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

Home » 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

Our booking service offers a low deposit option that is fully refundable, providing you with added flexibility and peace of mind.

Experience the rich history of the Inca and colonial eras on an amazing tour that showcases historical monuments, diverse art and folklore expressions, and a strong connection to indigenous cultures. Travel by bus and rail through the stunning Sacred Valley to reach Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most treasured sites. At Peru Hikers, we are dedicated to preserving the lifestyle and integrity of each destination we visit, including its culture, history, traditions, environment, and heritage. This is how we support the well-being of the communities we visit.

Trip Summary

Tour Type: A scenic train journey, History, Culture, and Tradition.
Highlights: Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, Meet Locals, Pisac Inca Site, Salt mines, Moray and Ollantaytambo Inca Site.
Physical Rating: 2 Light.
Start/Finish city: Cusco to Cusco
Duration: 4 days
Service Level: Upgraded
Frequency: Every day
Group: Min.2 Max.08
Consideration: Comfortable shoes.

Highlights

Discover the wonders of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Peru Hikers, led by expert local guides with vast Andean knowledge. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco, its historic center, and iconic landmarks such as Sacsayhuaman and Qorikancha. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes while visiting world-famous sites like Machu Picchu. Enjoy a more personalized experience with small group travel and the chance to mingle with friendly locals. Don’t miss this unique tour opportunity.

Itinerary at a Glance:

DAY1

Cusco, City Tour

Our exploration of the ancient capital of the Incas commences promptly at 1:00 pm with a comprehensive city tour of Cusco. Our itinerary includes visiting the Plaza de Armas, Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

DAY2

Cusco, Meet Locals, Pisac, Inca Bar, Ollantaytambo

We will start our day at 8:00 am by visiting the Alpaca Farm, Taray Viewpoint, Pisaq ruins, Urubamba, Salt Mines, and finally the Ollantaytambo Inca site. We will spend the night in Ollantaytambo town, also known as “The Last Inca Town”.

DAY3

Moray, Salt Mines , Chinchero & Train Journey To Aguas Calientes

We will start our day early at 8:00 am and head out to visit an intriguing and historic location that has been used since the Inca Empire to extract natural salts. We will also explore the villages of Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. Later in the evening, we will take a train to the charming town of Aguas Calientes where we will stay at a comfortable hotel for the night.

DAY4

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu & Train Journey Back To Cusco

We will wake up early on our last day and have breakfast at the hotel before taking the first buses to Machu Picchu. During a 3-hour guided tour, we will explore the citadel. Following our visit to Machu Picchu, we will board the Panoramic Vistadome train to return. We should arrive back in Cusco around 7.00 pm and head back to our hotel.

DAY 1

Cusco, City Tour

Your expert guide will meet you at your hotel at 1:00 p.m. to start your tour. The first stop will be the main plaza of Cusco city, where you will learn about the history of the famous Cathedral. You will then walk through an ancient Inca street for 10 minutes to reach the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, where you can compare the spectacular Inca architecture and colonial buildings. This was the most important spiritual center of the Incas.

After visiting the Temple of the Sun, you will take a 20-minute bus ride outside of the city to explore the incredible Inca buildings. The first stop will be Sacsayhuaman, where you can experience its enigmatic architecture for an hour with the help of your expert guide. From there, you will take a five-minute bus ride to Qenqo Inca construction to see its amazing religious altar. Another 10-minute drive will take you to Puca Pukara, a small Inca military construction. The last stop on the tour will be Tambomachay, a Temple of Water with impressive water fountains that the Incas used for spiritual purification. Afterwards, you will drive back to Cusco where the magical tour ends at your hotel. The tour does not include meals, but entrance tickets are included.

Accommodation:

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

DAY 2

Cusco, Meet Locals, Pisac, Inca Bar, Ollantaytambo

Your tour of the Sacred Valley begins promptly at 8 a.m. when your knowledgeable guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. We will travel along a winding road that meanders around the mountains to the north of Cusco. On our way, we will stop at the Alpaca Farm, where you can learn, have fun, and appreciate the four types of South American camelids. Here, you can also witness the ancient weaving techniques. Next, we will head to El Mirador, a famous lookout point that provides a breathtaking view of the Sacred Valley and offers some insights into Inca history. This valley was one of the primary areas where the Incas settled. The highlands of the Andes provide an unusual abundance of fertile plains. You will also see vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas that are fascinating to see.

Later, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac, where you can learn more about Inca culture and see incredible stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring this area, we will head back down to the lower town of Pisac, where you can peruse a bustling handicraft market and search for bargains. We will then meet for lunch at a local Andean restaurant.

Following lunch, we will continue our journey along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we arrive, we will visit the ruins, a significant area of Incan construction built during their heyday. This Inca site is extraordinary because you can find 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: Yes
Entrance Tickets: Included

DAY 3

Moray, Salt Mines , Chinchero & Train Journey To Aguas Calientes

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. and head to Moray, an agricultural laboratory once used by the Incas. The journey will be a scenic one as you will pass through the stunning Vilcanota mountain range, see Quechua communities, and witness some beautiful wildlife. Upon arriving at Moray, your guide will provide an interesting history lesson about how our ancestors experimented with their crops. Next, you will visit the mysterious Salt Mines, which have been in use since pre-Inca times. Here, you will see over 5,000 impressive salt evaporation ponds carved into the mountain side, filled daily by a stream of salt water. This is different from Inca constructions and truly unbelievable to witness. After this, we will drive to Chinchero, an Inca archaeological site where you can explore some agriculture terraces that were once used for farming potatoes. You will also get to see and learn about the Christian church built by the Spaniards on top of the Inca temple. Later, we will head back to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend a night at a hotel. The train departs from Ollantaytambo at 15:37 or 19:04, depending on how far in advance you book and/or the availability of the train.

Accommodation:

3* Accommodation: Jaya or Intipunku hotel

4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Hotel

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Entrance tickets: Included

DAY 4

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu & Train Journey Back To Cusco

You are in for an amazing experience as you visit Machu Picchu, one of the greatest places on earth! You will start your day with an early breakfast before boarding the bus that will take you to Machu Picchu, the New Wonder of the World. 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 (please note that this requires a separate entrance ticket that costs $75 per person).

After your adventures, you will come down to Aguas Calientes for an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Then, you will catch the train at either 15:20 or 16:22 pm to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will be waiting to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Start time: 05:30a.m.
Machu Picchu visit: 5 to 6 hours
Physical Rating: Moderate (except Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Montaña, they are Demanding)
Train Schedule: It can be at 2:55p.m.- 3:20p.m.- 4:22p.m. Or 4:43p.m. (depending on the availability)

Note:
It is not allowed to bring large backpacks inside Machu Picchu, only day packs (25L) are allowed inside.
No trekking poles inside Machu Picchu
Snacks and water are allowed, but they must be inside of your day pack.

Included:

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

No Included:

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

What to Bring

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

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*

1. What is Cusco, Sacred Valley 2 Day + Machu Picchu 5 Days?

In just 5 days, you can embark on a cultural journey that will take you through the best of Cusco and its surroundings. From the City Tour to the Sacred Valley, the Maras Moray, and the enchanting Machu Picchu, you’ll get to experience the beauty and magic of these incredible places.

2. When would be the best time to take this tour?

If you’re considering a trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Machu Picchu Tour, be sure to plan between April and October for the best weather. With dry and stable conditions, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in your exploration. Keep in mind, however, that June and July can be chilly, so don’t forget to pack accordingly.

3. Do I need a permit for this tour?

To fully experience the cultural tour of a lifetime at Machu Picchu, it’s essential to secure your entry tickets in advance. Make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most wondrous destinations.

4. What is the weather like on this tour?

If you plan on traveling to Cusco and Sacred Valley, it’s important to prepare for the unique climate. The air may be dry and the sun intense, but Machu Picchu may be more humid and warm due to its proximity to the cloud forest. During the rainy season, there may be some precipitation, but temperatures are expected to remain above 5°C.

5. After the Machu Picchu tour, will transportation be provided to take us to our hotel?

All your transportation is included on this tour. Peru Hikers offers a door-to-door service (pick up and drop off at your hotel) and will ensure you are escorted until you are returned to your hotel in the evenings. What is the schedule of my train? A recommended itinerary is to depart from Ollantaytambo on day four at 6:10 a.m. and reach km 104 to hike the short Inca trail. On day 5, after exploring Machu Picchu, you can take a train back to Cusco at 2:55 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:22 p.m., or 4:43 p.m., depending on availability.

6. What are the essential items that you need to pack for this trip?

When embarking to explore the wonders of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras Moray, and Machu Picchu, keeping a few things in mind is essential. Don’t forget to bring your passport, some extra cash, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. It’s best to leave heavy equipment behind and use a camera to capture your memories. Be prepared for the elements by packing bug spray and sun protection and dressing appropriately for the heat and cold. Comfortable shoes and a light waterproof layer will keep you comfortable in unexpected rain showers. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. With these essentials, you can enjoy your adventure and create unforgettable memories without any worries.

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