Feeling overwhelmed by planning your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu route?
Trust me, I was too.
There’s so much to see in this mystical region of Peru—and if you don’t plan it right, you could miss out on sunrise views, local food gems, or even your entry ticket to Machu Picchu. Learn from my mistakes – I made 7 critical altitude errors that cost me days of my trip.
Here’s the exact 3-day itinerary I used to explore the Sacred Valley and visit Machu Picchu with ease—and intention. It’s solo traveler-approved, flexible, and full of magical moments.
✨ Day 1: Acclimate + Wander the Sacred City of Cusco
Start your journey in Cusco—a high-altitude city full of cobblestone charm and spiritual energy. This day is all about soft landings and cozy discoveries.
✅ Must-Do’s:
- Grab coca tea at a local café (it helps with altitude!)
- Walk through San Blas, the boho arts district
- Shop sustainable alpaca fashion or handmade textiles
- Visit Qorikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun
- Optional: join a sound bath or cacao ceremony to ground your energy
📍 Book a guided Cusco experience on GetYourGuide
🛏 Stay: Palacio Manco Capac Boutique Hotel
Want the complete solo travel prep strategy? Check out my epic planning guide that covers everything.
🏞 Day 2: Sacred Valley Road Trip (Pisac → Maras → Moray → Ollantaytambo)
Hire a private driver or book a day tour that hits all the iconic stops while winding through the stunning Sacred Valley.
These are just the main stops – I’ve discovered 7 hidden Sacred Valley secrets that most tourists miss.
🚗 Stops to Include:
- Pisac Ruins + colorful market
- Maras Salt Mines (great for golden hour photos)
- Moray: Incan crop circles meet sci-fi
- Chinchero for weaving demos + alpaca selfies
- End in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll catch the train the next day
📍 Sacred Valley day trip with hotel pickup
🛏 Stay:Hotel Casa Suite Inka – Ollantaytambo
🚆 Day 3: Sunrise Train + Machu Picchu Experience
This is the big one—Machu Picchu day! Wake up early to board your scenic train to Aguas Calientes, then bus up to the ruins for a guided visit.
☀️ Ideal Timeline:
- Take the 6–7 AM Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo
- Arrive by 9–10 AM at Machu Picchu
- Explore the citadel with a guide (2–3 hours)
- Optional hikes: Sun Gate or Inca Bridge
- Have lunch in Aguas Calientes before catching the train back
🛤 Book your train + Machu Picchu entry combo
📦 Pack Essentials:
- Passport + ticket (required)
- Sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle
- Mini daypack from Amazon – under $25
💫 Bonus Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Acclimate in Cusco before hiking or climbing ruins
- Always have cash for market stops + bathroom fees
- Download offline maps for remote areas
- Bring layers—mornings and evenings get chilly
- Stay hydrated and listen to your body
For more detailed altitude prep (seriously, don’t skip this), read my complete altitude survival guide.
✨ Final Takeaway
This 3-day Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu itinerary blends adventure, soul, and self-care. Whether you’re chasing ruins, healing vibes, or just your own rhythm—this journey delivers.
➡️ Save this post for your trip planning and share it with a travel bestie!
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