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Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu – 2 Days tour combines the best of history and landscapes of the Sacred Valley with the unforgettable experience of visiting Machu Picchu. On the first day, you will depart from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, visiting the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and enjoying a traditional lunch in Urubamba. In the afternoon, you will board a panoramic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. On the second day, you will explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide, discovering the history and mystique of this world wonder. Finally, you will return to Cusco by train and land transportation. This tour is perfect for those seeking a short yet enriching experience full of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
This Sacred Valley tour begins between 8:00 am and 9:00 am with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel through the highlands surrounding Cusco as we head towards the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will stop at the Sacred Valley viewpoint, an ideal spot to capture stunning photos of the majestic Andes mountains and the vast Sacred Valley.
Next, we’ll arrive in Pisac, where we’ll explore the local market and archaeological complex. This site is renowned for its agricultural terraces that stretch harmoniously from the mountain's base to its summit. We will also visit the largest Inca cemetery and the Intihuatana of Pisac, known for its ability to predict solstices and equinoxes, essential to the ancient Inca agricultural calendar.
After this visit, we will continue to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes. This is a perfect opportunity to savor the unique flavors of the region.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the town of Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive archaeological site, which features fountains, expansive terraces, temples, and more. Surrounded by towering mountains and colorful valleys, this site also offers incredible views of a distant glacier. Ollantaytambo is one of the best-preserved towns from the Inca era, with its narrow cobblestone streets and ancient stone walls. It is the only original Inca town still inhabited today, providing a unique connection to this ancient culture.
After the visit, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately one and a half hours. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you can explore Aguas Calientes at your own pace. This charming town, nestled in a beautiful valley, offers hot springs that might be ideal for relaxing.
Later in the day, your guide will contact you to coordinate the next day’s tour.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for. Depending on your entrance time to Machu Picchu, you will take a bus for about 30 minutes to the Historic Sanctuary. Upon arrival, your guided tour will begin, covering the main sectors of the citadel according to the chosen circuit. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, during which you will learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
If you have purchased tickets in advance, you may also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both offering incredible views of the entire citadel.
After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch.
Later, head to the train station for your return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (remember to arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure). Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will board a bus to San Pedro or Wanchaq Station in Cusco. A driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
During the 2-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, you will travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley by bus and then by train to Aguas Calientes. It's important to note that you can only bring a small carry-on bag with you on the train. Large luggage is not permitted.
You will also participate in short hikes during the day when visiting Inca sites and local markets. You'll need a small backpack to carry daily essentials such as rain gear, money, documents, water, and warm clothing. This backpack should be lightweight and comfortable.
Required Items:
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended in Soles)
Personal medications
Water bottle or camelback (optional water purification tablets)
SPF 70+ sunscreen or higher
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries
Mountain boots/shoes (preferably waterproof)
Lightweight shoes or sandals
Hiking pants (*)
Hiking socks
Shorts
Waterproof socks
Long-sleeve shirts
Thermal jacket
Waterproof jacket
Poncho
Hat that protects face and neck
Neck scarf or buff
UV protection sunglasses
Hiking poles
Medium-sized hiking backpack (15 to 25 liters)
Camera with charger
External battery pack
Snacks: energy bars, electrolytes, nuts, energy gels, etc.
Swimwear
Towel
During the Sacred Valley excursion, your carry-on luggage will remain in the van while you visit the Inca sites with your backpack.
During the Machu Picchu tour, you'll need to leave your carry-on luggage at the hotel after check-out and explore Machu Picchu only with a daypack.
Cusco Airport currently only operates domestic flights. All international passengers arriving by plane must disembark in Lima and go through customs. It's important to note that due to Cusco's high altitude, flights may experience delays or cancellations. Additionally, any weather changes can halt air traffic. If you prefer an overland alternative, buses are a viable option. Although the journey can be lengthy, especially from Lima. Buses from Lima can take approximately 20 hours to arrive.
Ausangate Adventure can pick you up from your hotel, provided it is located in Cusco's Historic Center. Pickup times are between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, but please note that waiting times may vary. Cusco's narrow and cobblestone streets can make hotel access challenging; in such cases, your guide will inform you of the designated meeting point.
If you have large suitcases, you can safely store them at your hotel, as most hotels offer luggage lockers. Large suitcases are not allowed on trains unless an additional fee is paid. For the tour, it is recommended to bring a small backpack to carry daily essentials, such as waterproof clothing, money, documents, water, and warm clothing. The backpack should be lightweight and comfortable.
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, especially to Cusco, they start to worry about altitude sickness. At high altitudes, the air contains less oxygen than at sea level, forcing your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. After several days at altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
Altitude sickness can make you feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may experience headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and problems breathing during exertion. If these symptoms worsen, contact our office and we will help you contact a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend that you acclimate to physical activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Coca leaves contain alkaloids that help transport oxygen in the blood, helping your body mitigate the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol and coffee, as they increase urinary frequency and can dehydrate you. Avoid smoking, as it hinders oxygen absorption, and avoid sleeping pills because they can cause shallow breathing overnight, making it difficult for oxygen to be absorbed while you sleep.
Your doctor may prescribe medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone to help prevent altitude sickness. Start taking the medication two days before arriving at high altitudes and continue taking it while you are at altitude.
The weather can be very unpredictable. Generally, the dry season in Cusco runs from April to October, but that doesn't mean it can't rain in June or be sunny in December. Just be prepared. No matter what month you do the hike, make sure to bring rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves.
Also, prepare for all four seasons. Many hikes through the Andes traverse various microclimates, so you need to be ready for any type of weather. Layering is essential as it allows you to easily adapt to different temperatures. Nights will always be cold, so make sure to bring a warm winter jacket.
The Taray Viewpoint, located on the route between Pisac and Cusco, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean mountains and the lush Urubamba Valley, making it a favorite spot for tourists and photographers alike. Visitors can marvel at the agricultural terraces along the valley slopes, showcasing the advanced engineering and agriculture skills of the Inca civilization.
Located about 33 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Cusco, Pisac sits at approximately 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) above sea level. Recognized for its agricultural terraces carved into the mountain slopes, Pisac exemplifies the Inca's sophisticated methods of agriculture and irrigation, as well as their engineering prowess in preventing erosion and landslides in the mountainous terrain.
In addition to its terraces, Pisac features a variety of religious and ceremonial sites, including temples, baths, and altars. Among its most significant features is the Intihuatana, a carved stone believed to have served as both an astronomical observatory and calendar, similar to the famous one at Machu Picchu.
Located in Pisac, this vibrant and colorful market is famous for its traditional Andean crafts, textiles, clothing, ceramics, and jewelry. It is a magnet for both tourists and locals, offering a deep immersion into the cultural heritage of the area with unique handmade items available for purchase.
Operating daily, it is most lively on Sundays when it expands with local farmers selling fresh produce, making the experience even more authentic. Standouts include traditional Andean textiles of alpaca and llama wool, adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, and handmade jewelry featuring silver and semi-precious stones.
The Moray Terraces showcase an impressive ancient site with circular stepped depressions. It is believed that the Incas used them as an agricultural experimental station; these terraces create a variety of microclimates at different levels, allowing the testing of crops under diverse conditions. This innovative approach underscores the Inca's advanced agricultural knowledge and their understanding of biodiversity.
The Maras Salt Mines, near Moray, present a unique and fascinating sight. These ancient salt ponds, dating back to before the Incas, are fed by highly saline spring water, filling thousands of small pools. Salt is harvested manually as the water evaporates, demonstrating a beautiful example of traditional salt extraction methods still in use today.
Ollantaytambo, in the Southern Peruvian Sacred Valley, stands at 2,792 meters above sea level and about 60 kilometers from Cusco. Known as the "last living Inca citadel," it has been inhabited since the Inca Empire and retains much of its Inca architecture and urban design.
The archaeological site is divided into a religious and ceremonial center on a hillside, and a residential and agricultural area below. Built in the 15th century by Inca Emperor Pachacuti, the ceremonial center features impressive stone terraces leading up to the Temple of the Sun, elaborately constructed with large stone blocks. Additional structures include warehouses, baths, and a ceremonial platform.
Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel, was built in the mid-15th century under Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Located at 2,430 meters above sea level, it overlooks the Urubamba River valley. Its name, meaning "Old Mountain" in Quechua, spans over 200 buildings, including temples, houses, and agricultural terraces. The citadel boasts impressive engineering and construction, as well as dry stone walls.
Rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction. Emblematic of the brilliance of the Inca civilization, Peru restricts the number of visitors and mandates specific exploration routes to protect it from environmental and structural damage.
The tour lasts for 2 days and 1 night. One day is dedicated to exploring the Sacred Valley, and the other day is reserved for visiting Machu Picchu.
The package generally includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cusco, entrance fees to the tourist sites, bilingual guide, meals during the Sacred Valley visit.
From Cusco, you travel by van to Ollantaytambo, visit this town, and then take a train to Aguas Calientes. The next day, you take a bus to Machu Picchu to explore the citadel.
While Machu Picchu may require some physical effort, it's not necessary to be in excellent shape. However, it's recommended to have a reasonable level of fitness due to the walks included in the tour.
It’s a good idea to bring extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
It's highly recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation.
Tour in shared service.
This group service means that you will take the tour with other people, this standard service is done with a group between 12 to 18 people, we have confirmed departures for every day, so if it is only one or two people, don't worry, they can join to one of our groups.
From: $400USD.
Tour in private service.
This service is an exclusive way to make this trip where the service is much more personalized, prices vary according to the number of people in your group. Please consult info@ausangateadventure.com WhatsApp +51 914201334
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