In one valley the Incas grew food, experimented with crops and harvested salt. In the other they built a sanctuary in the clouds.
This 2-day expedition connects both. You explore Pisac, the agricultural laboratory of Moray, the 3,000 salt pools of Maras and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, then sleep at the foot of the citadel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Sleep at the foot of the sanctuary and enter early, before the day-trippers arrive from Cusco. Small group, maximum 8, with time to actually enjoy each site.
Spend a full day in the Sacred Valley, 600m lower than Cusco and the heart of Inca agriculture. From the massive terraces of Pisac to the circular laboratory of Moray, the 3,000 pre-Inca salt pools of Maras still harvested by local families, and the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo — four completely different landscapes in one efficient private circuit.
Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo puts you at the base of the sanctuary. Next morning, ascend early for a private guided tour of its agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples and sacred stonework, in soft morning light before the crowds from Cusco arrive.
From terraces to salt pools to fortress, ending at the foot of the sanctuary.
Early Hotel Pickup & Private Drive to Pisac
Your day starts at 7:30 AM with private pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You head into the Sacred Valley, 600m lower than Cusco, the heart of Inca agriculture.
First stop, Pisac. Massive terraces climb the mountain above the valley. Inside, the ceremonial and residential sectors show how agriculture and spirituality worked together, with a viewpoint over the terraces.
Moray & Maras – Laboratory and Salt Mines
Continue to Moray, the circular terraces the Incas used as an open-air agricultural laboratory. Each level has its own microclimate, used to test crops from different altitudes of the empire.
Next, the Maras Salt Mines. Over 3,000 pre-Inca salt pools cascade down the hillside, still harvested by local families today from a natural salt spring.
Ollantaytambo Fortress – The Last Living Inca Town
Final site, Ollantaytambo. The last living Inca town. Walk its original stone streets and climb the massive fortress terraces and temple complex that held off the Spanish during the Inca resistance.
Train to Cloud Forest & Hotel Check-in in Aguas Calientes
In the late afternoon, board the Expedition Train in Ollantaytambo for a 1.5-hour scenic ride following the Urubamba River as highlands drop into lush cloud forest.
Hotel check-in in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) at the foot of the citadel. Private room, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi.
Day 1 Stats: Start: 7:30 AM hotel pickup | End Location: Aguas Calientes | Transport: Private vehicle + Expedition Train | Overnight: 3-star hotel included | Difficulty: Easy
The highlight, in morning light before the crowds.
Early Breakfast & Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu Gate & Entrance
After early breakfast, 30-minute shuttle bus up to the sanctuary gate. Early entry to experience Machu Picchu in softer morning light. No waiting in ticket lines — your entrance is pre-arranged.
Guided Tour Inside the Machu Picchu Citadel – Terraces, Temples & Sacred Stonework
Enter Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, for a 2-hour private guided tour exploring:
Your guide brings context to how the city was built in harmony with the peaks and its role in the empire, beyond the views.
Free Time, Return to Aguas Calientes & Train Back to Cusco
After the tour, enjoy free time for photos and to explore on your own. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own.
Board the afternoon Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, where your private driver waits for your return to Cusco. Evening arrival at your hotel.
Day 2 Stats: Tour Type: Machu Picchu by Train | Guided Tour: 2 hours private + free time | Return: Afternoon train + private transfer | Arrival in Cusco: Evening
This is an easy, non-trekking itinerary with only gentle walking on cobblestones and archaeological paths. You will sleep at 2,040m in Aguas Calientes, which is 1,300m lower than Cusco. The Sacred Valley on Day 1 is also lower than Cusco at 2,800m, which helps you acclimatize before Machu Picchu at 2,430m. No special fitness required.
If you are arriving via Lima, you must clear immigration and customs, collect your checked bags, and re-check them for your domestic flight to Cusco. Warning: Allow at least three hours between your international arrival and your domestic departure.
You do not need to bring all your luggage to Machu Picchu. Pack an overnight bag for the 2 days and leave your main luggage in our secure, complimentary storage at our Cusco headquarters. On the train, luggage is limited to one small bag or daypack.
Sacred Valley: Sunny days, mild and dry most of the year. Cold mornings.
Machu Picchu: Warm, humid, subtropical cloud forest. Afternoon rain possible year-round. A light waterproof jacket is essential every day.
Carry Peruvian Soles in small bills. You will need cash for meals that are not included, personal shopping in Pisac market and Aguas Calientes, and small entrances. Vendors rarely accept cards or give change for large bills.
We recommend travel insurance that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation and emergency evacuation for the duration of your time in Peru. High-altitude coverage up to 5,000m is not required for this itinerary but is always recommended for travel to Cusco.
You must carry your original, valid passport. You will need it to board the train and again to enter Machu Picchu. Digital images or photocopies are not accepted.
Pack light. Your daypack for Machu Picchu must not exceed 40 x 35 x 20 cm and 25L.
Easy. No trekking. Only gentle walking on cobblestones and archaeological paths in Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo. Anyone who can walk for 2-3 hours at a slow pace can do it. This is our best option for families and travelers who want comfort.
The 1-day is extremely rushed. You do Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu same day with no real time in each site. The 2-day splits it: Day 1 full Sacred Valley circuit, overnight in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, Day 2 early entry to Machu Picchu with free time. Much more relaxed and better photos.
Because they are the best part. Most cheap tours only do Pisac and Ollantaytambo. We include the full circuit: Pisac terraces, Moray agricultural laboratory and Maras salt mines with 3,000 active pools. One day, four different Inca wonders.
Early morning, on the first or second bus. Because you slept in Aguas Calientes you are already there. You enter while the crowds from Cusco are still on the train. Morning light is softer and better for photos.
Night 1 in a hand-picked 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo. Private room, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi. Located in the town center, 5 minutes from the train station.
Breakfast on Day 2 at the hotel is included. Other meals are not included to give you freedom. Your guide will recommend good local restaurants in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. Budget $10-20 USD per meal.
Expedition / Voyager train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on Day 1 and back on Day 2. Comfortable seats, large windows. You can upgrade to Vistadome panoramic train for $67 USD if requested in advance.
No. Bring only an overnight bag. We store your main luggage free in our secure office in Cusco. On the train you are allowed only one small bag or daypack.
Yes, for $69 USD extra. Permits are extremely limited and must be requested months in advance. Let us know at time of booking and we will check availability for your Day 2 entry.
Not mandatory like a trek, but we recommend arriving at least a few hours before, ideally the morning before Day 1. The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco and helps you acclimatize naturally.
YOUR ADVENTURE. OUR EXPERTISE.
Guest Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who slept under the Andean sky
I never thought I could sleep in a luxury bed while staring at the Milky Way through a transparent dome. The Salkantay glacier right in front of you at sunrise — absolutely unreal. Worth every penny.
SkyDomeCamps - Sky DomeWe did the full Salkantay Trek and stayed at the dome on night two. After a hard day of hiking, coming back to a real bed, hot shower and that view of the mountain? Nothing compares to that.
SkyDomeCamps - Salkantay TrekI have camped across Patagonia and Nepal but nothing matched this. The dome is warm, beautifully designed and the silence at 4,600m is something else entirely. I woke up at 3am just to stare at the stars.
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