Four days is the minimum to see Machu Picchu without rushing (see how many days you need in Cusco). We keep the first day free for the altitude, see Maras and Moray, take the train to Machu Picchu and finish with Cusco’s Inca sites before you fly out. Every tour picks you up at your hotel in Cusco, so you keep one hotel the whole stay. It’s the tightest plan we recommend, built for travelers who have a week or less in Peru.
Machu PicchuGuided visit, train from Ollantaytambo
One hotel in CuscoEvery tour picks you up there
Maras & MoraySalt pans and circular Inca terraces
Cusco’s Inca sitesQorikancha and Sacsayhuamán
Why this route works
Planned by locals so nothing overlaps.
AltitudeNo hard days until you’ve adjusted; day 1 is free.
LogisticsOne hotel: every tour picks you up there.
PaceMaras is half a day, so you reach Machu Picchu rested.
Day by day
Day1
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco
Arrival
Pickup at Cusco airport and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon
Free to rest. Coca tea, a slow walk around the Plaza de Armas, early night.
Times are the usual schedule of each tour and are confirmed with your final itinerary. Prefer Machu Picchu at opening time? Add a night in Aguas Calientes.
What’s included
Airport pickup and drop-off in Cusco
All tours in the itinerary, in group, with guide
Hotel pickup for every tour
Machu Picchu train, round trip
Bus up and down to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu entrance and guide
Breakfast and lunch on Machu Picchu day
Not included
Flights (domestic flights quoted on request)
Hotels (quoted on request)
Boleto Turístico (entrance to Moray, Sacsayhuamán and other sites; bought in Cusco)
Meals not listed
Tips
Travel insurance
Prices
Group toursPer person, based on 2 travelers. Tours, transfers and Machu Picchu.
From $412
With 3★ hotelsPer person, based on 2 travelers sharing a double room. Comfortable 3★ hotels with breakfast, such as Tierra Viva or Casa Andina Standard. The exact price depends on your dates.
About $580
Private toursYour own guide and vehicle. Train and bus are shared.
On request
HotelsComfortable 3★, Boutique 4★ or Luxury 5★.
On request
Traveling solo? Ask us and we’ll quote it. Want hotels included? Choose “Include hotels in my quote” in the form and pick 3★, 4★ or 5★.
Questions about this trip
Is 4 days enough for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
It’s enough to see the essentials without rushing: a rest day for the altitude, Maras and Moray, Machu Picchu and Cusco’s main Inca sites. If you can add two days, the 6-day Sacred Valley Classic adds Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and a calmer pace.
Can I sleep in the Sacred Valley instead?
Yes, as an upgrade. The Valley is lower than Cusco and the train to Machu Picchu leaves from there. In this short plan everything leaves from Cusco so you don’t change hotels, and Machu Picchu day starts with a pickup around 4 am. Our 6-day Sacred Valley Classic includes two nights in the Valley.
Can I do this trip privately?
Yes. We can make every tour private, with your own guide and vehicle. On Machu Picchu day the train and bus are always shared; private means a guide just for you. Tell us in the form and we’ll quote it.
Can you add hotels to my quote?
Yes. Choose “Include hotels in my quote” in the form and pick comfortable 3★, boutique 4★ or luxury 5★. We’ll send options with the full price.
I arrive by bus from Puno or Arequipa. Does it still work?
Yes. We pick you up at the Cusco bus station instead of the airport and adjust day 1 to your arrival time.
