenic train experience
Vistadome
Practical / IncludedBest For : A more premium panoramic experience, subject to schedule
Hiram Bingham
Practical / IncludedBest For : Luxury train experience, better suited for a separate high-end Machu Picchu tour
Important Information
For this full-day Machu Picchu tour, a panoramic train upgrade can make the journey more memorable, especially if you want better views of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba River, and Machu Picchu canyon.
Train categories, schedules, departure stations, and upgrade options depend on availability at the time of booking.
Packing List
Packing well is important for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek because the route includes high-altitude hiking, a camping night, possible rain, strong sun, cold evenings, and a final visit to Machu Picchu.
Essential Documents
Sun, Rain & Personal Care
Personal Items
Important Packing Note
Pack light, but do not underprepare. Nights at Huchuy Qosqo can be cold year-round, so warm layers and rain protection are important.
FROM
$99
USD
PER PERSON
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu by Train
Machu Picchu can be visited year-round, but the experience changes by season.
The dry season, from April to October, usually offers better weather and clearer views. The busiest months are May to September, when Machu Picchu tickets and train seats should be booked early.
The rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes and fewer travelers, but rain is more likely. Travelers visiting during this period should bring good rain protection and flexible expectations.
Because this is a full-day tour, timing matters. Train schedules, entrance times, and circuit availability will shape the final flow of the day. Our team will recommend the best available combination based on your travel date
Dry Season (May–Oct)
Clearest conditions, highest demand.
Peak Months (Jun–Aug)
Busiest period—plan early for preferred trains, top stays, and the smoothest routing.
Rainy Season (Nov–Mar)
Greener landscapes and lighter crowds, with a higher chance of rain and mist.
Shoulder Months (Apr & Oct)
An excellent balance of weather and fewer crowds.
Why Book With Peru Private Tours?
Why Book With Peru PraAt Peru Private Tours, we design private experiences that feel personal, carefully paced, and deeply connected to Peru.
We are a Cusco-based local company with strong experience organizing Machu Picchu tours for families, couples, and private groups. Our team understands the complexity of Machu Picchu tickets, circuits, trains, buses, transfers, timing, and local logistics.ivate Tours?
The Hiram Bingham
experience
Private service from hotel to hotel
24/7 local assistance total
Responsible travel all communities
Smooth full-day logistics
Luxury train planning and timing support
Expert choosing the right circuit
More than 1,000 5-star reviews
Expert help with Machu Picchu circuits
“When you travel with us, you are not only visiting Machu Picchu. You are choosing a local team that cares about the details, the people, and the experience behind the journey.”
1000 + 5-star Reviwes
Cusco-based local team
responsible travel
Optional Add-Ons
Luxury hotel extension in Aguas Calientes
Convert your experience into a slower 2-day luxury itinerary with one night near Machu Picchu.
Sacred Valley luxury extension
Add a private Sacred Valley experience before or after your Hiram Bingham journey.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Add one of Machu Picchu’s iconic mountain hikes for a more active and panoramic experience.
Private photography support
Add a photography-focused guide or assistant for special occasions, proposals, or anniversary trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stille have quetions
Our local travel experts are happy to help
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