Description of the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 3D/2N
The magic of this unforgettable 3-day tour takes you through the heart of the Inca Empire. Starting with a guided tour of the imperial city of Cusco, experiencing the mix of Inca and Spanish cultures. Travel to the Sacred Valley through breathtaking scenery, visiting the famous archaeological sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. Experience the wonderful local market at Pisaq, an explosion of color and wonderful local art. The tour finishes with the mystical tour of the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. This 3-day adventure is the perfect blend of culture, history, and the most amazing natural beauty.
Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 3D/2N at a Glance
The best of Cusco in just a 3-day journey through the heart of the Andes. Begin in Cusco, the cradle of the Inca civilization. Explore the Golden Temple of Qorikancha and the 4 impressive archaeological sites atop the hill, such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Our adventure continues to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, land of fertile plains, where the biggest corn is produced, colorful villages, and stunning landscapes. Visit the Inca site of Pisaq, the salt mines, the Moray terraces, and the massive Inca site of Ollantaytambo. Later, a train will take you to Aguas Calientes town; here we overnight and prepare for our next-day adventure.
Finally, we visit one of the wonders of the world, “Machu Picchu.” Your guide will walk you through its ancient enclosures, plazas, the urban sector, and the agricultural terraces. This is the perfect tour that combines culture, history, and spectacular Andean landscapes.
Day 1: Complete Cusco City Tour – Qoricancha & 4 Inca Sites
Today we visit the cradle of the Inca Empire, Cusco. We start with a visit to Qoricancha, an impressive Inca temple, then we make our way towards the outskirts of the city to explore 4 Inca sites, such as Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and the astonishing Saqsayhuaman, the Inca site located on a steep hill overlooking the imperial city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley tour (Pisaq – Maras – Moray & Ollantaytambo)
Morning pickup for the most complete tour of the Sacred Valley: Visit the great Inca archaeological remains such as Pisaq and its handcrafted market, the Salt Mines in Maras, where locals still produce salt, the agricultural laboratory of Moray, and the massive Ollantaytambo Inca site. Later we head to Aguas Calientes town by train.
Day 3: Machu Picchu “The Condor Temple” – Cusco.
What a better way to finish an experience full of adventure with a visit to one of the most iconic sacred sites in South America, “Machu Picchu,” by far the most impressive masterpiece of the Inca Civilization. Your guide will provide a comprehensive tour for 3 hours; later we make our way to Cusco. Arrive at your hotel by 7:30 pm
Itinerary
Day 1: Complete Cusco City Tour – Qoricancha – Cathedral & 4 Inca Sites
Your 3-day tour through the heart of the Inca Empire starts at 10:00 am. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby, ready to set off on foot to the cathedral located in the main square. Your tour guide will give an informative and interesting tour about the canvases and architecture inside the church. Then continue to the Qoricancha temple, the ancient Inca palace, and the main worship center of the Sun. See the contrast between the Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Explore the Cusquenian School of Art’s gallery, which offers us the opportunity to delight in some of the colonial art pieces.
Our private shuttle will be waiting for us for the short drive to the outskirts of Cusco. Our first stop on this interesting part of the tour will be Sacsayhuaman, featuring its outstanding monoliths. Hear from your guide the stories of the great battle that took place between the Spanish and the Inca.
Afterwards, we drive to Qenqo, where the most impressive Inca-carved rocks in Cusco are located. Following, we drive to PucaPucara. The last site we visit before returning to Cusco is Tambomachay. The temple to the water. There are interesting aqueducts, canals, and fountains. The translated name means “place of rest.” As soon as we finish, drive back to Cusco and your hotel.
- Accommodation:
3* Hotel: Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo, Rumi Punku, or Maytaq Wasin
4* Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Casa Andina Premium, or Novotel.
- Meals
None.
Day 2: Sacred Valley tour (Pisaq–Maras–Moray and Ollantaytambo)
Today’s adventure starts after a wonderful breakfast at your hotel at 7:30 am. Driving to the Sacred Valley, be amazed by the beautiful landscapes. Witness and learn about the Inca culture at some of the most impressive Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. See amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring, we drive back to the town of Pisac to stop at a bustling handicraft market. Spend some time walking around the market bargain-hunting.
Moving on through the valley, we travel to Urubamba for lunch; after our bellies are full, take a drive to the Inca site of Moray. Here you will see the magnificent series of circular terraces set into the ground that were once used by the Incas for experimentation with agriculture. Later, experience the salt mines, which have been in use since pre-Inca times. See how water from an underground stream is channeled through pools that evaporate and leave behind pure salt crystals. The views are amazing, with thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley, a truly amazing sight. Our final destination is the Ollantaytambo ruins, where we will spend an hour. Hear the amazing history of Ollantaytambo. After visiting Ollantaytambo and enjoying a delicious dinner on your own, take the train to Aguas Calientes at 07:04 pm. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes, we walk to your hotel.
- Accommodation:
3* Hotel: Tara Hotel, Gringo Bills, or Ferre
4* Hotel: Hatun Inti Boutique, Tierra Viva Hotel, or El Mapi.
- Meals
Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch
Day 3: Machu Picchu “The Condor Temple” – Cusco.
On this magical day, we visit Machu Picchu. Wake up early to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins if the day is clear.
The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby, and we will walk to the bus station. The bus takes 30 minutes to get to Machu Picchu. Once at the entrance, we show our passport and Machu Picchu ticket, and then our guide will take you to the “guardhouse,” where you will get the best views and pictures of Machu Picchu and get a short introduction to the history. After that, you spend around 2 hours exploring the highlights of Machu Picchu on a comprehensive tour. See the most important parts of the Inca city, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun, the residential sectors, the royal tomb, and the agricultural terraces.
Afterward, you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain at 10 am if you have booked it in advance. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $70 per person). Finally, return to Aguas Calientes by bus; have time for your lunch. Also, Aguas Calientes is a great place to buy some souvenirs. Then take the train back to Ollantaytambo at around 2:55pm, 3:20pm, or 4:43pm (depending on availability), and then a van back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Circuit 2
***Note: Huayna Picchu entrance costs $70 USD pp and must be booked in advance, ideally at the booking time.
What is included in the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 3D/2N?
IT INCLUDES
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off.
- Private shuttle.
- English-speaking guide
- Tourist train (expedition) ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes & vice versa.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket – Circuit 2
- Entrance ticket for the city tour, Cathedral, Qorichancha, and Sacred Valley (tourist ticket)
- Machu Picchu Guided Tour.
- Round-trip bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes & vice versa.
- 18% tax.
- 2 nights at a 3-star hotel
NOT INCLUDED
- Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD extra. Must be booked and confirmed in advance (ideally at the time of booking), because permits sell out quickly.
- Upgrade train: Vistadome train – $60 USD per person. (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Meals
- Tips
- Travel insurance.
EXTRAS
- Single room at hotel – $40 USD (preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: $100 USD (book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD (one way)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
Best Price for the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 3D/2N
Group service
$640 USD per person. With 3* accommodation
Private service
$100 USD extra per person
Discounts
- $30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a university student card who are under 17 years old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount $40 USD off per person
- For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send the passport copy at the booking time. Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add-ons:
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: $90 USD (book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD (Return only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
PACKING LIST FOR THE CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR
What to take in your daypack:
- Original Passport (the same you have used for booking your trip)
- Small backpack
- Water: 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Valuables
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Face cleanser, moisturizers & after-sun cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Extra Batteries
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service, ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal; your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500 m and 2,000 m (4,921 ft – 6561 ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen—you breathe faster and deeper, and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time, so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399 m/11 152 ft. However, people react differently to altitude sickness, and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness, and disturbed sleep, and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
The body does adjust to the thin air; it just needs time. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax, and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs, and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light and high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness: WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trip talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
Some people change hotels after trips; therefore, we offer a free secure luggage store while touring with us. Please advise at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa, but you have to pay a 5.5% service fee charged by credit card companies or payment gateways.
