Full dayMachu Picchu Day Trip
Cusco to the citadel and back in one well timed day, with no trekking required.
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- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu
Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo on the way to a morning at the citadel.
This 2 day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour joins the two places every visitor to Cusco wants to see, in the order that makes most sense. On the first day you travel down the valley through Chinchero, the terraces of Moray, the salt pans of Maras and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, and end with a train ride to Aguas Calientes. On the second you go up to Machu Picchu early, before the day visitors arrive.
The trip at a glance
Day 1. The Sacred Valley
Pickup between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt pans, buffet lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes. Night in a 3 star hotel.
Day 2. Machu Picchu and return
Guided visit of the sanctuary, afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Highlights
Inca heritage
The walls and colonial church of Chinchero and the experimental terraces of Moray.
Maras salt pans
Thousands of evaporation pools cut into a hillside and worked since before the Incas.
Buffet in the valley
A good lunch in Urubamba, in the middle of the Sacred Valley.
A complete Machu Picchu visit
A full guided tour of the citadel on Circuit 2.
A proper night of rest
One night in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
From our guidesSleeping in Aguas Calientes is what makes the difference. You reach the citadel in the first hours of the morning, rested, and you lose altitude gradually over the two days, which is kind to anyone still adjusting to Cusco.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
6:30 a.m. pickup
We collect you from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco and drive across the high plateau to the weaving town of Chinchero.
Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt pans
You visit the Inca site and colonial church of Chinchero, then the concentric terraces of Moray, and finally the salt pans of Maras, where families still harvest salt from thousands of small pools.
Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Around 1:00 p.m. we stop in Urubamba for a buffet with a wide choice of Peruvian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the best preserved Inca towns still lived in today. You walk its narrow lanes and climb the temple and fortress before going to the station nearby.
Train and evening briefing
The train to Aguas Calientes follows the Urubamba river. On arrival you are taken to your hotel. At 7:30 p.m. your guide meets you to go over the next morning.
- Places
- Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt pans and Ollantaytambo
- Highest point
- 3,762 m (12,343 ft) at Chinchero
- Transport
- Private vehicle and train
Day 2Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
5:00 a.m. breakfast and bus
After an early breakfast we walk to the bus stop for the 25 minute ride up the mountain, aiming to be at the gate in time for sunrise.
Guided tour and the classic view
You start with the postcard photo from the upper viewpoint. Then your guide leads a 2.5 hour tour of the temples, enclosures and terraces and tells the story of the site.
Optional climbs and free time
There is a little time to look around on your own. If you reserved it in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a view over the whole area.
Train back
After lunch in Aguas Calientes you board the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and watch the cloud forest slide past one more time.
Arrival in Cusco
Our private transport waits at Ollantaytambo. We reach Cusco around 7:00 p.m., with drop off at Plaza Regocijo or near the Qoricancha esplanade.
- Main visit
- Machu Picchu
- Highest point
- 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
- Transport
- Bus, train and private vehicle
What is included
Before the tour and transfers
Briefing. At your hotel or by WhatsApp, as you prefer, before the tour starts.
Guide. Certified bilingual guide (English and Spanish) throughout.
Return transport. Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Luggage storage. Secure storage for your main bags during the 2 days.
Sacred Valley
Guided visits. Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt pans and Ollantaytambo.
Entry tickets. All entry fees for those four sites.
Buffet lunch. In Urubamba.
Train and hotel
Outbound train. Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Hotel. One night in a comfortable 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Breakfast. At the hotel on Day 2.
Return train. Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Machu Picchu
Consettur bus. Round trip between Aguas Calientes and the sanctuary.
Circuit 2 ticket. The most requested circuit. In the rare case that it is unavailable we contact you at once to arrange the best alternative.
Guided visit. Professional guided tour on your circuit.
Not included
Breakfast on Day 1. Not included.
Dinner on Day 1. You choose where to eat in Aguas Calientes.
Lunch on Day 2. Not included.
Personal spending. Snacks, souvenirs and other purchases.
Tips. Optional, at your discretion.
Travel insurance. Personal travel or medical cover is not included.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days prices 2026
| Adult | $410 |
|---|---|
| Student | $390 |
| Under 17 | $390 |
Who gets the reduced rate
- Travelers under 17 pay the student rate automatically.
- University students need a physical plastic card showing the university name, their full name, a photo and an expiry date that covers the visit and is no later than 2028. They must be under 25 on the day of the visit.
- ISIC cards and digital IDs are not accepted. Send a photo of your card to info@incaoutdoors.com and we will confirm your discount.
Optional extras
- Huayna PicchuSubject to permits, book ahead$60
- Machu Picchu MountainSubject to permits, book ahead$60
- Vistadome train, one wayUpgrade on one leg of the journey$45
- Private guide at Machu PicchuA guide for your party only$40
Private tour prices 2026
- A vehicle and guide for your party only
- Longer stops at the sites that interest you most
- Departure time agreed with you
| 2 people | $670 |
|---|---|
| 3 people | $635 |
| 4 people | $590 |
| 5 people | $550 |
| 6 people | $505 |
What the private service includes
Everything in the shared tour
Private transport in the Sacred Valley
Private guide on both days
What to pack
Documents and essentials
Original passport
Small daypack
Water bottle
Cash in soles
Sun and personal care
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Clothing and footwear
Quick dry t-shirts
Fleece jacket
Change of clothes
Rain poncho
Walking shoes
Trekking socks
Good to know
Which Machu Picchu circuit is best?
Every ticket is tied to one of three official circuits. The choice is fixed when the ticket is issued and cannot be changed at the gate.
Circuit 1, panoramic. A short route along the upper terraces, best for the classic photo.
Circuit 2, the full visit. The one we recommend. It combines the upper views with a walk through the Main Plaza and past the Temple of the Three Windows.
Circuit 3, lower sector. A shorter, easier route that takes in the Temple of the Sun and the House of the Inca.
About the altitude
Machu Picchu is at 2,430 m (7,972 ft), well below Cusco at 3,399 m. Most people who have spent a day or two in Cusco feel fine at the citadel.
Route details are in the official circuits guide. If you would like help choosing a circuit or planning your acclimatization, contact our team.
Frequently asked questions
How do the trains to Machu Picchu differ?
They all run on the same line. Expedition is comfortable and simple, with large windows. Vistadome has glass in the roof as well, air conditioning and more attentive service. Vistadome Observatory adds an open observation car with music and dance. Hiram Bingham is the luxury option in 1920s Pullman style, with fine dining and a bar.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Entry tickets and train seats are limited and sell out quickly, so reserve as early as you can.
Can I change my circuit after booking?
No. Ministry of Culture rules require the circuit to be chosen at the time of reservation. It cannot be changed once the ticket is issued.
Will I get altitude sickness?
Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco. Some travelers feel the height in Cusco (3,399 m), and most find the citadel (2,430 m) easy once they have acclimatized.
Where do I leave my luggage?
Take a small bag with what you need for one night. We store your main luggage safely in Cusco until you return.
Which meals are included?
The buffet lunch on Day 1 and breakfast at the hotel on Day 2. Dinner on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2 are on your own.
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