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

Summary

Guided Peru Adventure: Moray Terraces, Quechua Culture & Machu Picchu

You’ll explore ancient Inca sites with local guides who know every story behind each stone, taste real Andean food, ride trains through mountain valleys, and see Machu Picchu at sunrise—all without worrying about logistics or missing anything important.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Cusco hits different the first morning—thin and a little sharp, but you get used to it after a cup of coca tea at the hotel. Our guide met us right at the airport, holding a sign with my name (always a relief after a long flight). The city tour started slow so we could acclimatize. By 2pm, we were wandering through Koricancha’s golden walls while our guide explained how the Incas built temples that still stand strong. Sacsayhuaman was next—massive stones and falcons circling overhead. I remember the cool shade inside Qenqo’s carved tunnels and the way the wind picked up at Tambomachay’s water channels. We got back to Cusco just as street vendors were setting up for the evening.

The Sacred Valley drive is all green slopes and patchwork fields. Pisaq’s ruins are perched high above terraces where locals still farm potatoes and corn. Lunch in Urubamba was a buffet of Andean dishes—quinoa soup and roasted chicken with that smoky flavor you only get here. Ollantaytambo felt like stepping into another century; cobbled streets, kids playing soccer near ancient stones. After exploring the Sun Temple and hearing stories about Inca princesses from our guide, we caught the train to Aguas Calientes. The ride followed the river as dusk settled—windows open just enough to catch hints of eucalyptus.

Machu Picchu day started before sunrise. The bus ride up is bumpy but quick; mist clings to everything until suddenly you’re looking down at those famous terraces. Our guide walked us through hidden corners and told us about Pachacutec’s vision for this place—it’s wild how quiet it gets when you step away from the main path. Free time meant I could just sit on a stone wall and watch llamas graze below. Back in Aguas Calientes, lunch was simple but good—grilled trout with lime—and then we took the train back toward Ollantaytambo where someone was waiting to drive us home.

Moray’s circular terraces look almost alien from above; our guide called it an “open-air laboratory” for Inca agriculture. There’s something peaceful about standing there early in the day before most groups arrive—the sun warms your face but there’s still dew on the grass. Maras salt mines are close by; hundreds of shallow pools shimmer white against red earth. You can buy little bags of salt straight from local families—makes a great souvenir if you like to cook.

The last morning was easygoing—a slow breakfast before heading out to the airport. I left feeling like I’d actually gotten under Cusco’s skin a bit—not just ticking off sites but learning how people live here now, not just centuries ago.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport Pickup and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Rest and acclimatize in the morning
• Visit Koricancha temple (45 min)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman (30 min)
• Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman (60 min)
• Visit Qenqo ritual center
• Travel to PucaPucara (15 min)
• Visit PucaPucara red fort
• Visit Tambomachay Inca baths
• Return to Cusco hotel

Day 2 — Sacred Valley Tour and Train to Aguas Calientes

• Hotel pickup at 8:00 am
• Travel to Pisaq ruins (1.5 hrs)
• Guided tour of Pisaq ruins (60 min)
• Travel to Urubamba for buffet lunch
• Travel to Ollantaytambo (30 min)
• Guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins (60 min)
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Night briefing for Machu Picchu visit

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit and Return to Cusco

• Bus to Machu Picchu (30 min)
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu (150 min)
• Free time at Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel

Day 4 — Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour

• Hotel pickup at 8:00 am
• Visit Maras town
• Guided tour of Moray agricultural terraces (40 min)
• Travel to Maras salt mines (30 min)
• Guided tour of salt mines (60 min)
• Shopping for salt and souvenirs
• Return to Cusco (arrival approx. 3:00 pm)

Day 5 — Transport to Airport

• Transportation to airport

Top questions

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

Yes! The itinerary gives you time to acclimatize in Cusco before any big hikes or activities. Just take it easy on arrival and drink plenty of water.

Are entrance fees and transport included?

Absolutely—all entrance tickets (including Machu Picchu), train rides, buses, airport transfers, and guided tours are covered in your package.

What kind of hotels do we stay in?

You’ll stay in comfortable 2-star hotels with double or matrimonial rooms—clean, central locations perfect for resting after busy days.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?

Yes! There are chances to shop for local crafts in towns like Maras (salt), Pisac (markets), and Aguas Calientes (artisan stalls).

What’s included

Your package covers guided tours each day with expert locals who really know their stuff; all entrance fees (including Machu Picchu); round-trip train tickets; bus rides; airport pick-up/drop-off; hotel stays with breakfast; plus all transfers between sites so you can relax and enjoy every moment.