Budget Tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu
Live an authentic and accessible experience in the heart of Peru!
This 3-day, 2-night program invites you to discover the best kept secrets of the ancient Inca Empire with an Economical tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu full of history, landscapes and culture.
We will begin with a relaxed tour through the magical city of Cusco aboard a panoramic bus, perfect for appreciating its charming colonial streets, historic balconies and iconic monuments from a different perspective. It will be the ideal opportunity to closely discover the fusion between the Inca legacy and Spanish heritage that bring this legendary city to life.
The next day, we will experience a spectacular train journey through the imposing Andean landscapes, crossing rivers, mountains and the green highland jungle until reaching the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes. From there, we will ascend to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, an archaeological jewel declared a World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Finally, we will return to Cusco with our hearts full and our memory filled with images, history and emotions that will last forever.
Highlights
Reception in Cusco with transfer from airport to hotel and time to acclimatize to the altitude.
Panoramic tour on Mirabus through Cusco city, visiting:
Main Square and El Sol Avenue.
Qoricancha Temple, spiritual center of the Inca Empire.
Pachacútec Oval and its imposing statue.
Cristo Blanco viewpoint with panoramic views of the city.
View of the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
Walk through the traditional neighborhood of San Cristóbal and its historic church.
Train journey to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, enjoying Andean landscapes of mountains, rivers and valleys.
Guided visit to Machu Picchu touring plazas, temples, terraces, staircases and aqueducts, with free time for photos and personal exploration.
Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Final transfer to airport in Cusco on the last day.
Travel itinerary
DAY 1: Panoramic Cusco on Mirabus
We will give you a warm welcome when you arrive in Cusco, the historic capital of Peru. Our staff will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and adapt to the altitude before starting your journey.
In the afternoon, we will begin with a panoramic ride on Mirabus, a comfortable and entertaining way to discover the best of the city. From the traditional Main Square to El Sol Avenue, you will tour streets full of history and charm.
During the tour, you will have privileged views of the imposing Qoricancha Temple, considered the spiritual center of the Inca Empire, where walls covered in gold once shone. We will pass by the Pachacútec Oval, with its monumental statue that pays tribute to one of the great Inca rulers.
We will continue to the Cristo Blanco viewpoint, an iconic place from where you can contemplate the entire city of Cusco and take memorable photos. From the Mirabus you will also observe the magnificence of Sacsayhuamán, the emblematic Inca fortress built with enormous stone blocks fitted with amazing precision.
Then we will walk down through the traditional neighborhood of San Cristóbal, where we will visit the church of the same name, built on the ancient palace of Inca Túpac Yupanqui. Finally, we will begin the route on Saphy street, a few steps from the Main Square.
An ideal way to begin your cultural immersion in Cusco.
Accommodation in Cusco
DAY 2: Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
This day starts very early with the transfer from your hotel to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will begin a fascinating train journey to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Aboard the train you will enjoy a scenic journey through Andean valleys, mountains and rivers. Upon arrival, you will go up by bus to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Our expert guide will lead you through the most emblematic corners of the citadel: ceremonial plazas, temples, terraces, staircases and aqueducts. Throughout the tour you will learn about the architectural genius of the Incas and their deep connection with nature.
After the guided visit, you will have time to enjoy the surroundings, absorb the energy of the place and take the iconic panoramic photo. In the afternoon, you will return by train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Accommodation in Cusco
DAY 3: Farewell and transfer to Airport
After breakfast, we will coordinate your transfer to Cusco airport at the appropriate time for your flight. Thus concludes this unforgettable getaway to the land of the Incas, full of learning, spectacular landscapes and unique memories.
What's included?
Includes
- Private transfer airport – hotel (day 1) and hotel – airport (day 3)
- Accommodation 2 nights in Cusco
- Panoramic Mirabus tour through Cusco
- Assistance and professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English)
- Pre-tour information
- Round trip transfer to train station
- Train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (circuit 1 or 2 – subject to availability)
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu
Not included
- Meals (breakfasts, lunches or dinners)
- Airplane tickets
- Tips
- Services not specified in the program
We recommend bringing
- Bring your passport or valid identification document
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the train station
- Wear comfortable and non-slip shoes, ideal for walking and climbing stairs
- Pack a light backpack with: camera, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and repellent
- Have cash on hand in soles and/or dollars, especially in Aguas Calientes
- Luggage allowed on the train is maximum 7 kg per person
- In high season, there may be queues for buses to Machu Picchu
- At the end of the tour, take a moment to connect with the energy of the place
- If you have time, enjoy the hot springs of Aguas Calientes
- To combat altitude sickness, you can drink coca leaf tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Includes transfers airport-hotel-airport, lodging in Cusco, panoramic tour in Mirabus, train ride to Machu Picchu with bus up and down, entrance to the archaeological park, professional guide and internal transfers according to the itinerary.
Yes, it is recommended to rest a few hours upon arrival in Cusco to adapt to the altitude and avoid discomfort. That is why the first day begins with a leisurely walk in the afternoon.
The dry season, between April and October, is ideal for sunny weather and less chance of rain. However, the tour is available all year round.
The Cusco and Machu Picchu Economic Tour is suitable for people of all ages, as long as they can walk moderate distances and climb some stairs. Families, couples and solo travelers alike can enjoy it.
