From Cusco to Machu Picchu: A 4-Day Andean Experience

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From Cusco to Machu Picchu: A 4-Day Andean Experience

Starting from $ 649.00

Per person in group Service

Duration:

4 Days / 3 Nights

Max. Altitude:

3720 m /12204.72 ft

Team:

Driver Team + Local Guides

Style:

Hotel

Physical Level:

Moderate

Group Size:

Min 2 Persons

Your 4 Day Machu Picchu Tour Adventure

Book the ultimate 4 day Machu Picchu tour and embark on a seamlessly organized, authentic Andean experience that maximizes your time and minimizes travel stress. This journey connects the rich history of the Inca and colonial eras with the spiritual majesty of the Andes, traveling by bus and rail through the stunning Sacred Valley to reach Machu Picchu. Our tour showcases historical monuments, diverse art, folklore, and a strong connection to indigenous cultures. At Peru Hikers, we are dedicated to preserving the lifestyle and integrity of each destination we visit, ensuring a responsible and unforgettable experience for every traveler. We offer a low deposit option that is fully refundable, providing you with added flexibility and peace of mind.

Trip Summary

Tour Type: A scenic train journey, History, Culture, and Tradition.
Duration: 4 days
Physical Rating: 2 (Light sightseeing and walking).
Highlights: Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac Inca Site, Moray, Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo Inca Site.

Detailed Itinerary: Your 4 Day Machu Picchu Tour Day by Day

Discover the wonders of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Peru Hikers, led by expert local guides with vast Andean knowledge. Enjoy a more personalized experience with small group travel (Min. 2 / Max. 8) and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes while visiting world-famous sites like Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco City Tour – History and Acclimatization

Your exploration of the ancient capital of the Incas commences promptly at 1:00 p.m. Your expert guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the comprehensive city tour of Cusco. We start at the main plaza to learn about the history of the famous Cathedral before walking through an ancient Inca street for 10 minutes to reach the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha. This was the most important spiritual center of the Incas, where you can compare the spectacular Inca architecture and colonial buildings.

After the city center, you will take a 20-minute bus ride outside of the city to explore the incredible Inca buildings. Stops include Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo (the amazing religious altar), Puca Pucara (a small Inca military construction), and Tambomachay (Temple of Water). The magical tour ends at your hotel in Cusco. The tour does not include lunch on this day.

Accommodation:

3* Accommodation: Qoricancha Waman or Mataq Wasin Hotel
4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, and Casa Andina

Day 2: Sacred Valley Immersion & Overnight in Ollantaytambo on Your 4-Day Adventure

Your journey continues with the essential 4 day Machu Picchu tour Sacred Valley segment, beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. We will travel along a winding road that meanders around the mountains, stopping first at the Alpaca Farm to learn about the four types of South American camelids and ancient weaving techniques. Next, we head to El Mirador, a famous lookout point providing breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and offering insights into Inca history.

We then drive towards the ruins of Pisac, where you can see incredible stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring the ruins, you can peruse the bustling handicraft market in the lower town of Pisac. Following lunch at a local Andean restaurant, we continue along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. We will visit the ruins, a significant area of Incan construction featuring rock formations that represent the Inca god Wiracocha. Finally, we will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo town.

Accommodation:

3* Accommodation: Paqarik Tampu hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (1B, 1L, 1D total)

Day 3: Exploring Moray & The Ancient Salt Mines on Your 4 Day Machu Picchu Tour

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. for a scenic journey, passing through the stunning Vilcanota mountain range and viewing Quechua communities and beautiful wildlife. Our first stop is Moray, an agricultural laboratory once used by the Incas to experiment with their crops. Next, we visit the mysterious Salt Mines (Maras), which have been in use since pre-Inca times. This area is a highlight of the Sacred Valley. Here, you will see over 5,000 impressive salt evaporation ponds carved into the mountain side—a truly unbelievable sight. If you love this region, be sure to check out our Sacred Valley + Maras Salt Mines tour.

After this, we drive to Chinchero, an Inca archaeological site where you can explore agriculture terraces and learn about the Christian church built by the Spaniards on top of the Inca temple. Later, we head back to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend a night at a hotel. Train departure times (15:37 or 19:04) depend on availability and booking date.

Accommodation:

3* Accommodation: Jaya or Intipunku hotel
4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Hotel Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (2B, 2L, 2D total)

Day 4: Machu Picchu Citadel and Return – Climax of Your 4 Day Tour

This is the incredible climax of your 4 day Machu Picchu tour! You will start your day with an early breakfast (05:30 a.m.) before boarding the first buses to Machu Picchu. Once there, you will embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the fascinating crystal city with your expert guide. After the tour, you can choose to explore on your own or climb Huaynapicchu mountain (requires a separate entrance ticket and an additional fee).

After your adventures, you will come down to Aguas Calientes for an optional lunch. Then, you will catch the train (at 15:20, 16:22 p.m., or other available schedules) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will be waiting to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 p.m., concluding your extraordinary 4 day Machu Picchu tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast (3B, 2L, 2D total)

What's Included: Your 4 Day Machu Picchu Tour

Entrance ticket to Cathedral
Entrance ticket to The Temple of the Sun
Hotel
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. (This applies only if you choose the price that includes hotels.)
Tickets to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapukara and Tambomachay.
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
Tickets magnificent Inca sites Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Round trip Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Train ticket back to Cusco at the end of your journey
Meals ( 3B,2L & 2D ).
A water bottle per day

What's Not Included your 4 Day Machu Picchu Tour

Lunch on the first day. before the city tour
Lunch on the last day. After the guided tour at Machu Picchu.
Huaynapicchu mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña entrance fee, you need to get an additional fee of $75.00 per person.
Travel insurance – you are strongly recommend to take out during your trip.
Personal snacks.
Tips

Price per person:

$ 999 USD

Private service from 2 travelers with 3* hotels 3 nights (1 in Cusco, 1 in Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Calientes)

Price per person:

$ 649 USD

Group service without hotels(booked by yourself)

Price per person:

$ 810 USD

Group service with 3*hotels 3 nights(1 night Cusco 1 night Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Callientes)

Price per person:

$ 995 USD

Group service with 4* hotels 3 nights(1 night 4* Cusco, 1 night Ollantaytambo 3* a)nd at Aguas Callientes 4*

Price per person:

$ 999 USD

Private service from 2 travelers with 3* hotels 3 nights (1 in Cusco, 1 in Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Calientes)

$ 649 USD

Group service without hotels(booked by yourself)

$ 810 USD

Group service with 3*hotels 3 nights(1 night Cusco 1 night Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Callientes)

$ 995 USD

Group service with 4* hotels 3 nights(1 night 4* Cusco, 1 night Ollantaytambo 3* a)nd at Aguas Callientes 4*

What to Bring: Essential Gear for Your Andean Journey

Original Passport
Walking shoes
Comfortable trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Camera and film with extra batteries
Daypack
T-shirts
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Extra money for souvenirs

1. Is the 4 day Machu Picchu tour enough time to see the main sites?

Yes, absolutely. This itinerary is specifically designed to efficiently cover the highlights of Cusco, the entire Sacred Valley, and the full guided experience at Machu Picchu, making it a perfectly balanced trip.

2. When is the best time of year to take this tour?

The best weather (dry and stable conditions) is typically between April and October. Note that June and July can be chilly, so packing warm layers is essential.

3. Do I need to book my Machu Picchu ticket separately?

No, Peru Hikers manages and secures all standard entry tickets for the Machu Picchu Citadel as part of your package.

4.What are the requirements regarding my passport?

You must carry your Original Passport throughout the trip. Your Machu Picchu ticket is linked to the passport number used at the time of booking, and the original document must be presented for entry.

5. What is the maximum group size for this tour?

We ensure a personalized experience with small group travel, with a maximum size of 8 travelers.

6. Which train class is included in the package price?

The standard price includes the Expedition or Voyager train service (depending on availability). Upgrades to Vistadome or other panoramic trains are available upon request for an additional fee.

7. How much time will we spend inside the Machu Picchu citadel?

The visit includes a detailed 2-hour guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel with our expert guide. You will have additional time to explore based on your ticket circuit.

8. What is the altitude in Cusco and how should I manage it?

Cusco sits at $3, 400$ meters ( $11, 152$ ft). We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 24 hours prior to the tour start, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol to acclimatize. Consider a gentle activity like the Cusco City Tour Half Day.

9. Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but these tickets are not included and require an additional $75.00 USD fee and must be booked well in advance due to limited availability. These hikes are rated as demanding.

10. Is this tour suitable for light travelers or beginners?

Yes. This is a light tour (Physical Rating 2). It involves sightseeing and walking on archaeological sites; it does not include strenuous trekking.

11. Are all meals included in the tour price?

No. The tour includes 7 meals (3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 2 Dinners). You are responsible for lunch on Day 1 and lunch on Day 4.

12. Where will my main luggage be stored during the tour?

Your main luggage will be securely stored at your hotel in Cusco, and you will only carry a small overnight bag to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes for the two nights.

13. Is it safe to travel solo on this 4 day Machu Picchu tour?

Absolutely. Solo travelers frequently join our small group tours. All logistics are managed by us, and traveling with an expert guide ensures a safe and enriching experience.

14. What are the restrictions on bags carried into Machu Picchu?

Only small day packs (25L maximum) are allowed inside the citadel. Large backpacks and trekking poles are prohibited inside Machu Picchu.

15. Will I have transportation back to my hotel in Cusco on the final day?

Yes. Transportation is fully included. A private bus will meet you at the train station (Ollantaytambo or Cusco, depending on the schedule) and drop you off directly at your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

From Cusco to Machu Picchu: A 4-Day Andean Experience