Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour

• Starting Point: The tour departs from Cusco with complimentary hotel pickup from your accommodation in the city center, typically between 6:20 AM - 7:30 AM.
• Ending Point: Our tour returns to Cusco on Day 2, with drop-off at your hotel door or as close as possible, typically arriving between 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM depending on train schedules.
• Chinchero Archaeological Site: Begin your Sacred Valley journey at Chinchero, an impressive Inca complex featuring agricultural terraces carved into steep mountainsides, ceremonial temples, residential quarters, and ancient burial sites showcasing sophisticated urban planning and engineering.
• Moray Agricultural Terraces: Explore the enigmatic circular amphitheater of Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory where different microclimates were created at varying depths to experiment with crop cultivation—a testament to advanced scientific knowledge.
• Maras Salt Mines (Salineras): Visit the stunning terraced salt pans of Maras, where over 3,000 pools have been harvested since pre-Inca times. Natural spring water flows into hand-carved pools, evaporating under the sun to create pink Andean salt using methods unchanged for centuries.
• Ollantaytambo Fortress: Discover the last living Inca town where descendants still inhabit original stone houses with water channels. The massive fortress above town features enormous carved stones transported from quarries miles away, defensive structures, and the Temple of the Sun with its mysterious unfinished monoliths.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes: Sleep at the foot of Machu Picchu in the charming mountain town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), nestled in a cloud forest valley with restaurants, artisan markets, and natural hot springs, perfectly positioned for early morning Machu Picchu entry.
• Early Machu Picchu Access: Experience the magic of arriving at Machu Picchu in the early morning hours before the majority of day-trippers, allowing you to witness sunrise illuminating the citadel, explore iconic viewpoints without crowds, and capture photos in peaceful solitude that day visitors rarely experience.

Choose the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour for the ultimate Peru experience that combines cultural depth with iconic wonder. This tour offers the best of both worlds—extensive Sacred Valley exploration with authentic cultural encounters, plus early morning Machu Picchu access before crowds arrive.

• Early Machu Picchu Entry (Before Crowds)
• Complete Sacred Valley Immersion
• Overnight at Machu Picchu's Doorstep
• Better Altitude Acclimatization
• Visit 5+ Major Inca Archaeological Sites
• Authentic Cultural Experiences
• All-Inclusive Logistics & Planning
• Professional Bilingual Guides
• Scenic Train Journey Both Ways

All information meetings are held at our office or in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., the evening before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate alternative arrangements in the days prior to the tour. These briefings last approximately 30-40 minutes and cover Day 1 and Day 2 itineraries, pickup times, train schedules, hotel information in Aguas Calientes, what to pack in your overnight bag, entrance circuit details for Machu Picchu, and answers to any questions.

Vidal Expeditions provides complimentary hotel pickup for all Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour participants staying within Cusco city center. Our team will collect you directly from your accommodation on Day 1, ensuring a stress-free start to your two-day adventure.

• Hotels: Direct pickup from your hotel lobby on Day 1 morning
• Airbnb/Private Rentals: Please provide your WhatsApp number and exact address during booking
• Day 1 Pickup Time: Between 6:20 AM - 7:30 AM (confirmed at booking)
• Pickup Area: Cusco city center and nearby districts (Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Wanchaq, Santiago)
• Day 2 Return: Expected return to Cusco between 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM with hotel drop-off

Important Note: You'll need to bring a small overnight bag for the night in Aguas Calientes. Your main luggage stays safely stored at your Cusco hotel or at our office, you'll retrieve it when you return on Day 2.

Our group tours bring together travelers from around the world—diverse ages, backgrounds, and nationalities all sharing the excitement of exploring Peru's most significant sites. Group sizes are kept manageable (typically 2-8 people) to ensure personalized attention and an intimate experience.

During the Sacred Valley portion, the group travels together in a comfortable private van, stopping at each archaeological site where your guide provides detailed explanations before allowing time to explore independently and take photos. At Machu Picchu, the guided tour keeps the group together for main explanations at key sites, but you'll have flexibility for photography and personal exploration. The shared two-day experience often creates lasting friendships as travelers witness Peru's ancient wonders together, share meals, and exchange stories in Aguas Calientes.

Your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu adventure unfolds over two carefully planned days, balancing cultural exploration with the wonder of Peru's most iconic site. Here's your complete day-by-day breakdown:

• Chinchero: Stunning Inca complex with a colonial church and picturesque houses
• Moray: The most impressive Inca agriculture laboratory
• Salt Mines: Natural Salt mines and process
• Ollantaytambo: The largest and enigmatic Inca complex along the Sacred Valley.

• Full Guided Tour Machu Picchu: Early exploration of Machu Picchu circuit 2
• Returning Train:Scenic Returning train
• Bus to Cusco: Drop off in Cusco

Planning your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour? Follow these expert recommendations to ensure you have the most enriching, comfortable, and memorable experience exploring Peru's greatest archaeological treasures.

• Book 2-4 Months in Advance: CRITICAL - This tour requires coordination of Machu Picchu entrance tickets (limited to 4,500 daily), train tickets (limited seats), and hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes. High season (May-September) sells out quickly. Early booking guarantees your preferred dates and best Machu Picchu circuit (Circuit 2 recommended for first-time visitors).
• How to Book: Pay $150 deposit to secure your spot and guarantee all reservations (Machu Picchu ticket, train, hotel). Balance due before tour departure. Book online here or WhatsApp us at +51 951 359 694.
• Best Season to Visit: Dry season (April-October) offers optimal weather with clear skies, vibrant landscapes, and best photography conditions. June-August is peak season with guaranteed sunshine but maximum crowds.
• Acclimatize in Cusco First: Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco before starting this tour. While the Sacred Valley (2,800m) and Machu Picchu (2,430m) are lower than Cusco (3,400m), you still need proper acclimatization for the activities, walking, and altitude changes. This prevents altitude sickness and ensures you enjoy both days fully.
• Bring Your Original Passport: MANDATORY - You must present the exact same passport you used when booking at multiple checkpoints: Machu Picchu entrance, train boarding, and hotel check-in. Guards verify identity strictly. Bring the original physical document, not a photocopy.
• Pack a Small Overnight Bag: CRITICAL - Trains have strict 5kg (11 lbs) baggage limits. Bring only a small backpack or duffel with essentials for one night: change of clothes, toiletries, phone charger, camera, rain jacket, and any medications. Leave your main luggage for FREE at your Cusco hotel or our office you'll retrieve it when you return on Day 2.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes: We book comfortable hotels in Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay. Standard options include private rooms with hot showers and WiFi. Upgrade options available for hotels closer to the bus station or with better amenities—inquire when booking. Check-in is typically around 8:00 PM on Day 1.
• Layer Your Clothing: Sacred Valley weather can change dramatically—cool mornings (10-15°C), hot midday sun (20-25°C), and cooler evenings. Machu Picchu mornings are chilly (5-10°C) but warm up quickly.
• Sun Protection is Critical: High-altitude UV radiation is intense even on cloudy days. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapply frequently. Pack UV-blocking sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat or cap, and lip balm with SPF.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle (1-1.5 liters minimum). High altitude, walking, and sun exposure lead to rapid dehydration which worsens altitude symptoms. Drink water consistently throughout both days.
• Understand Your Machu Picchu Circuit: Your entrance ticket is assigned to a specific circuit (route) which determines which areas you can visit.
• Contact Vidal Expeditions: Reach out a few days before your tour to confirm all details: Day 1 pickup time, train schedules, hotel name in Aguas Calientes, Day 2 Machu Picchu entry time, and any last-minute questions. We're here to ensure your once-in-a-lifetime experience is perfect.

Understanding luggage logistics is crucial for the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour. Train companies enforce strict baggage limits, and proper preparation ensures a smooth, stress-free journey.

• Maximum Weight: 5 kg (11 lbs) per person strictly enforced
• Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (157 cm) total dimensions (length + width + height)
• Recommended Bag: Small backpack (20-30L) or soft duffel bag that fits under your seat or overhead rack

• Your Cusco Hotel: Most hotels offer FREE luggage storage for guests, even if you're not staying the same night after returning. Store your main suitcase there before departure. Hotels are very reliable and accustomed to this arrangement.
• Vidal Expeditions Office: We provide FREE secure luggage storage at our office for all tour participants. Drop off your main luggage before the tour, and we'll keep it safe until you return on Day 2 evening.

Important Tips:

• Pack your overnight bag the night before to avoid rushed morning packing
• Keep valuables (passport, money, electronics) in your overnight bag with you at all times
• Label your stored luggage clearly with your name and contact information
• Take photos of your stored luggage contents for insurance purposes
• Don't pack irreplaceable items in stored luggage—keep them with you
• Wear your hiking boots on Day 1 to save space in your overnight bag

Aguas Calientes Hotel Storage: Your hotel in Aguas Calientes will store your overnight bag securely while you visit Machu Picchu on Day 2 morning. You'll retrieve it after returning from the citadel before your train departure.