Your Sacred Valley Connection to Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel or an agreed meeting point in Cusco, generally between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. From there, travel by tourist transportation toward the first cultural stop of the day while leaving the city behind and entering the Andean countryside.

Chinchero – Culture, History and Textile Traditions

The first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean town known for its Inca heritage and living textile traditions. During the visit, you will discover the archaeological area and learn about the historical importance of this settlement.

You will also visit a local textile center, where artisans explain traditional methods for preparing wool, creating natural dyes, and weaving colorful Andean textiles. This experience provides an introduction to cultural traditions that are still practiced by local families today.

Moray – Inca Agricultural Terraces

Continue to Moray, an archaeological complex famous for its unusual circular terraces built at different elevations.

During the guided visit, you will learn about the theories surrounding the agricultural purpose of Moray and how the Incas may have used differences in temperature and altitude to study growing conditions for different crops.

There will be time to appreciate the surrounding landscape and take photographs before continuing toward Maras.

Maras Salt Mines

The journey continues to the Maras Salt Mines, one of the most distinctive landscapes in the region. Thousands of small salt ponds extend across the mountainside and are supplied by naturally salty water.

Your guide will explain how these salt pools are managed and harvested by local families using techniques that have been maintained for generations. You will be able to observe the salt terraces from the designated visitor areas and learn more about their economic and cultural importance.

Buffet Lunch in Urubamba

After the morning visits, you will travel to Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

Take some time to relax and enjoy a selection of Peruvian dishes before continuing with the afternoon portion of the tour.

Lunch is normally scheduled at approximately 1:00 p.m., although timing may vary depending on traffic and the pace of the group.

Ollantaytambo – Archaeological Complex

After lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.

Your guide will lead you through the complex while explaining its terraces, stone structures, ceremonial spaces, and the important role Ollantaytambo played during the Inca period. The town itself also preserves historic streets, water channels, and architectural elements that reflect its Inca origins.

This is the final archaeological visit of the day. From Ollantaytambo, instead of returning to Cusco, you will continue directly toward Machu Picchu.

Train to Aguas Calientes

After the guided visit, you will head to Ollantaytambo Train Station and board your scheduled train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

During the train journey, enjoy the mountain scenery, river views, and changing vegetation as you travel toward the area surrounding Machu Picchu.

The journey generally takes around 1½ hours, although the exact departure time, train company, and service depend on the tickets confirmed for your reservation.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes and Hotel Check-In

Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, a hotel representative or member of the local staff will assist you with your arrival and hotel check-in.

Once settled in, the rest of the evening is free. You may explore the town, choose a restaurant for dinner, or relax at your hotel before the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Briefing

At approximately 7:30 p.m., your professional guide will meet you at the hotel to coordinate your Machu Picchu visit.

During the briefing, you will receive information about your meeting time, shuttle bus arrangements, entrance schedule, confirmed route, required identification, and practical recommendations for the next morning.

After the meeting, you can rest and prepare for the highlight of your Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour.