- Tour
4-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Highlights Tour
- Heart of the Andes
Tour
Embark on a mid-range adventure that balances comfort and affordability as you explore the Inca Empire’s most iconic sites. Begin with an immersive Cusco City Tour—wander colonial streets, marvel at Sacsayhuamán’s massive stone walls, and absorb local culture. Venture into the Sacred Valley’s vibrant markets and ancient fortresses, then board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Rise early for a guided Machu Picchu experience, with optional mountain hikes, before tackling the vivid hues of Rainbow Mountain on your final day. Expert guides, cozy hotels, and carefully planned logistics ensure a seamless experience, letting you focus on the magic of the Andes.
Overview
Highlights
Cusco City Tour: Discover the fusion of Inca and colonial heritage at Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the grand Plaza de Armas, the ornate Cusco Cathedral, and the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
Sacred Valley Exploration: Wander Pisac’s vibrant artisan market, ascend to its Inca terraces, and explore the living village of Ollantaytambo with its astounding stonework.
Scenic Train to Aguas Calientes: Relax aboard the Andean railways, tracing the Urubamba River through dramatic gorges en route to Machu Picchu’s gateway town.
Iconic Machu Picchu Visit: Guided walk through the citadel’s temples, terraces, and sacred areas, with the option to summit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views.
Rainbow Mountain Trek: Early‐morning departure for a moderate hike to witness the striking ochre, turquoise, and burgundy strata of Vinicunca, followed by a picnic with Andean vistas.
Breakdown itinerary
Day 1: Acclimatization & Cusco introduction—airport transfer, hotel check-in, and half-day city sightseeing.
Day 2: Full‐day Sacred Valley—Pisac market and ruins, lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo fortress, then scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu dawn tour—2½-hour guided exploration, optional peak ascents, return train and transfer to Cusco.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain adventure—pre-dawn drive, 3-hour round-trip hike, return to Cusco, concluding drop-off.
Best time to visit
The prime season runs April–May and September–November, when skies are clearer, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures average 10 °C–20 °C by day. Fewer crowds at key sites provide a more intimate experience, and the agricultural terraces remain lush from the recent wet season. Shoulder months offer crisp mornings, comfortable hiking conditions, and excellent photographic lighting.
Red more at: Best time to visit Cusco.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco City & Acclimatization
Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (3,400 m) between 06:00–18:00. Our representative welcomes you and transfers you to tour hotel. After a light Andean lunch, meet your guide at 14:00 for a 4-hour walking tour: explore Qorikancha’s gold-leafed walls, visit the baroque cathedral, and wander the artisans’ alley of San Blas. At 17:00, join a relaxed briefing on altitude adaptation and tomorrow’s departure logistics. Evening is at leisure—consider sampling a local pisco sour.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley & Aguas Calientes
Depart at 07:30 in a private minivan for Pisac (approx. 1 h), stopping at the colorful market and trekking 45 minutes up to the Inca citadel. At 11:30, enjoy buffet lunch in Urubamba featuring local trout and quinoa salad. Continue to Ollantaytambo, exploring its intricate terraces and continuous stone stairways. Board the 15:10 train (“Expedition” class) to Aguas Calientes—arriving around 17:00. Check in to your comfortable guesthouse, then unwind with an optional soak in nearby thermal springs. Dinner is on your own in town.
Day 3 – Machu Picchu Experience
Wake at 04:30 for a 05:00 shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (2,430 m). Begin your 06:00 guided tour—visiting the Intihuatana stone, Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural terraces. At 08:30, those with permits may ascend Huayna Picchu (2-hour round-trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3-hour round-trip) for sweeping valley views. Return to Aguas Calientes by 12:00 for lunch (own expense) before catching the 14:20 train back to Ollantaytambo; van transfer then returns you to Cusco, arriving ~19:00. Overnight at the same Cusco hotel.
Day 4 – Rainbow Mountain & Departure
Depart Cusco by van at 04:00 for Vinicunca (~3 h drive). At 07:30, start the moderate 7 km round-trip hike (gain ~450 m) to the summit viewpoint (5,200 m), where swirling mineral bands await. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Andean peaks. After allowing time for photos and rest, return to the trailhead by 13:30, arriving back in Cusco at ~17:00. Conclude with hotel or airport drop-off, depending on your onward plans.
Inclusions
What’s included
3 nights in hand-picked 3★–4★ hotels (twin/double rooms)
All private ground transportation (airport transfers, tours, Rainbow Mountain)
Train tickets (Round-trip “Expedition” class) and Machu Picchu shuttle buses
Professional English/Spanish guides for all excursions
Entrance fees: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
Daily buffet breakfasts; lunches on Days 2 (Sacred Valley) and 4 (Rainbow Mountain)
Pre-tour briefing and 24/7 local support
What’s not included
International/domestic flights to/from Cusco
Meals not specified above (own choice at local restaurants)
Optional peak tickets at Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain)
Travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses
Inclusions day by day
Day 1: Hotel; half-day city tour (entrance fees, guide, transport)
Day 2: Private van, guide, Pisac & Ollantaytambo fees, lunch, train ticket, guesthouse in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Pre-dawn bus & train logistics, Machu Picchu guide & entrance, transfers back to Cusco
Day 4: Early-morning van transfer, Rainbow Mountain guide & entrance, picnic lunch, return to Cusco
Prices & Upgrades
From USD 850 per person, based on twin-share and a minimum group size of 4. Pricing is seasonal—peak (June–August) and holiday travel may incur a 10–15% surcharge.
Additional items & upgrades
Private guide upgrade: + USD 200 total (rather than join a small group)
Train upgrade to Vistadome: + USD 100 per person (panoramic windows, gourmet snacks)
Huayna Picchu permit: USD 75 (subject to availability; reserve 3–4 months ahead)
Machu Picchu Mountain permit: USD 75 (slightly longer hike, fewer crowds)
Single-room supplement: + USD 150 total
Extra night in Aguas Calientes: from USD 60 per room
Packing list
For Traveling
Valid passport & photocopies
Layered clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, fleece/jumper, waterproof shell
Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, broad-brim hat, UV sunglasses
Reusable water bottle (we provide refills)
Small daypack (20–25 L) with rain cover
Personal toiletries, medication, altitude pills (if prescribed)
For Your Daypack
Waterproof rain poncho or shell
Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits)
First-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, blister pads)
Camera/phone with extra batteries or power bank
Cash in soles for small purchases
Travel Info
Briefings
On arrive, join a 30-minute orientation covering emergency contacts, local customs, altitude tips, and detailed daily schedules.
Machu Picchu Entrance Schedules
Ten daily entry slots run every hour from 06:00–15:00; your guided visit is usually booked for the earliest slot to maximize crowd-free time.
Hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Permits cap at 400 visitors per day for Huayna Picchu (split into two time windows) and 800 for Machu Picchu Mountain. Early booking (3–4 months prior) is essential.
Health
Acute mountain sickness is possible above 3,000 m. Drink 3 L of water daily, avoid alcohol in the first 24 h, and consider coca tea or consult a doctor about acetazolamide.
Strikes
Occasional transport or public‐sector strikes can affect schedules. Our local office monitors alerts and will pivot to private vehicles or adjust day order as needed.
Lost Items
If you misplace items at any site, notify your guide immediately; we coordinate with park offices and local authorities to recover belongings.
Tipping
Recommended guidelines: Guides USD 5–10 per day per group; drivers USD 3–5 per day per group; hotel staff USD 1–2 per bag.
Travel Insurance
All travelers must carry comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage.
Weather
Expect daytime highs of 18 °C–22 °C in Cusco, dropping to near freezing at night. Rain is most likely January–March; always carry a rain layer.
Read more at: Best time to visit Cusco.
Altitude
Key elevations: Cusco 3,400 m; Pisac 3,300 m; Ollantaytambo 2,800 m; Machu Picchu 2,430 m; Vinicunca 5,200 m.
How to avoid Altitude sickness?
Ascend gradually, rest the first day, hydrate with bottled water or electrolyte packets, eat light meals, and use coca tea. If you’ve suffered in the past, consult a physician about prophylactic medication.
How to get to Cusco?
Direct flights connect Lima (1 h 20 m), Arequipa, La Paz, and Quito to Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport. Overland options include overnight buses from Puno and Arequipa (8–10 h), offering a budget-friendly scenic route.
Frequently Asked Questions
4-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Highlights Tour
- Small business & 100% local
Why choose Visit Machu Picchu?
At Visit Machu Picchu (VMP), we take great pride in being a 100% local company, with a team of knowledgeable and experienced locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty of our country with visitors from all over the world. Our commitment to our community and the people who call it home is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose to travel with us, you’re not just experiencing the best of what our country has to offer, you’re also helping to support our local economy and provide job opportunities for the people in our community.
We believe that travel is about more than just sightseeing – it’s about creating meaningful connections with the places and people we encounter along the way. As a locally-owned and operated company, we have deep roots in our community and are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that gives back as much to our community as it does to our clients. By choosing to travel with Visit Machu Picchu, you’re not just getting a great travel experience – you’re also making a positive impact on the people and places you visit.
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