Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days
Overview
On this tour, start in the imperial Inca city of Cusco and experience a fasinating tour of the city, later drive through the mountains of the Sacred Valley, which played a key role in Inca culture and history. The Valley has a milder climate and is at a lower altitude than Cusco. You will see a succession of picturesque villages, ancient Inca terraces and the most important archeological sites. Explore amazing ruins and the fabled Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of art, urbanism, architecture and engineering of the Inca Civilization, before returning to Cusco.
Map - Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days
FULL ITINERARY
Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing and have the remainder of the morning to rest and acclimatize. In the afternoon, we will introduce you to the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing your journey, you will visit the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun Inti. Our tour continues to the truly impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city below. Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city. We will head back to your hotel in Cusco by early evening.
- 3* Accommodation: Waman Qoricancha or Mataq Wasin Hotel
- 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, and Casa Andina
- Meals: Not included
We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. After some time for dinner, you will take your train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in your hotel. The train departs at 7:04pm and arrives at 8:45pm.
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
- 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
- Meals: Not included
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
- Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up to Huayna Picchu Mountain, this tour will be without a guide.
***IMPORTANT:
Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is not possible anymore due to new regulations.
Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.
You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
Inclusions
PERU TOURING INCLUDED
- Pick up at your hotel
- Entrance tickets to the Inca Cities and all archeological sites
- Private transportation
- Round trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels)
- Meals as indicated on itinerary
- Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
- Professional guide fluent in English & Spanish
PERU TOURING NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary
- Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu -$75 USD
- Upgrades train- For Vistadome train add $67 USD per person
- Tips for your guide.
WHAT TO BRING
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket,
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
Prices
This fantastic Machu Picchu Tour Package can be done on any date that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants.
PRICES:
- $537 USD per person without hotels
- $627 USD per person with 2 nights 3* hotels
- $757 USD per person with 2 nights 4* hotels
***Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required for booking & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Climb: $75 USD. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD. (Aguas Calientes to Poroy)
- Upgrade Hotel – to 4* or 5* hotel
- Hotel single supplement: 3* $40 USD for solo travelers
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Reviews Peru Touring
MoniGAbad2024-05-10Excellent tour and amazing experience! Overall this was an excellent tour and amazing experience! The operation is well organized and each staff member took very good care of us at each point along the way of the day trip. Our Machu Picchu guide Roy was warm and personable! He was also very knowledgeable and passionate about the historical and cultural significance of Machu Picchu. As he guided us through various areas of the site, we also had a little time to snap pictures and take in the beauty around us. Roy even showed us how to get really unique and spectacular shots! Seeing Machu Picchu was the highlight of our trip to Cusco!
Adrian L2024-05-08A great experience It was a great experience the place itself but it was even more enjoyable with Miguel’s explanation and knowledge of the place. Look for Miguel Angel Caunalla as your guide, best experience ever
Martin G2024-05-06Machu Pichu Machu Pichu was amazing and our tour guide Miguel made it even more memorable with his wealth of experience and knowledge. Thank you Miguel.
nico2024-05-06Inca Treasure I was very pleased with my experience on the trip to Machu Picchu! The guide, Roy, was exceptional, demonstrated a deep knowledge and passion for the history of the place, as well as being clearly proud of his culture. This greatly enriched the experience, making each explanation even more captivating. The place itself is truly stunning. The landscape is breathtaking and the feeling of being in such a historically significant location is indescribable. It feels like with every step, you are immersed in a scene from a photo or movie, transporting you to another time. The trip is worth every moment and every effort to visit. It is an experience that provides a unique connection with history and nature, leaving a deep mark on those who have the opportunity to experience it. I recommend this trip to anyone wanting an enriching and memorable experience! - The three musketeers
Jennifer G2024-05-06Amazing tour! The tour was amazing. Miguel did such an amazing job guiding us and was super patient. He took great pictures, knew all the angles, and made sure there wasn’t people in our shot. He was also very knowledgeable and explained everything very well.
Ana G2024-05-04Excellent Experience w/ Roy. Roy was a super great host, made my solo trip to Machu Pitchu fun. Very professional and on top of it, gave clear concise directions and explanations of the site as well. Our group was of #9 people and it felt just right. I was really happy with the trip.
Seaside6728112024-05-04A wonderful day Very well organized tour. Precise in times and directions. Our guide, Roy, was impeccable, very knowledgeable, helpful, attentive to every detail or need. It was a wonderful and unforgettable day 🥰 Tour with Roy, highly recommended!
David P2024-05-04Great Experience The tour to Machu Picchu was amazing! Roy did a great job as a guide, he‘s very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of time to take cool photos.
Amante II P2024-05-03Our guide Roy made our trip to Machu Picchu extra special as he was very knowledgeable about the history of the place Roy was the perfect guide and a very accommodating, punctual, informative, knowledgeable and good photographer. Highly recommended to my friends.
Jakub O2024-05-03great experience We really enjoyed this experience. Things were well organised and everything from the organiser was on time. The guide Roy exceeded our expectations, was extremely attentive and had an awesome angle and narration. The place itself is beyond imagination and its simply breathtaking. We are glad that we chosen this operator. We highly recommend them, would use again!
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