Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu
3 Days / 2 Nights

Your Alpaca Expeditions tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby at 7 a.m. They will take you to your first destination, Sacsayhuaman, the most beautiful ruin created by the Incas. Here, you will see a great representation of the Incan architecture that remains so well intact, today. At Sacsayhuaman, you will see the largest stone that survives in any Inca ruin.

From Sacsayhuaman, we will head towards the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will visit Awanacancha, a weaving center and alpaca farm. You will observe the differences between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, as well as the different varieties of potatoes and corn, that are special to the Sacred Valley. Following, we will drive to the Pisaq Inca Ruins. We will see hundreds of terraces for agriculture, where the Incas farmed corn, potatoes, and quinoa. The religious and astronomical side of the Incas will be visible, at this sight.

Afterwards, we will descend into Pisaq market, the most traditional handicraft market. You will have the opportunity to try some of the local delicacies during our lunch break. After lunch, we will drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, an Incan checkpoint, where they protected Machu Picchu against any enemies. This is the best example of an intact Inca village, with its waterways running through the quaint streets of the town. Your tour guide will set you up in your hotel before you have a chance to explore, relax and enjoy dinner.

We would pick you up at 8am, then we will drive to Salineras/Maras Salt Mines. There are 3,000 salt pools, which act as evaporation chambers. They spill out of the mountain and down the mountainside at 12,000 feet above sea level. Owned by local farmers, these pools have become the main economic activity for all the locals.

After the mines, we will drive to Moray Inca Archeological Center. The Inca used Moray as a way to study farming. They built terraces and experimented with different vegetables. You will see each terrace of Moray and the differences in growth they provided.

We will then drive to Chincheros, where we will see some Inca terracing, used as the perfect location to farm potatoes. The entire Inca civilization got their supply of potatoes from here. We will also see one unique, colonial church, that was built by the Spaniards, on the top of the Inca palace. Finally, we will visit one final textile center.

Afterward, you will drive to Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, where you will enjoy your lunch. Around 15:36 pm, 16:30 pm or 19:00 pm, depending on availability, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes village from Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival, our representatives will take you to the hotel, where you will have time to take a nice warm shower. Later, you will head out for your dinner in Aguas Calientes village, which is not included in the package, so you can choose your own restaurant. Afterward, you will probably have some time to explore the city on your own before getting ready for bed.

(MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE TO SECURE BETTER CIRCUITS FOR MACHU PICCHU CITADEL VISIT)

Today is the most important day of your visit to Peru and your tour, as you will explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the citadel of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is strictly regulated by the Peruvian government and UNESCO. After the pandemic, authorities implemented changes to preserve and manage visitor traffic, introducing up to 10 different circuits. Of these, the most significant and distinct are circuits 1, 2, 3, and 4. The most recommended circuits are 2 and 3, with Circuit 2 being the best for those who haven’t completed the Inca Trail, as it includes the famous viewpoint. Circuit 3 is nearly identical to 2 but skips the main viewpoint. It is crucial to book your visit well in advance to secure Circuit 2 for the most comprehensive experience of Machu Picchu.

You will wake up early at your hotel, often taking a packed breakfast, as it’s essential to arrive early at Machu Picchu. Although an early rise can be tiring, this unique experience is absolutely worth it. After breakfast, you’ll leave larger items like suitcases and duffle bags at the hotel, bringing only a small backpack with essentials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat, camera, original passport (and student ID if applicable), and water. You’ll walk approximately five minutes to the bus station. The first bus departs at 5:30 AM, but arriving earlier is necessary as there will be a queue. Seating is not guaranteed and depends on arrival order. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes to Machu Picchu’s entrance. Before entering, it’s recommended to use the public bathrooms (cost: 2 soles).

Once inside, those with Circuit 2 will head to the Machu Picchu viewpoint near the Watchtower, while Circuit 3 begins at the agricultural terraces. Here, you’ll have time for iconic photos and receive an introductory talk (15-30 minutes) about Machu Picchu’s history. Your guided tour through temples, palaces, terraces, fountains, and residences will last around 2.5 to 3 hours, with ample opportunities for photos and videos. Afterward, you’ll have approximately 30 minutes of restricted free time. For additional exploration, you may consider purchasing a separate ticket for Circuit 1 to revisit the viewpoint, though this must also be booked in advance.

Visitors who reserved Huayna Picchu mountain will return to the Huayna Picchu entrance to begin their ascent. This climb takes about 45 minutes up, with 30 minutes at the summit and 45 minutes to descend back to Machu Picchu. This ticket is limited to 400 people daily and requires advance booking.

Those without Huayna Picchu or an extra Circuit 1 ticket will exit Machu Picchu after the guided tour and return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Everyone will eventually exit Machu Picchu from the same location, whether returning from mountain hikes or viewpoints. Aim to be back in Aguas Calientes around 1 PM for a final lunch together (not included but highly recommended). The Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo departs approximately at 2:55 PM. This comfortable train, featuring large windows, offers beautiful views ideal for photography. An upgrade to the Vistadome train is possible, though it departs later and features dance performances and alpaca clothing sales at higher prices.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, Alpaca Expeditions transportation will bring you back to Cusco, where smaller vehicles will take you directly to your hotel or Airbnb, typically arriving by 8 PM at the latest. Airport transfers can also be arranged.

Although the day is long and busy, it is incredibly rewarding and memorable. We take pride and care in ensuring the best experience for all our travelers.