Immerse yourself in Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, three destinations full of history and spectacular sites, You’ll visit the famous Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun of the Incas, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and many other highlights included in this traditional Cusco tour.
Your experience will concludes with your visit to Machu Picchu, the most iconic destination of your days. This package tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Cusco looking for a classic and unforgettable experience.
Book now, and we’ll take care of everything for your arrival!
Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
Half day City Tour: Coricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán, and others
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
tour to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Day Trip by Train
4 hour bus and Train journey to Machu Picchu
Guided tour
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 4: Farewell to Cusco
Transfer to the airport.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore more of Cusco before you depart!
If your departure flight from Cusco is at night, starting from 7:30 PM, you can make the most of your last day by adding one of these fascinating tours to your experience, which are definitely worth visiting:
Tour to the Rainbow Mountain: 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tour to Maras and Moray: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
At Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires an additional ticket): 2,693 m elevation ( entry times: 7:00 and 9: am)
Arrival to the city of Cusco and City Tour
Reference schedule: 13:30 to 18:30 hrs
Upon arrival in the city of Cusco you will be met at the airport and transferred to your chosen hotel. We will recommend you to drink a coca tea and rest for the first hours to acclimatize better at the height of Cusco.
The Cusco City Tour begins at your hotel or a designated meeting point in the downtown area. From there,wi well visit the Temple of the Sun, Coricancha, one of the most remarkable Inca structures, known for its exquisite architecture and deep religious significance during the Inca era.
Next, we will board our private transport to the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, a majestic construction made of enormous limestone blocks precisely fitted together.
The tour continues with visits to Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Puca Pucara, ancient Inca shrines, each with unique architectural features and functions within the Tahuantinsuyo. As you immerse into the history of ancient Cusco, you will also enjoy breathtaking landscapes surrounding the city.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Cusco.
Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
Approximate schedule: 8:00 – 18:30 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
This exciting second day, we will pick you up from your hotel to head to the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the impressive Pisac Inca site located at 1 hour away from Cusco, where you'll be amazed by the perfectly built agricultural terraces and palaces builded on the mountain. Then, we will descend to the charming colonial town of Pisac, where you will have time to purchase water, snacks, or local souvenirs before continuing our journey by bus.
After an hour driving, following the Urubamba River, we will arrive in Urubamba village, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After that, we will continue our tour to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, the living Inca city and gateway to Machu Picchu. Here, you will explore the magnificent temples and chambers, all built with massive granite stone blocks.
On our way back to Cusco, we’ll stop at Chinchero the highest point of the day, where you’ll know the remains of Inca Tupac Yupanqui’s palace and its beautiful colonial church. You’ll also have the chance to visit the village’s textile workshops to see the ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations. Night at Cusco Hotel.
Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco in 1 day
Reference schedule: 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. OR 10:00 p.m.
The journey begins with a transfer from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Cusco, and even less from different locations in the Sacred Valley. From there, we will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), nestled at the foot of the majestic Machu Picchu mountain at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level.
During the 1 hour and 45 minutes train journey from Ollaytaytambo, you will enjoy spectacular landscapes, featuring towering mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque villages along the Urubamba River.
Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to accompany you on a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu. According to your assigned entry time, you’ll present your tickets and Passport to begin the guided tour.
You will explore Machupicchu Inca Site for approximately two hours, walking through ancient temples, plazas, trails, and viewpoints that show the magnificence of the Inca civilization. After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch or take a short walk around town if time permits, before boarding the return train to Cusco.
At the scheduled time, you’ll begin the return journey by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel approximately four hours later.
Note: Return train schedules on the same route are subject to the entry time on your Machu Picchu ticket and may be at 15:20, 16:22 or 18:20
Approximate Distances:
Cusco – Ollantaytambo: 76 km / 1 hr 40 min by car
Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo: 45 km / 1 hr 45 min by train
Machu Picchu Pueblo – Inca City of Machu Picchu: 30 min by bus
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are subject to availability, and train schedules depend on this availability. Therefore, this itinerary may be subject to changes.
Goodbye Cusco, We’ll Always Remember You!
Included meals: Breakfast
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport.
Don’t miss the chance to explore more of Cusco before you leave!
If your departure flight from Cusco is in the evening, you can make the most of your last day by choosing one of these fascinating tours that are definitely worth it:
Rainbow Mountain Tour: 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Maras & Moray Tour: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Huayna Picchu Mountain in Machu Picchu: Additional ticket required; altitude 2,693 m (entry times: 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM)
Optional Hikes in Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu Mountain (Young Mountain): Located north of the Inca citadel at 2,693 meters above sea level, its access starts from the Inca city itself. The hike is moderate, covering approximately 300 meters along a steep path with stone steps. Along the way, you’ll see agricultural terraces and ancient constructions perfectly integrated into the mountain.
From the summit, is possible to have a privileged and complete view of the entire Inca city. That is why, it is believed to have had religious, astronomical, and strategic functions.
There are two entry times, 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, each with limited availability, requiring advance reservations. The schedule must align with your visit to Machu Picchu itself.
Services Included in the Tour:
Transfers in Cusco (airport – hotel – airport)
3 nights of accommodation in the chosen hotel in Cusco (includes breakfast)
Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
Professional tour guide for all tour days
Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu (standard service)
All transport required for the tours
Services Not Included in the Tour:
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tourist ticket for the City Tour & Sacred Valley (can be purchased on the day of the tour)
Additional personal expenses (snacks, water, souvenirs, etc.)
Laundry and phone calls
Additional nights due to flight delays or cancellations
Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Domestic and international flights
Additional Information
What to Bring for Your Trip?
During these 4 days, you may encounter various weather conditions, so we recommend bringing:
General Items:
Passport or Identification Document
Comfortable walking shoes
Light backpack for daily essentials
Mobile phone/Camera
Personal snacks
Any necessary personal medications
For Cold or Rainy Weather:
Light but warm jacket
Hiking shoes (recommended for Rainbow Mountain hike)
Raincoat/Poncho
For Sunny Weather:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Hat or cap
Recommendations
Climate:
Cusco has two distinct seasons throughout the year. The rainy season runs from November to March, during which rainfall can be intense, especially in the mountains. On the other hand, the dry season is from April to October, which is the most recommended time to travel, as you'll experience clear skies and no precipitation. However, sunny days can be intensely hot, and nights can be quite cold, so it is important to pack varied clothing.
Machu Picchu:
Entry times to Machu Picchu are subject to availability, so it is important to book in advance. Train schedules will also depend on these entry times, so planning ahead is highly recommended. If you're interested in hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, we suggest reserving at least 3 months in advance since spaces are limited. Additionally, if you choose to hike, it's highly recommended to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (the village of Machu Picchu) for better rest before the hike.
Aguas Calientes:
This picturesque pedestrian village located at the base of Machu Picchu offers a wide variety of services. You'll find hotels of all categories, from budget to luxury, as well as a broad selection of restaurants for all tastes. It's a peaceful place, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration. However, due to its remote location, prices tend to be higher than in Cusco, so it's important to consider this when planning your budget.
Extra Luggage:
If you decide to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, we recommend leaving any extra luggage at your hotel in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. This will not only make your journey easier but will also allow you to adhere to the luggage limits for the train, which are quite strict. Bring only what you need for the hike and your stay in Aguas Calientes, such as comfortable clothing, documents, and essential personal items.
Altitude Sickness:
It’s important to take precautions against altitude sickness before arriving in Cusco, especially if it’s your first time at altitudes above 3,300 meters (10,827 feet). We suggest consulting with your doctor about possible medications or recommendations for preventing or alleviating the effects of altitude sickness. To acclimatize properly, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are ideal, as their altitudes are lower than Cusco’s. Aguas Calientes is located about 2,000 meters above sea level, and the Machu Picchu citadel is at 2,400 meters, making it easier to adjust before heading higher.
Transportation:
Most of the journey will be by private tourist transport, so the walks will be short and not physically demanding. This makes the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels, meaning you don’t need to have any prior physical preparation to enjoy the trip.
High Season:
The high season in Cusco and Machu Picchu runs from April to September, including the year-end holidays (December). During these months, the number of tourists is high, which can lead to increased demand for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and hotels. We recommend booking your tours, trains, and accommodation in advance to secure your spot, especially if you are traveling during these busy months.
Extended Stay - Trekking to Rainbow Mountain:
If you choose to extend your stay to do the Rainbow Mountain trek, the days prior are perfect for acclimatizing properly. The Sacred Valley and its surroundings offer the ideal environment for comfortable altitude adaptation, allowing you to enjoy a safer and more pleasant trekking experience.
Prices
Prices may vary based on hotel category and train type. We customize your trip to fit your needs. Rates apply for a minimum of 2 people in a double or matrimonial room.
| Type of Hotel | Price per Person | |
| Budget hotel | ||
| 2 star hotel | ||
| 3 star hotel | ||
| 4 star hotel |
Optional: Upgrade to the Vistadome Panoramic Train or the 360° Inca Rail for an additional cost of $38 per WAY.
