In short: in 2 days you can see the best of the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo) and visit Machu Picchu with a guide, spending one night in Aguas Calientes. It is the ideal plan if you are short on time or do not want to do a trek. Plus, the Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, so it helps you acclimatize. With Condor Trek it costs from USD 478 per person.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Taray viewpoint: the first panoramic view of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba river.
- Pisac: farming terraces, temples and Inca buildings, plus its colorful craft market.
- Moray: the circular terraces the Incas used to take advantage of different microclimates.
- Maras Salt Mines: salt pools worked since pre-Inca times.
- Ollantaytambo: the fortress, its monumental terraces and the Temple of the Sun.
- Train to Aguas Calientes through Andean scenery, dinner and night in a hotel.
Day 2: Machu Picchu (2,430 m) – Cusco
You take the bus up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, for a guided tour of its temples and terraces. Then you return to Aguas Calientes, take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
What is included
- Small groups of 2 to 8 people and pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) and private tourist transport.
- Entrance to all the archaeological sites on the itinerary and Machu Picchu ticket.
- Expedition train round trip Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
- Lunch in the Sacred Valley, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast.
- One hotel night in Aguas Calientes with private room, bathroom and wifi (depending on the option chosen).
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu, transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco and taxes.
Not included
- Personal water and snacks, and lunch on day 2.
- Huayna Picchu (USD 75; done without a guide unless you request one in advance at extra cost).
- Vistadome return train (USD 67) and tips.
2026 prices
| Option | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Without hotel | USD 478 |
| With 3-star hotel included | USD 498 |
| Other 3-star hotel options | On request |
| With 4-star hotel | USD 628 |
Departures any day of the year with a minimum of 2 participants.
Tips to make the most of the 2 days
- Do it at the start of your trip: the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are lower than Cusco and help you acclimatize before high-altitude trips such as Humantay or Rainbow Mountain.
- Bring your original passport: it is checked on the train and at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Travel with a small backpack: the train has a luggage limit; leave your suitcase at your hotel in Cusco.
- Dress in layers: the valley is mild during the day and Aguas Calientes is humid.
- If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, ask when you book: spaces are few.
What if I have more days?
With 3 to 5 days you can add a city day and a mountain trip. See the itineraries in how many days you need in Cusco. If you only want the valley in one day, there is the Sacred Valley VIP. To book dates, visit the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour or send your inquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in 2 days?
Yes. On the first day you visit Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes; on the second day you tour Machu Picchu with a guide and return to Cusco.
How much does the 2-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour cost?
With Condor Trek, USD 478 per person without hotel, USD 498 with a 3-star hotel included and USD 628 with a 4-star hotel. Other 3-star hotel options on request.
Which train is used?
The Expedition train, round trip between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. You can upgrade the return to the Vistadome train for USD 67 per person.
Are there departures every day?
Yes, any day of the year, with a minimum of 2 participants and in small groups of 2 to 8 people.