Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour

Welcome to Cusco. Our local team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. This first day is intentionally relaxed because Cusco sits at high altitude, and taking it easy helps you feel better for the rest of the trip.

Around 1:00 p.m., your guide will pick you up for a guided City Tour. You’ll walk through Cusco’s historic streets, visit the Main Square area, and explore Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, one of the most important sacred sites of the Inca Empire.

Then we continue by vehicle to the famous Inca sites above Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, known for its massive stone walls and panoramic city views; Qenqo, a ceremonial site carved in stone; Puca Pucara, an old Inca control point; and Tambomachay, associated with water and ritual use.

After the tour, we return to your hotel. The evening is free, giving you time to rest, enjoy dinner on your own, and prepare for the Sacred Valley the next morning.

• Duration: Half-day tour.
• Entrance fees: Included for the places visited.
• Meals: Not included.
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
• 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 beautiful days of the trip: open mountain views, local culture, Inca architecture, and a smooth connection to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

We begin with a camelid center, where you can see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos up close. Your guide will explain why these animals have been important in Andean life for centuries. Then we stop at a viewpoint to enjoy wide views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.

Next, we visit Pisac, one of the great archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley. You’ll see farming terraces, temples, viewpoints, and impressive stonework while learning how the Incas used this strategic mountain location. After the ruins, enjoy time at the local Pisac market, known for crafts, textiles, 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 worked by local families using traditional methods.

The day ends in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with original streets, water channels, and impressive 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.
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• 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 the hotel, we go to the bus station and take the shuttle up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you must show your original passport and your entry ticket.

Inside Machu Picchu, your professional guide will lead a clear and engaging tour through the most important areas allowed by your assigned circuit. You’ll learn about temples, terraces, water channels, royal spaces, viewpoints, and the meaning behind one of the most powerful 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.
• Estimated arrival in Cusco: Around 7:30 p.m.
• 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.

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days Price and Booking

Join one of our premium small-group departures for a smooth and well-organized Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days / 2 Nights. This package includes airport pickup, selected hotels, guided tours, entrance tickets, Expedition train, Machu Picchu bus, professional local guides, and return to Cusco on Day 3.

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 private service, hotel upgrades, or a train upgrade, contact us for a personalized quote.

Small-Group Tour: Price Per Person

Private Tour: Price Per Person

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.

Booking and Payment

• Deposit: US$[TO CONFIRM] 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

• This 3-day version ends when we return to Cusco on Day 3. A final hotel night in Cusco and airport drop-off after the tour are not included unless confirmed in your booking.
• 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

1. Click the BOOK NOW button and choose your travel date on our calendar.
2. Select the tour option that best fits your travel style: small-group or private service.
3. Fill in all requested details using your passport information exactly as shown on your passport.
4. Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the deposit payment.
5. Our team will contact you shortly to confirm your payment and send the final tour details.

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days Packing List

This tour includes city sightseeing, Sacred Valley visits, a train journey, one night in Cusco, one night in Aguas Calientes, and an early visit to Machu Picchu. Pack light, stay organized, and bring comfortable clothing for changing weather.

Train companies allow only small luggage, so we recommend packing a small overnight bag of about 5 kg / 11 lb for Aguas Calientes. Leave large suitcases at your hotel in Cusco or arrange storage with TreXperience if needed.

Essentials

Keep these items with you during the trip, especially for the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, train ride, and Machu Picchu visit.

What to Wear

Cusco mornings and evenings can be cold, while the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes can feel warmer during the day. Dress in layers and bring rain protection, even in the dry season.

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 night in Aguas Calientes, bring only what you need for one night and the Machu Picchu visit the next morning. Your large luggage should stay in Cusco.

• 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 for meals, drinks, and personal expenses.

What Can You Rent with TreXperience?

This cultural tour does not require camping equipment. If you need special travel items or private add-ons, contact us before departure.

You can also review our complete Machu Picchu packing list.

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days - Travel Information

Here you’ll find practical information to prepare for this 3-day cultural tour: altitude, tickets, Machu Picchu circuits, train travel, luggage, weather, optional upgrades, and responsible travel.

Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days - Frequently Asked Questions