HIGHLIGHTS

• You will have a great chance to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu if you are planning to visit it in the dry season.
• Explore the pre-Columbian religious site and other sites in the Sacred Valley.
• Meet Andean artisans to gain an understanding of Peru’s deep cultural roots.
• You will see a succession of picturesque villages, ancient Inca terraces, and the new seven of the world.
• Comfortable round-trip transport by bus and train.
• Gain a local perspective from a guide that you may miss on your own
• Observe the incredible Andes mountains and the stunning landscapes.
• Travel along the pretties railways in the world which goes paralleled to the Urubamba river.

Why should you go to Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu with us?

• This Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2 days tour is operated by AB Expeditions, a 100% local tour operator based in Cusco.
• In contrast to conventional bus tours, we dont do unnecessary stops at commission stores. Instead, we offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of the Sacred Valley, guided by a hospitable local expert.
• We buy all the tickets so you don’t need to make lines to buy any tickets.
• We buy the best circuit to visit Machu Picchu so you will visit the citadel following the circuit 02. 
• Our vans have oxigen tank and the first aid kid in case of the emergency in Sacred Valley tour. 
• We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb.
• It is Easy and fast to book on our booking Platform your Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley tour. .
• We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
• At AB Expeditions, our guides, and driver receive their salaries as soon they finish their job.
• We don’t share our group of sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 days with other companies.
• Small groups are of 2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
• AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu operator.
• Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continuing professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and unique Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are.
• Your return train ticket on day 2 is at 02:55 pm from Aguas Calientes. Therefore, you arrive at Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any next day like the Palcoyo Mountain tour.
• We are available 24 hours available. You can call us any time at this number +51976510080.
• We are proud of our identity as a tour operator committed to responsibility and sustainability. Our team is more than just a group of individuals; they are our extended family. We prioritize providing them with financial support through fair salaries, recognizing that their dedication is integral to our ability to deliver unparalleled service and create unforgettable experiences for our clients.
• You will go to Machu Picchu with AB Expeditions tour guide from Cusco. For us, it would be cheaper to hire a guide in Machu Picchu. But they tried to finish the tour as soon as possible to do another tour the same day to make more money. So our guide will spend all the time with you in Macchu Picchu.
• We assure our clients that we will not cancel your Machu Picchu day trip due to low sign-ups or limited participation on the departure date. Additionally, we do not transfer our travelers to other tour operators. This commitment provides our travelers with the confidence and peace of mind that their travel plans are secured and guaranteed.
• We leave 7 am from Cusco to avoid crowds in the Sacred Valley. Delight in a personalized excursion where you have the liberty to progress at your preferred pace. Engage in meaningful conversations with your guide, pose questions, and actively participate in the tour, enhancing your overall exploration.

MACHU PICCHU SACRED VALLEY ITINERARY

Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour

Sacred Valley is a vast valley where there are a lot of tourist attractions. One day is not enough to visit all of them, that’s why we have split it into 2 options to visit it properly. Any of these options start at 7:00 am at your hotel in Cusco. See the options below and let us know which option you want:

• Option A: By Pisac(Alpaca farm, Pisac ruins, Pisac Market, and Ollantaytambo).

We will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 07:00 am in Cusco for your Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley tour. Then we will take a road that leads to Pisac. We will visit the 4 main sites, Awana Cancha where you see (Alpacas, Llamas, Vicuña, and Huanacos), Pisac Archeological site, Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Archeological site.  Halfway through, we will have our lunch in Urubamba, after lunch we can visit the Brewery(optional), and then we go to visit the Archeological Center of Ollantaytambo. After visiting Ollantaytambo, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes at 03:37 pm or 07:30 pm, depending on availability. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes we go to check in at our Hotel, have dinner, and overnight.

• Option B: By Maras( Chinchero, Moray, Salt Ponds, and Ollantaytambo).

On this option, we will pick you up at 07:00 am from your hotel too. The tour starts with a visit to the Textile center of Chinchero, then the Colonial town of Maras. From Maras, we keep going to the nearby Inca site of Moray, a magnificent series of terrace circles set into the ground that was once used by the Incas for experimentation with crops, then the salt mines which have been in use since Pre-Inca times. Water from an underground stream is channeled through pools where it evaporates and leaves behind pure salt crystals. The views are amazing with thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley. Our final destination is Ollantaytambo ruins where we will spend an hour. After visiting Ollantaytambo, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes at 03:37 pm or 07:30 pm, depending on availability. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes we go to check in at our Hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.

Day 2: Machu Picchu

Day two is the most magical day: Machu Picchu. We will wake up early, to take the first bus up to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins.

Our guide will come to your hotel to pick you up then you will go to the bus station. The bus take 30 minutes to get to Machu Picchu. Once the entrance, we show our Passport and Machu Picchu ticket then our guide will take you to the guardhouse  where we will take the postcard picture of Machu Picchu and spend around 15 minutes enjoyin the new 7 wonder of the Word then short introduction of the history. After that, our guide will spend around 2 hours exploring the highlights of Machu Picchu following the circuit 2. You will visit main gate, Sun temple, Inca quarry, main plaza, Inca house, sacred rock, temple of the condor and etc.

Afterward, you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain if you have booked this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $65 per person). Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus then you will have like 2 hours to eat your lunch, buy some sourvenir and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a van back to Cusco.   Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel at 07:30 pm.

INCLUSIONS

Included

• Professional English-speaking guides for 2 days.
• Hotel in Aguas Cabaña 3 stars or similar.
• Tourist transportation for Sacred Valley tour.
• All entrance fees to the archeological sites visited.
• Round trip Train ticket from Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo.
• Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Round trip Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour for 2 hours in Machu Picchu.
• Transportation to Cusco and to your hotel.
• Salta mine ticket.

Not Included

• Lunch and dinner on the first day(The are many restaurants which you can choose from at the moment).
• Lunch on the second day.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO UPGRADE

• Huayna Picchu Moutain: $65USD
•  Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD
• Vistadome
• One way Vistadome Ticket: $35 USD
• Round trip Vistadome ticket: $70 USD

WHAT TO BRING FOR MACHU PICCHU SACRED VALLEY

• Original passport.
• Tennis shoes or trainers.
• Long, comfortable pants and a wind jacket.
• Sweater and a light shirt.
• Rain jacket or poncho – in any season it can rain.
• Camera with a full battery and lots of memory!
• Insect repellent (for sand flies).
• Sunblock and sunglasses.
• Personal first aid kit (personal medications).
• Water bottle with 1-2 liters of water.
• Light backpack.
• Snacks (everything is more expensive in Aguas Calientes!).
• Padlock for a locker in the hostel.
• Flashlight if you plan to walk up to MP early in the morning.
• Towel.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Things To Know

• As per the new rules, you can stay in the Machu Picchu area for only 2 hours, but it is almost impossible to enforce this rule unless visitors would have been all the time harassed by guards who would have to ask them over and over again what time did they enter (this rule should be more strict).
• When visiting Machu Picchu, you must bring your passport with you as you will need it to enter the site.
• With the standard entry ticket to Machu Picchu, you will not be allowed back in after you exit, even if you do not spend the full 2 hours allotted with each ticket. A complete guided tour only tends to last between 2 to 3 hours.
• With the Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket, You should hike first to the Mountain and then do the guided tour at Machu Picchu following circuit 03.
• Be careful with selfie-and-jumping pictures, as these cause most of the accidents in the mountains.
• Park rangers invite you to leave Huayna Picchu Mountain at 12:30 pm, and from Machu Picchu Mountain at 12 pm.
• Training shoes or lightweight walking shoes are highly recommended.
• Strong insect repellent is recommended.
• Machu Picchu is a unique site, and if you want, you can get a pretty unusual stamp on your Passport.

Extra Belongings

 It’s not recommended to bring large luggage because the train only allows 8 kilograms. If you have bigger bags, you might end up paying a lot. We suggest leaving extra belongings at your hotel in Cusco if you’re returning to the same place. Just bring what you need for your stay in Aguas Calientes, as it’s only for two days and one night.

If you’re staying at a different hotel after visiting Machu Picchu, you can store your extra belongings with us for free. When the guide picks you up for the Sacred Valley tour, give your extra items to our driver, who will take them back to Cusco and store them. When you return from Machu Picchu, our team will deliver your belongings and drop you off at your hotel.

Bathroom

Bad news, there are no bathrooms or food stalls on the Machu Picchu site. Make sure you use the bathroom before you enter the site. It is right in front of the entrance and costs two soles.

Mistake

If it is cloudy and rainy you will leave the viewing platform where the most classic photos are taken and start the tour around Machu Picchu, with the hope of coming back when the weather improves, we would like to inform you that this is impossible. Once you are on the trail you only have to move forward and follow the circuit – there are many guards with whistles watching, and you won’t stand a chance.

Food and Water

When it comes to food and water, bring your own. The ticket says that eating inside the site is prohibited, but you can bring a small snack with you, only try not to eat too openly, and it goes without saying that you should not litter. Also, you should bring your water in reusable flasks or canteens, because Machu Picchu tries to fight against single-use plastic bottles.

Prohibited objects inside Machu Picchu

• Walking sticks are not allowed unless the person needs them.
• It is not allowed to enter Machu Picchu with drones, hiking poles, tripods, or selfie sticks as well. Older people can carry a cane, but with a rubber tip, not a metal one.
• Professional cameras are not allowed. Permits for professional cameras are over $300 so avoid bringing a professional-looking camera in to save some money.
• You cannot enter Machu Picchu with your travel backpack. Only smaller models are allowed so leave your backpack in Aguas Calientes in your Hotel.

Strikes

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-day Tour, and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your visit to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu tour, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before your start date. You will spend the night in a hotel which will be at your expense. And the next day, you will visit Machu Pichu normally.

If the strike happens on the second day. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike an extra 3 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 09:00 pm.

Travel Insurance

We recommend you get travel insurance. If you cancel your Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable Machu Picchu permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

Machu Picchu Weather

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in Machu Picchu is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are visiting Machu Picchu, make sure that you get rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, and rain poncho. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes.

Returing From Machu Picchu To Cusco.

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with AB Expeditions logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and a half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

Accommodation Options

During the Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 2-day tour, solo travelers will be paired to share a hotel room with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a room to themselves. If you want to have a private room only for you, the upgrade will be $45.

FREQUENT ASK QUESTIONS

What Circuit Will Your Machu Picchu + Sacred Valley Tour  Follow?

We buy the Circuit 2 – Ruta Clasico Diseñada for our Machu Picchu + sacred valley tour, so you willl visit with our guide the upper part and lower part of Machu Picchu. This is circuit is recommended because you will visit the whole Inca City.

How To Book Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2 Day Tour  With AB Expeditions?

In order to book the Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2-day tour with us, you need to click the Book Now button above, then select the date of your departure, then fill out all the personal information of each participant, and the last step is the payment which you can do with credit card or debit card. Please, send us only the deposit.

Once we receive your deposit, we will need Pictures of the Passport of each participant because they are required when buying a Machu Picchu train ticket.

When your Machu Picchu tickets are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

What About The Outstanding Balance?

Your remaining balance can be made in cash 1 day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card Visa(a 5% service fee applies). It is better to pay us with cash because there is not any transaction fee. Please let us know what you prefer.

How About The Student Discount?

According to Peruvian Law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $20 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is $30 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@abexpeditions.com

May I Change The Departure Date After The Permits Have Been Purchased?

Yes, it is possible. But you have to pay the penalty of 25% of the deposit which Peru rail and Machu Picchu office charges us.

I See On The Official Website That Circuit 2 Tickets Are Not Available Anymore For My Preferred Date. Is There Any Way You Can Still Arrange My Trip With Circuit 2?

Unfortunately, when Circuit 2 tickets for Machu Picchu are sold out, we are unable to secure them as we also purchase tickets directly from the official Peruvian website. To address this issue, we we will buy two tickets: one for Circuit 1 and one for Circuit 3. With this arrangement, you will explore Circuit 3 with our guide for two hours, then exit and re-enter Machu Picchu to visit Circuit 1 on your own for one hour. By buying tickets for both circuits, you will still be able to see most of the site, including the iconic photo spots and all the temples. Since we will buy 2 tickets, there will be an additional charge of $45 for the extra tickets.

I See There Is Not Any Single Ticket Available In The Oficial Website For My Desired Date, But I See In Your Wesite Is Available. Can You Still Organize My Trip To Machu Picchu?

Yes, we can still arrange your trip to Machu Picchu. If tickets for your preferred date are sold out, we can purchase permits for the Short Inca Trail, which will allow you to visit Machu Picchu via Circuit 3. However, this option is more expensive and only provides access to the lower part of the site, meaning you won’t be able to capture the iconic view of Machu Picchu. Organizing this option would incur an additional fee of $30.

Alternatively, you can try purchasing tickets directly in Aguas Calientes. Our guide will assist you with the process, but you must queue in person as tickets are non-transferable. The downside of this option is that if you arrive late, you may end up with less desirable tickets, and the exact time of your visit won’t be known until you make the purchase.

Do I Need To Bring My Original Passport On The Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley 2 Day Tour?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Machu Picchu ticket. Your passport will be checked at the Machu Picchu checkpoint when you board the train.

Updating Passport Numbers

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu ticket. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your ticket.

What Is The Schedule Of My Train Ticket?

It will depend on the train availability. We usually book the 15:27 pm or 19:00 schedule from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 02:55 pm so you arrive at Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour next day, like Rainbow Mountain.

Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My 2 Day Tour Of Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu?

We don’t recommend staying in the sacred valley. It is better to stay in Cusco.

Can I Book My Own Hotel In Aguas Calientes?

Yes, you can book any hotel in Aguas Calientes. It will decrease the price to $40 per person. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.

Can I Store My Luggage At Your Office?

Yes! During the 2-day Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu trip.