Overview
This 5-day itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco and its most iconic Inca sites, combining cultural heritage, archaeological wonders, and stunning Andean landscapes. The journey begins with a guided city tour of Cusco and its nearby Inca ruins, allowing time to acclimate to the altitude. It continues with a visit to the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray and the traditional Maras Salt Mines, showcasing Inca innovation and ancestral practices. Travelers then explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo, with opportunities to experience local markets and stay overnight in an original Inca town. The highlight of the trip is a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, the legendary lost city of the Incas, featuring a guided tour and free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu. The experience concludes with a return to Cusco and transfer to the airport, offering a well-rounded and immersive Andean adventure.
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco City Tour and 4 Inca Ruins
Upon arrival at the airport, our host will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to your hotel, including check-in procedures. The remainder of the morning is at leisure, allowing you time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco.
In the afternoon, we pick you up from your hotel at 1:00 p.m. to explore this magnificent city, where Inca and Spanish cultures blend harmoniously.
Our first stop is Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important Inca temple, later incorporated into the colonial Santo Domingo Convent. Then, we visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral, located in the Main Square and renowned for its remarkable colonial art and architecture.
After, we explore the surrounding archaeological sites: Tambomachay (Temple of Water), Puca Pucara (Red Fortress), Q’enqo (Temple of Mother Earth), and finally the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, often referred to as the Royal House of the Sun.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2: Cusco – Maras Salt Mines & Moray
We pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. and drive approximately one hour to Moray, located 38 km from Cusco. Moray is an agricultural Inca laboratory composed of four concentric circular terraces (muyus), with depths reaching 80 meters. Temperature variations of 0.5–1.5 °C per terrace recreate up to 20 microclimates.
Next, we visit the Maras Salt Mines, featuring around 3,500 small pools fed by an underground salt spring. Each pool yields 200–250 kg of salt monthly through a completely natural process. Maras’ salt is highly prized worldwide. We return to Cusco approximately at 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3: Cusco – Sacred valley of the Incas
We pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. and drive to the east of Cusco for about an hour enjoying amazing mountains. On the way, we stop at a famous Lookout Point of the sacred valley. From there, we will be able to see the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba river.
Later on, we go towards the inca ruins of Pisac. Here, you will witness and learn about the Inca culture. You will see amazing and impressive agricultural inca terraces. After exploring Pisac, we return back to Pisac colonial town where you will have enough time to do your shopping. After you spend some time walking around the market, we meet for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we drive along the sacred valley towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we visit this amazing archeological place. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can see the face of the inca God Wiracocha carved on the natural rock. This place is amazing to stay overnight because later you can go to walk around this original inca city.
After the tour, we will take you back to your hotel in Ollantaytambo for your overnight stay.
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Breakfast at your hotel. Early this morning, you will board the train for a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the legendary “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Located 112 km northwest of Cusco at over 2,400 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu remained hidden among towering mountains and semi-tropical jungle for nearly 400 years until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately three hours, exploring the most important sectors of the citadel while learning about its fascinating history and architecture. After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore the ruins at your own pace.
If you still have energy, you may choose to climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that rises behind the citadel. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys. Please note that permits are limited and must be requested at the time of booking to secure entrance in advance.
After your visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose to relax in the local hot springs before boarding the train back to Cusco.
Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 5: Cusco Home.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.
Tour Package Details
Inclusions:
- All land private transportation (including transfer in from the airport to your hotel in Cusco and transfer out).
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Cusco.
- 03 nights in a 3-star hotel in Cusco (with breakfast).
- 01 night in a 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo, Sacred valley.
- Round trip train (expedition) & bus tickets to Machu Picchu (Expedition Train)
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, City Tour, Salt Mines & Moray, and Sacred Valley.
Exclusions:
- Flight tickets
- Tips (optional)
- Drinks & meals (lunch and dinner)
- Personal expenses
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00
- Vistadome/Panoramic 360° Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo: USD 75.00
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes: Price depends on the type of hotel desired
What to bring:
- Backpack to carry personal items like snacks
- Warm jackets or fleece
- Rain gear
- Hiking boots
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Bathing suit and towel
- Personal medical kit
- Original passport
Prices
Private Service
This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience and a personal touch.
Discounts
US$ 20 with valid ISIC card (must be 25 years old or younger) and discount for children under 18 years old.
Price 2026 (with a 3-star hotel)
| Group Size | Price (US$) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1501.00 |
| 2 people | $1006.00 per person |
| 3 people | $902.00 per person |
| 4 people | $852.00 per person |
| 5 people | $823.00 per person |
Price 2026 (without hotel)
| Group Size | Price (US$) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1101.00 |
| 2 people | $806.00 per person |
| 3 people | $702.00 per person |
| 4 people | $652.00 per person |
| 5 people | $623.00 per person |
Booking Information
Choose in the calendar the date you would like to start this tour – select the month, year, and day (Starting Date). Fill in your details as requested, and details of the people traveling with you. Once sent, you are registered to pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 6% per person. Once we receive your payment, we will confirm the tour and send you the rest of the details.
Booking Deposit Required – Online Payments
You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 300 + 6% per person through PayPal.
FINAL PAYMENT
The remaining balance of the tour must be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco.
Terms & Conditions
1. You must carry your original passport (the same document used for booking) and a valid ISIC card if applying for a student discount.
2. Students are eligible for a US$ 20 discount. Please note that all ISIC cards are strictly verified and validated by park authorities at the entrance to Machupicchu.
3. The included accommodation in Aguas Calientes is a 3-star hotel. Alternative hotels or upgraded options can be arranged at an additional cost (based on double occupancy). Please request any changes or upgrades at the time of booking.
4. Changes of travel dates are only possible if the minimum group size is maintained and train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have not yet been issued. An administrative fee of US$ 25.00 will apply.
5. If train tickets have already been issued, date changes will incur an additional fee charged by Peru Rail (US$ 20.00 per ticket). In some cases, changes may only be possible by upgrading to a higher train category, and any fare difference must be paid by the client.
6. Our company takes all reasonable care in providing services to minimize the risk of accidents, illness, or loss of personal property and employs only suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our employees; however, we cannot be held liable for unforeseen or unavoidable events, or for the improper acts of clients or third parties. Clients are fully responsible for their personal belongings and any rented equipment.
7. Our travel agency is not responsible for additional costs arising from unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, or loss of personal belongings. It is the client’s responsibility to obtain adequate travel insurance to cover such events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Cancellation Penalties
- A. Cancellation of the tour once you have paid a deposit and received a confirmation incurs the loss of the booking deposit (US$ 200.00 per person). Non-refundable booking deposit.
- B. Cancellation within 45 to 31 days before departure incurs a loss of 70% of total tour cost.
- C. Cancellation within 30 days to 8 days before departure incurs a loss of 80% of total tour cost.
- D. Cancellation within 7 days to 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of 90% of total tour cost.
- E. Cancellation within 48 hours of departure incurs a loss of total tour cost.
