Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu - 4 days / 3 nights
- Duration
- 4 Days /3 Nights
- Difficulty
- Easy- Moderate
- Altitude
- 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Group Size
- 10 people
- Tour Language
- English / Spanish
Discover the best of Cusco and Machu Picchu on this 4-day journey through the heart of the Inca Empire.
Explore the historic city of Cusco, where ancient Inca temples and colonial architecture come together, then travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
The highlight of the trip is a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites, where you'll learn about the history, architecture, and legacy of the Incas while surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
With comfortable hotels, guided tours, train travel, and all major attractions included, this itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to experience the most important highlights of Cusco and Machu Picchu in a short but unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and City Tour |
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo |
Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu — Return to Cusco |
Day 4: Transfer Out |
INCLUSIONS OF YOUR PACKAGE
Included: Please find below all the inclusions of your package based on Group Tours.
- Private airport transfers in a comfortable tourist van with large windows.
- Entrance tickets to all attractions included in the itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation for all tours in a tourist van or small tourist bus.
- Round-trip train tickets.
- Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Hotels as listed.
HOTELS INCLUDED
| Name | Location | Room | Nights | Check-in / Check-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Andina Standard or similar | - | Double | 2 | 1:00 pm / 10:00 am |
| Hotel Ferre | - | Double | 1 | 12:00 pm / 10:00 am |
The hotels listed are subject to availability. If any hotel is unavailable, a similar accommodation of the same category will be provided.
Not Included: The following items are not included in your tour package:
- Flight tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities.
Day 1 / Welcome to Cusco and city tour in the afternoon
Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
At 1:00 pm, your city tour begins from Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. Continue on a walking tour through the city's most important attractions, including the famous 12-Angled Stone, the artistic neighborhood of San Blas, and Loreto Street, where you'll experience Cusco's rich history and culture.
Next, visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important temple of the Inca Empire, renowned for its walls once covered in gold. The tour then continues to the impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Finally, stop at Cristo Blanco to enjoy panoramic views of Cusco and the Andes before returning to your hotel.
- Included: Tourist transportation, professional English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to the Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the Cusco Tourist Ticket (including Sacsayhuaman and the archaeological sites).
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Hotel: Casa Andina Standard or similar.
Day 2 / Sacred Valley tour
Explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley on this full-day tour, beginning with the ancient Inca citadel of Pisac, renowned for its impressive terraces, panoramic mountain views, and vibrant artisan market. Continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns, where you'll admire its remarkable stone architecture and ceremonial temples.
Next, visit Moray, a fascinating complex of circular terraces believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory, before exploring the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds have been harvested since pre-Inca times. Enjoy lunch in the village of Urubamba before boarding your evening train to Aguas Calientes.
- Included: Tourist transportation, professional English-speaking guide, Cusco Tourist Ticket, train ticket to Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
- Hotel: Hotel Ferre or similar.
Day 3 / Machu Picchu guided visit and return to Cusco
Take a scenic 40-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel lasting approximately two and a half hours. Explore the site's most important temples, ceremonial areas, sacred fountains, agricultural terraces, and remarkable stone architecture while learning about the history, engineering, and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.
After the guided tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time for lunch before boarding the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel.
- Included: Professional English-speaking guide, round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Hotel: Casa Andina Standard or similar.
Day 4 / Transfer out
At the scheduled time, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Cusco Airport for your departing flight.
- Included: Hotel transfer to Cusco Airport.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Packing List
Traveling through Cusco and Machu Picchu doesn't require heavy equipment, but packing smart will help you enjoy every moment of your journey. Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so it's best to be prepared for sunny mornings, cool evenings, and occasional rain.
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu)
- Travel insurance information
- Student ID (if applicable for discounted tickets)
- Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses and small purchases
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes
- Comfortable pants for sightseeing
- T-shirts or breathable shirts
- Warm fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothes for the evenings
- Undergarments and socks for four days
Daypack Essentials
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Lip balm
- Personal medications
- Camera or smartphone
- Portable power bank
- Snacks for travel days
- Insect repellent (especially for Machu Picchu)
Optional Items
- Travel pillow
- Lightweight umbrella (during the rainy season)
- Extra camera batteries or memory cards
- Small notebook or travel journal
Our Best of Cusco 4 Days / 3 Nights Tour is a small-group experience that lets you discover Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the region's most iconic attractions with expert local guides.
The package includes accommodation, transportation, entrance tickets, guided tours, daily breakfast, and all the services listed in the itinerary.
The tour price is based on the number of travelers in your booking.
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 995 |
| 2 | US$ 768 |
| 3 | US$ 670 |
| 4 | US$ 621 |
| 5 | US$ 610 |
| 6 | US$ 573 |
| 7 | US$ 559 |
| 8 | US$ 552 |
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
This itinerary is considered easy to moderate. Most activities involve walking through archaeological sites and city streets. The only moderate challenge is exploring Machu Picchu, which includes stairs and uneven stone paths.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level, so some travelers may experience mild altitude symptoms. We recommend arriving hydrated, taking it easy on your first day, and drinking coca tea if needed.
Is Machu Picchu entrance included?
Yes. Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included according to availability and the official government circuits available at the time of booking.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes. These hikes require separate permits with limited daily availability. We recommend requesting them when booking your tour.
Which train is included?
The package includes a tourist-class train. If you'd like a more comfortable experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional cost.
What type of hotels are included?
The itinerary includes comfortable 3-star hotels such as Casa Andina Standard and Hotel Ferre, or similar accommodations with private rooms and breakfast included.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included every day, and lunch is included during the Sacred Valley Tour. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy local restaurants at your own pace.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. We can upgrade hotels, arrange private tours, add extra nights in Cusco, include Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, or combine this package with other destinations in Peru.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from April through October generally offers the best weather for sightseeing. However, Machu Picchu is open year-round, and each season has its own charm.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least two to three months in advance, especially if you're traveling during the high season or wish to secure specific Machu Picchu circuits or Huayna Picchu permits.
