Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour – 4 Days

Full itinerary

Day 1: Transfer In & Cusco City Tour

• Duration: Full day
• Start Time: Depends on arrival time

Morning: Airport Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representative will greet you at the airport and assist you with your luggage. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. On the way, the guide will give you a brief introduction to Cusco, offering tips for adjusting to the altitude and giving you insight into the city’s rich history.

After checking in, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude of Cusco (11,152 feet / 3,400 meters). This will help ensure you’re ready for the exciting day ahead.

Afternoon: Cusco City Tour Start Time: 1:30 PM

Your tour begins at Cusco’s bustling Plaza de Armas. Explore the historical heart of the city, surrounded by colonial-era churches like the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Inside, you’ll explore stunning altars, historic paintings, and beautiful carvings, while learning about the blend of Andean and Christian traditions.

A short walk from the Plaza de Armas brings you to Qorikancha, the Inca Empire’s most important temple dedicated to the Sun God. This temple showcases a beautiful blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.
After visiting the city center, we’ll head just outside Cusco to the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán. Famous for its immense stone walls, this temple or fortress offers a stunning view of Cusco below and is one of the most impressive Inca constructions.

Continue to Q’enqo, a mysterious Inca site used for religious rituals, with winding tunnels and carved stone altars.
Our next stop is Puka Pukara, a small fortress strategically located to protect the entrance to the Sacred Valley. It’s known for its reddish hues and commanding views of the surrounding landscapes.
The final stop is Tambomachay, a site associated with the worship of water. Its well-preserved water channels and fountains are a testament to the Inca’s architectural and engineering skills.

After the tour, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Cusco, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Tour Includes:

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation to all sites
• Entrance fees to attractions

Day 2: Premium Sacred Valley Full-Day

• Start Time: 7:30 AM
• End Time: Evening (Arrival in Aguas Calientes)

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:30 AM. From there, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, with your guide offering insights into the area’s rich Inca history and culture.

Your first stop is Chinchero, a small town known for its well-preserved Inca ruins. Explore the Chinchero archaeological site, which includes terraces, temples, and a beautiful colonial church built on Inca foundations. Your guide will explain the significance of Chinchero as a ceremonial and agricultural center for the Incas.

After exploring the ruins, visit a Chinchero textile center to learn about traditional Andean weaving techniques. Watch local artisans demonstrate how they use natural dyes and ancient methods to create beautiful textiles such as blankets, scarves, and rugs. You’ll also have the chance to purchase handmade products directly from the artisans.

Next, head to Moray, an intriguing Inca agricultural site. This ancient complex consists of circular terraces that were used as an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas experimented with different crops at varying altitudes. Your guide will explain how the unique microclimates of Moray were used to develop new farming techniques.

After Moray, visit the famous Salineras de Maras, a collection of over 3,000 salt ponds carved into the mountainside. These salt pans have been in use since pre-Inca times and are still harvested by local families today. You’ll learn about the salt extraction process and enjoy stunning views of the white salt pools set against the Andean landscape.

Head to Urubamba for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy traditional Andean cuisine, with options such as lomo saltado, trucha a la parrilla (grilled trout), or vegetarian dishes like ají de gallina and quinotto (quinoa risotto). This is a great time to rest and recharge before continuing your tour.

After lunch, visit the Ollantaytambo Inca site, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. This massive fortress features impressive terraces, temples, and ceremonial areas. It was an important military, agricultural, and religious center for the Incas. Climb the stone steps to reach the top of the fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

In the late afternoon, you’ll board the train at Ollantaytambo Station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. During the train journey, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba River, lush forests, and towering mountains. Arrive in Aguas Calientes in the evening, where you’ll transfer to your hotel and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Tour Includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation throughout the Sacred Valley
• Entrance fees to Chinchero, Moray, Salineras, and Ollantaytambo
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Hotel

Day 3: Visit Machu Picchu – Cusco Full-Day

• Start Time: Early Morning in Aguas Calientes
• End Time: Evening (Arrival in Cusco)

Begin your day early in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. After breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the bus station to catch the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes, winding up through lush green mountains with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Meet your guide for a comprehensive tour of the ancient Inca citadel, which will last approximately two to three hours. Explore the most iconic spots of the site, according the circuit.

Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and significance of Machu Picchu, offering context on how it served as a royal estate and religious site.

After the guided tour, you can do an extra hike to the Waynapicchu peak at your own pace. If you booked in advance the admission.

later, take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (not included) or spend time browsing the markets for souvenirs.

In the afternoon, board the train at Aguas Calientes Station for a scenic ride back to Ollantaytambo. The train ride, which takes about 1.50 hours, offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andean mountains. You’ll travel through lush valleys and picturesque landscapes, perfect for relaxing after your morning at Machu Picchu.
Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, you will board a private vehicle for the final leg of your journey to Cusco. The drive takes approximately two hours, winding through the beautiful Sacred Valley. By early evening, you’ll arrive in Cusco, where you can be dropped off at your hotel.

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Round-trip train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Hotel in Cusco.

Day 4: Transfer Out – Cusco to Airport

Your seamless journey begins with a timely pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Whether you’re staying in the historic center or in the surrounding areas, our professional driver will arrive at your designated time to ensure a stress-free transfer.

Relax in the comfort of a private vehicle as you enjoy the scenic drive through the city. Depending on your schedule, you’ll have the opportunity to see some final views of Cusco’s charming streets, Inca ruins, and colonial architecture on your way to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

Our friendly driver will assist with your luggage and ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check-in and go through security without rushing.

What’s Included:

• Private vehicle transportation from your hotel to Cusco Airport
• Assistance with luggage
• Flexible pickup time based on your flight schedule.