What’s Included – Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour

Tourist transportation during the Sacred Valley tour
Professional local Spanish-speaking guide
Sacred Valley tourist ticket (entrance to Pisac and Ollantaytambo)
Round-trip Expedition train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Round-trip Consettur bus tickets from Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to the Inca citadel
Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station back to Cusco
1 night accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) with breakfast
Meals: 1 breakfast in Aguas Calientes and 1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
First aid kit and oxygen
Shared or private tour option
Permanent assistance throughout the trip
Packing List

For the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour, we recommend bringing:

A small personal backpack (max. 25 liters)
All tickets provided in Cusco (tourist tickets, train tickets, and Consettur bus tickets)
Personal identification used for booking (passport, ID, student card, etc.)
Rain jacket or poncho (rainy season: November to April)
Hat or cap for sun and cold protection
Sunscreen (especially April to October)
Insect repellent (for Machu Picchu)
Bottled water
Personal medication and altitude sickness pills
Extra cash (Peruvian soles – PEN)
Camera and other personal items

Recommendations

Book the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour several months in advance, especially if traveling between May and September (high season), as Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets sell out quickly.
Arrive in Cusco at least one day before your tour.
Take altitude sickness medication before and upon arrival in Cusco if needed.

At your hotel in Cusco, you can also try coca leaf tea—it may help with acclimatization and reduce symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

In Cusco, mornings and evenings can be cold, so bring warm clothing.
When traveling by train to Machu Picchu, leave large luggage at your hotel in Cusco. Train companies only allow small personal bags. If you need to transport large luggage, additional fees and arrangements will apply.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu

What is Ollantaytambo and why is it important?

Ollantaytambo is one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Located in the province of Urubamba, this site stands out for its monumental stone constructions and for preserving one of the few Inca urban layouts that is still inhabited today.

With more than 34,800 hectares, the archaeological park combines agricultural, urban, religious, and military functions, making it an exceptional example of Inca planning.

Why is it known as the “Living Inca City”?

Ollantaytambo is called the “Living Inca City” because its original urban structure remains active to this day. In the sector known as Qosqo Ayllu, current residents live in houses built on Inca foundations, surrounded by cobblestone streets, water channels, and traditional courtyards known as “canchas.”

Walking through its streets is like traveling back in time, where history and daily life coexist in harmony.

How is the Ollantaytambo complex organized?

The site is mainly divided into two sectors:

Qosqo Ayllu: inhabited urban area with original Inca architecture
Araqama Ayllu: ceremonial and religious sector where the fortress is located

In the ceremonial area, notable structures include:

The Temple of the Sun, made of massive stone blocks
The Bath of the Ñusta, a finely carved granite fountain
The Intihuatana, an ancient solar observatory used for astronomical purposes

What makes Ollantaytambo special within the Sacred Valley?

Beyond its historical value, Ollantaytambo is impressive for its natural surroundings. It is surrounded by the Vilcanota and Patacancha rivers and features extensive agricultural terraces, Inca roads, and storage structures known as qolqas.

Its design reflects a deep understanding of hydraulic engineering, architecture, and adaptation to the Andean environment.

What role did Ollantaytambo play in Inca history?

During the Inca resistance against the Spanish, Manco Inca used Ollantaytambo as a strategic center. From here, he achieved an important victory against the forces led by Hernando Pizarro, making this site a symbol of historical resistance.

Can visitors meet local communities in Ollantaytambo?

Yes. In nearby communities such as Patacancha, Huilloq, and Qelqanqa, ancestral traditions are still preserved, especially in Andean textile art. Here you can closely observe techniques inherited from Inca culture and better understand their worldview.

Is Ollantaytambo a starting point to Machu Picchu?

Exactly. Ollantaytambo is the main train station to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. From here begins one of the most scenic journeys in Peru, passing through mountains and along the Urubamba River.

Why include Ollantaytambo in your trip to Machu Picchu?

Visiting Ollantaytambo before Machu Picchu enriches your experience, as it allows you to better understand the engineering, architecture, and organization of the Inca Empire. It is a perfect introduction before reaching the wonder of the world.

Discover more than a destination

Ollantaytambo is not just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu—it is a place full of living history, culture, and landscapes that deserve to be explored at a relaxed pace. Including it in your itinerary is a decision that will deeply enrich your journey.