Tour overview
This tour pairs the traditional route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to Machu Picchu, at an affordable price. On day one you browse the Pisac craft market and explore its terraces, have lunch in Urubamba and visit the Ollantaytambo fortress. From there you take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night at the foot of the citadel, ready for an early visit the next morning. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, guide, tickets, train and hotel, so you can see Cusco's essentials without worrying about a thing.
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Best time to travel April to October (dry season)
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Maximum altitude About 3,400 m / 11,150 ft (Cusco and the Pisac archaeological park)
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Physical difficulty Easy to moderate (stairs at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu)
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Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
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Maximum number of passengers 20 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 3 to 6 weeks in advance
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Permits Cusco Tourist Ticket (for Pisac and Ollantaytambo) and Machu Picchu ticket, both arranged by Magone Viajes
Highlights
- The classic Sacred Valley route and Machu Picchu in 2 days.
- Route: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- The Pisac craft market and archaeological park.
- A train connection from Ollantaytambo, with no backtracking to Cusco.
- A night in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Price on request per person, with train, hotel and Machu Picchu entrance included.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
We pick you up from your hotel at around 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. Along the way we stop at a valley viewpoint and, depending on the program, at an Andean camelid center.
Pisac
We visit the craft market, famous for its textiles, ceramics and silverwork, and the Pisac archaeological park, with its impressive terraces and temples high on the mountain.
Lunch in Urubamba
A buffet lunch at a restaurant in the valley, included or on your own depending on the program.
Ollantaytambo
We explore the Inca fortress and the town, which keeps its original Inca layout and water channels.
Train to Aguas Calientes
In the late afternoon you take the Expedition or Voyager train, depending on the program, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 2: Machu Picchu visit
Early in the morning you take the Consettur bus up to the citadel for a guided tour of about 2 to 3 hours along your assigned circuit.
Free time in Aguas Calientes
You head back down to town for lunch on your own and time to explore.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon you take the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Tips
- Spend at least one day acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour.
- Bring your original passport. You'll need it for the train and at Machu Picchu.
- Carry-on luggage on the train is limited to about 5 kg (11 lb), so leave your big suitcase at your Cusco hotel.
- Bring cash in soles for handicrafts in Pisac, since not every stall takes cards.
- Dress in layers and pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and a light rain jacket.
- If you'd like to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, ask when you book.
What's included
Included
- Pickup from your Cusco hotel and tourist transport through the Sacred Valley.
- Professional Magone Viajes guide in the valley and at Machu Picchu.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, partial or full depending on the program.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba, if included in the program.
- Round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, Expedition or Voyager depending on the program.
- One night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, in the category of the program, with breakfast.
- Round-trip Consettur bus to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Return transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Not included
- Breakfast on day one.
- Lunch on day one, if not included in the program.
- Lunch on day two and dinners.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
- Upgrades to higher-class trains such as the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the VIP tour?
The traditional tour follows the classic Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo route in a shared group, at a lower price. The VIP tour visits Chinchero, Moray and Maras in a small or private group.
When is the Pisac market open?
The craft market is open every day, but it's biggest and liveliest on Sundays.
What do I do with my luggage?
Leave it at your Cusco hotel and travel with just a small backpack.
Will the altitude affect me?
The valley and Machu Picchu are lower than Cusco, so this tour actually helps you acclimatize.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes, though there are stairs at Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Everyone can go at their own pace.
Can I do the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on separate days?
Yes. Magone Viajes also offers both tours separately.
