2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Private Tour from Cusco

Summary

Explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on a Private Guided Adventure

If you want more than just photos of Machu Picchu—if you want real stories behind those stones and time to soak up local flavors—this two-day private tour is for you. You’ll get expert guides who know their stuff but also care about your experience, plus all logistics handled so you can just enjoy each moment.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Cusco always feels a bit crisp, even when the sun’s out. At 7:30 am sharp, our guide met us right at the hotel door—no fussing with taxis or maps. We piled into a comfy van and headed out of town, winding through hills dotted with eucalyptus trees. After about an hour and a half, we pulled up to Pisaq. The ruins sit high above the valley—stone terraces hugging the hillside, with little purple wildflowers poking through the cracks. Our guide, Maribel, didn’t just rattle off dates; she pointed out where locals still leave coca leaves for Pachamama and explained how the Incas used those terraces for farming corn and potatoes.

By midday, we were hungry. Urubamba is quieter than I expected—just a few tuk-tuks buzzing by and the smell of grilled corn in the air. Lunch was a buffet spread of Andean dishes: quinoa soup, roasted chicken with huacatay sauce, and chicha morada to drink (tastes like spiced grape juice). Afterward, it was only about half an hour to Ollantaytambo. The stonework there is wild—massive blocks fitted together so tight you can’t slip a coin between them. We climbed up past the Temple of the Sun and caught our breath at the Princess Baths; you can hear water trickling down ancient channels if you listen close.

Late afternoon meant catching the train to Aguas Calientes. The ride’s surprisingly smooth—windows wide enough to see mist rolling off jungle hills as dusk settles in. Once we checked into our hotel (honestly nicer than I expected), our guide stopped by that evening to go over every detail for Machu Picchu day—super helpful since there’s a lot to juggle with tickets and bus times.

The next morning started early—like before-the-birds early—but it’s worth it. The bus climbs switchbacks up to Machu Picchu itself; clouds drifted low over the peaks when we arrived. Our guide led us through Circuit 1 (they explained ticket types depend on what’s available), showing us hidden corners I’d never have found alone—the Intihuatana stone, llamas grazing near old walls, orchids tucked along shady paths. After two hours or so exploring together, we had free time back in Aguas Calientes for lunch (I grabbed an empanada at Café Inkaterra). Then it was back on the train toward Ollantaytambo, where someone was waiting with my name on a sign for an easy ride back to Cusco.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Guided tour at Pisaq ruins
• Visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site
• Train to Aguas Calientes and overnight

Day 2 — Machu Picchu Visit

• Bus to Machu Picchu and guided tour
• Free time in Aguas Calientes and train to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel

Top questions

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Tickets are subject to availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture. If none are available for your dates, you'll get a full refund.

What kind of food is included?

You’ll have buffet lunch in Urubamba with typical Andean dishes and lunch time in Aguas Calientes (meal not included).

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

This trip isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have spinal/cardiovascular issues but works for most fitness levels.

Who leads the tours?

A professional local guide accompanies you throughout Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu visits.

How do transfers work between locations?

Private transportation covers all main routes; trains connect Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes; pickup/drop-off at your hotel included.

What’s included

Your tour covers pick-up from your Cusco hotel (historic center), private transport through Sacred Valley stops, professional guides at each site, entrance tickets (Machu Picchu circuit 1 or 2 based on what’s available), round-trip train rides between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, bus tickets up to Machu Picchu itself, one night in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes—and help every step of the way so nothing gets missed.