Experience the very best of the Peruvian Andes in just four unforgettable days with this Cusco, Maras & Moray, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu tour. Perfect for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss the highlights of Cusco, this journey combines history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Begin your adventure with a city tour of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where colonial and Inca heritage blend seamlessly. Continue with an excursion to Moray, a unique Inca agricultural laboratory, and the stunning Maras Salt Mines, still in use today. Explore the treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo, before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
The trip culminates with a full-day visit to the world wonder, Machu Picchu, where you’ll uncover the secrets of this mysterious Inca citadel with the guidance of an expert. This carefully crafted itinerary offers a rich cultural experience and spectacular scenery, all in just four days.
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
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Airport pick-up and hotel transfer.
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Afternoon guided Cusco City Tour: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
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Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2: Maras & Moray Tour
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Morning departure to explore the fascinating circular agricultural terraces of Moray.
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Visit the Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been extracted since Inca times.
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Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
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Free evening.
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Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour – Pisac & Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
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Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
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Visit Pisac ruins and market, then enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
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Explore Ollantaytambo fortress and Inca town.
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Evening train ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
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Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
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Early bus to Machu Picchu citadel.
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Guided tour of the site: temples, terraces, and panoramic viewpoints.
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Free time for personal exploration.
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Return train to Cusco in the afternoon.
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Transfer to hotel or airport.
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Cusco.
- 3 nights accommodation (Cusco & Aguas Calientes, 3-star hotels or similar).
- Daily breakfast.
- Cusco City Tour entrance tickets.
- Maras & Moray excursion with transport and guide.
- Sacred Valley Tour with buffet lunch.
- Round-trip train to Machu Picchu (Expedition or similar).
- Bus transfers to/from Machu Picchu.
- Professional English-speaking guides.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- All ground transportation according to itinerary.
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) – required for several sites.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, extra cost).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses and tips.
WHAT TO BRING
- Original passport (mandatory to enter Machu Picchu)
- Small bag (5 kg max allowed on the train to and from Aguas Calientes)
- Small day pack for personal items in Machu Picchu (max allowed size is 25L)
- Comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear (hiking boots or good sneakers are recommended)
- Extra money for food, water, souvenirs and snacks (in Peruvian Soles)
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- Water
- Scarf or hat in order to protect against the intense sunlight
- Warm jacket for the evening/wind
- Personal medication
RECOMMENDATIONS
IN CUSCO:
We recommend buying the 10 day tourist ticket for 130 Soles, which will give you access to all of the ruins sites in the Sacred Valley and in Cusco, as well as other attractions and museums in Cusco.
IN MACHU PICCHU:
If you are looking for an additional challenge once you arrive in Machu Picchu, there are some excellent hiking options.
- SUN GATE: It is a short hike up from the ruins and is always available and free to the public. This is a wonderful place to visit with amazing views to Machu Picchu.
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN: The most famous additional climb to do while in there that provides spectacular views of the ruins and surrounding area. This must be booked in advance for an additional cost, and often sells out. The climb takes 45 minutes and is moderately difficult. This is not recommended if you have vertigo or do not like heights.
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN: Another great option to climb up and see the ruins from a different angle. A 1.5 hours steep climb and can be very physically demanding, but the spectacular views from the top definitely make it worthwhile. This must be booked in advance for an additional cost, and often sells out.
PRICE REDUCTIONS FOR:
Groups of more than 5 people
Students with a valid international ISIC presented at time of booking
Children and adolescents under the age of 17.
Changes and Refunds
Machu Picchu Tickets
– Machu Picchu tickets cannot be modified or refunded once issued.
Train and Bus Tickets
– They can be modified with a minimum of 15 days’ notice prior to the service date.
– Changes are subject to availability, possible penalties, and fare adjustments according to the policies of each train company.
– The same time, class, or original price is not guaranteed.
Refund Policy
– Once the reservation is confirmed, it is not possible to request a refund.
Why is the tourist ticket not included?
The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is a personal ticket and is not sold in advance. It must be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the visited sites where this ticket is required.
Check our guide with all the information about the tourist ticket.
Does this tour include accommodation in Aguas Calientes?
To include the accommodation, please contact our team and inform them of your preferred hotel category and number of people.
What to do with my luggage during the trip to Machu Picchu?
The maximum baggage weight allowed on the trains to Machu Picchu is 5kg per person. We recommend that you travel with as little as possible and leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco.. If you check out when you travel to Machu Picchu, most hotels will allow you to leave your luggage in the hotel’s storage room.
What time will I enter Machu Picchu?
The entrance times for this tour are as early as 7am, but may vary according to ticket availability at the time of booking. Remember: the earlier you make your reservation, the more likely you are to get the best times.
I would like a private tour. Is it possible?
Yes, just get in touch with our team and we can provide you with a quote for a 100% private tour and a customized experience.
After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, can I stay longer on my own?
No. During the pandemic, restrictive measures were adopted that prevent you from wandering freely after the guided tour. All visitors are only allowed to travel in one direction and can not walk backwards to where they have already been. However, we’ll give you ample time to take pictures and explore during our guided tour.
Can I rent horses to hike the Humantay Lake or the Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, horses are available for rent on both mountains for about 90 soles per person (each way of each mountain). Your guide will help you with the negotiation.
