Discover Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu in 4 days with a smooth, well-planned itinerary made for first-time visitors who want the essentials done right. This Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights includes airport transfers, a guided Cusco City Tour, a full Sacred Valley day, and an early visit to Machu Picchu.
Travel in a premium small group with a friendly local guide and a 100% Peruvian team that takes care of the details: tickets, trains, buses, hotels, timing, and support from arrival to departure. It is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to experience the best of Cusco and Machu Picchu in a short trip.
Tour Type Small Group Tour
Duration 4 Days / 3 Nights
Average Group Size 8 people
Accommodation 3-star Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Activities Explore Cusco, Culture and history
Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu PicchuBest of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days
This Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 4 Days tour is designed for travelers who want a complete cultural experience without rushing. You’ll start in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, continue through the Sacred Valley, and finish with an early guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 1 gives you a soft arrival and a guided introduction to Cusco. Day 2 takes you through the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, before boarding the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes. Day 3 is dedicated to Machu Picchu, with a professional guide and the best available official circuit for your date. Day 4 gives you a final relaxed morning in Cusco before your airport or bus station transfer.
This is a premium small-group cultural tour operated by a 100% Peruvian local company. We focus on clear logistics, responsible travel, expert local guides, comfortable 3-star hotels, and a warm service style that makes the trip feel personal from start to finish.
Your Machu Picchu ticket is included. We request Circuit 2 when available; if it is sold out, we secure the best official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. You may also request Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on ticket availability and your final schedule.
Tour Highlights
- Complete 4-day cultural package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu.
- Airport transfers included: Arrival and departure transfers make your trip easier from start to finish.
- Cusco City Tour: Visit Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and historic Cusco.
- Full Sacred Valley day: Explore Pisac, local culture, Moray terraces, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
- Machu Picchu early visit: Enter the citadel with a professional guide and the best available official circuit.
- Comfortable hotels: Two nights in Cusco and one night in Aguas Calientes in selected 3-star hotels.
- Expedition train included: Travel to and from Machu Picchu Pueblo with reliable train service.
- Small-group service: Travel with a local team focused on comfort, timing, safety, and responsible tourism.
Best of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Tour 4D/3N at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
We welcome you at Cusco airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided City Tour through Cusco’s historic center, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and panoramic viewpoints above the city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Maras & Moray – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, explore the Sacred Valley with your guide. Visit a camelid center, valley viewpoints, Pisac ruins and market, Urubamba, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. In the evening, board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided visit of the citadel. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes, board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, and continue by private transport to Cusco.
Day 4: Transfer Out
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time depending on your flight or bus schedule. We transfer you to the airport or bus station at the arranged time.
Take Note
Train schedules and Machu Picchu circuits depend on availability at the time of booking. We request Circuit 2 when available; if it is sold out, we will secure the best available official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We strongly recommend booking early, especially for high season, morning entries, and optional mountain hikes.
Included
- Airport transfers, round trip.
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Cusco.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- 3 hotel breakfasts.
- Cusco City Tour.
- Sacred Valley tour with Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
- Lunch and dinner on Day 2.
- Professional local tour guide.
- Entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket, best available official circuit at booking.
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip Expedition train.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- All taxes included.
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
- Train upgrades to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory.
- Hotel upgrades.
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended.
- Tips, optional.
Optional Upgrades
- Train upgrade: Upgrade from Expedition to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability.
- Private service: Request a private guide and a more flexible pace for your group.
- Hotel upgrade: Upgrade your hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, subject to availability.
- Luxury version: For a higher-end experience, see our Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 4 Days.
Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 4 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
Welcome to Cusco. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to rest, settle in, and begin adjusting to the altitude before your afternoon tour.
Around 1:00 p.m., your guide will pick you up from your hotel to start exploring Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll visit the historic center, Plaza de Armas area, important Inca streets, the famous Twelve-Angled Stone area, and Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun.
Then we continue by vehicle to the Inca sites above the city: Sacsayhuaman, known for its massive stone walls and views over Cusco; Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial site; Puca Pucara, an old Inca control point; and Tambomachay, connected with water and ritual use. If time allows, we may also stop near Cristo Blanco for one of the best views of Cusco.
After the tour, we return to your hotel. The evening is free so you can rest, enjoy dinner on your own, and get ready for the Sacred Valley.
- Tour duration: Half-day.
- Entrance fees: Included for the places visited.
- Meals: Not included.
- Hotel: 3-star hotel in Cusco, San Agustin or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy, with light walking and some stairs.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Maras & Moray – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at your hotel, we pick you up around 7:00 a.m. and travel into the Sacred Valley. This is one of the most scenic days of the trip, with mountain views, local culture, and impressive Inca sites.
We begin at a camelid center, where you can see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos up close. Your guide will explain their role in Andean culture, textiles, ceremony, and daily life. Then we stop at a viewpoint for wide views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.
Next, we visit Pisac, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the valley. You’ll explore terraces, temples, viewpoints, and ancient stonework while learning how the Incas used this strategic mountain location. Afterward, enjoy time at the local Pisac market, known for textiles, crafts, and Andean products.
We continue to Urubamba for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Moray, famous for its circular terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools are still harvested by local families using traditional methods.
The day ends in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with original streets, water channels, and remarkable stone architecture. After dinner, board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest for the early Machu Picchu visit.
- Duration: Full-day tour.
- Entrance fees: Included for the places visited.
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle and Expedition train.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Hotel: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, Ferre Machu Picchu or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with walking at archaeological sites.
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Today is the highlight of the journey. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we go to the bus station and take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you must show your original passport and entry ticket.
Inside Machu Picchu, your guide will lead a 2 to 3-hour tour through the most important areas allowed by your assigned circuit. You’ll learn about the terraces, temples, royal spaces, water channels, sacred areas, and the ideas that made this citadel one of the most remarkable places in the Andes.
We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best official alternative available for your date and entry time. If you booked Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance, you may do the hike after the guided tour, depending on your ticket and schedule.
After the visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time for lunch on your own before boarding the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport takes you back to Cusco. Arrival is usually around 7:30 p.m., depending on train schedules and road conditions.
- Machu Picchu guided tour: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Return: Bus down, Expedition train, and private transport to Cusco.
- Hotel: 3-star hotel in Cusco, San Agustin or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths.
Important ticket note: Machu Picchu entry is organized by official circuits and time slots. We reserve the best available option when your booking is confirmed. If your first-choice circuit is sold out, we secure the best available alternative for your travel date.
Day 4: Transfer Out
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Cusco. Depending on your flight or bus schedule, you may have free time to relax, walk around the historic center, buy last souvenirs, or enjoy one final view of the city.
At the scheduled time, our team will transfer you to the airport or bus station. This ends your Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 4 Days experience with TreXperience.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer: Airport or bus station transfer included.
- Difficulty: Easy.
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 4 Days Price and Booking
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a smooth and well-organized Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights. This package includes airport transfers, selected hotels, guided tours, entrance tickets, Expedition train, Machu Picchu bus, professional local guides, and full coordination from arrival to departure.
Prices are per person in USD and may vary depending on hotel availability, room type, train schedule, Machu Picchu ticket availability, and selected upgrades. If you want a private service, hotel upgrade, or train upgrade, contact us for a personalized quote.
Small-Group Tour:
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$ 620 |
| Children and students | From US$ 590 |
Private Tour:
Private service is ideal for families, couples, and travelers who want more flexibility, a private guide experience, upgraded hotels, or special timing. Prices are based on group size and are subject to hotel, train, and Machu Picchu ticket availability.
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US$ 1200 |
| 2 travelers | US$ 850 |
| 3 travelers | US$ 760 |
| 4 travelers | US$ 730 |
| 5 travelers | US$ 700 |
| 6 travelers | US$ 680 |
| 7 travelers | US$ 660 |
| 8 travelers | US$ 640 |
| 9+ travelers | Contact us for a special group rate |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$400 per person to reserve your spot.
- The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us if you would like to verify alternative payment options.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other dietary needs.
Student and Child Discount
- US$30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their student ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Before You Book
- Hotel availability, train schedules, Machu Picchu entry times, and circuits depend on availability at the time of booking.
- Your passport must be valid and match the information used for your train and Machu Picchu tickets.
- If you want Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, Vistadome train, Vistadome Observatory train, private service, or hotel upgrades, request them as early as possible.
- If your travel date falls during high season, holidays, or limited-ticket periods, booking early gives you better chances of securing the best train schedules and Machu Picchu circuit.
How to Book
- Click the BOOK NOW button and choose your travel date on our calendar.
- Select the tour option that best fits your travel style: small-group or private service.
- Fill in all requested details using your passport information exactly as shown on your passport.
- Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the deposit payment.
- Our team will contact you shortly to confirm your payment and send the final tour details.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour 4D/3N - Packing List
This 4-day tour includes city sightseeing, Sacred Valley visits, train travel, one night in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and hotel stays in Cusco. Pack light, dress in layers, and bring a small overnight bag for the train portion.
Cusco mornings and evenings can be cold, while the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes may feel warmer during the day. Machu Picchu is in the cloud forest, where sun, mist, and rain can happen in the same visit.
Essentials
Keep these essential items in your daypack throughout the trip. You’ll need them during the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, train journey, and Machu Picchu visit.
What to Wear
Dress in comfortable layers. Bring light clothing for warm moments, a fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings, and rain protection for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
What to Put in the Daypack?
Your daypack should be small, comfortable, and easy to carry. Use it for documents, water, rain jacket, sun protection, camera, and personal items during tours.
What to Pack for Aguas Calientes?
For the Machu Picchu train journey, train companies have strict luggage limits, so we recommend a carry-on of about 5 kg / 11 lb. Since you’ll handle your own bag, make sure it is easy to carry between the vehicle, hotel, and train.
Check out of your Cusco hotel and leave your large suitcase there. Most hotels store luggage for free. If you are changing hotels after the tour, TreXperience offers free luggage storage; you can leave your large bag with us and pick it up when we return.
In Aguas Calientes, leave your carry-on at your hotel reception and visit Machu Picchu with only your daypack. After the tour, collect your bag before heading to the train station for the return trip.
- Change of clothes.
- Light jacket or sweater.
- Toiletries in small travel sizes.
- Comfortable sleepwear.
- Phone charger and power bank.
- Personal medication.
- Extra cash in Peruvian soles.
You can also review our complete Machu Picchu packing list.
Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 4-Day Tour - Travel Information
Below you’ll find practical information to prepare for this cultural package: altitude, tickets, Machu Picchu circuits, train travel, luggage, weather, upgrades, and responsible travel.
Who is this 4-day tour best for?
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the essential highlights of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu in one complete itinerary. It is not a trekking tour, but there is walking at archaeological sites and inside Machu Picchu.
It is a great option for couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups who want hotels, tickets, trains, transfers, and guides organized in one easy package.
How this tour is different from the 3-day package
The 4-day version includes the same key route as the 3-day package, but with a smoother ending. After returning from Machu Picchu on Day 3, you sleep one more night in Cusco and receive your departure transfer on Day 4.
If you have limited time and do not need the final hotel night in Cusco, consider the Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days.
Altitude in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Cusco sits at around 3,400 m / 11,155 ft, so it is normal to feel the altitude when you first arrive. Day 1 is designed to be light, with airport pickup, hotel check-in, and a half-day City Tour in the afternoon.
The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco and usually feels easier for many travelers. Drink water, eat light meals on arrival, avoid heavy alcohol, and walk slowly during your first day. If you want medical guidance before traveling, review this official high-altitude travel advice.
Cusco Tourist Ticket and entrance fees
This tour includes entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary. Several Cusco and Sacred Valley sites are part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket system, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
For official information about included sites and ticket types, you can visit COSITUC, the official Cusco Tourist Ticket website. You can also read our Cusco Tourist Ticket guide.
Places visited on this tour
On Day 1, you visit Cusco’s historic center, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and panoramic viewpoints above the city. These sites introduce you to Inca engineering, sacred architecture, colonial history, and the importance of Cusco as the former capital of the Inca Empire.
On Day 2, you explore the Sacred Valley, including a camelid center, valley viewpoints, Pisac ruins and market, Moray terraces, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. For more background, read our Sacred Valley guide.
Machu Picchu circuits visited on this tour
The Machu Picchu tour on Day 3 follows the best available official circuit for your date and entry time. We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits through the heart of the citadel.
If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best available official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Your guide will adapt the visit so you still enjoy a meaningful and well-paced Machu Picchu experience.
For more details, read our Machu Picchu Tickets Guide or review the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Map of Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu
Click the map to read our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
You can request Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain as an add-on, depending on ticket availability, entry time, and train schedule. These hikes are not included in the standard price and must be booked in advance.
You can only choose one mountain hike. If your priority is one of these hikes, contact us before booking so we can check the best ticket and train combination.
Train schedules and luggage
This tour includes the Expedition train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Train schedules depend on availability at the time of booking, so final departure and return times will be confirmed after your reservation.
Train luggage is limited, so bring only a small overnight bag for Aguas Calientes. Leave large suitcases at your hotel in Cusco or arrange luggage storage with TreXperience if needed.
Weather and best season
Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu have different microclimates. You may experience cold mornings in Cusco, sunny conditions in the Sacred Valley, and warm humid weather around Machu Picchu.
- Dry season: April to October, usually clearer skies and cooler nights.
- Rainy season: November to March, greener landscapes and more frequent showers.
Bring layers and keep rain protection in your daypack. For more planning tips, read our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide. You can also check the official Machu Picchu weather forecast.
Train and hotel upgrades
The standard package includes Expedition train and 3-star hotels. If you want a more scenic train experience, you can request a Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory upgrade, subject to availability.
Hotel upgrades in Cusco or Aguas Calientes can also be requested. If you prefer a higher-end itinerary, consider our Luxury Tours.
Responsible travel
This tour visits protected archaeological sites, local communities, markets, and one of Peru’s most important cultural and natural heritage areas. Travel with respect: follow your guide’s instructions, avoid littering, stay on marked paths, support local businesses responsibly, and respect the rules inside Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is part of a protected sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so careful visitor behavior helps protect it for future generations. You can review our Machu Picchu rules guide before traveling.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days - Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in this 4-day tour?
This package includes airport pickup and drop-off, 2 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Aguas Calientes, Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley Tour with Maras and Moray, Machu Picchu guided visit, entrance fees, Expedition train, Machu Picchu bus, professional guides, and transportation as listed in the itinerary.
Is this a trekking tour?
No. This is a cultural tour, not a trekking tour. You will walk at archaeological sites, markets, streets, and inside Machu Picchu, but there is no multi-day hiking route. It is ideal for travelers who want Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu without trekking.
Is airport pickup included?
Yes. Airport pickup on arrival in Cusco is included. Please send us your flight details in advance so our team can coordinate your transfer.
Is airport drop-off included?
Yes. On Day 4, after breakfast and according to your schedule, we transfer you to the airport or bus station.
Which hotels are included?
The standard package includes selected 3-star hotels: two nights in Cusco and one night in Aguas Calientes. Exact hotel names depend on availability. Examples may include San Agustin or similar in Cusco and Ferre Machu Picchu or similar in Aguas Calientes.
Which train is included?
The standard package includes the Expedition train. You may request an upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability and additional cost.
Which Machu Picchu circuit will I get?
We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Booking early gives you better options.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available. These hikes must be booked in advance and are done after the guided tour, depending on your schedule. You can only choose one optional mountain hike.
What meals are included?
The tour includes hotel breakfasts, plus lunch and dinner on Day 2. Other meals are not included, giving you flexibility to choose restaurants in Cusco, Aguas Calientes, or during free time.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary are included. Many Cusco and Sacred Valley sites are covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
Can I bring large luggage?
You can travel with luggage to Cusco, but for the night in Aguas Calientes you should take only a small overnight bag. Train luggage is limited. Large suitcases should stay at your hotel in Cusco or in storage.
Is this tour good for children or older travelers?
Yes. This tour is mostly sightseeing with moderate walking. Some sites have stairs and uneven stone paths, especially Machu Picchu and the archaeological sites, but the pace is steady and guided. Let us know if anyone in your group needs a slower pace.
What time do we return to Cusco on Day 3?
The usual arrival time is around 7:30 p.m., depending on train schedule, road conditions, and traffic. You will spend the night in Cusco and have your departure transfer on Day 4.
Can I make this tour private?
Yes. Private service is available on request. This is a good option if you want more flexibility, a private guide, hotel upgrades, train upgrades, or special timing based on your travel style.