3-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Express Tour
Express Escape to Cusco and Machu Picchu: Unveil Peru’s Wonders in 3 Days
Embark on an exclusive 3-day express tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu, crafted for travelers with limited time but unlimited desire for adventure. Ideal for business travelers, cruise goers, conference attendees, or anyone in Lima seeking a brief yet profound escape, this tour is your gateway to Peru’s wonders. Begin your journey with an exploration of the Sacred Valley, a region rich in Inca history and stunning landscapes. The next day, experience the centerpiece of your tour – Machu Picchu. Unveil the majesty of this world-renowned sanctuary, marveling at its ancient ruins and breathtaking vistas. Conclude your journey with a cultural walking tour of Cusco, exploring its historical streets and architectural marvels, before catching a flight back to the splendor of Lima. This tour offers a compact yet comprehensive experience, blending cultural immersion with historical discovery in the heart of Peru.
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Highlights
- Sacred Valley Immersion: Begin your Peruvian adventure in the Sacred Valley, an area steeped in rich Inca history, offering stunning landscapes and a deep cultural experience.
- Machu Picchu Exploration: Experience the highlight of your journey at Machu Picchu, marveling at its ancient ruins and spectacular views, an unforgettable moment in the heart of the Andes.
- Cusco’s Cultural Journey: Delve into Cusco’s history with a walking tour, exploring its unique blend of Incan and Spanish influences, rich architecture, and vibrant streets.
- Lima’s Historical Return: Conclude your express tour with a return to Lima’s splendor, a final opportunity to experience the capital’s historical and cultural richness before departure.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco Arrival: Embark on a Sacred Valley Adventure
Arrive in the historical city of Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire. Begin your adventure with a journey to the Sacred Valley, a breathtaking region known for its rich Incan heritage, picturesque landscapes, and traditional Andean villages. Explore the valley’s archaeological sites and immerse in the vibrant local culture.
Day 2 – Unveiling the Majesty: Exploring Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Today’s highlight is the iconic Machu Picchu. Discover the enchanting beauty and mystery of this ancient Incan citadel. Experience the awe-inspiring architecture and panoramic views that make Machu Picchu a wonder of the world. Delve into the sanctuary’s rich history and significance during your exploration.
Day 3 – Cultural Marvels: Cusco Walking Tour and the Flight to Lima’s Splendor
Conclude your express tour with a cultural walking tour of Cusco. Wander through its historic streets, visit significant landmarks, and absorb the city’s unique blend of Incan and colonial influences.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Superior Tourist | US$ 1057 | US$ 126 |
First Class | US$ 1147 | US$ 232 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Comfortable Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable stay for 2 nights in Cusco and Aguas Calientes hotels, with breakfast included.
- No Hidden Costs: Your journey comes without surprise expenses—every admission fee for Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu is included.
- Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking local guides will lead your tours.
- Hassle-Free Transfers: We provide all necessary transfers, including airport, train station, bus station transfers, and hotel pickups and drop-offs.
- Efficient Train Travel: Journey smoothly with a train ticket for the Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco route (Vistadome train).
- Culinary Delights: Savor mouthwatering meals as per your itinerary, with special dietary options available upon request.
- Convenient Ground Transportation: Enjoy reliable ground transportation services for the duration of your adventure.
- Round-the-Clock Support: Our local staff is available 24/7 to provide you with any necessary assistance.
Not Included
- Flights: Both domestic and international flights are not covered. For flight arrangements, please consult a travel agency if needed.
- Visa and Insurance: Procedures related to visas, travel insurance, and any pre- or post-tour accommodation are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages and laundry are not covered.
- Gratuities: Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff are not included in the price.
- Language Guidance: If you require guidance in a language other than English (e.g., German, French), please inquire with your travel agent.
- Additional Items: Costs related to items that are not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary description are not included.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are also not covered.
Trip code: QMP3D01-PVT
Day 1: Cusco Arrival: Embark on a Sacred Valley Adventure
- Cusco Arrival: Touch down in the enchanting city of Cusco (3,400m/11,154ft), where our warm assistance at the airport awaits, ensuring a smooth transition to your hotel.
- Journey Back in Time: At 09:00, our adventure begins with a journey through history, heading to the heart of the Inca’s Sacred Valley. We kickstart our exploration in Pisac, located just 31 km from Cusco. Here, ancient Incan archaeological wonders crown the mountain’s summit.
- Market Marvels: As we descend into the charming town, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the local market. Discover intricate and beautifully handcrafted products that make for perfect souvenirs.
- Culinary Delight: Satisfy your appetite with a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region.
- Ollantaytambo’s Timeless Beauty: Our next stop is Ollantaytambo, an Inca gem nestled on a mountainside. Unlike other villages, Ollantaytambo has preserved its original Incan architecture, boasting magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
- Railway Adventure: As our tour concludes, we’ll head to the Ollantaytambo railway station, where you’ll board a train bound for Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our warm welcome awaits, ensuring a seamless transfer to your hotel.
- Train Schedule: Ollantaytambo (19:04) – Aguas Calientes (20:45)
- Stay the Night at Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2: Unveiling the Majesty: Exploring Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Morning Exploration: Your day begins with a hearty hotel breakfast before embarking on an adventure to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft) at 08:00. This awe-inspiring mountaintop fortress, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, is a testament to its well-deserved notoriety.
- Guided Revelation: At 09:30, your expert guide takes the reins, leading you through the mesmerizing ruins and ancient streets of Machu Picchu. Wander amidst town squares and ascend intricately carved stone stairways. Machu Picchu holds a special place as the world’s spiritual center according to esoteric wisdom.
- Two-Hour Odyssey: The guided tour unfolds over approximately two captivating hours, immersing you in the history and mystique of Machu Picchu.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes: From 12:30 to 13:30, indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, fueling up for the journey ahead.
- Return to Cusco: As the day winds down, board the train for your return to Cusco. Arriving at Poroy station, you’ll be seamlessly picked up and transported to your Cusco hotel.
- Train Schedule: Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:05)
- Stay the Night at Cusco Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Cultural Marvels: Cusco Walking Tour and the Flight to Lima’s Splendor
- Market Delights: Begin your day with a sumptuous hotel breakfast before setting off on a captivating adventure. At 09:00, our walking tour commences at the lively San Pedro market, a window into the vibrant tapestry of Cusquean life. Here, you’ll witness the daily rhythms of residents, a stark contrast to the picture-perfect Cusco main square. Your knowledgeable guide will narrate the market’s rich history as you meander through narrow aisles adorned with colorful fabrics, mouthwatering meals, exotic fruit juices, freshly baked bread, and intriguing shaman stalls.
- Qorikancha Splendor: Next, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Qorikancha, where the convent of Santo Domingo rises above an ancient Inca temple. Be captivated by the rich history and the mystery of why early invaders were spellbound by its grandeur, rumored to be fully gold-plated according to tradition.
- Sacsayhuaman Giant Stone Blocks: Prepare for a voyage to Sacsayhuaman, an awe-inspiring Inca architectural masterpiece that boasts breathtaking megalithic ruins, perched majestically atop a hill overlooking Cusco.
- Tour Conclusion: Our tour concludes around 13:00, leaving you with memories of Cusco’s cultural treasures.
- Transfer to Cusco Airport: Later at 15:00, we’ll ensure a seamless transfer from your hotel to the Cusco airport. Flight to Lima city.