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How to Plan Your 2 Day Tour: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train in Cusco
Are you planning to visit Cusco, Peru, and want to experience the beauty of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train? Look no further than this 2-day tour offered by Viator. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Overview
This 2-day tour takes you on a journey through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo before arriving in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel before rising early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and have time to explore on your own.
What’s Included
This tour includes everything you need for a stress-free experience. Your package includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Round-trip train tickets to Aguas Calientes
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Machu Picchu and a guided tour
- One breakfast and one lunch
The tour also offers the opportunity to purchase a Wayna Picchu ticket for an additional US$30. However, this must be requested several months in advance and is subject to availability. Hotel upgrades or extra nights can also be arranged for an additional cost.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour offers free pickup from any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Cusco. Be sure to provide your pickup location when booking.
What To Expect
Confirmation of your booking will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Please note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, although strollers are permitted. Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Plan accordingly before booking.
The Itinerary
Now let’s break down the tour day by day so you can get an idea of what to expect.
Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes
After pickup from your hotel or hostel in Cusco, you’ll head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop will be in the picturesque town of Pisac, where you’ll visit the traditional market and the Pisac archaeological site.
Next, you’ll head to the village of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll explore the impressive Inca ruins, known for their terraced stone walls and intricate layout. After some time to explore the ruins, you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.
Dinner Suggestions
Here are some recommendations for where to enjoy a delicious dinner in Aguas Calientes:
- The Tree House Restaurant: Offers a unique dining experience in treehouses overlooking the river
- Cafe Inkaterra: Offers a variety of Peruvian and international dishes, with a focus on using local ingredients
- Mapacho Craft Beer: Offers a selection of craft beers and pub-style food
Day 2: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the ruins, pointing out the history and significance of each area. After the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to further explore the ruins on your own.
In the afternoon, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll be transported back to your hotel or hostel in Cusco.
Lunch Suggestions
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty lunch option in Aguas Calientes, we recommend:
- The Shelter Stone Oven Pizza: Offers a variety of pizzas and other quick bites
- The Coffee Tree: Offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks
- Puka Rumi: Offers a variety of Peruvian and international dishes, with a focus on healthy options
Book Your Tour
Ready to book your tour? Visit this link to reserve your spot today. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your 2-day tour to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train in Cusco, Peru. Enjoy your adventure!
An Insider’s Guide: Exploring the Best of Cusco Beyond the Tourist Spots
If you’re a curious traveler who wants to explore the true essence of Cusco, look no further! This insider’s guide will take you on a journey to discover hidden gems, authentic cuisine, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your visit to Cusco unforgettable.
Local Attractions: Discovering Cusco’s Hidden Gems
Most visitors to Cusco go to the usual tourist spots like Machu Picchu, Plaza de Armas, and the Cusco Cathedral. However, there are many other places that are equally interesting and not overrun by tourists. For instance, explore the San Pedro market, where you can find everything from fresh Andean produce to handmade crafts. Another hidden gem is the San Blas neighborhood, famous for its narrow streets, unique architecture, and artisan workshops. You can also visit the vibrant and colorful neighborhood of San Sebastian, which is steeped in history and tradition.
Dining Spots: Savor The Authentic Cuisine & Stories of Cusco
Cusco has a rich and diverse culinary history, and there are several local dishes that you must try during your visit. Start with a bowl of ceviche, a popular dish made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice and spices. Another must-try dish is lomo saltado, a stir-fry that combines beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries. If you want to taste something unique, try cuy, a traditional dish made with roasted guinea pig.
While you’re savoring the local cuisine, learn about the city’s food culture with these fascinating anecdotes. Did you know that Andean peoples traditionally used potatoes as offerings to the gods? Or that coca leaves were used by the Incas to alleviate altitude sickness? You can also try some of the local drinks like chicha, a fermented corn beverage, or pisco, a grape brandy that’s the national drink of Peru.
Cultural Experiences: Discovering Cusco’s Traditions and Festivals
Cusco is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in its vibrant traditions and festivals. For example, visit the Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, which was revered by the Incas as the most important temple in their empire. You can also explore museums like the Inca Museum or the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art to learn about the region’s history and art.
One of the most spectacular festivals in Cusco is the Inti Raymi, also known as the Festival of the Sun. It takes place on June 24th each year and celebrates the winter solstice and the sun god’s return. Another event is the Qoyllur Rit’i, a pilgrimage to the Sinakara Valley that combines Catholic and Inca traditions. It takes place in May and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Local History: Discovering The Fascinating Stories of Cusco
Cusco’s history is full of fascinating stories, from the rise and fall of the Inca Empire to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. One of the most intriguing stories is that of the Chakana, a symbol that represents the Inca worldview. It is said that the Chakana contains secrets of astronomy, philosophy, and science.
Another captivating story is that of the Cusco Cathedral, which was built on the site of the Inca temple of Suntur Wasi. It took almost 100 years to build, and its art and architecture reflect a combination of Spanish and Andean influences.
Off The Beaten Path: Experiencing The Unique Side of Cusco
If you want to have a unique experience in Cusco, try some of these off-the-beaten-path suggestions. For instance, take a hike to the Rainbow Mountain, a mountain range with colorful stripes created by mineral deposits. You can also visit the Moray archaeological site, which features concentric circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for farming experiments.
If you’re interested in art or music, head to the Kusicuy art gallery or the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, which showcases traditional Andean music and dance.
Now that you know about Cusco’s hidden gems, authentic cuisine, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you’re ready to plan your 2 day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train. We hope this insider’s guide will make your visit to Cusco an unforgettable and inspiring adventure.
