Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu: 6-Day Culture, Train & Local Markets

Summary

Walking Cusco’s old stones to Machu Picchu by train and memory

You’ll wander ancient streets in Cusco, shop vibrant markets in Pisac, meet llamas and local artisans in Yucay, then ride a train through misty valleys before stepping into Machu Picchu itself. With hotels sorted and guides who know every story behind each stone, this journey lets you feel both history and daily life—sometimes all at once.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping out in Cusco was how the air felt thinner — not just altitude, but something else. You see those old stones everywhere, patched together by centuries of hands. Our guide, Rosa, met us with a smile that made me forget my nerves about the altitude (for a while). She led us through San Blas where blue balconies lean over narrow alleys and someone was roasting corn on a corner. I tried to keep up as she pointed at a carved puma on a wall — apparently half the city is shaped like one. The cathedral bells rang out and echoed off the plaza; it’s louder than you’d expect. Later I realized I’d forgotten to take any photos of that first afternoon.

The next morning we drove up out of town early — Sacsayhuaman loomed above us with its giant boulders stacked in ways that don’t seem possible. The wind up there had this dry bite to it and you could smell eucalyptus somewhere nearby. Rosa explained how they used to hold festivals here; she laughed when I asked if anyone ever tried to climb the walls (she said no, but I’m not sure I believe her). By mid-morning we were wandering markets in Pisac — colors everywhere, women selling potatoes in piles that looked like tiny sculptures. I bought a woven bracelet from an old man who didn’t say much but nodded when I fumbled my Spanish.

Lunch at Inkariy Museum was actually better than I expected — trout with some sauce I still can’t pronounce. There were llamas at Yucay who seemed more interested in my backpack than me; kids ran around feeding them bits of grass while their parents watched locals demonstrate weaving techniques. The Sacred Valley just keeps opening up — green terraces, then suddenly white salt pools at Maras shining under the sun so bright you have to squint. Ollantaytambo’s stone steps nearly did me in (I’m blaming the altitude), but standing at the top looking down over the valley felt worth every gasp for breath.

The Voyager train to Aguas Calientes rattled along beside the river as dusk fell — everyone got quiet watching mist curl around the mountains. Next morning was Machu Picchu day; we queued for the bus before sunrise and climbed switchbacks through cloud forest so thick you couldn’t see ten feet ahead sometimes. When we finally stepped into the ruins… well, it’s hard to write anything that makes sense of it. There’s this hush even with all the people around; moss on stone steps, orchids tucked into cracks, sunlight breaking through clouds right as our guide explained how water channels still work after centuries. After lunch back in town (I barely tasted anything — still thinking about those terraces), we took the long way back to Cusco.

I keep thinking about that first evening walking slowly through San Blas as dusk settled and street dogs trotted past us like they owned the place. If you’re thinking about booking this 6-day trip from Cusco through Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu by train… just be ready for moments that stick with you longer than any souvenir.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco city tour

• Arrive in Cusco
• Transfer to hotel
• Visit San Blas district
• See Plazoleta Nazarenas
• Visit Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
• Tour Koricancha (Golden Temple)

Day 2 — Sacsayhuaman and Inca sites

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Sacsayhuamán fortress
• View Qenqo Inca shrine
• Visit Puca Pucara viewpoint
• Explore Tambomachay monument
• Overnight in Cusco

Day 3 — Sacred Valley: Pisac and museums

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Pisac Inca archaeological site
• Walk Colonial Pisac town
• Shop at Pisac handicraft market
• Tour Inkariy Museum
• Lunch at Inkariy Museum
• Visit Live Cultural Museum of Yucay
• Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 4 — Moray, Maras salt mines and Ollantaytambo

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Living Culture Yucay Museum
• Explore Moray terraces
• Visit Maras salt mines
• Buffet lunch
• Tour Ollantaytambo archaeological complex
• Train to Machu Picchu town
• Check in hotel in Machu Picchu town

Day 5 — Machu Picchu guided visit

• Breakfast at hotel
• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch near Machu Picchu
• Return to Cusco
• Transfer to hotel in Cusco

Day 6 — Departure transfer

• Breakfast at hotel
• Departure transfer

Top questions

How many days does this Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu tour last?

The tour lasts 6 days including arrival and departure transfers.

Is hotel accommodation included on this 6-day trip?

Yes, accommodation is included: 3 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Sacred Valley, 1 night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

Are airport transfers provided?

Yes, transfers between airport/hotel/train station are included throughout the trip.

What kind of physical fitness do I need for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and altitude changes.

Does this itinerary include entrance fees for Machu Picchu?

Yes, entry fees for Machu Picchu are included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Daily breakfast is included plus buffet lunches on select days such as at Inkariy Museum and during Sacred Valley visits.

Which sites will we visit besides Machu Picchu?

You’ll visit Sacsayhuaman fortress, Pisac market and ruins, Moray terraces, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo fortress and more.

Is there a local guide throughout?

A local guide accompanies you for tours and activities across all main destinations.

Do I need to bring anything special for altitude sickness?

If you’re concerned about altitude sickness it’s advised to bring medication or consult your doctor before traveling.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup and drop-off in Cusco plus all transfers between hotels and train stations; three nights’ accommodation in Cusco hotels plus one night each in Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes; daily breakfast; full-day excursion by Voyager Train to Machu Picchu with entry fees covered; guided city tour of Cusco including San Blas district; visits to Sacsayhuaman archaeological park; Sacred Valley explorations with stops at Pisac market, Inkariy Museum with lunch provided; Moray terraces and Maras salt mines with buffet lunch; Ollantaytambo fortress visit before your scenic train ride—all led by knowledgeable local guides who help make every moment count.