5-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Maras Moray Tour with Tickets

Summary

Guided 5-Day Adventure: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Salt Mines

You’ll experience ancient temples, mountain valleys, local flavors—and see Machu Picchu up close without worrying about tickets or logistics. This tour covers all main sites around Cusco plus hidden gems like Maras salt pools and Moray terraces—with guides who know their stuff and smooth transfers throughout.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Cusco hits different—thin and cool, with a hint of wood smoke in the mornings. When we landed, a friendly face was waiting right at arrivals holding a sign with my name. The first day was mostly about catching my breath (literally) and getting used to the altitude. By afternoon, our guide gathered us for a walk through Koricancha—the Temple of the Sun—where sunlight bounced off ancient stone walls. Sacsayhuaman came next; those massive rocks fit together so tightly you can’t even slip a coin between them. At Qenqo, I remember running my hand along the cold stone tunnels while our guide explained old rituals. Puca Pucara and Tambomachay rounded out the day—one’s a red fortress, the other’s all about sacred water channels. We got back to town just as the city lights flickered on.

The second morning started early but not rushed. We drove out to Pisaq, winding past fields dotted with llamas and tiny roadside stands selling coca tea for altitude headaches. Pisaq’s terraces curve down the hillside like green steps; our guide pointed out how they still use these for farming today. Lunch was in Urubamba—a buffet with quinoa soup and roasted corn that tasted smoky-sweet. Ollantaytambo felt like stepping into another time: cobbled streets, sun-warmed stones underfoot, and views up to the Temple of the Sun. After exploring the ruins, we caught a train to Aguas Calientes as dusk settled over the river valley. That night, our guide dropped by the hotel to go over every detail for Machu Picchu—no surprises here.

Waking up before sunrise is easier when you know you’re heading to Machu Picchu. The bus ride zigzags up through misty forest; you’ll probably spot locals heading out early too. Our guide led us through Circuit 1—the classic route—with stories about Inca engineering and hidden corners I’d never have found alone. There’s something about seeing those stone walls appear out of low clouds that sticks with you long after you leave. Afterward, we had some free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch (I grabbed an empanada from a street stall) before catching the train back toward Ollantaytambo and then on to Cusco.

Day four took us off the usual path—to Maras and Moray. The drive out is quiet except for birdsong and the occasional motorbike zipping past fields of potatoes. Moray’s circular terraces look almost alien from above; our guide explained how Incas used them as an agricultural lab—different levels mean different microclimates. Then it was on to Maras salt pools: thousands of white pans glinting in the sun where locals still harvest salt by hand (you can buy little bags right there). We were back in Cusco by mid-afternoon with time left to wander or just relax.

The last morning was open—some folks slept in or grabbed coffee at a café near Plaza de Armas (I recommend Café D’Wasi if you want something cozy). If your flight’s later, there’s even an option to try your hand at making pisco sour or sample Peruvian dishes before heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Qenqo Ritual Center
• Travel to PucaPucara
• Visit PucaPucara Fortress
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)
• Return to Cusco hotel

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Travel to Pisaq archaeological site
• Guided tour of Pisaq
• Travel to Urubamba for buffet lunch
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Guided tour of Ollantaytambo
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit and Return

• Early bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer to Cusco hotel

Day 4 — Maras and Moray Tour

• Pickup from hotel to Maras
• Visit Moray agricultural terraces
• Guided tour of Moray
• Travel to Maras Salt Mines
• Guided tour of salt mines
• Shopping at salt mines
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Departure and Optional Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Optional Peruvian gastronomy and pisco sour tour
• Transfer to airport or bus station

Top questions

Are Machu Picchu tickets included?

Yes—entry tickets are included for Circuit 1 or 2 (subject to availability). If tickets aren’t available at all during your dates, you’ll get a full refund.

Is this tour suitable if I’m not used to high altitudes?

Most travelers do fine with some acclimatization time built into day one. It helps to take it easy at first and drink plenty of water or coca tea.

What kind of hotels are provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes—clean rooms with breakfast included each morning.

Can I add extra activities on my last day?

Yes! There’s an optional culinary tour where you can learn about Peruvian food or try making pisco sour if your schedule allows.

What’s included

Your package covers airport pickup/drop-off, all ground transport (including trains/buses), guided tours at every site (Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu circuits 1/2), entry tickets (including Machu Picchu subject to availability), breakfasts daily plus lunch on select days, hotel stays in Cusco/Aguas Calientes—all organized so you can focus on enjoying Peru instead of planning logistics.