Full Itinerary of Best of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City tour (half-day)

We’ll meet you at Cusco airport and take you straight to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed morning to settle in (We recommend getting a flight that arrives early to the city). Around 1:00 PM, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to start exploring Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

This afternoon covers the essentials: Plaza de Armas and its main landmarks, characterful streets and quarters, the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, Loreto Street, and the Qorikancha. Then we’ll drive to the hilltop sites: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara (passing visit), Tambomachay, and the Cristo Blanco viewpoint (passing visit). We expect to be back in the city around 5:30 PM, an exciting first day and a smooth lead-in to some of the best Machu Picchu tours.

• Tour duration: half-day
• Entrance fee: Included in all places we visit.
• Meals are not included.
• Hotel: 3-star hotel San Agustin or Similar

Day 2: Sacred Valley – Maras Moray – Aguas Calientes (Full day)

At 7:00 AM, after a delicious breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your Cusco hotel and head to the Alpaca Center "Manos de la Comunidad" to meet South America’s camelids; llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. A short 20-minute drive brings us to Taray Viewpoint for sweeping Sacred Valley panoramas. Next, we visit the Pisac archaeological site and its handicraft, where you can browse artisan goods and try your bargaining skills.

We continue through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant and a taste of regional flavors.

After lunch, we explore the circular terraces of Moray, which showcase Inca agricultural innovation. Then it’s on to Maras salt mines, where salt is still harvested using Inca age-old methods. We finish the afternoon in Ollantaytambo, often called “The Last Living Inca Town”, home to remarkable examples of Inca stonework.

After dinner in Ollantaytambo, we board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and settle into a local hotel, rested and ready for tomorrow’s highlight on one of the best Machu Picchu tours.

• Duration: Full day
• Entrance fee: Included in all places we visit.
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
• Hotel: Qoya Palace or similar

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Cusco (Full Day)

For the grand finale of your sacred valley Machu Picchu tour, we’ll rise before dawn and get ready for an unforgettable morning at Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. After breakfast, we’ll head straight to the line to catch one of the first buses, aiming to enter before sunrise in the Inca citadel.

Your guide will lead a detailed 2–3 hour visit through the most notable bits of the citadel, like the viewpoints, the Guard House, the terraces, temples, and palaces through circuit 2. Afterward, enjoy free time to take amazing photos, or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on your own (permits should be secured well in advance). When your visit wraps up, you’ll take a bus to go down to Aguas Calientes and take the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by private van to Cusco, arriving at around 7:30 PM.

• Duration: Full day
• Meals: Breakfast
• Entrance fee: Included in all places we visit.
• Other Meals: Excluded
• Hotel: San Agustin or Similar

Day 4: Transfer out (At any time)

After breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport or bus station.

Take note

• By the way, if you're looking for a truly panoramic experience, why not upgrade to the Vistadome Train? You'll get live entertainment, more spacious seats and windows, and so much more!
• Please keep in mind, the schedules of pickup / drop off from your hotel can change, depending on the final train schedule booked. In addition, If tickets for Circuit 2 at Machu Picchu are already sold out, don’t worry; we’ll offer you the best available alternative, like Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. To make sure you get your preferred option, we highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip as early as possible. Tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so the most popular circuits and times go quickly!

Price of the Best of Cusco 4 days and 3 nights tours

We try to organize small group tours to ensure a personalized and intimate travel experience. For those traveling with a large party or seeking an exclusive adventure, we also offer a private Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu tour! Contact us today, and we'll give you more options of tours and design the perfect tour to meet your needs, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Price per person

• From US$ 598 - Adults
• From US$ 568 - Children and students

Booking and payment

• To book the Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, you must make an initial payment of 200 USD per person. The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Student Discount

• US$ 30 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.

Similar tours to Machu Picchu you may like:

• Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour
• Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley hike
• Humantay Lake from Cusco
• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days

What to bring for my Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu tour 4D/3N

For take one of the best Machu Picchu tours, it's important to bring items that are comfortable for hiking. Early mornings in Cusco can be very cold, but the weather warms up once you reach Machu Picchu's cloud forest. Wear layers of warm and light clothing, and carry a small backpack where you can put snacks, water, jackets, and any other essentials you'll need during the trip.

Essentials

Packaging the essentials is important to make your visit comfortable and memorable.

• Passport or ID: You will need a valid passport or ID to enter Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu ticket: We will provide this on the tour day.
• Valid Student Card (if you booked as a student): The original student card must be issued by the university and is valid for students up to the age of 25. It must contain the following: university information, personal information of the student, a photo of the student, and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel.
• Backpack: Bring a backpack to carry all your essentials and keep your hands free while exploring the site. The backpack must be a maximum of 25 liters; if you have a bigger backpack, pack it light and make it look small for Machu Picchu; otherwise, you will be requested to store it in the lockers.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance in Machu Picchu.

Clothing and gear

• A good pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots
• Underwear and socks: Best if they are moisture-wicking
• Moisture-wicking t-shirt
• Fleece or warm layer
• Quick-drying trekking pants made from lightweight fabric
• Lightweight and waterproof jacket
• Choose a comfortable, lightweight hat or cap that's easy to pack and store. Avoid bringing bulky items.

Accessories and extras

• Water bottle: Bring a refillable water bottle throughout the day.
• Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses.
• Snacks: Bring snacks or energy bars to fuel you during your visit.
• Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views and memories of your visit to Machu Picchu.
• Cash: Bring some money as there are no ATMs inside Machu Picchu, and some vendors may not accept credit cards.

Prohibited items at Machu Picchu

When packing for Machu Picchu, there are certain items that you may want to leave to travel more comfortably and responsibly. Here are some things that you should avoid packing for your trip to Machu Picchu:

• Trekking poles with metal tips, tripods, umbrellas, parasols, and any sharp objects that damage and erode the stone surfaces of Machu Picchu.
• Bulky or heavy clothing: Machu Picchu has a warm and humid climate, even during the dry season. You should pack lightweight and breathable clothing.
• Large bags or suitcases: You'll need to carry your bags while traveling around the site, and there are strict size and weight limits for bags on trains and buses. Avoid packing large bags or suitcases and instead opt for a small backpack or daypack.
• Single-use plastics: As part of a responsible tourism initiative, visitors are encouraged not to bring or use single-use plastics at Machu Picchu. Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid packing disposable items such as plastic bags and straws.
• Drones: Drones are prohibited at Machu Picchu and can be confiscated by authorities.
• Illegal substances: As with any travel destination, bringing drugs or illicit substances.
• Overall, it's best to pack light and be mindful of the environment and local regulations when preparing for your Machu Picchu trip.

Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour - Travel Info

You've booked this amazing tour with us and are ready to go...but what exactly will I visit in Machu Picchu? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Here are some travel details. So please sit back, relax, and let us help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime!

Circuits visited on this Tour

The Machu Picchu Tour in day 3 follows Circuit 2, which takes you to the Citadel's most complete side and important buildings, including the observatory, the temples, the houses, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and more. If Circuit 2 isn't available, you will be offered an alternative that fits your schedule. Please note that Circuits are subject to availability depending on the season and visitor demand.

For more details about the different circuits in Machu Picchu, check out our Machu Picchu Tickets Guide.

Map of Circuit 2 in Machu Picchu

Tips for visiting Machu Picchu

• Arrive early - aim to arrive at Machu Picchu as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The gates open at 6 am, so if you can get there then or soon after, you'll have a much better experience.
• Hire a tour company - unless you want to explore the site alone, we recommend hiring a tour company with a guide. They'll be able to bring the ruins to life and tell you all sorts of interesting stories and facts about what you're seeing.
• Allow plenty of time - because there's so much to see at Machu Picchu
• Dress appropriately - although it can be hot during the day, it gets cold once the sun goes down, so pack some warm clothes for the evening.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu tour - Frequently Asked Questions