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Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour

The ultimate 5-day Peruvian journey blending Inca history, culture, and Machu Picchu.

Cusco City, Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Maras Salt Mines, Moray
5 Days / 4 Nights 5.0 329 Reviews
From: $520.00USD
Destinations: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras-Moray, Machu Picchu

Overview

Discover the majestic wonders of Cusco with our 5-day package. Immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this ancient Incan city high in the Andes Mountains.

Meals:
4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
Transport:
Airport Transfers, Private Buses & Vistadome/Expedition Train
Accommodation:
3-Star Boutique Hotels in Cusco & Aguas Calientes
Days:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Group size:
Min 2 - Max 12 Persons
Ages:
All ages
Theme:
Culture, History & Highlights
Style:
Comprehensive Holiday
Physical rating:
Easy to Moderate

Trip Details

  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Activities: Hiking, Culture, Adventure
  • Average Group Size: Up to 16
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights), Aguas Calientes lodge (1 night)
  • Tour Language: English, Spanish
  • Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9 mi total on uneven terrain
  • Starts/Ends: Cusco / Cusco
  • Minimum Altitude: 2430 msnm (7972 ft)
  • Max Altitude: 3399 msnm (11152 ft)
  • Age Recommended: Min 12 Years Old
  • is Necesary Aclimatization: yes
  • Tickets to entrance: is Necesary buy in advance
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Juan Carlos
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Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival in Cusco

Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Use the day to acclimate to the altitude and explore the city at your own pace. Admire colonial architecture browse local markets and sample Peruvian dishes.

The tour starts at 9 AM with hotel pickup. First stop is the Cathedral of Cusco then the Temple of the Sun – Qoricancha. Next we visit Tambomachay Pucapucara Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman. Return to your hotel in Cusco by 1 PM.

Begin at Pisac archaeological site and its vibrant market where you can shop handicrafts and meet local artisans. Continue to the Maras salt mines and the circular terraces of Moray. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we head to Ollantaytambo to explore its Inca City used for astronomy administration religion and agriculture.

Travel by train through the Urubamba Valley then by bus up the mountain road to Machu Picchu. Explore the ruins with our guide who will explain its history and engineering. After the tour return by bus and train to Cusco and relax at your hotel.

After breakfast a representative will transfer you from your hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

Hotels with Breakfast

  • • Four nights in a hotel in Cusco
  • • Two nights in a hotel in Aguas Calientes

Tours and Excursions in Portuguese

  • Walking tour in Cusco Courtesy service
  • Archaeological city tour in Cusco Regular service
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas tour + buffet lunch Regular service
  • Guided Machu Picchu visit Private service

Tours and Excursions in Spanish

  • Cocalmayo tour Private service
  • Rainbow Mountain trek + meals Regular service

Transport and Tickets

  •  Inca City of Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  •  Cocalmayo entrance tickets
  •  Tourist train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
  •  Tourist train Aguas Calientes → Hydroelectric Station
  •  Tourist bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
  •  Tourist train Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes
  •  Tourist train Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo or Cusco
  •  Tickets for all archaeological sites visited

Private Transfers

  • Transfer Airport → Hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer Hydroelectric Station → Cocalmayo
  • Transfer Cocalmayo → Hydroelectric Station
  • Transfer Cusco or Ollantaytambo station → Hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer Hotel in Cusco → Airport

Benefts of Machu Picchu Travel

  • 24-hour assistance in Portuguese / English / Spanish
  • Professional guides and staff on all tours
  • Spanish and English guides available on request
  • Personalized concierge support throughout your trip
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About this tour

This Machu Picchu & Cusco Tour spans five days in Peru’s highlands, starting and ending in Cusco. Day one brings you from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport to your hotel in the old Inca City, where you’ll rest, sip coca tea, and acclimatize.

In the afternoon a guided walk hits Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman walls, then smaller ruins at Q’enqo and Tambomachay. You sleep in a comfortable city hotel before Sacred Valley adventures begin.

You head to Pisac market and terraces, stop at Maras salt pans and Inca circular terraces at Moray, then ride a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Next morning you rise before dawn for a first look at Machu Picchu, wandering ancient plazas and hidden fountains before crowds arrive.

Late afternoon train returns you to Cusco. Two more days allow culture deep dives, local workshops, and final airport drop. It’s packed but manageable, rich history, hands-on moments.

Why you'll love this tour

  • You move from street cafes in Cusco to mountain peaks quickly yet without rush, exploring Inca City streets with a guide who shares little-known stories. Then Sacred Valley gems, a train ride through green ravines, and sunrise steps at Machu Picchu. Every day brings a fresh scene with local flavor, history facts and chance to chat with artisans.
  • You get off the beaten path at Moray’s circular fields and watch salt workers at Maras splashing brine pools. It’s hands-on, you trek short slopes, marvel at ancient engineering. Then you board a train with valley views framed by Andes ridges. It feels like a living history lesson and a photo trip all in one.
  • You arrive before dawn at Machu Picchu, stand in near silence while the sun hits stone stairways and plazas. No crowds yet. Guides point out water channels built a millennium ago, and you wander terraces almost alone. That moment of stillness in a million-year landscape sticks with you longer than any postcard could.
  • You stay in three different places—Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes—sampling local cuisine at each stop. From fresh trout in the mountain town, chicha corn beer beside Inca ruins, to buffet lunch in Urubamba, flavors shift every day. It’s an edible tour too, and you learn about regional staples as you go.
Traveler Experiences

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Included

  • Transfers from Cusco airport
  • Hotel pickups and drop-offs
  • Entrance to all sites in Cusco (tourist ticket – Cathedral and Qoricancha) and Machu Picchu
  • Private transportation
  • Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
  • Expedition train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
  • Expedition train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
  • Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
  • All Machu Picchu entrance fees
  • Private guide throughout the tour
  • Transfer to Cusco airport on day fiv

Not Included

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned above
  • Extra expenses: tips laundry phone calls and items not listed

What to Bring

  • Passport and printed train and entrance tickets: Must show at train station and Machu Picchu gate
  • Day pack (20 L): Room for layers, snacks, water bottle, camera
  • Water bottle (1.5 L): Refill stations at Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
  • Layers: T-shirt, fleece, light jacket for mornings above 3300 msnm
  • Rain jacket: Afternoon showers common in Aguas Calientes and high valleys
  • Sun protection: High-UV at altitude, broad-rim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50
  • Sturdy shoes: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners for uneven Inca stone
  • Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit for mid-route boost
  • Insect repellent: Mosquitoes near river and market areas
  • Personal meds: Altitude pills recommended if prone to headaches

Is this trip right for you?

  • If you can handle early wake-ups and tight schedules then this is for you. You’ll be up by 4 am to catch the first train to Machu Picchu, move on to Sacred Valley sites by noon, and still have time in the afternoon for local workshops in Cusco. It’s full-on but hugely rewarding.
  • If you’ve never been above 3000 msnm prepare for thin air. We allow acclimatization in Cusco on day one and two. Yet anyone prone to headaches or breathlessness should build in extra rest. Oxygen tanks are on hand but you must still be comfortable walking a few kilometers each day.
  • If you travel solo or in a small group this trip works well. Group size tops out at sixteen, you won’t feel swallowed by a crowd. Guides tailor pacing, answer questions, share insider tips on the best photo angles. There’s room to chat or to slip away for a quiet moment beside Inca City fountains.
  • If you want a simple hotel-only tour without camping gear, this fits. No heavy backpacks, no remote camps. You board trains, sleep in three-star hotels, eat cooked meals. Yet each day includes a short hike—up to three kilometers on uneven Inca stone—so some sturdy shoes and basic fitness help.

Pricing


Upgrades

  • Huayna Picchu ticket ($75): Limited slots, reserve early for that steep summit above Machu Picchu ridge
  • Private car transfer in Sacred Valley ($20): Skip group shuttle, move faster between sites if your time is tight
  • Superior hotel in Aguas Calientes ($40 per night): Larger room, hot tub access, better breakfast spread
  • Temple of the Sun entry ($20): Separate Machu Picchu sector, fewer visitors, special guided explanation
  • Travel insurance add-on ($30): Covers delays at high altitude, emergency transport, medical aid

Travel information

Recommendations
Spend two nights in Cusco before departure. Avoid heavy activity on arrival. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated. Book all tickets at least a week ahead.

Climate
Dry season May–September offers clear skies but chilly mornings. October–April brings showers in afternoons. Pack layered clothing.

Season of the year recommended
June and July for lowest rain chance yet expect more people. April or October balance fewer crowds with occasional rain.

What to wear
Long pants and quick-dry shirts, warm mid-layer, light shell, comfortable walking shoes, sun gear.

Physical preparation
Train with uphill walks at home. Add stairs carrying 5 kg pack. Practice breathing in open air if possible.

Local people
Quechua-speaking farmers and artisans in Sacred Valley greet with hola and sonrisa. They offer textiles, ceramics, small talk.

Who is this for
Travelers over 12 who handle altitude, enjoy steep stone paths, love history and small-group settings.

Food on route
You’ll taste buffet in Urubamba—roasted chicken, quinoa soup, local veggies. In Cusco try alpaca steak or fresh trout. Aguas Calientes menus mix Andean and tourist options. Expect simple hearty plates, occasional surprises like choclo con queso.

How do I get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

You take a van to Ollantaytambo, board a train to Aguas Calientes. From there a shuttle bus climbs to the Machu Picchu entrance gate. Trains run morning and afternoon.

When should I secure my train and Machu Picchu tickets?

Ideally at least two weeks before travel in high season. Sometimes spots sell out faster if a festival or group bookings occur.

Can I adjust the order of Sacred Valley stops?

Yes, with private car upgrade you can choose to start at Moray or Maras, then finish in Pisac for market visits on Sundays.

Is the Machu Picchu sunrise visit crowded?

Early entrance at 05:30 has fewer people. By 08:00 main terraces fill. The guide times aim to maximize quiet moments.

What’s the highest altitude on this tour?

Cusco peaks at 3399 msnm. At night in Ollantaytambo you’re at about 2792 msnm. Machu Picchu sits at 2430 msnm.

Are there toilets along the route?

Yes—restrooms at Ollantaytambo station, Aguas Calientes train station, and near Machu Picchu entrance. All basic facilities.

Do I need cash or cards?

Small markets accept soles cash only. Hotels and train stations take major credit cards. Bring small bills for tips.

Can I join solo?

Absolutely. Small groups include solo travelers. You’ll meet others, but can also branch off for personal photos or quiet time.

What languages do guides speak?

English and Spanish fluently. Some share basic Quechua greetings and vocabulary for cultural context.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Limited Wi-Fi in most hotels. No reliable signal at Machu Picchu park or remote Sacred Valley stops.

What footwear is best?

Sturdy trail runners or hiking boots with ankle support. Inca stone can be slippery when wet.

How long is the walking each day?

Ranges from two to four kilometers per day on uneven trails. Sacred Valley day can include short climbs of 200 m elevation.

Can I skip city tour and start in Sacred Valley?

Yes with a private guide or custom booking you can reorganize to begin day one in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.

What meals are included?

Breakfast every day, one buffet lunch in Urubamba, dinner on your own except farewell dinner on day four.

Is tipping expected?

Guides and drivers appreciate 10–15 % of tour cost. Local staff at hotels and restaurants also welcome small tips.

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Peru > Packages > Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour
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Machu Picchu & Cusco – 5-Day Tour

Start: Cusco Airport
End: Cusco Airport
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Group size
Min 2 - Max 12 Persons
Minimum age
All ages
Style
Comprehensive Holiday
Theme
Culture, History & Highlights
Physical rating
Easy to Moderate
From USD $650
Year-round departures
USD $520
Add to wishlist Trip code: YAC-230

The ultimate 5-day Peruvian journey blending Inca history, culture, and Machu Picchu.

Discover the majestic wonders of Cusco with our 5-day package. Immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this ancient Incan city high in the Andes Mountains.

Why you'll love this trip

  • You move from street cafes in Cusco to mountain peaks quickly yet without rush, exploring Inca City streets with a guide who shares little-known stories. Then Sacred Valley gems, a train ride through green ravines, and sunrise steps at Machu Picchu. Every day brings a fresh scene with local flavor, history facts and chance to chat with artisans.
  • You get off the beaten path at Moray’s circular fields and watch salt workers at Maras splashing brine pools. It’s hands-on, you trek short slopes, marvel at ancient engineering. Then you board a train with valley views framed by Andes ridges. It feels like a living history lesson and a photo trip all in one.
  • You arrive before dawn at Machu Picchu, stand in near silence while the sun hits stone stairways and plazas. No crowds yet. Guides point out water channels built a millennium ago, and you wander terraces almost alone. That moment of stillness in a million-year landscape sticks with you longer than any postcard could.
  • You stay in three different places—Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes—sampling local cuisine at each stop. From fresh trout in the mountain town, chicha corn beer beside Inca ruins, to buffet lunch in Urubamba, flavors shift every day. It’s an edible tour too, and you learn about regional staples as you go.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Use the day to acclimate to the altitude and explore the city at your own pace. Admire colonial architecture browse local markets and sample Peruvian dishes.

The tour starts at 9 AM with hotel pickup. First stop is the Cathedral of Cusco then the Temple of the Sun – Qoricancha. Next we visit Tambomachay Pucapucara Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman. Return to your hotel in Cusco by 1 PM.

Begin at Pisac archaeological site and its vibrant market where you can shop handicrafts and meet local artisans. Continue to the Maras salt mines and the circular terraces of Moray. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we head to Ollantaytambo to explore its Inca City used for astronomy administration religion and agriculture.

Travel by train through the Urubamba Valley then by bus up the mountain road to Machu Picchu. Explore the ruins with our guide who will explain its history and engineering. After the tour return by bus and train to Cusco and relax at your hotel.

After breakfast a representative will transfer you from your hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

Inclusions and activities

Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras-Moray, Machu Picchu
Meals 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
Transport Airport Transfers, Private Buses & Vistadome/Expedition Train
Accommodation 3-Star Boutique Hotels in Cusco & Aguas Calientes

Included activities

  • Transfers from Cusco airport
  • Hotel pickups and drop-offs
  • Entrance to all sites in Cusco (tourist ticket – Cathedral and Qoricancha) and Machu Picchu
  • Private transportation
  • Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
  • Expedition train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
  • Expedition train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
  • Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
  • All Machu Picchu entrance fees
  • Private guide throughout the tour
  • Transfer to Cusco airport on day fiv

Optional activities & Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned above
  • Extra expenses: tips laundry phone calls and items not listed

What to bring

  • Passport and printed train and entrance tickets: Must show at train station and Machu Picchu gate
  • Day pack (20 L): Room for layers, snacks, water bottle, camera
  • Water bottle (1.5 L): Refill stations at Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
  • Layers: T-shirt, fleece, light jacket for mornings above 3300 msnm
  • Rain jacket: Afternoon showers common in Aguas Calientes and high valleys
  • Sun protection: High-UV at altitude, broad-rim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50
  • Sturdy shoes: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners for uneven Inca stone
  • Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit for mid-route boost
  • Insect repellent: Mosquitoes near river and market areas
  • Personal meds: Altitude pills recommended if prone to headaches

Before you book you should know

  • If you can handle early wake-ups and tight schedules then this is for you. You’ll be up by 4 am to catch the first train to Machu Picchu, move on to Sacred Valley sites by noon, and still have time in the afternoon for local workshops in Cusco. It’s full-on but hugely rewarding.
  • If you’ve never been above 3000 msnm prepare for thin air. We allow acclimatization in Cusco on day one and two. Yet anyone prone to headaches or breathlessness should build in extra rest. Oxygen tanks are on hand but you must still be comfortable walking a few kilometers each day.
  • If you travel solo or in a small group this trip works well. Group size tops out at sixteen, you won’t feel swallowed by a crowd. Guides tailor pacing, answer questions, share insider tips on the best photo angles. There’s room to chat or to slip away for a quiet moment beside Inca City fountains.
  • If you want a simple hotel-only tour without camping gear, this fits. No heavy backpacks, no remote camps. You board trains, sleep in three-star hotels, eat cooked meals. Yet each day includes a short hike—up to three kilometers on uneven Inca stone—so some sturdy shoes and basic fitness help.

Hotels with Breakfast

  • • Four nights in a hotel in Cusco
  • • Two nights in a hotel in Aguas Calientes

Tours and Excursions in Portuguese

  • Walking tour in Cusco Courtesy service
  • Archaeological city tour in Cusco Regular service
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas tour + buffet lunch Regular service
  • Guided Machu Picchu visit Private service

Tours and Excursions in Spanish

  • Cocalmayo tour Private service
  • Rainbow Mountain trek + meals Regular service

Transport and Tickets

  •  Inca City of Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  •  Cocalmayo entrance tickets
  •  Tourist train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
  •  Tourist train Aguas Calientes → Hydroelectric Station
  •  Tourist bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
  •  Tourist train Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes
  •  Tourist train Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo or Cusco
  •  Tickets for all archaeological sites visited

Private Transfers

  • Transfer Airport → Hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer Hydroelectric Station → Cocalmayo
  • Transfer Cocalmayo → Hydroelectric Station
  • Transfer Cusco or Ollantaytambo station → Hotel in Cusco
  • Transfer Hotel in Cusco → Airport

Benefts of Machu Picchu Travel

  • 24-hour assistance in Portuguese / English / Spanish
  • Professional guides and staff on all tours
  • Spanish and English guides available on request
  • Personalized concierge support throughout your trip

Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.

Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.

Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.

Dates and prices

Lock in your trip with a $100 flexible deposit. Free date changes up to 30 days prior.
Sun 3 Apr 2026
SALE LAST MINUTE
USD $650
USD $520
Sun 10 May 2026
GUARANTEED
USD $520
Sun 17 Jun 2026
SALE LAST MINUTE
USD $650
USD $520
Sun 24 Jul 2026
GUARANTEED
USD $520
Sun 3 Aug 2026
SALE LAST MINUTE
USD $650
USD $520

Reviews

5.0 · 329 reviews
5 Star
324
4 Star
5
3 Star
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Various tours – city tour, Machu Picchu, Pisac, llama farm, San Blas Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!

An excellent experience Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...

Safety and convenience Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.

Best Agency Verified
Traveled 2025/2026
★★★★★

The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!

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