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Discover an experience that combines the majesty of Machu Picchu with the living traditions of Andean culture. Share unique moments with local communities that preserve the legacy of their ancestors, enjoy their traditional cuisine, and learn about the ancestral techniques of their textile art and daily life. The journey culminates with a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where you will discover the legacy of one of the wonders of the world.
Overview of the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley community tour, 2 days
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups for a more personal experience: Travel in groups of no more than 6 passengers, with a more comfortable, flexible tour and more attention.
- Connect with the essence of the Sacred Valley: Spend a day with a community family, learn about their traditions, the art of weaving and their way of life. Enjoy a lunch made with local produce and take part in a community tourism experience that supports the development of the village.
- More time to enjoy Machu Picchu: Thanks to efficient planning and the small group size, you have the time you need to explore the citadel, take photographs and enjoy the views at a calm pace.
- An expert local guide throughout: Discover the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with a professional guide who shares the history, the culture and the secrets of each place, from the start of the trip to the end.
Itinerary at a glance
Cusco – Ccaccaccollo – Huchuy Qosqo (Parwa) – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
The first day focuses on the traditions of the Andean communities of the Sacred Valley. You learn about ancestral weaving, enjoy an Andean lunch and end the day in Aguas Calientes after a scenic train journey.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The second day is devoted to the Inca citadel. With your professional guide you walk through its main enclosures while learning about the history, architecture and legacy of the Inca empire. In the afternoon, after a short visit to Aguas Calientes, you return to Cusco.
Tour facts
| Detail | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | Short walks during the community visits | 2 to 3 hours of guided tour at Machu Picchu |
| Highest point | Huchuy Qosqo: 11,975 ft / 3,650 m | Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m |
| Lowest point | Aguas Calientes: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m | Aguas Calientes: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Temperature | 46 °F to 79 °F (8 °C to 26 °C) | 46 °F to 79 °F (8 °C to 26 °C) |
Highlights of the route
- Ccaccaccollo community: a traditional Quechua community in the district of Taray, surrounded by natural scenery. It is known for its community tourism and for the medicinal, weaving and farming traditions it keeps alive.
- Huchuy Qosqo community (Parwa): Parwa is a community tourism project that brings visitors closer to the village's ancestral traditions through a cultural and culinary experience.
- Ollantaytambo: a town that keeps its original Inca layout, with an impressive archaeological site and the main train station for Machu Picchu.
- Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town): the main service hub and gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: an Inca citadel considered one of the main retreats of the Inca elite, as well as a sanctuary and astronomical centre among tropical mountains.
Itinerary of the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley community tour, 2 days
Cusco – Ccaccaccollo – Huchuy Qosqo (Parwa) – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Today you discover the essence of the Sacred Valley alongside Andean communities, among impressive landscapes and living traditions that open your journey to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.
- The experience starts with the pickup at your hotel in Cusco at around 8:00 a.m., heading for the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Our community experience begins in Ccaccaccollo, an Andean village that keeps alive traditions and knowledge passed down through generations. The visit opens with a traditional welcome dance, where you meet the members of the community and can even wear their traditional clothing.
- You then discover the art of Andean weaving, a tradition practised by women and men alike. In the demonstration you see how textiles are made with traditional techniques and natural dyes, and you can take part in the process while learning the meaning of their designs.
- The journey continues to Huchuy Qosqo (Parwa), where you visit the community's garden and see some of the produce that goes into your meal. Parwa is a community project that shares its traditions and customs through Andean dishes: a chance to discover local flavours and connect authentically with the families who keep Andean culture alive.
- In the afternoon we reach Ollantaytambo, one of the best preserved Inca towns in Peru. You have time to walk its cobbled streets and admire the urban layout it has kept since Inca times, before boarding the tourist train to Aguas Calientes.
- During the two-hour train journey you watch the landscapes of the Sacred Valley give way to the lush vegetation of the cloud forest, following the Urubamba river to Aguas Calientes.
- On arrival, our staff take you to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to wander the streets of the town, relax in its cafés, visit one of its attractions or simply rest before the most awaited moment of the trip.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today you live the most awaited moment of the trip: exploring Machu Picchu and discovering the history that has made this citadel one of the great treasures of the world.
- The second day starts early, after breakfast at the hotel. With our guide we head to the bus station for Machu Picchu. The ride is short, about 25 minutes, through the biodiversity that surrounds the wonder of the world.
- At Machu Picchu you visit some of its most important structures, according to the assigned circuit, while your guide shares the history and the mysteries behind each enclosure.
- After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, where you have free time to enjoy this picturesque town: choose a restaurant for lunch, wander its streets or visit its colourful local market.
- In the late afternoon we travel back on the tourist train, whose windows let you enjoy the scenery all the way. At Ollantaytambo a private vehicle is waiting to take us back to Cusco, closing an adventure that combines history, nature and living culture.
What the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley community tour, 2 days, includes
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Once your booking is confirmed we buy the entrance tickets according to current availability, always looking for the best option for your visit. Your tour may follow one of these circuits:
- Circuit 2, routes 2A or 2B. Offers the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu along with some of the main enclosures of the citadel.
- Circuit 3, route 3B. Gives a different perspective, following the lower sector of the Historic Sanctuary.
- Circuit 1, route 1B. Runs through the panoramic sector, with the best views and the classic postcard photo from the Guardian's House.
Each circuit is designed to show different sectors of the citadel. We arrange the best circuit available when your booking is confirmed. Because of high demand, we recommend booking early.
Sacred Valley tickets
- Day 1: partial tourist ticket (BTG), which gives access to the Sacred Valley archaeological sites included in the tour, among them Ollantaytambo.
- Day 1: entrance to the Maras salt pans, an impressive set of thousands of salt pools.
Support and safety
- Pre-tour briefing. The day before, our representative goes through every detail of the programme with you and answers your questions.
- Professional bilingual guide at Machu Picchu (Spanish and English), in a small group, with detailed explanations of the history, culture and legacy of the citadel.
- Small-group guide for the Sacred Valley community day, a maximum of 6 passengers, with specialist guides who enrich the experience with the history, culture and traditions of the destination.
- Personal support. From the pickup at your hotel in Cusco, a Sakura Expedition representative coordinates every detail until you meet your guide at Machu Picchu.
Accommodation and meals
- Day 1: one night at a 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes, in a double or twin room. For other room types, please ask when booking.
- Day 1: Andean lunch at Parwa, prepared by the community with local produce.
Transport
- Day 1: private tourist transport from Cusco and throughout the Sacred Valley tour.
- Day 1: Expedition train by PeruRail or Voyager by Inca Rail, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2: buses up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Day 2: Expedition train by PeruRail or Voyager by Inca Rail, from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Day 2: private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Not included
- Day 1: breakfast and dinner.
- Day 2: lunch and dinner.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Extra costs caused by circumstances beyond our control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Price of the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley community tour, 2 days
Rates
| Rate | 2026 price | 2027 price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 508 USD | To be confirmed | Group from 2 passengers. |
| University student | 483 USD | To be confirmed | Valid physical university card. |
Booking guarantee
To secure your Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets, a deposit of USD 200.00 per person is required when booking. The balance is paid in cash at our office in Cusco, or as advised by your travel consultant.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 2: lunch at the Café Inkaterra | USD 25per person | A delicious meal with views over the Vilcanota river, in a natural setting perfect for relaxing before the return train. |
| Day 2: lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Tinkuy | USD 45per person | The best option for lunch right beside Machu Picchu, with a varied buffet in a unique setting a few steps from the citadel. |
| Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance | On request | Both hikes can be added to the tour, subject to availability. They require moderate fitness. |
Book in advance
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, but entrance and train tickets have limited availability and tend to sell out. We recommend booking 3 to 5 months ahead for a wider choice of circuits, entry times and train services.
What to bring on the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley community tour, 2 days
These are the most important things to bring on your trip through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or national ID. It is required to enter Machu Picchu and for the Sacred Valley tickets.
- Valid physical student card, if you booked the student rate.
Luggage and clothing
- A small day backpack for your essentials.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, plus what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes.
- Comfortable footwear with good grip.
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially between November and March.
- Warm clothing for the Sacred Valley communities, which sit at a higher altitude.
- A hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photos at Machu Picchu.
Personal items
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal medication.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks.
- Cash in soles for personal expenses and for buying textiles or handicrafts in the communities.
Gear and extras
- Camera or phone and a power bank.
- Headphones.
Important notes
- Travel light for a more comfortable experience.
- Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu have the warm, humid climate of the cloud forest. Some humidity in the hotels is normal.
- Keep your documents and valuables with you at all times.
Frequently asked questions about the Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley community tour, 2 days
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, but it is worth considering the two seasons of the Cusco region. The dry season, from April to October, usually brings sunnier days and clear skies, ideal for enjoying the scenery. The rainy season, from November to March, brings more frequent showers and greener, more luxuriant vegetation.
Whichever time you choose, we recommend booking your entrance as far ahead as possible, since availability is limited and often sells out on certain dates.
Does this tour run every day?
Yes, we run this tour all year round. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets have limited availability, so we recommend booking early to secure your place and access a wider choice of times and circuits.
What will I experience on the first day?
On the first day you discover the heart of the Sacred Valley, visiting Andean communities where you learn about their traditions, farming and ancestral weaving. You also share a lunch made with local produce, walk through the historic town of Ollantaytambo and end the day travelling by train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
How long does the first day last?
The first day lasts around 11 hours: it starts with the pickup at your hotel in Cusco at about 8:00 a.m. and ends when you arrive at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Is breakfast included on the first day?
No. Breakfast is not included in the programme, so we recommend having it at your hotel before departure or asking for a breakfast box to take with you.
Can I buy textiles or local products during the tour?
Yes. During the visits to the Andean communities you can see and buy handmade textiles, alpaca garments and handicrafts made by the local families themselves. Every purchase goes directly into the community's economy and helps preserve ancestral techniques passed down through generations.
How many passengers are in the small group?
We believe a visit to Machu Picchu deserves personal attention and a comfortable pace. That is why our services are designed for small groups of 2 to 6 passengers, allowing a more exclusive and flexible experience.
If your booking is for 2 passengers, your departure is guaranteed and operated directly by Sakura Expedition, without joining other groups or agencies. If you are travelling alone, we can also help you join a small group already confirmed for the same date; ask your travel consultant about the options.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 3 to 5 months ahead, especially if you plan to travel in high season. Every year more travellers plan their visit months in advance and, since Machu Picchu entrances have limited capacity, they sell out quickly.
Booking early gives you a wider choice of circuits, entry times and train services.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
This programme can run on any of the three Machu Picchu circuits, depending on availability when the booking is confirmed. Each circuit offers a different experience: walks through the citadel, panoramic views or both combined.
Although many travellers ask for circuit 2, circuits 1 and 3 also show Machu Picchu from unique perspectives. Our team always arranges the best option available for your trip.
Can I choose my entry time to Machu Picchu?
We do everything we can to arrange your preferred entry time. However, times are subject to availability when the booking is confirmed and must fit the itinerary of the tour.
What type of train does the tour include?
The tour includes the Expedition train by PeruRail or the Voyager by Inca Rail, subject to availability. Both have comfortable seats and wide panoramic windows for enjoying the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Andes. Which one you travel on depends on availability and each company's timetable.
If you would like a superior experience, you can request an upgrade to the Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability and at an extra cost.
How do I know if this programme is right for me?
It is ideal for travellers who want to discover the essence of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in just two days, combining history, living culture and spectacular scenery. You share moments with Andean communities, learn about their traditions and spend a night in Aguas Calientes before visiting the citadel at a calmer pace.
The programme includes transport, accommodation, guiding and entrance tickets, so all you have to do is enjoy the experience, at an easy level of difficulty.
What is the recommended age for this tour?
It is an excellent option for travellers of all ages, as it requires no long walks or significant physical effort. It is recommended for children from 8 years old, accompanied by their parents, and is ideal for older travellers who want to see Machu Picchu comfortably and safely.
There is no maximum age for this tour. Even so, we recommend checking with your doctor before the trip if you have any particular health condition.
From what age do children pay at Machu Picchu?
Children from 3 years old need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, with special rates according to age and nationality. To access these rates, the valid passport or ID must be shown when booking and during the visit. Our team will let you know the rates that apply.
How difficult is this tour?
The difficulty is easy. It is designed for travellers who want to see Machu Picchu with a comfortable, cultural and accessible experience, without long walks or demanding treks.
What time do we get back to Cusco?
The return to Cusco is expected at around 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., depending on the train departure time and the operating conditions of the service.
How long is the guided tour at Machu Picchu?
The guided tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, although it may run slightly longer depending on the group's pace. As it is a private service, you have plenty of time to stop, take photographs and learn the history and secrets of Machu Picchu with your expert guide.
Can I add Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this tour?
Yes. Both can be added, subject to availability. These hikes require moderate fitness, and we recommend them only if you do not suffer from vertigo, especially for the climb up Wayna Picchu. The entrances usually sell out well in advance, so it is best to request them when booking.
Can I bring a suitcase or a large backpack?
For a more comfortable experience, we suggest bringing only a small backpack with your essentials for the day.
Can I take luggage to Aguas Calientes?
Yes. You can take up to 8 kg of luggage on the train to Aguas Calientes. Even so, for a more comfortable visit we recommend carrying only a small backpack with the essentials for Machu Picchu.
Your main luggage can stay at your hotel in Cusco, as most offer free storage for their guests. Some train stations also have a luggage storage service.
Who will meet us on our return to Ollantaytambo station?
On arrival in Ollantaytambo, our staff will be waiting with a sign bearing your name to assist you and take you comfortably back to Cusco.
Does the tour include a transfer to my hotel?
Yes. The service includes the transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the train station and the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel.
Is the guiding service in a large or a small group?
Throughout the two days you travel in small groups of 2 to 6 passengers, which allows closer attention, a stronger connection with local culture and a more authentic experience.
On the first day you share unique moments with a local community, taking part in traditional activities and seeing their way of life up close. On the second day you continue to Machu Picchu, with time to discover the history and secrets of the citadel with your guide. If you are travelling alone, please ask our sales team about the options.
Are the transfers private or shared?
The road transfers included in this programme are private, both outbound and on the return, with the exception of the tourist train and the bus up to Machu Picchu.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Check availability. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check available dates. We will send you a personalised booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To arrange your official Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets we need the following details: full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality. Without this information we cannot buy entrances or tickets.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. Once we receive the completed forms, we ask for a deposit of USD 200.00 per person in order to buy the entrances and train tickets. We recommend booking early, as places sell out quickly.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once everything is secured you receive your official confirmation invoice. At that point your booking is 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, at our office in Cusco or as advised by your travel consultant.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course. During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Are tips expected?
Tips are entirely voluntary. Our whole team is paid fairly, so any gratuity is at your discretion.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % Peruvian local operator specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to unique, safe, high-quality experiences. We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personal attention in every service.
This is what sets us apart:
- Small groups: a more comfortable, personalised experience with more attention from our guides.
- Our own operation and local team: we run our programmes directly, which lets us maintain high standards of quality, punctuality and organisation.
- Certified professional guides: a team that shares the history, culture and traditions of Peru with genuine passion.
- Personalised service: we are with you before, during and after your trip, with permanent assistance and prompt answers.
- Responsible, sustainable tourism: we work alongside partner communities, respecting their traditions and contributing to the development of local families.
- Commitment to safety: safety protocols, suitable equipment and trained staff.
- A certified local company: we are a 100 % Peruvian company based in Cusco, and this year we earned the CALTUR Gold Certification, the highest recognition of tourism quality in Peru.
