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

Summary

Train journey through Ollantaytambo ruins to Machu Picchu sunrise

You’ll step straight into Andean life: weaving your way through Pisac market stalls, feeling ancient stones under your hands at Ollantaytambo, then gliding by train along wild rivers to reach Machu Picchu at sunrise. With local guides and hotel pickup included, you’ll have space to soak in every detail — even if you forget your hat.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling out of Cusco when I realized I’d forgotten my hat — too late, our guide José was laughing about it as we wound past Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo. The morning air had that sharp Andean chill, but inside the van everyone was half-awake and passing coca candies. We stopped at Awana Kancha where a woman showed us how alpaca wool feels before it’s dyed — softer than I expected, almost like holding warm mist. I tried saying “vicuña” properly and got a gentle correction (and a smile) from her. The Sacred Valley opened up below us after that, terraces folding into each other along the Urubamba River. It’s hard to describe that first view — not just green, more like layers of old stories stacked on each other.

Pisac market was already buzzing by the time we got there. I bought a tiny clay flute shaped like a bird (which I still can’t play), and watched a little girl weaving with her grandmother behind their stall. There’s this faint smell of roasted corn everywhere, mixed with incense and something sweet I couldn’t place. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style — not fancy, but the quinoa soup hit the spot after climbing around Pisac’s stone steps. Ollantaytambo felt different: quieter somehow, even with all the travelers. José pointed out Wiracocha’s face in the stonework; I squinted for ages before I saw it. The train to Aguas Calientes left just as afternoon shadows stretched across the tracks — riding alongside the river with windows open a crack, you get these flashes of jungle and rock that don’t really fit together until you’re there.

I didn’t sleep much in Aguas Calientes (the town has its own rhythm — roosters at dawn, street vendors setting up early). Breakfast was simple but strong coffee helped. We caught the first bus up to Machu Picchu while mist still hung over everything; someone behind me gasped when we rounded that last bend and suddenly there it was, perched above the clouds. Our guide walked us through quiet corners first — explained how water channels worked, why certain stones fit so tightly together you can’t slip a coin between them. There was this moment standing alone near one of those windows looking out over green slopes… honestly, it felt like time paused for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo

• Breakfast at hotel
• Pick up from hotel lobby
• Drive from Cusco via Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara
• Visit Awana Kancha to see llamas and weaving
• Photo stop at Sacred Valley lookout
• Visit Pisac Inca site
• Explore Pisac traditional market
• Lunch stop in Urubamba (not included)
• Visit Ollantaytambo Inca site
• Board train at Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Arrive and check in at hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 2 — Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

• Breakfast at hotel
• Bus to Machu Picchu entrance
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time to explore Machu Picchu
• Bus down to Aguas Calientes
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes (not included)
• Free time for souvenirs in town
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Top questions

How long is the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour?

This tour lasts 2 days and includes an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

Does this day trip from Cusco include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco are included for all participants.

Is lunch included during the Sacred Valley tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop in Urubamba where you can buy buffet lunch.

Are train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are part of the package.

Do we get free time at Machu Picchu?

Yes, after your guided tour you’ll have extra free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.

Is accommodation provided in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, one night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is included.

What sites do we visit besides Machu Picchu?

You’ll visit Pisac Inca site and market, Awana Kancha textile center, and Ollantaytambo ruins.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this tour?

Vegetarian options are available; please advise at booking if required.

What’s included

Your two-day journey includes door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco plus airport transfers if needed (just send your flight details). All ground transport is covered throughout both days along with round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. You’ll get entry tickets for both Sacred Valley sites and Machu Picchu itself plus guided tours with licensed experts who know their history inside out. Overnight accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is sorted too—breakfast included—and bottled water on day one helps with that high-altitude thirst.