Cusco 2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour: A Detailed Review

If you are looking to visit the famed Incan citadel and, basically, you’re pressed for time, the Cusco 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is likely something you might want to think about. So, I’m putting together my take on, actually, what you could possibly anticipate, along with handy suggestions that’ll assist you to maximize your whole trip. Actually, it’s a thrilling few days, so it’s one that demands some level of readiness to make the most of your really short travel frame.

First Day: Exploring the Sacred Valley

Okay, the tour often kicks off super early in the morning coming straight out of Cusco, that, I think, usually occurs at around 7 am or thereabouts. Then, it’s, literally, a bus or van drive headed toward the Sacred Valley. Instead of, like, simply driving right there, you commonly end up stopping at a couple of key historical locations en route. By the way, this is the perfect chance to start to see exactly why this specific valley carries that name “Sacred.”

Pisac: A Cultural Introduction

Actually, our first stop of the tour usually ends up being Pisac, particularly noted for its, like, bustling market plus towering Incan ruins. Really, I personally uncovered that checking out the marketplace ended up being an absorbing method to feel, virtually, local Andean civilization. It’s almost overflowing along with brightly colored fabrics, hand-made items, together with local things. Even if you, perhaps, don’t normally buy travel trinkets, the atmosphere, so, is really worthwhile.

And after that, you’re off exploring the Pisac ruins located high upon a slope overlooking the place. You might find that strolling all-around will provide outstanding panoramas related to the valley; the Incan farming balconies just, like, genuinely offer you a look inside their, arguably, sophisticated farming techniques. Remember to bring comfortable boots since there is usually quite a bit of wandering included. Maybe you also might choose to make use of this, generally, earlier altitude as, pretty much, a moderate way of, perhaps, starting to acclimatize if you’ve just came into Cusco.

Ollantaytambo: The Incan Fortress

The next point tends to be Ollantaytambo, an, in fact, impressive Incan fort and area. A bit, this amazing site was clearly important, the two functionally along with spiritually. You might get to observe how smartly the Incas made those constructions, like implementing massive stones together with remarkable accuracy. That fortress delivered strategic views associated with the valley so you’re able to genuinely respect why this spot ended up being, arguably, significant.

By the way, taking hikes all around the website needs some stair-climbing and, usually, uneven terrain so only make certain to continue pacing yourself, too it’s almost drinking loads of fluids. Almost certainly, by now your trip group would certainly separate so, typically, some are inclined to stick all-around Ollantaytambo so the rest head right over to Aguas Calientes, the hub in which Machu Picchu lies. This part ends up being genuinely efficient simply because it will get you directly nearer to the citadel so, essentially, conserving you, that night, coming from another round of travel back straight into Cusco.

Travel to Aguas Calientes

Alright, once your gang has split at Ollantaytambo, it’s, maybe, a train ride towards Aguas Calientes. Generally, that train is more than simply transport; you will see that it’s actually a panoramic journey which moves you across, potentially, gorgeous views and landscapes that you certainly can’t find driving a car. Very quickly you pull into Aguas Calientes you might feel that it is really, absolutely, different from any other area you may have seen; so many tourists, restaurants, hotels catering predominantly to Machu Picchu site visitors.

Very likely after settling within the lodge that you had scheduled (generally, this is up to you booking), make sure to obtain some good supper, it’s almost something really simple considering that, I feel, you’ll need a solid night’s rest regarding an early beginning. Potentially spend time roaming round the small location and, seemingly, familiarizing yourself, too it’s almost where precisely your shuttle will be headed to, so, at dawn.

Day 2: Machu Picchu

As a matter of fact, the next day is actually Machu Picchu morning, also it calls for waking up truly super early. People frequently begin lining up to snag one of many original shuttles so they travel right up to, arguably, Machu Picchu before the crowds come. Obviously, it makes for about a half-hour bus drive way up quite serpentine turns, but you, possibly, find the thrill accumulating almost as, really, each bend carries people nearer to witnessing that, perhaps, famous horizon.

Sunrise at Machu Picchu

Okay, for virtually all guests, an especially desirable time, maybe, ends up being catching daybreak at Machu Picchu. Anyway, if, as it occurs, the atmosphere ends up being good, watching sunlight light those old stones provides a totally wonderful and spectacular picture. Of course, the moment you’re inside Machu Picchu you’ll meet up alongside, essentially, your guidebook, normally, somebody who travels and can explain the annals, also the anecdotes so the value behind this impressive site.

Like your travel guide, you will usually be walked by way of key spots like the Temple associated with Sun, that Intihuatana stone, in addition to the Main Plaza. Usually, just listen attentively because, in a way, their familiarity so enthusiasm for those locations undoubtedly add a lot to your vacation. By the way, Machu Picchu, honestly, is best skilled on foot as you can find plenty of stairways together with uneven surfaces, decent hiking footwear tends to be actually a requirement. That said, make sure you, just, allow oneself period simply to halt together with really soak up, perhaps, the encompassing landscape and wonder.

Exploring the Citadel

The usual length of this directed tour is definitely a couple of hours, in that time that you, generally, might have complimentary time. During that point you can pick, for instance, to find distinct portions for that citadel on your own, too it’s almost head down to the Inca Bridge for an exceptionally picturesque stroll, actually (even though always maintain basic safety guidelines). In reality, another prominent determination is literally going up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; even now, all of these call for obtaining your permits well, in advance, since everyday gain access to often, can be very little.

Of course, climbing all these, arguably, additional hills give you improved perspectives and, really, absolutely special vantage areas of Machu Picchu from all below. Usually, by mid-afternoon, you should return to Aguas Calientes to find your train straight back. Most visitors head once more straight into Cusco that evening depending on tour logistics, this officially, completes that swiftly however remarkable a couple of days.

Suggestions for the Cusco 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour

Okay, I have picked up on a, bit, amount through those travel activities, let’s quickly get by way of certain approaches to simply help guarantee a significantly, really, much better outing.

• Get Acclimatized: Should you fly directly right into Cusco (that is seated roughly 11,000 foot), then possibly offer on your own no less than a full day or 2 so your system adjusts prior to trying, perhaps, difficult routines. Potentially sip coca tea plus consider, essentially, moving all over extremely slowly.
• Book in Advance: Always try to organize their visit, tour, also lets just say, for example, lets say, permits (for example, if you wish to travel to Huayna Picchu) as quickly since you, really, probably can. And that is especially major through the entire prime traveling periods.
• Clothes: In ways, coating ends up being wise. Potentially expect sun-drenched weather, chilled areas, and quite often even damp times. Never disregard sunblock, headwear, and additionally shades!
• Carry Things: Carry what ever you have to have within an extremely tiny daypack; this certainly will typically involve liquid, snacks, that camera, and some funds.
• Keep Hydrated: Drink significantly more than standard, even though moving regarding altitude may dehydrate you quickly.

Is the 2-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Trip Worth It?

As a matter of fact, if perhaps, a person’s period appears constrained plus seeing that is simply exactly how it must be, that condensed visit happens to be exceptionally satisfying. Of course, perhaps, its a run to a couple of things so spending further time may, arguably, provide some additional intensive vacation. Still, the fact remains you are going to observe multiple main areas within the Sacred Valley and as a result see Machu Picchu it self constitutes extremely incredible.

A bit, this choice ends up being top in those tourists that favor stability plus want several vital Inca internet pages dealt with; people who cannot manage an extended itinerary also tend to select that variety. Be sure it is well prepared for some relatively early starts, countless journey time, together with numerous walking so you get the top of that brief venture.