SACRED VALLEY AND MACHU PICCHU 2D/1N
To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
Group Size:
Up to 10 people
Difficulty:
Mild
Type Service:
Group / Private
Departures:
Daily
Transport:
Van, Train, Bus
Max Altitude:
3,400 m / 11,155 ft
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2D/1N offers an unforgettable two-day journey through the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Explore the impressive archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, enjoy a buffet lunch, and continue by train to Aguas Calientes. The following day, visit the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel with a professional guide before returning to Cusco.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES BY TRAIN
At 7:40 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin our journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our first stop will be the Pisac Archaeological Site, located at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft above sea level. This impressive archaeological complex is known for its extensive agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, remarkable stonework, and strategic location overlooking the Sacred Valley.
After exploring Pisac, we will continue to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch.
After lunch, we will continue to the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, located at 2,860 m / 9,383 ft above sea level. This remarkable Inca complex features impressive stone structures and agricultural terraces, as well as important areas such as the Temple of the Sun, the Ten Niches, and the Ñusta Fountain.
Finally, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, located at 2,040 m / 6,693 ft above sea level. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you will spend the night.
The train is scheduled to depart from Ollantaytambo at 3:37 p.m.; however, the departure time may vary depending on train availability at the time you book your tour with us.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Hotel Pucará or similar – 3*.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel and buffet lunch.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Today is the highlight of your journey! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, located at 2,430 m / 7,972 ft above sea level, allowing you to enjoy the citadel during the early morning hours. Once at Machu Picchu, you will have a guided visit of approximately two hours, during which you will explore the main sectors of the citadel and learn about its three main areas: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After your visit, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have some time to explore the town, do some shopping, visit the museum, or relax at the hot springs.
In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, with departures at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.; however, the departure time may vary depending on train availability at the time you book your tour with us. During the journey, you will enjoy the scenery as the train follows the Urubamba River, passing through the impressive canyon and its beautiful sections of whitewater. You may also catch a glimpse of Wiñay Wayna high on the mountainside from the train.
Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo Train Station, your driver will be waiting for you at the exit. From there, you will continue to Cusco in our private vehicle, arriving at your hotel at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel.
***We always prioritize Circuit 2 when booking your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. However, availability depends on the date of your reservation. If Circuit 2 is not available at the time of booking, we will reserve another available circuit, such as Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We recommend making your reservation in advance.
***The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, so please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to add it.
The return Expedition train schedule is subject to availability and will depend on how far in advance you book the Machu Picchu Tour with us.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
INCLUDED:
- Hotel pickup with door-to-door service.
- Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites.
- Round-trip Expedition Train: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes.
- 1 Night in a 3-Star Hotel (double room).
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Professional English-Speaking Guide.
- 1 Breakfast at your hotel.
- 1 Buffet lunch
- Round-Trip Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo Train Station to Cusco.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- All applicable taxes.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance: US$75 per person (optional).
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: US$65 per person, one way.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Optional hotel upgrades.
- Tips for staff (optional).
- Extra expenses.
***The Huayna Picchu Mountain hike is an optional activity within the Machu Picchu Citadel and is not guided. It is usually completed independently after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. If you would like this additional hike to be guided, please let us know in advance. An additional fee applies for this service.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
This tour is available every day. We recommend booking at least 4 months in advance to have a better chance of securing Circuit 2 for your visit to Machu Picchu, subject to availability. Prices are listed in US dollars (USD) and are available for both private and group services.
GROUP PRICE – 3★ HOTEL (DOUBLE ROOM)
ONLY US$480 PER PERSON
PRIVATE PRICE – 3★ HOTEL (DOUBLE ROOM)
2 – 3 PEOPLE: US$580 PER PERSON
4 – 6 PEOPLE: US$520 PER PERSON
7 + PEOPLE: US$480 PER PERSON
***Would you prefer a 4- or 5-star hotel? Contact us for the available options and their additional costs.
***USD 30 discount per person for both Group and Private Services when hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes is not required.
***Single Supplement: USD 30 per person for a private room at the 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DISCOUNTS
-18 – 25 years old: US$30 discount. A valid student ID is required. The card must clearly show the university name, student’s full name, photo, and expiration date. A copy of the student ID must be submitted at the time of booking for government approval.
-Under 18 years old: US$30 discount. Please send us a copy of the child’s passport at the time of booking.
-Under 11 years old: US$40 discount. Please send us a copy of the child’s passport at the time of booking.
WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?
Because we are a local, family-owned travel company with roots in Cusco and a deep connection to the people, culture, and landscapes of Peru. Our story began in Cusco, shaped by a profound connection to the culture, landscapes, and traditions of our region, and by a passion for sharing the authentic spirit of Peru with travelers from around the world.
We believe travel should be about much more than visiting beautiful places. It should create meaningful connections, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the destinations we call home. That is why we combine personalized service and authentic experiences with a strong commitment to responsible tourism.
When you travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you are not simply discovering Peru-you are traveling with a company that cares about its people, communities, and the natural heritage that makes every journey possible.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES
Our professional tour guides have extensive experience and knowledge. They will accompany you throughout your journey, sharing valuable insights into history, culture, nature, and local traditions while ensuring you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
SMALL GROUPS
At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe that smaller groups create more meaningful travel experiences. To ensure personalized service, greater comfort, and a closer connection with our guides, our shared tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows us to provide a more flexible, enjoyable, and authentic experience, while giving every guest the attention and care they deserve throughout their journey.
OUR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
We believe tourism can create a positive impact beyond the journey itself. Through our community and environmental initiatives, we support children and schools in rural Andean communities, organize environmental clean-up campaigns, contribute to reforestation initiatives, and participate in projects that help protect the natural areas of the Cusco region.
Our commitment goes beyond words. Each year, we continue developing initiatives that support local communities and contribute to caring for the landscapes and environments that make Peru such a special destination. We also dedicate a portion of our tour revenue to community development initiatives, allowing our travelers to become part of this positive impact simply by choosing to travel with us.
For us, responsible tourism means giving back to the people and places that make every journey possible and helping build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please take a moment to review the information below, as it provides helpful details about our services and answers many common questions.
PRE-TOUR BRIEFING
Your pre-tour briefing will take place at your hotel at 6:00 p.m. on the evening before the tour begins. During this meeting, your guide will explain the complete itinerary, train schedules, transportation arrangements, and all the details you need to know about the tour. You will also receive your entrance tickets, train tickets, and other necessary travel documents. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions and receive recommendations from your guide so you are fully prepared for your trip.
CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE DURING THE TOUR?
Absolutely! Hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage for their guests during the tour. We recommend leaving your main luggage at your hotel and bringing only a small backpack with the essentials you will need during the trip. This way, you can enjoy the tour more comfortably while your luggage remains safely stored until your return.
PAYMENT METHODS
To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. A 40% deposit of the total tour cost is required to secure your booking.
Payment Link: We accept credit and debit cards. We will send you a secure personalized payment link through Izipay, allowing you to complete your payment quickly and safely.
PayPal: You can make your payment directly to our PayPal account at info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send you a secure PayPal payment request by email, allowing you to complete your payment safely and conveniently. Your reservation will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received.
Before confirming your reservation, we require the following information for each participant in your booking:
- Full name
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
***Please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
To avoid credit card processing fees, you may pay the remaining balance in cash (US dollars only) during your pre-tour briefing in Cusco. ATMs are widely available throughout Cusco’s Historic Center if you need to withdraw cash. If you prefer, you may also pay the balance online by Visa or PayPal. Please note that a 6% processing fee applies to cover the transaction fees charged by the payment platforms.
CAN I CHANGE MY TRAVEL DATE?
Unfortunately, no. Once your Machu Picchu tickets have been purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow changes to the visit date. Tickets are personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable.
If you need to make any changes, please contact us as soon as possible. If you decide to cancel your trip, the deposit is non-refundable. For more information about our cancellation policy and other conditions, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
If you made your reservation using your current passport and later renewed it, you must travel with both passports: your previous passport and your new passport. This is necessary to verify that the information used for your reservations corresponds to your identity.
You may enter Peru using your new passport; however, you must present both passports when boarding the train and when entering Machu Picchu. Without both passports, you will not be permitted to use these services.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE DURING THE TOUR?
Weather conditions can vary throughout the journey. In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, temperatures are generally mild during the day, while mornings and evenings can be cooler. In Machu Picchu, the weather is warmer and more humid and can change quickly throughout the day. During the rainy season, from November to April, rainfall is more frequent and can occur at any time.
We recommend bringing layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a rain poncho. It is also important to bring sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong even when the temperature feels cool.
ARE TIPS MANDATORY?
No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.
PACKING LIST
-Small daypack.
-Change of clothes for Day 2.
-Drinking water.
-Light snacks.
-Comfortable walking shoes.
-Camera or smartphone.
-Rain jacket or poncho.
-Fleece or light jacket.
-Basic personal toiletries.
-Sun hat or cap.
-Sunscreen.
-Insect repellent.
-Valid student ID, if applicable.
-Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN).
-Passport.