From US$774 per person (3-star hotel, double room), up to US$1138 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 4 Days
- **Cusco essentials:** Discover the magic of the main square, the Qorikancha sun temple, and the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán.
- **Full Sacred Valley:** Explore the traditional artisan market of Pisac and walk through the living Incan streets of Ollantaytambo fortress.
- **Unforgettable Machu Picchu:** Board the early shuttle bus up to the Incan citadel for an amazing guided tour with an expert local guide.
- **Seamless travel logistics:** Enjoy stress-free airport pickups, round-trip train seats, guaranteed entry tickets, and selected hotels.
The 4-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour is ideal for travelers seeking to experience the richness of living Inca culture, combining history, architecture, traditions, and breathtaking Andean landscapes at a comfortable pace. Throughout the journey, discover the main attractions of Cusco and its surrounding areas, while connecting the legacy of the ancient Incas with the traditions and cultural expressions that continue to thrive today.
This itinerary is thoughtfully designed to give you enough time to enjoy each destination without overcrowding your schedule. It is an excellent choice for couples, families with children, and groups of friends, as well as travelers looking for a more personalized experience with private or premium services. The combination of Cusco and Machu Picchu creates a balanced journey through heritage, culture, history, and authentic Andean experiences.
At a glance
- Days: 4
- Highest point: 3800 m
- Price: From US$774 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 with a personalized sign displaying your name. You will then be escorted to your selected Cusco hotel 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 day’s 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: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Town
Altitude: 2040 a 3762 m · Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch in Urubamba · Overnight: Aguas Calientes(Machu Picchu) (2040 m)
After breakfast between 06:20 and 06:50 hrs, we will begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, one of the most complete and unforgettable experiences in Cusco, Peru. We will discover Chinchero, renowned for its textile traditions and Inca legacy; continue toward the impressive circular terraces of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory, and the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools continue to be worked using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation.
After enjoying a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional flavors of the Sacred Valley, continue to the majestic Ollantaytambo Fortress, widely recognized as one of the best-preserved living Inca towns. Later, board a scenic tourist train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the breathtaking Urubamba River Valley, surrounded by towering Andean mountains and lush vegetation. This unforgettable journey sets the stage for tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and Peru’s most iconic destination.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Town, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Ollantaytambo, Cusco
Altitude: 2430 a 3000 m · Meals: Breakfast in the hotel · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
After breakfast, board the official bus to Machu Picchu and ascend to the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by a professional guide, enjoy an approximately 2.5-hour guided tour through its remarkable temples, agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and panoramic viewpoints. Discover the extraordinary engineering, spirituality, and enduring legacy of the Inca civilization at one of the world’s most iconic archaeological destinations.
After the guided visit, return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at your own pace or explore this charming Andean town. In the afternoon, board the scenic tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, traveling through the spectacular Urubamba River Valley before continuing by private transfer to Cusco. This unforgettable day marks the highlight of your journey through Peru, combining breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and the remarkable heritage of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Cusco, Cusco Airport or Bus Terminal
Altitude: 3400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)
Today, it is time to say goodbye, for now, to the beautiful city of Cusco. After breakfast, you will have free time to pack at your own pace and prepare for your departure. Take a final moment to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic Andean city and reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared throughout your Cusco and Machu Picchu journey.
We will coordinate a convenient pickup time from your hotel in Cusco and provide a private transfer to the airport or bus terminal, according to your travel itinerary. This is not a final goodbye, but simply a “see you soon.” Thank you for allowing us to be part of your adventure in Peru, and we hope to welcome you back to continue exploring the incredible Andes, Inca heritage, and cultural treasures of Cusco.
What is included
- Tickets and permits General Tourist Ticket for Cusco, including the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley, entrance to the Maras Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu entrance ticket, Circuit 2, the most complete and popular circuit for experiencing the citadel. Advance booking is highly recommended due to high demand and limited availability.
- High-quality service and safety Pre-tour briefing before each excursion, certified official bilingual guides, first-aid kit with emergency oxygen, and 24/7 assistance throughout your journey.
- Accommodation Cusco: 2 nights 3 stars at a centrally located hotel (Days 1 and 3). Aguas Calientes: 1 night at a comfortable hotel with luggage storage (Day 2).
- Meals 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch. Day 1: breakfast. Day 2: breakfast and buffet lunch. Day 3: breakfast at the hotel.
- Transportation Transfers for airport, Sacred Valley, train stations, and final airport or bus terminal transfer. Train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Expedition or Vistadome). Round-trip tourist bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
What is not included
- Optional Mountain Hikes Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: USD 75 per person for each mountain. Advance reservation is required.
- Meals Not Mentioned Lunches and dinners not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal Expenses, Tips, and Travel Insurance Personal clothing and hiking equipment. Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff are not mandatory but are appreciated. Travel insurance is not included.
- Possible Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control Landslides, bad weather, itinerary modifications for safety reasons, strikes, or other unforeseen events.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Machu Picchu & Cusco 4-day package different from the 3-day one?
The 3-day package goes straight from the Cusco city tour to Machu Picchu and back. The 4-day package puts a full Sacred Valley day in between: Chinchero, Moray, the Maras salt mines, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, ending with the panoramic train to Machu Picchu Town. You sleep there and visit the citadel the next morning, instead of doing Machu Picchu in one long day from Cusco.
Is the Cusco City Tour included?
Yes. The Half-Day City Tour of Cusco (Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay) is included in the 4-day package. It's the best way to get to know the Inca capital before heading to the Sacred Valley.
How many hotel nights does the package include?
The package includes 3 nights: 2 nights in Cusco (with breakfast) and 1 night in Aguas Calientes (with breakfast). All transfers between the airport, hotels and stations are included.
How do we get to Machu Picchu?
The Expedition or Vistadome train departs from Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1h 30 min). The next day, the bus goes up in 25 minutes to the Machu Picchu gate. Both are included in the package.
Is there free time in Cusco to explore on my own?
Yes. In addition to the scheduled activities, there is free time in the evenings in Cusco to explore the Plaza de Armas, the San Blas neighborhood, restaurants and craft markets. Cusco has much to offer beyond the guided itinerary.
What is Machu Picchu and why is it so famous?
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel built at 2,430 m / 7,970 ft in the Peruvian Andes. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Modern Wonder of the World. It is famous for its cement-free stone architecture, spectacular location among peaks and mist, and for having remained hidden for centuries until 1911.
Is it safe to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Yes. Cusco and Machu Picchu are safe and well-managed tourist destinations. All our transport is private, guides are certified and archaeological sites have security personnel. We recommend travel insurance and keeping belongings close in market areas.
What is the best time to do the 4-day package?
The package can be done year-round. The dry season (May, October) offers clearer skies and less rain, ideal for photos. The rainy season (November, April) has more vegetation and fewer tourists, with greener landscapes. Both seasons are beautiful; the choice depends on your preferences.
What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley is the valley of the Vilcanota River between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, about 15 km north of Cusco. The Incas considered it sacred for its exceptional fertility and warmer climate. It contains impressive ruins (Pisac, Ollantaytambo), craft markets and indigenous communities that keep Andean traditions alive.
Is the 4-day package suitable for older travelers?
Yes, with some considerations. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are accessible for older travelers in good physical condition. We recommend consulting a doctor beforehand if there are heart or respiratory problems, due to altitude. The package has a moderate pace with breaks and we can adjust the activity level according to needs.
What advantages does the 4-day package have over the 3-day and 5-day ones?
The 3-day package is the shortest: Cusco city tour, Machu Picchu in a single day, and departure. It does not include the Sacred Valley. The 4-day package adds the Sacred Valley day and a night in Machu Picchu Town, so the citadel is visited in the morning without rushing. The 5-day package keeps that same route and adds a full day at Rainbow Mountain. In all three, the last day is the transfer to the airport or bus terminal, not an extra excursion.
Related tours
- Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco by Train, from US$317 per person
- Machu Picchu & Cusco 3 Days, from US$727 per person
- Machu Picchu and Cusco in 5 Days, with Rainbow Mountain, from US$914 per person