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Inca terraces and ruins at Ollantaytambo
Tours

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 2 days: the connecting tour explained

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One of the most practical ways to see the essentials in a short time is the so-called Sacred Valley tour connecting to Machu Picchu. On day one you tour the valley and, instead of returning to Cusco, you finish in Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes. You sleep there and the next day head up to Machu Picchu early. You save hours on the road, sleep lower than in Cusco and arrive at the citadel rested. This guide explains how it works, what's included and what to keep in mind.

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The typical itinerary

Day 1: Sacred Valley

  1. Early departure from Cusco.
  2. A stop at a viewpoint over the valley and often at a textile centre.
  3. Pisac: hilltop ruins and sometimes the market.
  4. Lunch in Urubamba, often a buffet.
  5. Ollantaytambo: visit to the fortress and its terraces.
  6. Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes and a night in a hotel in town.

Day 2: Machu Picchu

  1. Early bus up to the citadel.
  2. Guided visit on your ticket's circuit.
  3. Free time in Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, with transfer to Cusco.

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Why it makes sense

  • Fewer hours on the bus: you don't go back to Cusco between the valley and Machu Picchu.
  • Better acclimatisation: the valley and Aguas Calientes are lower than Cusco.
  • You arrive early at Machu Picchu without extreme wake-up times.
  • Logistics sorted: the operator coordinates tour, train, hotel, bus and ticket.

Downsides

  • A packed day one: many stops in little time.
  • Shopping stops on some tours.
  • Limited time at Pisac and Ollantaytambo if you love ruins.
  • Limited luggage on the train.

The luggage question

Machu Picchu trains limit hand luggage to a small backpack or bag, with a maximum weight set by the companies. Leave your big suitcase at your Cusco hotel, which usually stores it free, and take only what you need for one night. Check your train's conditions before travelling.

What's usually included

  • Transport and guide in the Sacred Valley.
  • Day 1 lunch, depending on the operator.
  • Return train in the class you booked.
  • One hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
  • Bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
  • Entry ticket and guide at the citadel.

What's usually not included: the Tourist Ticket for Pisac and Ollantaytambo, dinner in Aguas Calientes and tips.

Your night in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is a small town squeezed between mountains and the Urubamba River that lives for Machu Picchu. Arriving on the afternoon train, you'll have time to stroll the main street, have dinner and get to bed early. If you have the energy, the hot springs that give the town its name are a few minutes' walk from the centre. Ask at your hotel when the first bus leaves and how early to queue, especially in high season, when the line forms before dawn.

Two days or Machu Picchu in one day?

  • In one day from Cusco: a very early start, about four hours of travel each way and little time at the citadel.
  • In two days with the connection: you also see the Sacred Valley, sleep at the foot of Machu Picchu and visit the citadel calmly.

If your schedule allows, the two-day version is almost always more enjoyable and less tiring.

The Tourist Ticket

Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray and Chinchero are visited with the Cusco Tourist Ticket, bought separately. The partial Sacred Valley ticket is enough for this tour; the full ticket is worth it if you'll also visit sites in the city.

Variants

  • With Moray and Maras instead of Pisac, depending on the operator.
  • On your own: colectivo to the valley, visits with the Tourist Ticket and the train from Ollantaytambo.
  • With a night in the valley: three days at a gentler pace, sleeping in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.

When to book

In high season, May to September, book weeks or months ahead: the tour depends on train and Machu Picchu ticket quotas. Confirm your entry time before fixing the train.

Practical tips

  • Carry cash for lunch if it isn't included and for small purchases.
  • Wear layers: cold mornings in the valley, warmer in Aguas Calientes.
  • Bring insect repellent for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
  • Carry your passport: it's checked on the train and at the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sacred Valley tour connecting to Machu Picchu worth it?
Yes, if you're short on time: it saves hours on the road and helps with the altitude.
Can I bring my big suitcase?
It's not advisable; trains limit luggage. Leave it at your Cusco hotel.
Is the Tourist Ticket included?
Usually not; it's bought separately.
Where do you sleep?
In Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

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