Cusco to Machu Picchu: Sacred Valley Tour by Train & Local Lunch

Summary

From weaving in Chinchero to sunrise at Machu Picchu, a slow journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley

You’ll start your journey in Cusco with hotel pickup before meeting Andean weavers in Chinchero and exploring Moray’s mysterious terraces and Maras salt pools. After a traditional lunch and Ollantaytambo’s ruins, ride the train along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay. Guided sunrise at Machu Picchu brings history alive—leaving you with more memories than photos.

What’s the experience like?

I’d wanted to see Machu Picchu for years, but it was the first morning in Chinchero that surprised me most. We’d barely left Cusco when the van pulled up outside a small adobe house. The air smelled like wet earth and eucalyptus — and inside, a family showed us how they dye alpaca wool with crushed cochineal bugs (I tried not to look squeamish). Their little girl giggled when I fumbled with the spindle. I still have a scrap of that yarn tucked in my bag — it’s silly how something so small sticks with you.

The Sacred Valley felt endless and green as we wound past Moray’s circular terraces (our guide Marco joked they were “Inca crop science fiction”) and then on to the Maras salt pools. Sunlight bounced off thousands of white pans; you could taste salt in the air. Marco offered to take our photo but I just wanted to stand there a minute longer — sometimes you forget how quiet mountains can be. Lunch was this buffet in Urubamba with more dishes than I could name (the purple corn pudding was weirdly good). After Ollantaytambo’s steep stones and stories about Inca resistance, we caught the train — windows wide open, river rushing beside us all the way to Aguas Calientes.

Next morning came early. Breakfast was simple but hot, and then we followed Marco through misty streets to the bus for Machu Picchu. It’s hard to describe walking through that first stone gate — everything feels bigger than you expect. Marco pointed out places where priests used to watch the sunrise; he said if you touch certain walls you’ll feel them still warm from centuries of sun (I tried it — maybe he was right?). After his stories, we had time alone to wander or just sit on a step and stare out at all that green and cloud.

I keep thinking about those tiny moments: feeding an alpaca who nuzzled my sleeve, or catching Marco humming quietly as we waited for our train back to Cusco. The tour handled all the details — hotel pickup, tickets, even water bottles — so I could just let things happen without worrying what came next. If you’re looking for a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style but want something slower and real, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sacred Valley tour and train to Aguas Calientes

• Breakfast at hotel in Cusco
• Drive to Chinchero
• Visit Andean weavers and alpacas
• Explore Moray agricultural terraces
• Visit Maras salt ponds
• Enjoy buffet lunch in Sacred Valley
• Tour Ollantaytambo ruins
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Check in hotel and free afternoon

Day 2 — Machu Picchu visit and return to Cusco

• Breakfast at hotel
• Bus to Machu Picchu entrance
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time at Machu Picchu
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Transport to hotel in Cusco

Top questions

How long does the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour take?

This is a 2-day tour starting from Cusco with one night in Aguas Calientes before returning on day two.

Is hotel pickup included from Cusco?

Yes, door-to-door service from your hotel in Cusco is included at the start of the tour.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Breakfast at your Aguas Calientes hotel and buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley are included; lunch on day two is not included.

What sites are visited before Machu Picchu?

You’ll visit Chinchero weaving center, Moray agricultural terraces, Maras Salt Pools, Urubamba for lunch, and Ollantaytambo ruins before heading by train to Aguas Calientes.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes—solo travelers get their own private room included at no extra charge.

How many people are on each group tour?

The group size is small—maximum 10 people per tour or activity; sometimes fewer during low season.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English and Spanish (Portuguese also available).

Are entrance tickets included for Machu Picchu?

Yes—all entry fees including Machu Picchu tickets are covered in your booking.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup in Cusco, all transfers by van and train between sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt pools, Ollantaytambo ruins and Aguas Calientes; guided visits with an expert local guide speaking English or Spanish; entrance tickets for every site including Machu Picchu; buffet lunch featuring Peruvian dishes plus breakfast at your hotel; overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes (private room if solo); round-trip bus tickets up to Machu Picchu; bottled water; return transfer back to your hotel after arriving from Ollantaytambo station—and plenty of time at each stop so nothing feels rushed.