Cusco & Machu Picchu Essential

The Essential Tour offers a unique experience to explore the history, culture and natural wonders of this region of Peru. This tour combines visits to iconic archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuamán and the Sacred Valley, as well as the magic of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. It also includes immersion in local life, with visits to traditional markets and tasting of exquisite Andean cuisine.”

DAY 1: Pick up from the airport to the selected hotel

The tour begins with pick up from the airport after coordinating your flight time, and then you will be transferred to your preferred hotel, once settled in we will begin with the first half-day tour to acclimatize to the city:

CITY ​​TOUR: On this tour, you will immerse yourself in the rich history of the Andean culture while appreciating the impressive combination of Inca and colonial architecture.

  • Departure time: 1:00 pm
  • Return time: 7:00 pm
  • Meeting point: Plaza de Armas

PLACES TO VISIT:

  • Temple of Santo Domingo or Koricancha: Also known as El Recinto del Sol, a place where the god Inti was worshipped.
  • Sacsayhuamán: With its impressive zigzag walls, some weighing more than 20 tons, this temple dedicated to Illapa (the lightning bolt) was a symbol of Inca greatness.
  • Qenko: A space dedicated to rituals and offerings for Pachamama, a place of connection with Hananpacha (the connection of the divine with the sacred)
  • Puca Pucara: This military fortress and checkpoint guarded the accesses to Cusco, playing a strategic role in the Inca Empire.
  • Tambomachay: This may have been a temple dedicated to water, its gutters still function to this day.

DAY 2: CLASSIC SACRED VALLEY:

The second day we will have an incredible experience, we begin the tour with pick up from your hotel to explore the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place known for its warm climate, impressive landscapes that fit perfectly with the heritage of their ancestors.

  • Departure time: 7:30 am
  • Arrival time in Ollantaytambo: 3:00 pm
  • Meeting place: Door of your hotel

PLACES TO VISIT:

  • Mirador de Taray: The first stop on the tour to appreciate the impressive panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by lush mountains, and the Urubamba River that meanders through the landscape. A great spot for photos.
  • Pisaq: This archaeological site stands out for its impressive agricultural terraces, designed with precision and mastery. It also houses one of the largest Inca cemeteries and the Intihuatana, a ceremonial sundial.
  • Cusco Silversmith Workshop: In the town of Pisaq you can appreciate Cusco silversmithing and take home souvenirs made by artisans.
  • Urubamba: The capital of the Sacred Valley, it is characterized by its warm climate and its architecture that is still maintained from colonial times and its green landscapes. Here we will enjoy an exquisite lunch at the Tunupa hacienda restaurant.
  • Ollantaytambo: After lunch, we will transfer you to the Inca fortress famous for its large terraces, temples and preserved structures with panoramic views. In addition, you will explore its artisan market and town that preserves its original architecture.
  • NOTE: The tour ends in Ollantaytambo and we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. We will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu. Pick up from the station and transfer to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU:

The most anticipated day has arrived: the visit to the world wonder of Machu Picchu, located in the high jungle of Cusco. This impressive sanctuary, located at approximately 2,500 m.a.s.l., offers a semi-tropical climate that enhances its natural charm and rich history. A destination that promises an unforgettable experience

  • Departure and arrival time: prior coordination according to your entrance ticket

THE ROUTE OF THE VISIT IS AS FOLLOWS:

  • Concetur Bus: This bus will take you from the town of Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu in 30 minutes.
  • Visit: The duration of the guided tour with experts is approximately 2 hours, it will depend on the circuit of the entrance ticket
  • Descent: Return on the Consettur bus to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch with an incredible view of the river.
  • Return: After lunch, time to enjoy the town of Aguas Caliente and board the train that will take us to the Ollantaytambo station, then to the station in the city of Cusco. Pick up at the station and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 4: TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT:

De acuerdo al horario de su vuelo 

Share buttons

Included:

  • Traslado Aeropuerto/hotel/Aeropuerto (Cusco).
  • Traslado del hotel a la estación de trenes Ollantaytambo (ida y retorno).
  • 02 noches de alojamiento en Cusco ciudad | 02 desayunos.
  • 01 noche de alojamiento en Aguas Calientes | 01 desayuno.
  • Boletos de tren ida y retorno (Inca rail o Peru rail)
  • Guía profesional de turismo inglés/español.
  • Todos los boletos de ingreso y bus Consettur (subida y bajada)
  • Asistencia personalizada.

Not Included:

  • Boletos aéreos internacionales ni nacionales
  • Seguro de viaje o tarjeta de asistencia
  • Comidas y/o bebidas no especificadas, consumos personales del pasajero y/o extras.
  • Propinas
  • Otros no especificados.
  • Prices are expressed in US dollars per person (minimum two people).
  • Accommodation based on double or matrimonial room, according to availability.
  • Excursions and guided service in shared system.
  • Entrance tickets (circuit 1, 2 or 3) for Machu Picchu are according to availability.
  • Circuit 2 Includes shared guided service.
  • Circuit 1 and 3: Private guided service | price per person USD $65 | Optional.
  • Circuit 1 and 3: An additional cost will be applied for the difference in the entrance ticket price.
  • Circuit 1 and 3: Does not include shared guided service | Travelers can do it on their own.
  • Check-in and Check-out times: Check-in from 12:00 pm and Check-out at 9:00 am. Times may vary depending on availability and hotel policies.
  • Service Variations: Pickup and drop-off times may vary by 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Tour drop-off points: Shared service tours end at Plaza Plaza Regocijo or Calle Saphy, one block from Plaza de Armas.

Recomendations:

  • We recommend that you make your reservation for Machu Picchu at least 3 months in advance.
  • Bring comfortable, light clothing.
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • For the rainy season (bring a rain poncho and non-slip shoes).
  • Rest early.

Book now!

See more tours

Cusco City Tour

Discover the majestic city of Cusco, located in the Peruvian Andes. On this tour, you will immerse yourself in the rich history of Andean culture while appreciating the impressive combination of Inca and colonial architecture.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

We begin the tour from the door of your hotel so you can explore and discover the historical, cultural and natural wealth of the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Super Sacred Valley

We begin the tour by picking you up at the door of your hotel. Our first destination to visit is Chinchero, a charming community that combines its ancestral and colonial traditions.