Private 5-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

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: Sacred Valley Full-Day with overnight in Urubamba

• Start Time: 7:30 AM
• End Time: Late afternoon (Arrival at your hotel in Urubamba)

Your day begins at 7:30 AM with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, with your guide providing insights into the region’s history, culture, and landscapes.

The first stop is the Mirador of Taray, a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. This spot is perfect for photos, as it showcases the vast agricultural terraces, the winding Urubamba River, and the majestic Andean mountains. Your guide will introduce the history and significance of the valley, setting the stage for the day’s exploration.

Next, head to the town of Pisac, famous for its traditional crafts. Here, you’ll visit a local jewelry workshop, where artisans create beautiful pieces using techniques passed down through generations. You’ll learn about the cultural symbolism of Andean designs and the materials used, including silver and semi-precious stones. It’s also a great opportunity to purchase a unique souvenir.

From the town, you’ll continue to the Pisac Inca site, an impressive archaeological complex that sits high on the mountainside. Explore the well-preserved terraces, ceremonial centers, and stone structures that showcase the ingenuity of Inca engineering. The site offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley and is rich with history, as it was a key agricultural and religious hub for the Incas.

After exploring Pisac, you’ll head to Urubamba for a visit to the Inkariy Museum, a cultural gem that showcases Peru’s pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Inca, Nazca, and Moche cultures. The museum offers fascinating exhibits that highlight the history, art, and traditions of ancient Peru, brought to life through detailed dioramas and artifacts. This is a perfect stop to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped the region.

After visiting the museum, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, often referred to as the heart of the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll sample traditional Andean dishes, such as lomo saltado, trout, or vegetarian options like quinotto (quinoa risotto). Take in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town while savoring authentic Peruvian cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Museo Vivo de Yucay, an interactive museum where you’ll experience the living traditions of the Sacred Valley. This cultural center showcases traditional Andean weaving, pottery, and agricultural practices. You’ll get hands-on experience with local artisans and farmers, learning about their crafts and everyday life. The museum brings the history of the region to life, making it an engaging stop for travelers of all ages.

Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Urubamba, where you can relax and unwind after a full day of exploring the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the serene surroundings and prepare for the next leg of your adventure in this beautiful region of Peru.

Tour Includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation throughout the Sacred Valley
• Entrance fees to Pisac and museums
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba
• Hotel in Urubamba

Day 3: Sacred Valley Full-Day from Urubamba

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

Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Urubamba at 7:30 AM. You’ll head out for an exciting day of exploring some of the most remarkable Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.

Your first stop is the fascinating Moray archaeological site, known for its unique circular terraces. These terraced depressions were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, where they experimented with growing crops at different altitudes and microclimates. Your guide will explain how this innovative system helped the Inca Empire thrive, and you’ll have time to walk around the site and take in the stunning views.

Next, visit the Salineras de Maras, a network of over 3,000 salt ponds that have been used to extract salt since pre-Inca times. These dazzling white pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. You’ll learn about the ancient salt extraction process, still used by local families today, and have the opportunity to purchase natural Andean salt as a unique souvenir.

After visiting Moray and the Salineras, head back to Urubamba for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a meal featuring traditional Andean dishes such as lomo saltado, aji de gallina, or fresh trout from the nearby rivers. Take this time to rest and soak in the peaceful surroundings of the Sacred Valley.

After lunch, travel to the Ollantaytambo Inca site, one of the most significant archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley. Explore the ancient fortress, which played a crucial role during the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquest. Climb the steep terraces to reach the top, where you’ll find temples and ceremonial structures, along with panoramic views of the valley. Your guide will share the history and stories behind this iconic site, which is also one of the few places where the Incas won a battle against the Spanish.

In the late afternoon, you’ll board the train at Ollantaytambo Station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. During the journey, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Urubamba River, the lush Andean mountains, and the cloud forest. Arrive in Aguas Calientes in the evening, where you’ll check into your hotel and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Tour Includes:

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

Day 4: 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 5: 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