Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Cusco Highlights – 4D/3N
Packages
This four-day journey is designed to showcase the most iconic destinations of Cusco at a comfortable pace. From the historic streets of the Imperial City to the fertile Sacred Valley and the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, this tour offers a balanced combination of culture, archaeology, and Andean landscapes.
Travelers will enjoy guided visits during quieter hours, allowing for a more relaxed experience and better photography opportunities. With well-organized transportation, expert guides, and carefully planned schedules, this itinerary is ideal for visitors who want to experience Cusco’s must-see attractions without rushing.
Duration
4 Days
Difficulty level
2/5
Languages
Spanish, English
Guide
Included in the service
Transfers
All transfers included
What’s Included?
It is included:
- Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu
- Bus transportation between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the citadel
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Entrance tickets to Cusco City and Sacred Valley archaeological sites
- Professional bilingual guide throughout the tour
- Airport to hotel and hotel to airport transfers in Cusco
- Ground transportation for all scheduled activities
- Lunch on Day 2 in the Sacred Valley
- Lunch on Day 3 in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Not included:
- Hotel accommodation
- Domestic or international flights
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco City Tour
Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel to drop off your luggage. In the early afternoon, begin a guided tour of the historic center of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire.
Visit the Koricancha Temple, an important Inca religious site later transformed during the colonial period. Continue to the Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral before heading to the impressive archaeological sites surrounding the city, including Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo. The tour concludes in the late afternoon with a return to your hotel.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
After breakfast, depart Cusco and travel through the Sacred Valley, a region known for its fertile lands and dramatic mountain scenery. Along the way, stop at a traditional Andean village and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River.
Enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca fortress and ceremonial center. Explore its massive terraces, temples, and stone structures that remain remarkably well preserved. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon to rest and prepare for the Machu Picchu visit.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Experience
Begin the day with a scenic transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, followed by a panoramic train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, board the bus that ascends the mountain to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Enjoy a guided tour of approximately two and a half hours, exploring the most significant sectors of the site while learning about Inca history, architecture, and daily life. After the tour, descend to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will have free time for lunch and exploration before boarding the return train and transferring back to Cusco in the evening.
Day 4: Departure from Cusco
After breakfast and hotel check-out, a scheduled transfer will take you from your hotel to Cusco Airport. This marks the end of a comprehensive journey through Cusco’s most important cultural and archaeological landmarks.
Extra Details
This itinerary is designed to avoid early-morning rushes and maximize comfort, especially for travelers who prefer mid-morning departures and afternoon visits. Exploring Machu Picchu later in the day often provides softer lighting conditions, ideal for photography and a more peaceful atmosphere.
The program allows gradual acclimatization to altitude by starting with city and valley visits before reaching Machu Picchu. All tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who provide historical context, cultural insight, and practical recommendations throughout the journey.
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Cusco who want a well-structured itinerary covering the region’s essential highlights without physical strain.