The perfect combination tour to see the attractions of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Start the tour traveling through the Sacred Valley, which played an important part in Inca culture and history. The valley is full of interesting and picturesque towns, Inca terracing and some of the most important Inca archeological sites. In the valley visit the fascinating Salt mines of Maras, the Moray terraces and the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo. Travel by train through the valley to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, witness the engineering and brilliance of the Incas.

Highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

• Explore the Pisac Market and Archeological Site
• See the Maras Salt Mines, Moray Terraces
• Ollantaytambo Town and Inca Site
• Enjoy the Train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
• Visit Machu Picchu Inca city in a small group

Itinerary Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

Day 1. Sacred Valley Tour

This morning start your adventure with a morning pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 7.30am. Your guide will be at your reception and take you in our private van. Start by traveling through the Sacred Valley past beautiful Andean countryside, with a stop at the Mirador of Taray, to the town of Pisac. Further up the hill we will visit the ruins of Pisac, perched on the top of the mountain with the most amazing views you guide will give you an informative tour where you will learn the history of the site. After you have finished the tour explore the colorful market at Pisac town.

After lunch (not included), travel further into the valley to the interesting site of Moray, known as the Greenhouse of the Inca. See the terraces that are carved into huge bowls in the ground, archeologists believe that the Inca used the site to experiment in growing different crops at different temperatures. Each level is believed to have had different soil from different parts of Peru.

Next stop will be at the pre-Inca salt mines of Maras. See thousands of salt pans that have been passed down through the generations of families, which have been used for salt extraction since before the Inca civilization. How it works is that from above the pans there is a hot spring that discharges a small stream of heavily laden salt water, the water is diverted into the pans, when this evaporates the salt is left. The Maras Salt mines are one of the only places left in the world to produce pink salt.

After a fascinating trip to Maras, we travel through the wonderful valley to Ollantaytambo. Explore the Inca village and its wonderful stone streets and impressive little plaza. Next visit the rather large fortress, said to have been the last strong hold of the Inca, when you see it, you will see why. See the Sun Temple and the terraces and hear from your guide the history of this spectacular town.

After time for dinner, take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 7:04 and arrives in Aguas Calientes at 8:45.

• 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
• 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
• Dinner: Included

Day 2. Visit Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the day, Machu Picchu. This morning have an early breakfast and take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. If you arrive early enough see the sunrise that creates melting gold that covers Machu Picchu, if you are lucky enough to see this it will stay with you for always. Your expert guide will give you a tour of the site, this will take around 2 hours. From the guide learn about the site and the important parts of the citadel. See how Machu Picchu is divided into three different sectors, agricultural, residential and religious.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

Take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Look back up to Wiñay Wayna from the train. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back through the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:30pm.

• Meal included: Breakfast

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up to Huayna Picchu Mountain, this tour is without a guide.

Important Information

• Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is available from JUNE 1st, 2024 and it costs US$75 per person.
• Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.
• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the following times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
• Our package includes the circuit 2A or Circuit 2B, depending on availability.

What is included for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour?

• Small group of 2 to 8 people.
• Pick up at your hotel
• Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish
• Private comfortable transportation
• All entrance tickets for the different archeological sites
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Round trip Expedition train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Hotel at Aguas Calientes with private room, bathroom, and Wi-Fi
• Round trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco via private van

Not Included

• Water and snacks
• Meals
• Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Sun Gate -$75 USD
• Upgrade to Vistadome Train – $67 USD (for the return train only)
• Other meals as indicated on the itinerary
• Tips for your guide

Note. Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.