Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour 5 days

Travel Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME AND CITY TOUR IN CUSCO

Upon arriving in the imperial city, our team will cordially receive you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel and provide you with a moment of rest before starting your first great experience in Cusco.

In the afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., we'll begin our tour of the city's most emblematic places. We'll start by visiting the imposing Cusco Cathedral, a jewel of colonial art, adorned with golden altars, carved altarpieces, and paintings from the renowned Cusco School, which hide symbols and details of pre-Hispanic Andean thought.

Then we'll walk through the charming streets of the historic center until we reach Qoricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun. This ceremonial precinct was one of the most sacred spaces of the Tawantinsuyo, where the stone walls carved with extreme precision still stand firm, defying time and earthquakes.

Later, we'll take our transportation to the archaeological sites on the outskirts of the city. We'll visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress of large megalithic blocks, which also offers a privileged view of the city. Then we'll pass by Qenqo, a ceremonial place with mysterious passages carved in stone, followed by Puka Pukara, an ancient fortress that stands out for its reddish coloration at sunset. Finally, we'll arrive at Tambomachay, known as the "Inca's bath," with its eternal water springs that flow constantly.

We conclude the tour by returning to your hotel so you can rest.

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES

We'll start the day early. At 7:00 a.m., we'll pick you up to embark on a wonderful journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first destination will be the archaeological complex of Pisac, located on top of a mountain, where we'll see agricultural terraces, irrigation channels, and Inca tombs carved in rock.

Then, we'll visit the Pisac artisan market, a vibrant place full of color and tradition, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs by local artisans. Later, we'll enjoy a buffet lunch at a typical restaurant in the Urubamba valley.

We'll continue to the imposing archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a marvel of Inca engineering with enormous stones assembled with millimetric accuracy. This fortress city is also considered one of the last living cities of the Inca world, where water channels still flow through cobblestone streets.

From here, we'll take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, on a journey of almost two hours through high jungle landscapes and the majestic Vilcanota River. Upon arrival, we'll accompany you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU EXCURSION – CUSCO

Very early in the morning, your guide will pick you up to take you to the bus station heading to the citadel of Machu Picchu, on a 25-minute journey that ascends the mountain.

Once at the sanctuary, we'll begin the tour through Circuit 2 or Circuit 1, considered the most complete, which includes the classic panoramic postcard of Machu Picchu. Our guide will share with you the history, architecture, and symbolism of this enigmatic place, walking through its plazas, temples, terraces, stairways, and agricultural areas.

At the end of the tour, we'll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), and then board the return train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

DAY 4: MARAS – MORAY AND SALT MINES

This day we'll depart at 7:30 a.m. to visit two of the most fascinating places in the Cusco highlands. Our first stop will be Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory made up of circular terraces that simulate different microclimates, allowing experimentation with crops at diverse altitudes and conditions.

Then, we'll continue to the Maras Salt Mines, an incredible formation of more than 3,000 salt pools still active today. Here we'll learn about the ancestral salt collection process and you can purchase artisanal products made with this natural mineral.

After finishing the tour, we'll return to Cusco at approximately 2:00 p.m.

DAY 5: FAREWELL – AIRPORT TRANSFER

After breakfast at your hotel, and at the indicated time according to your flight, we'll proceed with the transfer to Cusco airport for your return trip. Thus concluding this unforgettable experience through Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Maras-Moray in a 5-day / 4-night program.

Additional option: For only $10 additional, you can replace this tour with an excursion to the Rainbow Mountain.

What does it include?

Includes:

• Transfers to and from Cusco airport
• All nights of accommodation (Cusco and Aguas Calientes)
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• City Tour in Cusco (Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay)
• Sacred Valley excursion (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, artisan market and buffet lunch in Urubamba)
• Entrance tickets to all mentioned archaeological sites
• Transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo
• Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (round trip)
• Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2 – subject to availability)
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu with professional guide
• Maras – Moray – Salt Mines tour
• Entrance ticket to Moray and Maras Salt Mines
• Tourist transportation during all tours
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English) on all excursions
• Information and assistance prior to each tour.
  
  

Not included:

• Lunches not mentioned (day 3 and 4)
• Dinners during the trip
• Tips for guides, drivers or hotel staff
• Personal expenses
• Additional food and beverages not specified
• Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket (optional, with additional cost)
• Services not mentioned in the program
• Additional luggage on the train (5 kg limit per passenger)

We recommend bringing:

• Always carry a light backpack with essentials for excursions (water, snacks, documents, camera, etc.)
• Wear comfortable and warm clothing (in layers), as the weather can vary greatly between day and night.
• Bring sneakers or trekking shoes with good traction for walking on uneven paths and stairways.
• Sun protection: use sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat or cap and sunglasses.
• During rainy season (November to March), bring waterproof poncho or water-resistant jacket.
• Always have your ID or passport on hand, especially for Machu Picchu.
• Bring insect repellent, especially for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
• Stay constantly hydrated, but in moderation to avoid altitude sickness.
• Avoid heavy meals or alcohol the first few days while adapting to altitude.
• Have some cash on hand in soles, especially in markets or rural areas.