- Hotel
- Transport
- Professional Guide
- Breakfast
- Admission tickets
- 3 days 2 nights
Cusco Essence
We’ve designed a complete package that lets you experience the heart of the Inca Empire in just five unforgettable days. Every detail has been carefully planned so you can make the most of your time and enjoy a truly fascinating journey.
Your adventure begins with a guided tour of Cusco, exploring its most iconic sites: Saqsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay, the Cathedral of Cusco, and the legendary Qoricancha. You’ll then discover the Sacred Valley, with visits to Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, two of the region’s most impressive archaeological treasures.
Of course, no trip would be complete without Machu Picchu. This package includes a full visit to the citadel, where you’ll spend one night immersed in its magic.
The program covers all transportation, entrance tickets to the sites, and accommodations at the hotel of your choice for 5 days and 4 nights in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip transfers between the airport and your hotel upon arrival and departure.
- 3 nights in a Cusco hotel and 1 night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
- Daily breakfasts from Day 2 through Day 5.
- 2 lunches: Day 2 in the Sacred Valley and Day 4 after the City Tour.
- Round-trip transportation in a tourist bus for the City Tour and Sacred Valley excursions.
- Round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), plus bus service between Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
- Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance tickets (tourist pass) to archaeological sites including: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Saqsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Qoricancha, the Cathedral, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Regional History Museum, and the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (English or Spanish) for the Sacred Valley, City Tour, and Machu Picchu.
- Full information and assistance throughout your stay.
- Meals: Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary.
- Beverages: Cold drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, or hotel staff.
- Hotel Extras: Room service and minibar charges.
- Flights: Domestic or international airline tickets.
- Additional Services: Any services not explicitly mentioned in this program.
Group Service Tours
- Shared or group tours.
- Minimum of 2 participants, in double or matrimonial room – price per person.
- Depending on availability, hotels may be changed to another of similar category.Discounts available for children, students, Peruvian residents, and groups.
Rates (per person):
- 3-star hotel, Expedition Train (PeruRail)*: $640
- Superior 3-star hotel, Expedition Train (PeruRail)*: $750.
- 4-star hotel, Expedition Train (PeruRail)*: $840
*Upgrade to Vistadome Train service: +$50 per segment (round trip) per person.
For DELUXE service on the Hiram Bingham Train, please check availability and pricing through our Contact Us page.
Private Service Tours
- Private transportation and guides, with flexible schedules for your comfort.
- Personalized attention throughout your journey. Minimum of 2 participants, in double or matrimonial room; price per person.
- Depending on availability, hotels may be changed to another of similar category.
- Discounts available for children and groups.
Rates (per person):
- 4-star hotel, Vistadome Train (PeruRail)**: $1270
- 5-star hotel, Vistadome Train (PeruRail)**: $2240
**Upgrade to Hiram Bingham Train: +$700 per segment (round trip) per person.
At hotel check-in, you must present your passport or original ID with valid entry stamps. For foreign visitors, this is required to avoid paying taxes from which you are exempt.
Please wait in the hotel lobby at the indicated time or follow the instructions of your assigned guide for each tour.
Carry your identification documents during all tours (passport, national ID, or Andean card).
On Day 2, you will take the Sacred Valley tour and spend the night in a hotel near Machu Picchu. We recommend packing only the clothing you’ll need until the following day; the rest can be stored safely at your Cusco hotel until your return.
The maximum luggage allowance on the train is 7 kg (15 lb.). A small backpack and comfortable shoes are recommended, as you will need to climb stairs. Also bring a sun hat, drinking water, and sunscreen.
All tickets will be provided in advance.
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes, you will find a variety of restaurants offering lunch or dinner starting at approximately $10 USD.
You will receive all relevant information in writing, including hotel details, phone numbers, and other useful contacts.
To make a reservation, please send us your information through the Contact Us section and review our booking policies.
Itinerary
Welcome to Cusco!
Upon arrival, we’ll pick you up from the airport or bus station and transfer you to your hotel. This first day is dedicated to acclimatization, and we’ll provide you with all the details and instructions for the tours scheduled in the following days.
You’ll have the afternoon free to stroll through downtown Cusco, where you can admire the famous Stone of the 12 Angles, located just one block from the Plaza de Armas. You may also explore several colonial churches and enjoy the wide variety of restaurants the city has to offer.
Sacred Valley tour
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at approximately 7:00 AM to begin the journey to the Sacred Valley, located about 27 km (17 mi.) from Cusco.
Our first stop will be the Pisac archaeological site, where we’ll spend about an hour exploring its impressive terraces and temples. Afterwards, we’ll head down to the artisan market in the town of Pisac, where you’ll have the chance to purchase beautiful local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Around midday, we’ll continue to Urubamba for lunch at a charming restaurant surrounded by the valley’s stunning scenery.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the ceremonial center of Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable Inca sites. At the end of the tour, we’ll head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town located just 90 minutes away from Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.
Machu Piucchu Tour
After breakfast, you’ll head to the bus stop for Machu Picchu. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and upon arrival your guide will lead you on a fascinating 3-hour tour of this Inca wonder.
Once the visit is complete, you’ll return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the village at your own pace.
Around 4:00 PM, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our team will be waiting to transfer you by bus to your hotel in Cusco, with arrival scheduled at approximately 8:00 PM.
Cusco city tour
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to begin the City Tour. Our first stop will be the Temple of Qoricancha, once the most important temple of the Inca Empire.
Next, we’ll travel about 11 km (7 mi.) outside the city to visit four remarkable archaeological sites: Qenqo, Saqsayhuamán, Puka Pukara, and finally Tambomachay.
We’ll then return to Cusco to explore the impressive Cathedral of Cusco. The tour concludes around 1:00 PM, followed by an included lunch at an exclusive restaurant in the city center.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and/or the Regional History Museum (by appointment, open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Entrance to both museums is included in your package.
Farewell from Cusco
After breakfast or at the most convenient time, we’ll transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your return flight.
Start planing your Journey
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