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, sleep one night lower in the Sacred Valley, take the train to Machu Picchu from there and finish with Cusco’s Inca sites before you fly out. It’s the tightest plan we recommend, built for travelers who have a week or less in Peru.
Machu PicchuGuided visit, train from Ollantaytambo
A night in the ValleySleep 500 m lower than Cusco
Maras & MoraySalt pans and circular Inca terraces
Cusco’s Inca sitesQorikancha and Sacsayhuamán
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
Private transfer from Maras to your hotel in the Sacred Valley
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
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 $469
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, the Sacred Valley, 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.
Why sleep in the Sacred Valley and not in Cusco?
The Valley is about 500 m lower than Cusco, so most people sleep better there, and the train to Machu Picchu leaves from Ollantaytambo, in the Valley. It saves you a very early drive on Machu Picchu day.
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.
