2 Days
The Sacred Valley VIP with Connection to Machu Picchu tour combines the Sacred Valley VIP tour with an excursion to Machu Picchu. This is ideal for you if you want to visit the greatest number of attractions in the Sacred Valley in one day. Additionally, upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, you’ll be able to take your train to Machu Picchu Pueblo at the time indicated on your ticket and visit Machu Picchu on the second day.
We’ll start by visiting Chinchero, Moray, and the Salt Mines (Salineras). Then, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley and finally head to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Machu Picchu Pueblo is a charming small town divided by the Allcamayo and Vilcanota rivers, filled with restaurants, craft shops, and hotels. The advantage of spending the night in Machu Picchu Pueblo is that you can wake up early and be among the first to enter Machu Picchu the next day, enjoying the citadel with fewer tourists. We recommend doing this activity between April and September.
Day 1: Sacred Valley VIP with Connection to Machu Picchu
On this day, we’ll pick you up from your hotel between 6:35 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. to start our tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Sacred Valley is located at an altitude of 2,790 meters above sea level and includes Chinchero, Moray, the Salt Mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Each of these sites contains archaeological remains built by different Incas. The Sacred Valley holds great historical significance as one of the main agricultural centers, recognized for its fertile lands, which still produce the finest corn.
Our first stop will be Chinchero, a place that has preserved its traditional textile and ceramic arts. We’ll spend about 40 minutes here, visiting the colonial church, known for its remarkable paintings from the 15th and 17th centuries. Next, we’ll visit Moray, an agricultural research center where experiments were conducted at different altitudes. Then, we’ll explore the Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Piscinas de Sal de Maras (Maras Salt Pools), which consist of over 3,000 ponds of various sizes and shapes. These ponds are owned by local families who harvest and iodize the salt before selling it in the market. We’ll spend 30 minutes at Maras and Moray.
Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive in Urubamba, where we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch. After lunch, we’ll visit the city of Ollantaytambo, dating back to the 15th century. Here, we’ll board our train to Machu Picchu Pueblo at the time indicated on your train ticket.
The journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo takes approximately two hours. At Machu Picchu Pueblo, our representative will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel. That evening, our local guide will meet with you to review the itinerary for the following day.
Day 1 Itinerary Summary for the Sacred Valley with VIP Connection to Machu Picchu:
Day 1:
- Departure from Cusco at 7:00 a.m.
- 8:30 a.m. Crafts and textile demonstration in Chinchero (30 minutes).
- 9:00 a.m. Visit to the Chinchero archaeological site.
- 10:30 a.m. Visit to Moray.
- 11:30 a.m. Visit to Salt Mines.
- 12:20 p.m. Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- 2:00 p.m. Visit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site.
- 3:00 p.m. Board the train at 4:36 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. (depending on your ticket) to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Town – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the guide will meet us to begin our tour at the scheduled time for entry to Machu Picchu. We’ll take a bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the Machu Picchu citadel. This will be a 25-minute uphill journey.
Upon reaching the main entrance of Machu Picchu, our guide will assist you through the security checkpoint. Here, you’ll need to present your original passport or ID and your entry ticket.
Then, we’ll provide a guided tour of approximately two hours through the citadel. During this tour, we’ll show you some of the main Inca ruins, such as the main square, the ceremonial center, temple remains, and agricultural terraces, among other sites.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Then, you’ll board the train back to the Ollantaytambo train station. Our representative will meet you here and take you back to Cusco.
Day 2 Itinerary Summary for the Sacred Valley with VIP Connection to Machu Picchu:
- 5:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel.
- 5:30 a.m. Board the bus to Machu Picchu.
- 6:00 a.m. Visit to Machu Picchu.
- 9:00 a.m. Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Rest of the day is free.
- 2:30 p.m. Train departure to Ollantaytambo (times are subject to availability).
- 4:00 p.m. Arrival in Ollantaytambo and departure to Cusco.
- 6:00 p.m. Arrival in Cusco. The bus will drop you off three blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Included:
- Hotel pickup. Hotel pickups start from 4:00 a.m. Pickup time can be arranged.
- Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station and vice versa on the return.
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, round trip (Expedition or The Voyager, subject to availability). You can upgrade to the Vistadome or 360 train for an additional $100.00 USD per leg.
- 1 night of accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- 1 breakfast.
- Buffet lunch. Enjoy a buffet meal in Urubamba.
- The lunch includes options like spaghetti, white meat (crispy chicken, tenderloin, stew, trout fritters), red meat (lamb stew, tenderloin, pork fritters), quinoa fried rice, legumes, Andean potatoes, and either plain or vegetable rice (a Peruvian dish with vegetables). There are also two types of salads: cooked (carrot, broccoli) and raw (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, excellent vegetarian options). If you prefer soup, you can choose quinoa soup. For dessert, try mazamorra morada or arroz con leche (two of Peru’s most popular desserts), gelatin, or a peach stew. Hot drinks are also included: muña tea, coca tea, coffee.
- Professional and experienced guide with a tourism license (Spanish, English, or Portuguese).
- Bus service from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu (round trip).
- Entry tickets to Machu Picchu (circuit 2 or 3, depending on availability).
Not Included:
- Partial Tourist Ticket
- (S/. 70.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 40.00 Soles – Peruvians)
- Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines
- (S/. 20.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 10.00 Soles – Peruvians)
- Access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain
- You must add $60.00 USD for foreigners, or $45.00 USD for Peruvians (subject to availability). If you would like a guide to accompany you to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, please add an additional $60.00 USD per group of 1 to 10 people.
- Vistadome Train or 360° Train
- ($45.00 USD per route).
- Vistadome Observatory Train
- ($100.00 USD per route).
- Entrance to the Hot Springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Breakfast, lunch or drinks (After visiting Machu Picchu, you may choose to have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo.)
- Snacks
- Tips (optional)
Maras Moray and Machu Picchu tour packing list
If you plan on taking a tour of Maras Moray and Machu Picchu, you’ll want to ensure you bring the right gear and clothing to stay comfortable and safe throughout your trip.
Let´s remember that the Sacred Valley is between 6,725 and 9,842 feet and has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and nighttime temperatures ranging from 40 to 47 degrees.
On the other hand, Machu Picchu is in the rainforest brow and its climate is warmest with high humidity level. For all these reasons, here are some packing essentials you might want to consider:
Essentials
- Original passport
- Daypack: You’ll want to bring a small daypack to carry your water, snacks, camera, and other essentials during your hikes and tours.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes, so bring a refillable water bottle that you can fill up throughout the day.
- Cash: You’ll want to have cash and/or a credit card on hand for souvenirs, snacks, and other expenses during your trip.
- Camera or smartphone: You’ll want to capture stunning landscapes and historical sites, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage space.
- Personal medication: If you have any personal medication, make sure you bring it with you and keep it easily accessible during your trip.
Clothing and gear
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so it’s important to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that provide good support.
- Trekking pants: Quick-drying, lightweight, and UV-protective.
- Shorts: Made from lightweight fabric for the hottest days
- T-Shirt: thin and breathable
- Long-sleeved fleece shirt: To keep warm
- Thermal jackets: For nights and early mornings.
- Rain gear: Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas can be prone to sudden rain showers, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and/or poncho.
Accessories and extras
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be present in certain areas, so bring insect repellent to keep them at bay.
Maras Moray Machu Picchu tour FAQs
What is the best time to visit Maras Moray and Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Maras Moray and Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which is from May to October. However, it’s important to note that these sites can be visited year-round.
Do I need a guide to visit Maras Moray and Machu Picchu?
Yes, a licensed tour guide is required to visit Machu Picchu and Maras Moray. A guide can provide valuable insights and historical information about these sites.
How difficult is the hike to Machu Picchu?
The hike to Machu Picchu can vary depending on the route you take. The most popular route, the Inca Trail, is a moderate to difficult hike that can take up to four days to complete. However, there are also less challenging options, such as taking the train or bus to the site.
Can I visit Maras Moray and Machu Picchu in one day?
It’s possible to visit both Maras Moray and Machu Picchu in one day, but it’s not recommended as it can be rushed and tiring. It’s better to take at least two days to fully appreciate and enjoy these sites.
What should I wear to visit Maras Moray and Machu Picchu?
Wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for the climate, and wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. It’s also recommended to bring a rain jacket and layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Is there a limit to the number of visitors allowed at Machu Picchu?
Yes, the number of visitors allowed at Machu Picchu is limited to 2,500 per day. It’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance to ensure availability.
