2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco by Train

From alpaca sanctuary to cloud forest: the Sacred Valley and citadel in one seamless two days

A 2-day guided tour from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, with hotel stay in Aguas Calientes, round-trip train, all entry tickets and ground transfers included. You visit Pisac ruins and market, Ollantaytambo fortress, then spend a full morning exploring the citadel with a certified guide on your assigned circuit. The operator secures tickets in real time and arranges every transfer, so the itinerary holds together without you managing logistics across two regions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sacred Valley & Train to Aguas Calientes

• Hotel pickup in Cusco
• Visit camelid sanctuary and weaving demo
• Stop at Taray Viewpoint for photos
• Explore Pisac Archaeological Park
• Walk Pisac handicraft market
• Lunch break in Sacred Valley
• Tour Ollantaytambo ruins
• Train ride to Aguas Calientes
• Arrive and walk to hotel

Day 2 — Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

• Breakfast at hotel
• Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu entrance
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
• Return shuttle to Aguas Calientes
• Leisure time in Aguas Calientes
• Train ride back to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from train station to Cusco

The Experience

The tour starts with a morning pickup from your Cusco hotel and heads straight into the Andes. Your guide takes you to Manos de la Comunidad, a community-run sanctuary where you meet alpacas, llamas and vicuñas while local residents demonstrate ancestral weaving and wool-dyeing. From there the day moves through the Sacred Valley's two major archaeological sites: Pisac, where you walk the high-altitude terraces and ceremonial sectors before descending to the open-air handicraft market in the village, and Ollantaytambo, the fortress with colossal stonework and dramatic valley views. A lunch break at a local Andean buffet (paid on-site) sits between them. By mid-afternoon you're at Ollantaytambo train station boarding the scenic rail journey down the Urubamba River canyon as the landscape shifts from dry highlands into cloud forest. You arrive in Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon or early evening, where a team representative meets you at the station and walks you to your hotel.

Day 2 begins with breakfast at your hotel, then a short walk to the bus station for the 30-minute shuttle ride up the mountainside to Machu Picchu's main gates. Your guide leads a comprehensive 2.5-hour exploration of the citadel, walking you through its history and architecture along your officially designated circuit (typically Circuit 2, though the exact assignment depends on real-time government availability and is confirmed at booking). After the tour you descend by shuttle back to Aguas Calientes with the afternoon free—time to eat at a local restaurant, walk the village or browse the artisan market near the train platform. The return train departs in the late afternoon, following the river canyon back to Ollantaytambo station, where your driver meets you at the exit gate and drives you back to central Cusco.

The two-night hotel choice shapes the experience: a 2-star option keeps costs down, while the 3-star adds comfort. Train class also varies—Economy or Vistadome Observatory, which offers large windows and on-board service. Both are included; you pick at checkout. Pack a small daypack for Day 2; train companies restrict large luggage onboard. A moderate level of physical fitness helps with the stone stairs and altitude, and your full passport details are required at booking and must match your travel document on the day.

What’s included

• Official Machu Picchu entry ticket with your assigned circuit.
• one night in your selected hotel category (2-star or 3-star) in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and breakfast.
• round-trip train in your chosen class (Economy or Vistadome Observatory).
• mountain shuttle buses both ways.
• expert guided tours of Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress and the Machu Picchu citadel.
• hotel pickup in Cusco and drop-off in central Cusco on return.
• all ground transfers between sites.
• one bottle of water on Day 1.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Machupicchu Latin America

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu connected without managing separate bookings for trains, hotels and tickets—everything is arranged so the two days flow as one trip. The guide handles the logistics and the history; you show up at your hotel each morning ready to walk.

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Top questions

What exactly is included in the Machu Picchu ticket, and can I choose a different circuit?

The official Machu Picchu entry ticket is included and secured in real time based on government availability. Priority is given to Classic Circuit 2, which is the most comprehensive route through the citadel; your precise circuit assignment will be confirmed to you upon booking. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are optional add-ons subject to availability.

Do I need to arrange my own lunch on either day?

Day 1 lunch is not included—your guide will take you to a local Andean buffet restaurant in the valley, and you pay the venue directly. Day 1 breakfast, dinners and all meals on Day 2 are also excluded, so you can dine freely at restaurants in Aguas Calientes or Cusco according to your preference.

How does the train journey work, and what's the difference between Economy and Vistadome?

Both train classes follow the same scenic route down the Urubamba River canyon from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (outbound) and back (return). Vistadome Observatory trains feature large windows and on-board service; Economy is a standard seated coach. You choose your preferred class at checkout, and both are included in your package price.

What happens if I arrive late in Aguas Calientes or miss the morning shuttle on Day 2?

The train typically arrives in the late afternoon or early evening depending on your selected schedule. A team representative meets you at the station exit and walks you to your hotel, giving you time to settle. On Day 2, breakfast is included at your hotel and the shuttle to Machu Picchu departs in the morning; your guide will confirm the exact time when you meet.

Is the Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico) included for Pisac and Ollantaytambo?

The Boleto Turistico is not included in the tour price. It is paid in cash directly at the ruins on Day 1 and covers entry to both Pisac Archaeological Park and Ollantaytambo Ruins, as well as other Sacred Valley sites. Your guide will explain the process when you arrive.

What should I pack, and are there restrictions on luggage?

Pack a small daypack for Day 2 at Machu Picchu with water, sun protection and a light layer. Train companies restrict large luggage onboard, so leave your main bag at your Cusco hotel or arrange storage before departure. Your hotel in Aguas Calientes has a private bathroom and provides breakfast; bring a valid passport matching your booking details.