Traveling to Cusco is like stepping straight into the heart of the Inca Empire—and there’s no better way to kick off your Peru trip than by exploring two of its most iconic gems: the Sacred Valley and the legendary Machu Picchu.
What’s the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour all about?
This two-day experience is the perfect mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll get an up-close look at how the Incas lived, what they believed in, and how they connected with nature—and we make sure to go at a relaxed pace, so you really get to enjoy each stop along the way.
Day 1: Exploring the Sacred Valley
Your adventure begins in the Sacred Valley, a place the Incas held sacred for both its beauty and its importance to their civilization. The archaeological sites you’ll visit aren’t just ruins—they were aligned with the stars and full of spiritual meaning.
Here’s what the first day looks like:
- Chinchero
First stop: a colorful town known for its traditional weaving. You’ll visit textile centers and see how natural ingredients are used to dye alpaca wool—it’s a great way to connect with living Andean traditions. - Moray
These unusual circular terraces were like ancient greenhouses. The Incas used them to experiment with different crops. Warm-weather plants like tomatoes and papaya grew in the lower levels, while cold-resistant crops like potatoes thrived up top. - Maras Salt Mines
A seriously photogenic spot! Picture over 3,000 salt pools carved into the hillside. These natural salt flats are still in use today. Sun evaporates the mineral-rich water, leaving behind pinkish-white salt crystals. (Fun fact: We didn’t use to include Maras in this tour—but it’s become a favorite among travelers, so now it’s part of all our Sacred Valley tours, and all entrance fees are covered!) - Ollantaytambo
A mix of military stronghold, spiritual site, and agricultural hub, this massive complex is full of perfectly cut stonework and giant terraces. It was also the site of one of the few successful Inca defenses against the Spanish.
After exploring Ollantaytambo, you’ll hop on a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Once there, it’s time to check in at the hotel and rest up—because tomorrow is the big day.
🎥 Watch: What the Sacred Valley Tour Looks Like
See our Day 1 stops in action – from traditional weaving in Chinchero to the terraces of Moray, the Maras salt pools, and Ollantaytambo, then a train ride in the afternoon.
▶ Watch the Day 1 Highlights in 2 MinutesDay 2: The Wonder of Machu Picchu
Rise and shine! Day two is all about the crown jewel of your trip: Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, you’ll take a short bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of the citadel. With your guide leading the way, you’ll spend about 2–3 hours exploring the site and uncovering the stories behind its temples, terraces, and stone structures.
Once the tour wraps up, you’ll head back down to Aguas Calientes for a bit of free time—walk around, grab a bite, or do some souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train back to Cusco, with your heart (and camera roll) full of unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re into ancient history, nature, or just looking for a travel experience that feels meaningful, this Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour offers it all.
