We started the day with an early morning pick-up from Cusco, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable from the get-go. The drive through the Sacred Valley was beautiful, with the majestic Andes surrounding us and the picturesque small villages dotting the landscape. Our first stop was Pisac, known for its impressive Inca ruins perched high on a mountain. The site was fascinating, with terraces that seem to cascade down the hillside, and the views from the top were breathtaking. We spent a couple of hours exploring the ruins, including the Sun Temple and a variety of agricultural terraces, learning about the Incas' advanced techniques. Next, we headed to Ollantaytambo, a charming town with its own set of ruins that served as both a fortress and religious center. The Ollantaytambo ruins were just as impressive, with giant stone structures and terraces that towered over the town. The site was less crowded than Pisac, which made it easier to appreciate the historical significance and the engineering genius of the Incas. The town itself is also worth wandering through—its narrow, cobblestone streets and traditional adobe buildings felt like stepping back in time. After a delicious lunch in Ollantaytambo, we boarded the train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride was scenic, passing through lush valleys and alongside the Urubamba River. The comfort of the train made the journey relaxing, and the excitement of heading toward Machu Picchu started to sink in. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we checked into our hotel, which was comfortable and conveniently located. The evening was free for us to explore the town. Aguas Calientes is small, with a laid-back vibe and several shops, restaurants, and cafes. We had a nice dinner, chatted about the day’s adventures, and rested up for the next day’s big visit to Machu Picchu. The next day, we were up early to catch the bus to Machu Picchu. The bus ride up is about 25 minutes of winding roads, and the anticipation builds as you get closer. Once we arrived at the entrance, it was time to experience the wonder of Machu Picchu. The site is truly jaw-dropping, and seeing it in person was even more incredible than I had imagined. Our guide took us through the main areas, explaining the history and purpose of various sections like the Intihuatana Stone (the Inca’s ritual stone) and the Temple of the Sun. The views from Machu Picchu are nothing short of magical, with towering green mountains all around. The sense of history and spirituality in the air was palpable, and it’s impossible not to be in awe of what the Incas accomplished. After the guided tour, we had some free time to explore on our own. You can wander around and take photos, or, if you're up for more adventure, you can hike up to the Sun Gate for panoramic views of the site and the surrounding mountains. Once we were done, we took the bus back to Aguas Calientes, had lunch, and then caught the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a drive back to Cusco. Lares Trip Company provide us a good team to visit Machu Picchu with the sacred valley.
Dear X2276OParianas, Thank you very much for sharing your detailed experience on the Iconic Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Trip – 2D/1N. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed every moment of your journey—from the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley to the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu. We are especially pleased that your guide and the Lares Trip Company team contributed to making the experience informative, seamless, and memorable. It is wonderful to know that the combination of history, culture, and natural beauty left such a positive impression. Your feedback is highly appreciated and motivates us to continue providing exceptional experiences for all our travelers. Warm regards, Lares Trip Team
