Private Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour: The Classic Inca Route
Explore the Best of the Andes: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Lost City in One Seamless Journey.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night.
- Start Time: Flexible Morning Pickup (Day 1).
- Strategic Focus: History, Culture, Scenic Landscapes & Photography.
- Key Note: The smartest way to connect Cusco to Machu Picchu, turning the transfer into a full day of discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Easy (Relaxed pace, suitable for all ages).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Train Service: Tourist Train (Upgrades to Vistadome available).
- Highlights: Pisac Ruins, Ollantaytambo Fortress, Machu Picchu Citadel.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Essential Andean Connection
Why rush straight to Machu Picchu when the journey there is half the magic? This Private Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour is the ultimate "Connect & Go" itinerary, designed for travelers who want to maximize their time in the Andes without feeling rushed. Instead of a boring direct transfer, we turn your travel day into a cultural deep dive.
Your adventure begins with a private exploration of the Sacred Valley. You’ll wander the vibrant markets of Pisac, marvel at its massive agricultural terraces, and stand before the monolithic stones of Ollantaytambo Fortress. By evening, you'll be relaxing in Aguas Calientes, perfectly positioned to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu the next morning.
This itinerary solves the logistical puzzle of visiting Peru's top two destinations. With a dedicated driver, expert guides, and seamless train connections managed for you, you can focus on the "Soft Luxury" of traveling at your own rhythm, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the cloud forest.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
The Sacred Valley & Train Journey
Morning: Private Departure & Pisac Your private driver and guide collect you from your Cusco hotel. We head to Pisac, where you can explore the impressive Inca ruins perched on the mountain and then browse the colorful artisanal market for unique souvenirs. Since it's private, you decide how long to stay.
Mid-Day: Andean Gastronomy in Urubamba We stop in the heart of the valley for a delicious buffet lunch (included). Enjoy fresh local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere, recharging for the afternoon.
Afternoon: The Living Fortress of Ollantaytambo Explore Ollantaytambo, a massive stone fortress that was the site of a rare Inca victory. Walk the streets of the only "living Inca city," where residents still live in original stone enclosures.
Evening: The Scenic Train Ride Board your train in Ollantaytambo for a 1.5-hour scenic ride along the Urubamba River, descending into the lush vegetation of the cloud forest. Arrive in Aguas Calientes and settle into your hotel (accommodation can be added to your package) for a restful night.
The Machu Picchu Experience
Morning: The Ascent Your assistant meets you at your hotel to escort you to the bus station. A short ride takes you up the zigzagging road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Mid-Day: Exclusive Guided Tour Enter the citadel with your private expert guide. For approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, you will explore the temples, terraces, and plazas of this World Heritage site. Your guide will share the history, engineering secrets, and spiritual significance of the "Lost City," tailoring the information to your interests.
Afternoon: Lunch & Return Descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own (we can recommend excellent local spots). In the afternoon, board your return train to Ollantaytambo.
Evening: Private Transfer to Cusco Your private driver will be waiting at the station to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver for all transfers (Cusco ↔ Station).
- Expert Private Guides: Dedicated guides for the Sacred Valley (Day 1) and Machu Picchu (Day 2).
- Full Entrance Tickets: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu Citadel (Standard Circuit).
- Day 1 Lunch: Premium buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Train Tickets: Round-trip tourist class train (Vistadome upgrades available).
- Bus Tickets: Round-trip Consettur bus (Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu).
- Logistics Management: We handle all ticket bookings and timing coordination.
- 24/7 Support: Real-time assistance throughout your trip.
Not Included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes is not included (we can book this for you upon request).
- Meals Day 2: Breakfast and lunch on the second day are open for you to choose.
- Gratuities: Tips for your guides and drivers.
- Personal Expenses: Snacks or souvenirs.
What to bring
Recommendations
- The Golden Transfer: This itinerary is the most efficient way to see the Sacred Valley and get to Machu Picchu. It eliminates the need to backtrack to Cusco, saving you hours of travel time.
- Luggage Strategy: Trains have strict luggage limits (carry-on size). Leave your large suitcases in storage at your Cusco hotel and travel with a small overnight bag for these 2 days.
- Book Early: Machu Picchu tickets sell out weeks in advance. We recommend booking 2 to 3 months early to secure the best train times and entry circuits.
- Upgrade Options: Want a better view? Ask us to upgrade your train to the Vistadome for panoramic windows, or add a night at a luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes like the Inkaterra or Sumaq.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Do I have the same guide for both days?
A: To ensure the highest level of expertise, you typically have a specialist guide for the Sacred Valley (Day 1) and a different, site-specific expert for Machu Picchu (Day 2). Both are vetted members of our team.
Q: Is this tour suitable for families with kids?
A: Yes, it is excellent for families. The pace is relaxed, the private vehicle allows for flexible stops (bathroom breaks, snacks), and the Sacred Valley is lower in altitude than Cusco, which helps children adjust.
Q: Can I hike Wayna Picchu on this tour?
A: Yes, but it requires a specific ticket that must be purchased months in advance. Please let us know at the time of booking if you want to add this hike so we can secure the permits.
Q: What happens if the train is delayed?
A: Our operations team monitors all train schedules in real-time. If there is a delay, your driver in Ollantaytambo will wait for you. You never have to worry about being stranded; we are tracking your journey.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour: The Classic Inca Route
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
