6-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Itinerary
The full Cusco experience at a calm pace: the whole Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, two nights in the Valley around Machu Picchu and every major Inca site around Cusco.
This is the trip most of our travelers choose. Six days lets you see Cusco, the whole Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without a single rushed day: a free day to adjust, a city day, Maras and Moray in private ending at your hotel in the Valley, two nights there around Machu Picchu without a 4 am start, and the full Sacred Valley in private on the way back to Cusco. If you only do Cusco once, this is the version we recommend.
Two nights in the ValleyMachu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, no 4 am drive
Machu PicchuGuided visit of about 2.5 hours
Pisac, Ollantaytambo, ChincheroThe full Sacred Valley in one day
Cusco and Maras & MorayInca sites, salt pans and terraces
Why this route works
Planned by locals so nothing overlaps.
AltitudeTwo nights in the Valley, about 600 m lower than Cusco.
LogisticsPrivate on the luggage days, group the rest.
PaceThe train leaves from the Valley, no 4 am start.
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 Maras & Moray tour, ending at your hotel in the Sacred Valley with your luggage
Private Sacred Valley tour, ending at your hotel in Cusco with your luggage
Private Maras & Moray and Sacred Valley; all other tours 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 Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Sacsayhuamán and other sites; bought in Cusco)
Meals not listed
Tips
Travel insurance
Prices
Base tripPer person, based on 2 travelers. Tours, transfers and Machu Picchu. Private tours on the Maras and Sacred Valley days, group tours the rest.
From $606
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 $880
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
Why is this the most popular Cusco package?
It’s the shortest trip that covers everything without a rushed day: Cusco, Maras and Moray, Machu Picchu and the whole Sacred Valley, with two calm nights in the Valley.
Is 6 days in Cusco too much?
Not for a first visit. One day goes to acclimatizing and one to Machu Picchu, so six days leaves real time for the Valley and the city. If you want the high-altitude hikes too, look at the 8-day Andes Adventure.
Why go to Pisac and Ollantaytambo after Machu Picchu?
That order avoids backtracking: you sleep in the Valley before and after Machu Picchu, then see the rest of the Valley on the way back to Cusco.
Can I do this trip privately?
Yes. Every tour can be private, with your own guide and vehicle. On Machu Picchu day the train and bus are shared; private means a guide just for you.
Can you add hotels to my quote?
Yes. Choose “Include hotels in my quote” in the form and pick 3★, 4★ or 5★. We’ll send options with the full price.
