Cusco + Machu Picchu 5D/4N
5 days
Group up to 8 people
2,040 m.s.n.m
Moderate
Experience the perfect combination of history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders on this unforgettable 5-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Package. Discover the charming streets of Cusco, explore impressive Inca temples and colonial landmarks, travel through the spectacular Sacred Valley, and visit the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.
Along the journey, admire ancient archaeological sites, vibrant local markets, scenic mountain valleys, and traditional Andean villages while learning about the fascinating legacy of the Inca civilization. This carefully designed itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of the Cusco region at a comfortable pace, combining guided excursions, quality accommodations, and unforgettable scenery for an incredible Peruvian adventure.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Cusco Airport, one of our representatives will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have free time to relax, acclimatize to the altitude, or explore the city on your own.
During the afternoon, your guided adventure begins with a tour through the historic center of Cusco. Visit the impressive Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire, later transformed into the Santo Domingo Convent during the colonial period.
Continue to the majestic fortress of Sacsayhuamán, famous for its enormous stone walls and panoramic views over Cusco. Afterwards, explore the nearby archaeological complexes of Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay, each offering fascinating insights into Inca engineering, ceremonial traditions, and military architecture.
After the tour, return comfortably to your hotel.
- Accommodation (3★): Maytaq Wasin or similar
- Accommodation (4★): Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Premium, Novotel or similar
After breakfast, depart Cusco toward the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is the scenic Taray Viewpoint, offering spectacular panoramic views over the Urubamba Valley and its traditional agricultural landscapes.
Continue to the impressive archaeological site of Pisac, where you’ll discover agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, ancient residential sectors, and one of the largest Inca cemeteries in Peru. Afterwards, explore the colorful artisan market before heading to Urubamba for lunch (optional).
In the afternoon, visit the fascinating agricultural laboratory of Moray, where the Incas created circular terraces with unique microclimates used to experiment with crop production.
Next, discover the famous Maras Salt Mines, an extraordinary complex of thousands of salt pools that have been continuously worked since pre-Inca times. The naturally pink salt extracted here remains one of the region’s most distinctive products.
Finally, travel to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by original Inca architecture.
- Accommodation (3★): Andenes del Inca Hotel or similar
- Meals: Breakfast
Following breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Walk through its original cobblestone streets, admire the impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and ancient water channels that remain in use today.
Later, board the comfortable Vistadome Train for a spectacular journey through the Sacred Valley toward Aguas Calientes. Large panoramic windows provide incredible views of rivers, cloud forests, and towering mountains throughout the trip.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to stroll around the charming town or visit the famous thermal baths (optional).
- Accommodation (3★): Ferre Machu Picchu Hotel or similar
- Accommodation (4★): El Mapi, Tierra Viva Superior or similar
- Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll visit the highlight of your journey—the magnificent Machu Picchu.
After an early breakfast, board one of the first shuttle buses to the citadel to experience the magical morning atmosphere. Your expert guide will lead you through the most important sectors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, explaining its remarkable history, architecture, astronomical significance, and the daily life of the Inca civilization.
Following the guided tour, you’ll have free time to take photographs and admire the breathtaking scenery. Guests who reserved the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain hike in advance may complete this adventure independently.
Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included) before boarding the scenic Vistadome Train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, private transportation will transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Cusco.
- Accommodation (3★): Maytaq Wasin or similar
- Accommodation (4★): Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Premium, Novotel or similar
- Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast before spending some free time in Cusco for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
At the scheduled time, our private transportation will take you to Cusco Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Andean adventure to a close.
- Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Airport pickup and transfer upon arrival in Cusco.
- Airport transfer at the end of the tour.
- Private transportation throughout the entire itinerary.
- Guided City Tour of Cusco and nearby archaeological sites.
- Full-day Sacred Valley excursion.
- Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites included in the itinerary.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish).
- Vistadome Train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (round trip).
- Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Four nights of accommodation:
- 2 nights in Cusco.
- 1 night in Ollantaytambo.
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes.
- Daily breakfasts as indicated in the itinerary.
- Personalized assistance throughout your journey.
- All local taxes.
Not Included
- Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Optional entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (USD $75 per person).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
Optional Extras
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance (subject to availability).
- Hotel upgrades.
- Additional nights in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
- Private services upon request.
Recommendations
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and tours.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board Auki Cusco Explorers at the arrival terminal.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Machu Picchu Tour your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is more easier to add on of take off while passing though the various microclimates.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TOUR?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Auki Cusco Destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
TRAIN INFORMATION
Our package includes the 14:55 or 15:20 Vistadome train for the way from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo, then we drive you back to Cusco in our van, arriving 19:00 – 19:30. If you have an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we will buy the later Vistadome train at 15:20 or 16:22.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator, that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
Packing list
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry).
- Valid student ID (if applicable).
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sneakers.
- Warm jacket for cool evenings.
- Light waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Comfortable changes of clothing.
- Hat and sunglasses.
Daypack Essentials
- Small backpack (large luggage is not permitted on the train or inside Machu Picchu).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Camera or smartphone with fully charged batteries.
- Personal toiletries.
- Snacks for the journey.
- Extra cash for lunches, souvenirs, and optional activities.
Optional Items
- Swimsuit if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Portable power bank.
- Personal medications.
- Trekking poles if preferred.
🔒 Secure payment · Flexible cancellation
- Trips Managed by Local Experts
- Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
- Personalized Small Group Tour
- Great Value for Money
- Unique, Customized Itineraries
- Best Local Certified Guides.
You need assistance?
- Inquire Now
- +51 906 725 270
Join Auki Cusco Explorers for an Unforgettable
Travel Experience In Peru
Why Travel with Auki cusco Explorers?
- Superior Service
- Inca Trail Specialists
- 100% value for money
- Small Groups with a maximum of 8 people
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Sustainable Travel
- Years of Professional Inca Trail Experience
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