From US$727 per person (3-star hotel, double room), up to US$936 per person (5-star hotel, double room). Prices are per person in US dollars and depend on hotel category and room occupancy.
Machu Picchu & Cusco 3 Days
- **Historic Cusco tour:** Explore the cobblestone streets, ancient temples, and the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán.
- **Sacred Valley transit:** Visit the traditional fortress town of Ollantaytambo before boarding your direct train to Aguas Calientes.
- **Machu Picchu highlight:** Experience a comprehensive guided tour of the Incan citadel and travel back to Cusco on the same day.
- **Time-efficient schedule:** Maximize every minute of your short vacation with seamless airport pickups and pre-arranged logistics.
The 3-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary has been designed for travelers with limited time who want to make the most of their stay in Cusco, combining two essential experiences into one itinerary. We begin with the Cusco City Tour, a journey through the history of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, visiting Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, while connecting Cusco’s Inca heritage with the vibrant city of today.
The highlight of the journey is Machu Picchu, an experience that perfectly complements your visit to Cusco. We travel to the ancient citadel through the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the course of the Urubamba River, to discover one of Peru’s most iconic destinations. This 3-day Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary allows you to experience the region’s main attractions without extending your trip, making it a practical option for travelers who want to make the most of every day of their stay.
At a glance
- Days: 3
- Highest point: 3800 m
- Price: From US$727 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco, Half-day city tour
Altitude: 3400 a 3800 m · Meals: Coca leaf tea or muña herbal infusion · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, our team will warmly welcome you in the arrivals area, holding a personalized sign with your name. You will then be escorted to your selected hotel in Cusco for check-in. We recommend taking some time to rest, enjoy a traditional coca leaf tea or muña herbal infusion, and have a light lunch to support a comfortable acclimatization to Cusco’s high altitude before beginning the afternoon activities.
At 13:00 hours the Cusco City Tour will begin, a fascinating experience to discover the historical and cultural richness of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. During the tour you will visit Qoricancha, the impressive Sacsayhuamán, and the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, accompanied by a professional guide who will introduce you to the history, architecture, and legacy of one of the most emblematic cities in South America.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Full-Day Experience
Altitude: 2430 m · Meals: Breakfast in the hotel · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
Your adventure begins early with a comfortable transfer from your Cusco hotel to the train station in Ollantaytambo, enjoying a scenic journey through the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas toward Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there, a short bus ride takes you to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Optional: if booked in advance, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andes.
After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at your own pace (not included) and browse the town’s local artisan markets. In the afternoon, board your train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your Cusco accommodation. Relax and reflect on an unforgettable day immersed in Inca history, Andean landscapes, and the extraordinary heritage of Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Departure from Cusco
Altitude: 3400 m · Meals: Breakfast in the hotel · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
Today marks the end of your journey through the enchanting city of Cusco. After breakfast, enjoy some free time to pack at your own pace and prepare for your departure. Take a final moment to appreciate the historic charm of this remarkable Andean city and the memories created during your journey through Cusco and Machu Picchu.
We will coordinate a convenient pickup time from your hotel in Cusco and provide a private transfer to the airport or bus station, according to your travel itinerary. As your Peruvian adventure comes to an end, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories and the desire to return to Cusco and continue discovering the extraordinary landscapes, culture, and heritage of the Andes.
What is included
- Permits and entrance tickets Cusco Tourist Ticket (partial access to archaeological sites) and Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit 2), the most complete and popular route. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
- Services and safety Pre-departure briefing, official certified bilingual and experienced guides, medical kit with oxygen available and 24/7 customer support.
- Accommodation 2 nights 3 stars hotel in Cusco (Days 1 and 2), in a central and comfortable area.
- Meals 2 breakfasts served at the hotel according to the program schedule.
- Transportation Group pick-ups and transfers (airport, hotel, train stations). Train tickets Ollantaytambo Aguas Calientes (Expedition) and return (Vistadome). Round-trip tourist bus ticket Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu.
What is not included
- Optional Mountain Hikes Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: USD 75.00 per person, each. Advance booking is required.
- Meals not mentioned Any meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance Personal clothing and hiking equipment. Tips for guides, drivers and service staff (optional but recommended).
- Possible Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control Landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, strikes, or other unforeseen events.
Frequently asked questions
How do we get to Machu Picchu on the 3-day tour?
On day 2, the Expedition or Vistadome train is taken from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1h 30 min). From there, a bus goes up in 25 minutes to the citadel entrance.
Is the Inca Trail included in this tour?
No. The 3-day tour uses the train as the main access. If you wish to do the Inca Trail (4-day trek), check our specific package, which requires booking well in advance.
What hotel is used in Aguas Calientes?
A 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is used with breakfast included. For higher-category options (such as Inkaterra or Sumaq), ask about our available upgrade.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but entry to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain requires an additional ticket with limited quota (only 400 people/day for Huayna Picchu). We recommend booking it weeks in advance.
What time does the citadel open and how much time is given to visit it?
The citadel opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. The 3-day tour allows approximately 3, 4 hours of guided visit with free time to explore. The guide is included.
What exactly does the 3-Day Machu Picchu & Cusco tour cover?
Day 1: Cusco City Tour (afternoon). Day 2: Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo) + train to Aguas Calientes. Day 3: Machu Picchu + return train to Cusco. The package includes 2 hotel nights (1 in Cusco, 1 in Aguas Calientes) with breakfast, all transfers and a bilingual guide on all tours.
Are 3 days enough for Machu Picchu and Cusco?
3 days allow you to see the essentials: the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It is the minimum package to visit Machu Picchu without rushing. If you want to add more activities (Rainbow Mountains, Laguna Humantay, trekking), the 4, 5 day package is more advisable to have extra time in Cusco.
What altitude is Machu Picchu at?
Machu Picchu is at 2,430 m / 7,970 ft, significantly lower than Cusco (3,400 m) or Puno (3,827 m). This lower altitude makes it accessible to most people without significant risk of altitude sickness. However, we recommend at least 1 day of acclimatization in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu.
Is the 3-day tour suitable for families with children?
Yes. The 3-day package is accessible for families with children over 8. Machu Picchu fascinates children with its ruins, llamas and landscapes. The tour pace is manageable. For families with children under 8, we recommend the 4, 5 day package which includes more acclimatization time and a more relaxed pace.
What is there to do in Aguas Calientes in the evening?
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is a lively town with restaurants of all types, souvenir shops, the Craft Market and the famous hot springs (termas, a 5-min walk from the center) with natural hot water. It is the perfect town to relax the evening before heading up to Machu Picchu.
What does the 3-Day Machu Picchu package add compared to the 2-Day Train package?
The 2-Day Train package is the most efficient option: Sacred Valley on day one and Machu Picchu on day two, without losing time. The 3-day package adds a full day in Cusco with City Tour (Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, Cathedral) and better acclimatization at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft before heading to the Sacred Valley. If you arrive directly from Lima or abroad, the third Cusco day makes a real difference in how you feel at Machu Picchu. If you have already spent 1, 2 previous days in Cusco, the 2-Day Train package is sufficient.
Related tours
- Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco by Train, from US$317 per person
- Machu Picchu & Cusco 4 Days, from US$774 per person
- Machu Picchu and Cusco in 5 Days, with Rainbow Mountain, from US$914 per person