Cusco City, Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu
4 Days / 3 Nights
Tour Location: Cusco City, Pisaq, Maras, Moray, Chinchero and the Sacred City of the Incas, Machu Picchu
Tour Type: See the highlights of Cusco region and learn what made the Incas so remarkable. This tour visits all the highlights in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before making your way by train to the Lost Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. By the end of the 4 days, you will be an expert in Inca History. Let Alpaca Expeditions handle all the logistics and relax and enjoy the splendor of Cusco.
Difficulty: No hiking
Highlights Visited: Sachsayhuaman, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray and Machu Picchu
Inclusions: All your tours done by Alpaca Expeditions, entrance tickets, ground transportation and 3 nights of hotels.
Tour Price
Cusco City, Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Price $
880
USD
Per Person
Group Size
minimum 2 people
Activity Level Moderate
Trip Details
Itinerary
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Day 1: Cusco City Tour – Inca Ruins
At 1 p.m., we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. From here, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.
From Qoricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will take your 25 minute bus outside of the city. You will arrive at the majestic Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, where your tour guide will show you around.
From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a short bus to the Quenqo Inca site to observe some altars from Incan times. Following, you will drive to Puca Pucara, a small circular Inca site, finished by a visit to Tambomachay, the temple of water. You will be driven back to Cusco and dropped off at your hotel.
Accommodations: Rumi Punku (or similar) *3 stars
Meals Included: None
Entrance Tickets: Included -
Day 2: Alpaca Farm - Pisaq – Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8 a.m. and head towards the Sacred Valley. Along the way, we will visit Awanacancha, a weaving center and alpaca farm. You will observe the differences between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, as well as the different varieties of potatoes and corn, that are special to the Sacred Valley. Following, we will drive to the Pisaq Inca Ruins. We will see hundreds of terraces for agriculture, where the Incas farmed corn, potatoes, and quinoa. The religious and astronomical side of the Incas will be visible, at this sight.
Afterwards, we will descend into Pisaq market, the most traditional handicraft market. You will have the opportunity to try some of the local delicacies during our lunch break. After lunch, we will drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, an Incan checkpoint, where they protected Machu Picchu against any enemies. This is the best example of an intact Inca village, with its waterways running through the quaint streets of the town. Your tour guide will set you up in your hotel before you have a chance to explore, relax and enjoy dinner.
Accommodations: Sol Natura (or similar) *3 stars
Meals: Breakfast Only
Entrance Tickets: Included -
Day 3: Maras – Moray – Chinchero - Train to Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu )
We would pick you up at 8am, then we will drive to Salineras/Maras Salt Mines. There are 3,000 salt pools, which act as evaporation chambers. They spill out of the mountain and down the mountainside at 12,000 feet above sea level. Owned by local farmers, these pools have become the main economic activity for all the locals.
After the mines, we will drive to Moray Inca Archeological Center. The Inca used Moray as a way to study farming. They built terraces and experimented with different vegetables. You will see each terrace of Moray and the differences in growth they provided.
We will then drive to Chincheros, where we will see some Inca terracing, used as the perfect location to farm potatoes. The entire Inca civilization got their supply of potatoes from here. We will also see one unique, colonial church, that was built by the Spaniards, on the top of the Inca palace. Finally, we will visit one final textile center called as Chinchero Textile center by chinchero people.
We will head back to Ollantaytambo, where you can enjoy dinner at one of local restaurants, the take amazing 2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes where you will be brought to your hotel, to prepare for your next day, visiting Machu Picchu.
Accommodations: Intipunku (or similar) *3 stars
Meals: Breakfast only
Entrance Tickets: Included -
Day 4: Machu Picchu (the Sacred City of the Incas ) & Return to Cusco
(Please book in advance to secure the best Machu Picchu circuit options.)
Today is the highlight of your journey in Peru, as you will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. The site is highly regulated by the Peruvian government and UNESCO. Since the pandemic, authorities have implemented several circuits to better control visitor flow. These include:
– Circuit 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D)
– Circuit 2 (2A or 2B)
– Circuit 3 (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D)The most recommended circuits are 2 and 3, with Circuit 2 offering the most complete experience, especially the famous panoramic viewpoint. Circuit 3 follows a similar route but excludes the main viewpoint. To secure Circuit 2, it is essential to reserve well in advance.
Early Morning Start
You will wake up early at your hotel (often with a packed breakfast) to ensure an early arrival at Machu Picchu. Although the start is early, the experience is absolutely worth it.
Please leave your large luggage (suitcases and duffels) at the hotel. Bring only a small daypack with essentials such as:
– Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
– Hat
– Camera / phone
– Original passport (and student ID if applicable)
– Water
You will walk about five minutes to the bus station. The first bus departs at 5:30 AM, but it is important to line up early, as seating is first come, first served. The ride to the entrance takes around 25 minutes. There are public restrooms before entering (cost: 2 soles).Inside Machu Picchu
– Travelers with Circuit 2 will begin at the main viewpoint near the Watchtower.
– Those with Circuit 3 will start at the agricultural terraces.You’ll enjoy time for iconic photos, followed by a 15–30 minute introduction, and then a guided tour lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through temples, terraces, palaces, fountains, and residential areas.
After the guided visit, you will have about 30 minutes of limited free time. If you wish to revisit the upper viewpoint and your original ticket is Circuit 3, you may purchase an additional Circuit 1 ticket, but this must be reserved in advance.
Optional: Huayna Picchu
Visitors who have booked Huayna Picchu will return to its entrance to begin the climb.
– Ascent: ~45 minutes
– Time at the summit: ~30 minutes
– Descent: ~45 minutesThis hike is limited to 400 visitors per day, so advance booking is required.
Return to Aguas Calientes
If you do not have Huayna Picchu or an extra ticket, you will exit the citadel after the guided tour and take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Everyone, regardless of circuit or additional hikes, will exit from the same location.
You should plan to be back in town around 1 PM, with time for lunch (not included but highly recommended).
Train & Transfer Back to Cusco
Your Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo typically departs between 2:30 PM and 3:20 PM. This train offers beautiful scenery through large windows, perfect for photos. You may upgrade to the Vistadome, which includes live performances and alpaca fashion shows at an additional cost.
Once in Ollantaytambo, Alpaca Expeditions transportation will meet you and return you to Cusco. Upon arrival, smaller vehicles will take you directly to your hotel or Airbnb, usually by 8 PM. If you need an airport transfer, we can arrange that as well.
Final Note
Although this is a long and full day, it is truly unforgettable. Our team is committed to making your visit to Machu Picchu as smooth, enjoyable, and memorable as possible.
Inclusions
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Included
- Professional Guides: All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
- Hotels: Included in this tour is one evening in Cusco, one evening in Ollantaytambo and one evening in Aguas Calientes. We can easily add extra nights before or after the tour, if needed. Let our team know if you are interested in extending and we will give you a quote. Rooms are based on double occupancy. There is a surcharge for a single room. Upgraded hotels are always possible. We can also book the tour without any hotels, if you prefer to book them on your own.
- Transportation: All your transportation is included on this tour. We will pick you up from your hotel around 1 p.m., on the first morning, and will make sure you are escorted until your are brought back to your hotel, around 8 p.m.the final evening.
- Tickets : All entrance fees are included ( BTG boleto turistico for city tour, sacred valley, Machu picchu fee , bus tickets for round from/to Aguas Calientes )
- Train Tickets : Train tickets are in Expeditions tourist class , from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is between 4:36- 7.00 pm and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is between 2:30 pm- 4.20 pm, if you hoping to upgrade to Vistadome train then is $ 75 one way and $125 round trip.
- Transfers : No matter which train you take from Machu Picchu to Cusco, the transfer back from train station to your hotel is included.
- Entrance Tickets: Your 10 day tourist ticket and entrance to Machu Picchu is all included on this tour.
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Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done without your tour guide, after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75 per person. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity. Please understand that weather is out of our control.
- Flights: Flying to Cusco can be tricky, as delays are common and cancellations do occur. We strongly recommend arriving in the city at least two days before your trek start date. LATAM is currently the most reliable airline for flights to Cusco, and Avianca is also a good option.Please keep in mind that you will not return from your tour until around 8:00 p.m. on the final day. For this reason, we advise booking your departing flight from Cusco for the following day.
- Gratuities: Tipping is always appreciated and should be based completely on your satisfaction. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
- Travel Insurance: This is not required, but always recommended. For those of you who live at sea-level, landing in Cusco will take an adjustment period. Most people need one or two days to adjust. In case you have a hard time adjusting to the altitude, it is suggested to have protection for missed tours.
- Meals : Meals are not included but our guides will recommend some good places
Price
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Can I book my own hotels?
Tour without hotels $770 per person
Tour with hotels (three star hotels) $880 per person (based on two in a room)
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Student Discount:
(with valid student university card) – $25 per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.
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Discount:
Under 17 years old:
A discount of $25 applies.Student discounts are available for anyone who presents a valid student ID at the time of the trek or for travelers who are 17 years old or younger.
– If you are using a student ID, please send us a copy at the time of booking.
– If you are booking for a traveler 17 or under, please send a copy of their passport when you book.All documents should be emailed to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.
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Hotel:
Hotels can be upgraded (some suggested hotels below):
Hotel in Cusco: An additional day can be added before and/or after your tour. Ask your Alpaca Expeditions specialist for prices and options.
Travel Info
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Getting to Cusco
Cusco’s airport (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) currently operates domestic flights only. All international travelers must first arrive in Lima, where you’ll go through immigration and customs. Even if you have a connecting flight to Cusco on the same airline, you’ll need to collect your checked bags in Lima and recheck them for your domestic flight.
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Cusco is by plane. Major airlines such as LATAM, SKY Airlines, and JetSMART offer multiple daily flights between Lima and Cusco (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Because of Cusco’s high altitude and mountain weather, flight delays or cancellations can occur, so it’s best to plan some buffer time in your itinerary.
If you prefer to travel overland, comfortable long-distance buses are available. The journey from Lima takes about 20–22 hours, while routes from nearby cities such as Arequipa or Puno take between 6–10 hours. Peruvian bus companies such as Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are known for their safety and comfort, with reclining seats and onboard service.
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Luggage Storage
Even though this is an overnight tour by train, your luggage allowance is still limited due to restrictions on the train. All bags brought to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) need to be carry on size. Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions deposit while you trek. We will grab from you the morning of your tour and return once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.
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Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
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Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
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Travel Insurance
To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. In fact, we work with a great agency in the United States that has helped to make it easy and affordable. This is a great way to protect yourself while visiting Peru.
If interested in booking through our trusted partner, Ahart, Frinzi & Smith, CLICK HERE.
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Community
Alpaca Expeditions is really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs their families were missing. We have supported local schools by giving them computers and books. We currently sponsor a teacher at the village most of our porters come from to ensure their children are offered the best education.
We buy all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team: guides, porters, chefs and drivers. And we are building a house for our porters to give them a safe and comfortable place to stay before and after our treks so they no longer need to sleep on the floor of a friend.
And twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. This is our favorite trip to do as the guys who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. Showing them this place is our biggest honor.
We are always looking to do more for our partners. Please let us know of your ideas and we will work to help.
Faqs
PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
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Absolutely. If you look at the PRICING, you will see that there is one price for including three star hotels and another for no hotels. We can also book any other hotel for you. Just talk to your Alpaca Expeditions Sales rep and she can quote any of the hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley for you.
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Are flights included?
Unfortunately no. Alpaca Expeditions does not include flights on any of our itineraries.
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How many people will be part of my tour group?
Our organized itineraries like this 4 Day tour through Cusco region are typically done as individual bookings. While others may join you if interested in the same day, the groups will always be small up to 12 people max. Private groups are very easily accommodated as well.
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Can I bring my luggage to Machu Picchu?
Can I Bring My Luggage to Machu Picchu?
Large luggage cannot be taken on the train to Aguas Calientes. We recommend leaving suitcases and big duffels in Cusco, either at your hotel or safely stored with us at no extra cost.
Your train ticket includes the following luggage allowance:
– 1 backpack or carry-on bag
– Maximum weight: 8 kg (17.64 lb)
– Maximum dimensions: 115 cm total (height + length + width) / 45 linear inchesIf Your Luggage Exceeds This Limit
You may choose one of the following options:
Pay an extra fee to take it on board:
– $15 for carry-on luggage (up to 8 kg)
– $25 for checked luggage (up to 23 kg)Important: The Hiram Bingham train does not allow extra luggage of any kind.
4D/3N Cusco City, Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
The Alpaca Difference
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Meet the AE Trekking Team!
Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Wo...
Our Guides
Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World. Co...
Our Chefs
Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime ex...
What do we do for our porters?
Alpaca Expeditions would not be where we are today without these hardworking men and women. We could not imagine a harder job and our team does it smiling. We do our best to thank them for their hard work and loyalty by doing as much as we can to make their lives and their families lives better. All our porters receive all their equipment for free from warm winter hats to proper hiking boots. They sleep in proper tents and are given warm sleeping bags for night. They enjoy the same food we serve our clients and all leftovers are donated to their families. We visit their villages with doctors and dentists, donate school supplies and sports equipment. And our favorite time of the year is when we bring a group of porters and their families to Machu Picchu to visit the ruins for the first time.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our company. It is not possible to ...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Women as Porters opening the door ...
Free Medical Assistance to Porters
In 2019, we hired our first Alpaca Expeditions Medical Doctor to help tend to our guides, drivers, chefs…
Our Porter’s bus
We treat our porters with the same dignity and respect as we do our clients. Just as our clients enjoy our…
Our Porter’s House
As we mentioned above, our Porters like many Peruvian people come from distant villages to work our treks…
Tents and Sleeping bags
Again, this is something unique that Alpaca Expeditions provides, and sad others are not doing. We supply…
Proper Equipment for our Porters
Every porter of ours receives proper equipment. That includes moisture-wicking long/short sleeve shirts…
Nutritious Meals for our Porters
A general comment from trekkers on an Alpaca Expeditions tour is that we serve too much food. Well…
Videos of our Porters
Extra information
Alpaca Expeditions is always ready to make your trip safe and as easy as possible for you. Because these trips are a bit more complicated than your typical tour, we have put together some notes on logistics, storage, and even recommendations on where to stay in Cusco. And of course our team is ready to answer any other question, as we promise to be your partner from the moment you first contact us to our last goodbye in Cusco.
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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
