Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Hotel Pick-Up → Cusco City Highlights → Traditional Lunch → Qorikancha → Four Inca Archaeological Sites
9:00 AM: Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
Your Cusco City, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days begins with pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco at approximately 9:00 AM. After meeting your professional guide, you will begin exploring the historic center of Cusco and some of the most important cultural and archaeological attractions of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before the tour and may vary slightly depending on your hotel location and local traffic conditions.
Visit to San Pedro Market
The first stop is the traditional San Pedro Market, one of the best places to observe the daily life of local residents. During the visit, you will walk through colorful sections filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, local products, traditional foods, medicinal herbs, flowers, and handicrafts. Your guide will explain the importance of the market in Cusco’s everyday life and how it reflects the region’s cultural traditions.
Plaza de Armas and Historic Center of Cusco
After San Pedro Market, we will continue to the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, one of the most beautiful and historically important squares in Peru. Here, you will appreciate the combination of Inca foundations and colonial architecture while your guide explains the historical transformation of Cusco after the arrival of the Spanish. From the main square, you will continue walking through some of the most important streets of the historic center.
Twelve-Angled Stone and Traditional Inca Streets
The walking tour continues through streets that still preserve original Inca stonework. One of the highlights is the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, an extraordinary example of Inca engineering and precision stone construction. Your guide will explain how the Incas built walls without mortar and how these structures have remained standing for centuries. You will also explore narrow streets and traditional neighborhoods where Inca and colonial architecture coexist.
Visit to the San Blas Neighborhood
We will continue toward San Blas, one of Cusco’s most traditional and artistic neighborhoods. Known for its narrow streets, artisan workshops, galleries, and panoramic views, San Blas offers a different perspective of the city. You will have time to walk through the neighborhood, appreciate its atmosphere, and learn about its importance as a center for local artists and craftsmen.
Traditional Cusco Lunch
After exploring the historic center, you will enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant specializing in traditional Cusco cuisine. This is an opportunity to taste typical regional dishes and take a short break before continuing with the afternoon archaeological visits. The exact menu may vary according to the restaurant and season.
Visit to Qorikancha
After lunch, we will visit Qorikancha, one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire. Also known as the Temple of the Sun, Qorikancha was famous for its exceptional stonework and religious importance. During the guided visit, you will learn about Inca beliefs, ceremonial practices, architecture, and the later construction of the Santo Domingo convent over part of the original Inca complex.
Visit to Sacsayhuaman
The tour then continues outside the historic center to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco. Here, you will see enormous stone blocks fitted together with extraordinary precision. Your guide will explain the possible ceremonial and defensive functions of the complex, as well as its importance in Inca history.
Visit to Qenqo
The next stop is Qenqo, an archaeological site known for its carved rock formations, underground passages, ceremonial spaces, and channels. Your guide will explain the theories surrounding the religious and ritual use of the site during the Inca period.
Visit to Puka Pukara
We will then continue to Puka Pukara, an archaeological complex located along an ancient Inca route. The site contains terraces, walls, stairways, and structures believed to have served administrative, military, or control functions. From here, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape.
Visit to Tambomachay
The final archaeological stop of the day is Tambomachay, known for its beautifully constructed water channels and fountains. This site is believed to have had ceremonial importance related to water, purification, and possibly the worship of natural elements. Your guide will explain the significance of water in Inca culture and the impressive hydraulic engineering visible at the site.
5:30 PM: Return to Your Hotel in Cusco
After completing the visit to the four Inca sites, we will return to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is expected at approximately 5:30 PM, depending on traffic, visitor flow, and the pace of the group. This first day provides a complete introduction to Cusco, combining local culture, traditional food, colonial history, Inca architecture, and the most important archaeological sites surrounding the city.
Cusco → Chinchero → Moray → Maras Salt Mines → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo → Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
6:15–6:45 AM: Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
Day 2 begins with pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco between 6:15 AM and 6:45 AM. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before departure. From Cusco, we will travel toward the Sacred Valley, enjoying panoramic views of the Andes, agricultural fields, and traditional communities along the way.
Visit to Chinchero
Our first stop is Chinchero, an important Andean town known for its Inca heritage, traditional textiles, and living culture. We will first visit a local family textile center, where artisans will demonstrate traditional techniques used to clean, spin, naturally dye, and weave alpaca and sheep wool. This cultural experience provides a closer look at ancestral textile traditions that are still practiced today. Afterward, we will visit the Chinchero Archaeological Site, where your guide will explain the importance of its Inca terraces, stone structures, and historical role within the Sacred Valley.
Visit to Moray
The tour then continues to Moray, one of the most distinctive archaeological sites in the Cusco region.
Here you will explore the famous circular terraces built at different levels below the surrounding landscape. Your guide will explain how these terraces are believed to have been used by the Incas to study agricultural conditions, temperature variations, and crop adaptation. You will also have time to take photographs and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Visit to the Maras Salt Mines
After Moray, we continue to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, also known as Salineras de Maras.
Thousands of salt pools extend across the mountainside and are supplied by a natural saline spring. Local families have managed these pools for generations using traditional harvesting methods. Your guide will explain the cultural, historical, and economic importance of salt production in the area. You will also have time to take photographs and purchase locally produced salt or regional products.
Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
After visiting Maras, we will descend into the Sacred Valley toward Urubamba, where you will enjoy an included buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant. The buffet generally offers a selection of Peruvian and international dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary options may be available when requested in advance. After lunch, we continue toward Ollantaytambo.
Guided Visit to Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon, we will arrive at Ollantaytambo, one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley. Your guide will lead you through the impressive terraces, ceremonial sectors, stone structures, and ancient urban areas of this remarkable Inca site. Ollantaytambo is also considered a living Inca town because many of its original streets, canals, and foundations are still in use today. At the end of the visit, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Your train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, will depart at approximately 4:00 PM, depending on the schedule confirmed for your reservation. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and follows the Vilcanota River through the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley and Urubamba Canyon. The exact train company and departure time are subject to availability and will be confirmed before the tour.
Arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo and Hotel Check-In
You are expected to arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo at approximately 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Upon arrival at the train station, a hotel representative or transfer assistant will be waiting with a sign displaying your name. They will accompany you to your hotel and assist with check-in. You will then have time to settle into your room, take a shower, relax, and prepare for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
7:30 PM: Briefing with Your Machu Picchu Guide
At approximately 7:30 PM, your Machu Picchu guide will meet you at the hotel.
During the briefing, the guide will explain the schedule for Day 3, including your breakfast time, bus departure, Machu Picchu entrance time, assigned circuit, meeting instructions, required documents, and recommendations for the visit. After the briefing, you will have the rest of the evening free to enjoy Machu Picchu Pueblo or rest at the hotel.
Day 2 Trip Summary
- Hotel Pick-Up: 6:15–6:45 AM
- Main Visits: Chinchero textile center, Chinchero Archaeological Site, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo
- Lunch: Buffet lunch included in Urubamba
- Train Departure: Approximately 4:00 PM from Ollantaytambo
- Train Journey: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- Hotel: One night in Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Evening Briefing: Approximately 7:30 PM
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best For: Travelers who want to combine the Sacred Valley’s most important attractions with a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hotel → Bus to Machu Picchu → Guided Tour → Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo → Train and Transfer Back to Cusco
5:00 AM: Early Breakfast at the Hotel
Your third and final day begins with breakfast at the hotel at approximately 5:00 AM. After breakfast, you will prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu and make sure you are carrying your original passport, entrance ticket, bus ticket, water, rain protection, and any other essential personal items. The exact schedule may vary slightly depending on the Machu Picchu entrance time confirmed for your reservation.
Bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu
After breakfast, you will walk to the official bus station in Machu Picchu Pueblo and board the bus to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. The journey takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes along the winding mountain road. For early reservations, the goal is to arrive in time for an entrance of around 6:00 AM.
6:00 AM: Entrance to Machu Picchu
Upon arrival, you will enter Machu Picchu according to the circuit and time assigned to your ticket. Your professional guide will assist with the entrance process and begin the guided visit through the authorized route.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
The guided tour generally lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. During the visit, your guide will explain the history, architecture, engineering, religious importance, ceremonial areas, terraces, water systems, and cultural significance of the Inca citadel. Depending on the circuit included in your ticket, you will visit or observe the main archaeological sectors permitted by the official route, with time for photographs at the authorized viewpoints.
Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
If you reserved an additional entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have time to complete the selected hike after or around your main Machu Picchu visit, according to the schedule assigned to that ticket. These optional mountain entrances must be booked in advance because availability is limited. Your guide will provide the necessary instructions so the additional activity fits correctly with the rest of your day.
Return Bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo
After completing your Machu Picchu visit and any optional mountain activity, you will take the official bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The downhill journey takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, although waiting times can vary depending on visitor traffic.
Free Time for Lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Once back in town, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, explore the artisan market, or relax before boarding your return train. Lunch on Day 3 is not included unless specifically stated in your reservation. We recommend arriving at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
3:30 PM: Return Train to Ollantaytambo
Your return train from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo will depart at approximately 3:30 PM, depending on the schedule confirmed for your booking. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and follows the Vilcanota River through the Urubamba Canyon and Sacred Valley.
Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station, a Machu Picchu Team driver or representative will be waiting with a sign displaying your name. You will then continue by tourist transportation to Cusco. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. At the end of the journey, we will take you to your hotel or another previously confirmed drop-off location in Cusco.
Day 3 Trip Summary
- Route: Machu Picchu Pueblo → Machu Picchu → Machu Picchu Pueblo → Ollantaytambo → Cusco
- Breakfast: Approximately 5:00 AM
- Bus to Machu Picchu: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes
- Machu Picchu Entrance: Around 6:00 AM, subject to the confirmed ticket
- Guided Tour: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
- Optional Activities: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, if reserved in advance
- Return Bus: Machu Picchu to Machu Picchu Pueblo
- Free Time: Lunch and personal exploration in Aguas Calientes
- Return Train: Approximately 3:30 PM
- Transfer: Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Final Drop-Off: Your hotel or confirmed location in Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on optional mountain activities
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Experience the Ultimate Cusco,Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour 3 days: Comprehensive Inclusions for an Unforgettable Journey. Travel with complete confidence knowing these exceptional inclusions are part of your tour:
- Premium transportation provided in modern, comfortable vehicles throughout your journey
- Expert English-speaking professional tour guide accompanying you through Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
- Complete entrance tickets to Coricancha temple, the four iconic ruins of Cusco, and all Sacred Valley archaeological sites
- Vistadome train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (subject to availability)
- Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (subject to availability)
- 1-night comfortable hotel accommodation in Urubamba, Sacred Valley
- 1-night hotel stay in charming Aguas Calientes town
- Round-trip shuttle bus service between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu archaeological site
- Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability)
- Professional guided tour of magnificent Machu Picchu
- Comfortable transfer from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
- Delicious authentic meals: 3 lunches, 1 dinner, and 2 breakfasts
With these comprehensive inclusions, you can completely focus on immersing yourself in the captivating history and breathtaking landscapes of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Gratuities and tips
What to Pack
What to Pack
Essential Packing Checklist for the Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour 3 days:
- Valid passport
- Waterproof rain poncho
- Warm jacket or insulated coat
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sun protection cap or hat
- UV protection sunglasses
- Layered clothing options (for varying weather conditions)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle
- Effective insect repellent
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Important Travel Documents to Carry:
- Original valid passport
- Original International Student Identity Card (if applicable, for student discounts)
Prices
Pricing
PRICING FOR THE CUSCO SACRED VALLEY MACHU PICCHU TOUR 3 DAYS PRIVATE TOUR:
Our competitive pricing for this exclusive private tour varies based on your group size, with special consideration for students or children eligible for discounts. This tour is perfectly designed for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking an authentic personalized adventure.
COMPETITIVE FIXED RATES:
- 02 people minimum: $630 USD per person
- 03 people minimum: $590 USD per person
- 04 people minimum: $560 USD per person
- 05 people minimum: $510 USD per person
Please note that these rates are established for a completely private tour customized to your group’s specific preferences and travel requirements.
OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR CUSCO ADVENTURE
- HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB: USD 60 dollars (check availability) https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN HIKE: USD 60 dollars (check availability) https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
- UPGRADE to Vistadome – Panoramic train experience: USD 35 dollars (One Way)
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
TO BOOK YOUR CUSCO SACRED VALLEY MACHU PICCHU TOUR 3 DAYS, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
- Select a reputable, government-authorized tour operator with proven experience.
- Click the “Book Online” button, choose your preferred date, and complete the secure booking form. Have one person complete it for the entire group to ensure everyone is booked together. Keep your passport ready for accurate information entry.
- Make a secure payment online using any major debit or credit card. A 2.9% processing fee applies to online payments, which customers are responsible for.
- To guarantee your Cusco City Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 3 days tour, provide a $250 deposit per person. This secures all necessary permits and tickets from the Peruvian government.
- Optionally, you may pay the complete tour amount upfront to eliminate any future payment concerns.
- If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before your tour begins. You can pay in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco or by card (3.9% fee). You can also complete payment online with any card (2.9% fee).
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily secure your Cusco City Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 3 days tour experience and focus on preparing for your incredible adventure.
Payment Options: You can pay for the 3-day Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour online using any major debit or credit card. A 2.9% processing fee applies to online payments, which customers must cover. To book this tour, a $250 deposit per person is required to secure permits and tickets from the Peruvian government. You can choose to pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid future payment concerns. If you pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay the balance in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco, or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online using any card with a 2.9% fee.
Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date to Peru. If it’s set to expire within 6 months, renew it before traveling. If your passport expires within 6 months but you want to secure your Machu Picchu tickets, book the tour and update your passport details with us after renewal. Failure to provide updated information may result in permit and ticket forfeiture.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage options.
Deposit Policy: The $250 deposit per person for the 3-day Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Remaining Balance: If you only pay the deposit, the balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online with any card and a 2.9% processing fee.
Gallery
Photo Gallery
Optional Trips
We offer additional tour options that maintain the same high quality you've come to expect. Explore new possibilities with us without compromising on excellence!"
MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR: Discover two of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating archaeological treasures on this captivating half-day adventure. Yo
Huchuyqosqo is an ancient Inca settlement nestled in the upper reaches of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This remarkable site served as the last refuge of Inca
Discover the breathtaking Ausangate full day tour featuring the mesmerizing Seven Lakes, an extraordinary adventure through Peru’s most spectacular Andean
Inca Trail 1 Day Tour to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience the famous Inca Trail but have limited time in Cusco. This shor
INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU: AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Journey – Experience an incredible 12-kilomete
This 9-day schedule spans several regions in Peru, starting from coastal areas and moving to high plateaus. It begins in Lima at 505 feet or 154 meters, then sh