Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

Expore Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour: Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer Airport Cusco – Hotel  – Afternoon Tour

Your guide will greet you at the Cusco airport and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will receive a guided sightseeing tour of the city – visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) as well as several other Incan sites central to Cusco. We’ll grab transportation and drive you to the outskirts of the city to visit the Inca sites of Tambomachay, Quenqo, Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco, famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 26ft high and weighing over 60 tons.

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Pisac – Ollantaytambo (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel – your guide will pick you up for a day trip through the Sacred Valley, where you’ll be able to explore the history and culture of the surrounding area. The Sacred Valley was one of the main areas the Incas settled; there is an abundance of fertile plains in this high area of the Andes. You will also witness vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas.

We’ll make our way toward the ruins at the outskirts of Pisac where you can wander through amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces before we head down to the town. You’ll have some free time to Pisac to roam through the bustling handicraft market full of Peruvian weavings, jewelry and pottery. You can also see a traditional Indian market where various goods are haggled for and traded daily – or peruse the local food market and try some of the local delicacies.

Moving on, we continue along the Urubamba River towards the historic Inca stronghold of Ollantaytambo. You’ll receive a guided tour of the ruins – then you are free to spend the rest of your night wandering around. Ollantaytambo has been transformed into the staging ground for travelers wishing to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Incan trial – so make some friends, do some shopping, or try some local pisco sours! It’s up to you.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B, L)

Waking up early – we’ll walk to the station where we will board a train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is scenic – feel free to relax and enjoy the spectacular views. After disembarking, we’ll grab a bus up the mountain to the citadel of  Machu Picchu!  Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will give you tour of the complex. After the tour, if you have booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu peak or the Machu Picchu mountain (both optional) we will make our way to the respective gates. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll still have additional time to explore Machu Picchu independently. Your guide will let you know when you need to be back so you can catch your transfers to Ollantaytambo and Cusco.

Note: The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain entrance fees are not included in this tour and you must inform us in advance if you are interested – so we can purchase the tickets for you. There are limited permits provided each day by the Peruvian government and it is common for them to sell out. Also if you want to spend another day in Machu Picchu – just let us know. It is easy to extend your tour an extra day.

Day 4: Transfer out Hotel – Airport Cusco to fly Lima (B)

What is included on Explore Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour:

• Pre-departure briefing at your hotel the night before your tour.
• Fluent English / Spanish guide that is very knowledgeable of the surrounding region and its customs.
• Private transfer from and to your hotel.
• All train and bus fares.
• You have a daily meals, breakfast, lunch or box lunch. Water is including with the meals.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Overnight  lodging in Cusco and Aguas Calientes at 3 star hotel.

Not included on Explore Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour:

• Meals that are not referenced in the itinerary.
• Alcohol drinks
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for your guide are not included and are optional
• Airplan tickets

Note: The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain entrance fees are not included in this tour and you must inform us in advance if you are interested – so we can purchase the tickets for you. There are limited permits provided each day by the Peruvian government and it is common for them to sell out. Also if you want to spend another day in Machu Picchu – just let us know. It is easy to extend your tour an extra day.

Pricing is primarily dependent on how many people are in your group. The amounts listed below are general rates so you can get an idea of how much things cost. These rates may go up or down based on a few different things (we’ve listed some common items below). When you reach out to request a booking, we will give you a specific rate quote at that time.

1-2: $1146

3-4: $911

5-6: $847

7-8: $805

9+: $790

We recommend to bring with you:

• Original passport (International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
• Day backpack for things needed during the day
• Comfortable walking boots
• Rain Gear: poncho/a good rain jacket for wet season
• Canteen or camel back
• Warm jacket for cool evenings
• Trousers, one waterproof of one normal
• T-shirts or light cotton shirts
• Hat with brim
• Personal medications
• Insect repellent
• Sun screen
• Binoculars, camera and film
• Extra money for drinks, tips, souvenirs etc (soles or dollars)
• Sunglasses
• Travel insurance is essential
• Toiletries, towel