Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu: What to Expect in 2 Days
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Peru and want to explore its rich history and stunning landscapes without strenuous hiking, the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night is an ideal choice.
This fantastic 2-day, 1-night tour, offered by Alpaca Expeditions, lets you experience the best of Peru’s Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu, all in a comfortable and relaxed way.
On the first day, you’ll start by exploring the Sacred Valley in a private van. Visit the Awanacancha Alpaca Farm to see traditional Andean animals and learn about local textiles.
Next, wander through the bustling Pisaq Market and admire the ancient ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. In the evening, take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.
The second day is dedicated to discovering Machu Picchu. After a sunrise visit, you’ll take a guided tour of the ancient city, exploring its temples and plazas. Finally, return to Cusco by train and van, with the option to upgrade your train ride for a more luxurious experience.
The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Day 1: Explore the Sacred Valley
Morning: Awanacancha Alpaca Farm and Pisaq
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco for the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night. You’ll travel by private van to Awanacancha Alpaca Farm.
This stop is a great introduction to traditional Andean animals like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. You’ll learn about how local people weave textiles and dye them naturally. Don’t miss the chance to buy some beautiful alpaca wool products.
After visiting the alpaca farm, head to the vibrant Pisaq Market. The market is famous for its colorful stalls selling textiles and fresh produce. It’s a bustling place where you can see local life up close.
Following your market visit, continue to the Pisaq Inca Archaeological Site. This ancient site is located on a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley below. The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night provides a fantastic start to your journey, combining cultural experiences with stunning landscapes.
Afternoon: Ollantaytambo and Train to Aguas Calientes
As part of the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night, your afternoon begins with a drive to the town of Urubamba. Here, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with a variety of fresh, local dishes that showcase Peruvian flavors. After lunch, continue your journey to Ollantaytambo, a town known for its stunning Inca ruins.
Explore the impressive archaeological sites, including the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the 10 Niches. These ancient structures are remarkable examples of Inca engineering and architecture.
In the late afternoon, board a train to Aguas Calientes, a picturesque village located at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride is a highlight of the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night, offering breathtaking views of the Cloud Forest and its lush vegetation.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel and relax. Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the local restaurants, preparing you for the exciting exploration of Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 2: Discover Machu Picchu
Morning: Sunrise at Machu Picchu
On the second day of your Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night, start your morning early to catch the magical sunrise at Machu Picchu. A short bus ride from Aguas Calientes will bring you to the entrance of this ancient wonder.
As one of the first visitors of the day, you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins with fewer people around, making it a peaceful and special experience.
Your guide will take you through the main parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, which was used for worship, the Intihuatana (a rock used as a sundial), and the Main Plaza, where important ceremonies took place.
If you’ve arranged permits ahead of time, you might also climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes offer breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.
The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night ensures you get the most out of your visit with a memorable and comprehensive tour of this incredible site.
Afternoon: Return to Cusco
After a memorable morning exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, you will take a bus ride back to Aguas Calientes. This gives you some time to relax and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in the village. Afterward, you will board an afternoon train heading back to Ollantaytambo.
Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, a private van will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco. If you want to make the train ride even more special, you can choose to upgrade to the Vistadome-class service. This upgrade offers larger windows and more comfortable seats, making your journey even more enjoyable.
The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night concludes with your return to Cusco, where you can reflect on your incredible experiences. This tour provides a perfect balance of sightseeing, comfort, and cultural immersion, ensuring you have a wonderful time exploring Peru’s highlights.
Highlights of the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night
The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night is packed with amazing experiences that make it a standout option for travelers. Here’s a closer look at the highlights of this unforgettable journey:
Sacred Valley Exploration
On the first day of the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night, you’ll explore the stunning Sacred Valley. This region is famous for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites. You’ll visit the Pisaq Market, a vibrant place where local people sell colorful textiles, fresh produce, and traditional crafts.
After exploring the market, you’ll head to the Pisaq Inca Archaeological Site. This ancient site, located on a mountain, offers incredible views and fascinating ruins from the Inca civilization. The day continues with a visit to Ollantaytambo Fortress, another impressive Incan site known for its massive stone structures and panoramic views.
Acclimate Comfortably
The Sacred Valley has a lower altitude compared to Cusco, which makes it an ideal place to start your trip. Spending time here helps your body adjust to the higher elevations you will encounter later in your journey.
This gentle acclimatization is a key part of the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night and ensures you feel more comfortable when visiting Machu Picchu.
Cultural Insights
During your tour, you’ll gain valuable insights into traditional Peruvian life. A visit to the Awanacancha Alpaca Farm provides a look at how local people raise alpacas and use their wool to create beautiful textiles.
You’ll see how the wool is dyed and woven using ancient techniques. This part of the tour offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the customs and crafts of the Andean people.
Scenic Train Ride
One of the highlights of the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night is the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The train journey takes you through the Cloud Forest, where you’ll see lush greenery, exotic plants, and beautiful orchids. The train ride is a relaxing way to travel and offers stunning views of the Peruvian countryside.
Majestic Machu Picchu
The final day of the tour is dedicated to Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and magical sites in the world. You’ll have the chance to see the ancient city early in the morning, with fewer visitors around.
A guided tour will help you explore key areas like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana (sundial rock). The sunrise views over Machu Picchu are truly breathtaking and make for an unforgettable experience.
The Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu 2 Days / 1 Night is a perfect way to enjoy Peru’s rich history and stunning landscapes in a short amount of time.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing yet enriching adventure, the Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu offers a memorable way to explore Peru’s remarkable heritage. Join Alpaca Expeditions for this unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes.
Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.