Two days of Andean history and engineering: explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo, ride the rails through the Urubamba Gorge, and walk the terraces of Machu Picchu with a guided visit and lunch included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the early-morning Cusco light and the Andes press in: terraced slopes, a river carving a canyon below, and the faint whistle of train tracks that will carry you toward Machu Picchu. The first day moves at a human pace — Pisac’s high stone platforms and markets, lunch in Urubamba, and the living Inca streets of Ollantaytambo. You board a late-afternoon train and descend to Aguas Calientes, where the humid air hints at the cloud forest that shelters the Lost City.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk several hours on uneven stone steps and manage short steep sections; basic cardio and leg strength helpful.
Wildlife
History
Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the 15th century and reintroduced to the wider world after Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition; surrounding sites like Ollantaytambo were key Inca administrative centers.
Conservation
Visitor numbers and timed entry control preserve fragile ruins and trails; stick to designated paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and use registered guides to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the From Cusco - 2-Day Tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with Lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate in Cusco
Spend at least one night in Cusco before departure to reduce altitude sickness risk and conserve energy for walking in the Sacred Valley.
Bring a rain shell
The cloud forest climate changes quickly — a lightweight waterproof layer keeps you comfortable during sudden showers on the climb to the citadel.
Carry your passport
Your passport or ID is required to match the Machu Picchu entrance ticket — keep it handy and protected from moisture.
Start early at the site
Morning visits have cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer crowds; schedule your train and bus to arrive for the earliest permitted slot.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Firm, grippy soles make the terraces and stairs safer and more comfortable.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against frequent cloud-forest showers, especially useful from November–March.
rainy-season
Daypack with water
Carry 1–2 liters of water, sunscreen, snacks, and your passport for entry checks.
Sun hat and sunscreen
High-altitude sun is intense even on cool mornings; protect skin and eyes during open sections.