2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour with Train & Guide

Summary

Overnight Machu Picchu Village & Sacred Valley Highlights

If you want to see both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without rushing—and actually catch sunrise at Machu Picchu—this 2-day tour is for you. You’ll get local stories from guides, try real Peruvian food, and have time to wander both ancient ruins and lively villages at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

Chilly air hit my face as we left Cusco just after sunrise—locals already out, selling tamales on the corner. Our guide, Julia, kept us awake with stories about Chinchero’s weaving families before we even reached the first stop. The mountains looked almost blue in the morning light. At Chinchero, I watched a woman dye alpaca wool with cochineal—her hands stained red. The scent of eucalyptus drifted from somewhere nearby.

Moray’s circular terraces felt otherworldly up close; you could hear the wind whistle through the stones if you listened for it. Salineras was next—hundreds of salt pools sparkling under a sharp sun, and a vendor handed me a tiny bag of pink salt to try. Lunch in Urubamba was loud and busy—buffet style, lots of quinoa soup and roasted corn (choclo). Ollantaytambo’s huge stones made me feel small; Julia pointed out marks where Inca workers dragged them up from the river below.

The train ride to Machu Picchu town was quieter than I expected—just the hum of wheels and glimpses of waterfalls flashing past the window. We arrived at dusk; someone from the hotel met us at the station holding a little sign with my name. After a quick chat about tomorrow’s plan, I wandered through narrow streets lined with souvenir stalls and steaming food carts before heading to bed early.

Next morning, it was still dark when we caught the first bus up to Machu Picchu. Mist hung over everything—you could barely see your own breath. Registration went fast; our guide led us straight to a quiet spot above the main plaza just as sunlight started breaking through clouds over Huayna Picchu peak. For two hours, we explored temples and terraces—she explained how water channels still work after centuries. There were moments when it felt like we had whole sections to ourselves.

Back in town by late morning, I grabbed coffee at a tiny café near the river (the owner recommended their homemade empanadas). With time before our train back to Ollantaytambo, I strolled along the tracks where kids played soccer between trains passing by. The ride home felt slower—I kept replaying sunrise at Machu Picchu in my mind all the way back to Cusco.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sacred Valley and Train to Machupicchu

• Visit Chinchero, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Train to Machupicchu town and hotel transfer

Day 2 — Machupicchu Guided Tour and Return

• Morning guided tour of Machupicchu
• Lunch and walk in Machupicchu town
• Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco hotel

Top questions

How early do I need to book this tour?

Machu Picchu tickets are limited—best to book at least one month ahead in low season or three months in high season.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended if you have spinal injuries or serious heart problems due to walking and altitude changes.

Will I have free time in Machu Picchu village?

Yes! After your guided visit you’ll have time for lunch or exploring before heading back by train.

Are meals included?

A buffet lunch is included on day one in Urubamba; other meals are on your own so you can try local spots.

What’s included

Your entry tickets for both Sacred Valley sites and Machu Picchu are covered. You’ll get roundtrip tourist transport—including scenic train rides—and an overnight stay in Machu Picchu town. Guided tours are included (private or shared depending on group size), plus bus transfers up and down from Machu Picchu itself. Lunch on day one is part of the package too!