3-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour Package

Summary

Cusco City Tour & Machu Picchu Train Journey: Real Traveler’s Guide

If you want three days packed with real Inca history, local flavors, and jaw-dropping scenery—from Cusco’s lively streets to Machu Picchu’s cloud-wrapped ruins—this tour covers all bases with guides who know every hidden detail.

What’s the experience like?

Landing at Cusco airport hits you with that crisp mountain air—honestly, it took me a minute to catch my breath. Our guide was waiting right outside baggage claim, holding a little sign with my name (always a relief). The drive into town is short but lively; you’ll spot locals selling coca leaves on the corner and school kids weaving through traffic. I had the morning to just chill at the hotel and get used to the altitude—trust me, don’t skip this part.

First stop: Qoricancha, the old Temple of the Sun. The stonework here is wild—blocks so tight you can’t fit a coin between them. Our guide shared stories about how Spanish colonists built a church right on top of the Inca temple. You can still see both layers if you look closely. Next up was Sacsayhuaman—a massive fortress on a hill above town. It’s windy up there and you’ll probably hear hawks screeching overhead (locals say that’s good luck). Walking those zigzag walls makes you wonder how they moved stones that size without machines.

We kept moving: Q’enqo felt more mysterious than anywhere else—there’s this cool hush inside the carved rock tunnels. Puka Pukara came next, its red stones glowing in the late afternoon sun. Tambomachay finished off our day; water still trickles from ancient fountains where Inca royalty once bathed. We rolled back into Cusco just as street vendors started setting up for dinner rush—grilled corn everywhere.

The next morning started early—bags packed by 7am for the Sacred Valley tour. Pisac ruins were first; terraces curve down the hillside like green steps, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch farmers tending their plots below. Afterward, we drove along the Willka Mayu (Sacred River) to Urubamba for lunch—a buffet of Andean dishes like quinoa soup and roasted chicken. Ollantaytambo was my favorite: climbing those steep terraces gives you a real sense of how huge these places are. Our guide pointed out the Princess Baths and explained how water channels still work after centuries.

Evening meant catching the train to Aguas Calientes (locals call it “Machu Picchu Pueblo”). The ride is something else—the windows frame jungle hills and misty peaks as dusk falls. We stayed overnight in town; it’s small but full of backpackers swapping stories over coffee or pisco sours.

Machu Picchu day! Up early again for the bus ride up winding roads—you’ll want your passport handy at the gate. Our group followed Circuit 1 (routes depend on ticket availability), winding past llamas grazing near ancient terraces. The guide explained how each stone had its own story; I remember touching one wall still warm from morning sun. Photos never do justice to seeing clouds drift through those green peaks in person.

After exploring, we headed back down for lunch in Aguas Calientes before catching our train and bus combo back to Cusco. Last morning was just packing up and heading out—the driver picked us up right on time for our flight home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco City Tour and Landmarks

• Airport transfer and rest
• Visit Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Tour Sacsayhuaman fortress
• Visit Q'enqo ritual center
• Visit Puka Pukara (Red Fort)
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca water cult)

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo

• Tour Pisac ruins
• Lunch in Urubamba
• Visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site
• Train to Aguas Calientes

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Exploration

• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train and bus back to Cusco

Day 4 — Departure Transfer

• Transfer to Cusco airport

Top questions

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Machu Picchu entry depends on ticket availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture. If tickets aren’t available for your dates, you'll get a full refund.

Is altitude sickness an issue?

Cusco sits high up (over 3,300m). Most people feel some effects at first—resting on arrival helps a lot before starting tours.

What meals are included?

You’ll get breakfast at your hotel plus buffet lunch in Urubamba and Aguas Calientes during tour days.

Can infants join this trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized seats can be arranged if needed.

What’s included

Your package covers airport pick-up/drop-off in Cusco, all ground transport (including air-conditioned vehicles), professional guides throughout each site, entry tickets for city tour attractions plus Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins, round-trip train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, bus rides to/from Machu Picchu, breakfasts and lunches as listed—and of course your Machu Picchu entry ticket (Circuit 1 or 2 based on what’s available).