The "Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour in 4 Days" is a fantastic way to explore the history and beauty of Cusco - Peru, while visiting Cusco most iconic sites in a short time.
On this journey, you’ll discover Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu—three destinations filled with fascinating history and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights include Coricancha, the "Temple of the Sun," the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and more, all part of this traditional tour of Cusco.
Your adventure concludes with a visit to Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of this tour. Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a classic and unforgettable experience in Cusco.
Book now, and we’ll take care of everything for your arrival!
SUMMARY
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
Arrival in the city before noon, transfer from the airport to the hotel in Cusco
Afternoon City Tour: Coricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán, and Qenqo
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
Visits on the Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Day Trip by Train
Early transfer by bus from the hotel to the train station
Train journey to the town of Machu Picchu (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Bus to the Inca citadel, guided tour
Return to Cusco city by train and bus
Day 4: Farewell to Cusco
Transfer from the hotel to the Cusco 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 in the downtown area with a visit to 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 tourist 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.
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
Approximate schedule: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Meals included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
This exciting second day begins with a pick-up from your hotel to head to the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop, just an hour away, will be the stunning Pisac archaeological site, where you'll be amazed by the perfectly built agricultural terraces and palaces perched 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.
After an hour driving, following the course of the Urubamba River, we will arrive in the town of Urubamba, where you can 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, where you’ll find 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 in Cusco Hotel.
Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco in 1 day
Reference hours: 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. OR 10:00 p.m.
This long-awaited day will begin with a 30-minute transfer from your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, you will board a train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the majestic Machu Picchu mountain, at 2,000 meters above sea level.
During the train journey, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes: towering mountains, lush green valleys, and charming villages along the Urubamba River, making the trip an unforgettable experience.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, our guide will be waiting to accompany you to the bus that will take you to the entrance of the Inca citadel. There, you will begin a guided tour, discovering the history and mysteries of this astonishing archaeological site. You will walk along scenic viewpoints, ancient trails, and sacred temples, each offering stunning panoramic views—perfect for capturing unforgettable memories.
After the visit, we will take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will have time to enjoy lunch and relax before beginning your return journey to Cusco by train and transport at the agreed time.
Last night in Cusco.
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 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, you’ll have a privileged and complete view of the entire Inca city. For this reason, 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.zzzz
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.
| TIPO DE HOTEL | COSTO POR PERSONA | |
| Hotel a presupuesto: | ||
| Hotel 3 estrellas: | ||
| Hotel 4 estrellas: | ||
| Hotel 5 estrellas: |
Optional: Upgrade to the Vistadome Panoramic Train or the 360° Inca Rail for an additional cost of $35 per WAY.
