A compact two-day loop from Cusco through Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Expect guided archaeological walks, train transfers, and altitude-aware pacing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light strips the peaks of the Andes and the van climbs out of Cusco toward a valley once reserved for Inca elites. Stones hum with age at Pisac’s terraces, where farmers still coax potatoes from thin soil, and the market’s silverwork carries centuries of craft. By noon the valley widens into Urubamba; lunch is a fuel stop before the megaliths of Ollantaytambo rise like a deliberate puzzle of sun-facing terraces.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours total; 6–10 active hours per day)
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to walk uneven stone paths, climb stairs, and handle several hours of sightseeing at altitude
Wildlife
History
The Sacred Valley was the Inca heartland for agriculture and ritual; Ollantaytambo served as a strategic fortress and living city that still bears its original urban layout.
Conservation
Visitor limits and time slots at Machu Picchu help protect fragile ruins; follow marked paths, avoid touching stones, and use established waste disposal to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Tour to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you start
Spend at least a day in Cusco (3,400 m) to reduce altitude effects; avoid heavy exertion on arrival day.
Bring sun protection
High-elevation UV is strong—use SPF 30+, sunglasses and a brimmed hat for mid-day stretches at ruins.
Carry cash and your passport
Many small vendors take only cash; you must carry the passport used to book Machu Picchu entry.
Mind the uneven terrain
Stone staircases and sloping terraces are common—use sturdy footwear and take your time on descents.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and grip for stone steps and muddy trails in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Layered jacket (wind/rain shell)
Temperature and weather change quickly at altitude—pack a lightweight waterproof layer.
Hydration system (1–2L)
Maintain hydration to help cope with altitude and long walking periods.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)
High-elevation sun is intense even on cool days—protect skin and eyes.