The Best of Peru in 5 Days – Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour
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The Best of Peru in 5 Days – Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is an unforgettable journey that takes you deep into the heart of the Inca civilization. You will explore the most iconic attractions of Cusco, including the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the historic streets of Cusco, and the San Pedro Artisan Market.

On Day 2, you will visit the breathtaking Sacred Valley, exploring remarkable archaeological sites such as Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. The journey continues to the legendary Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the highlight of any trip to Peru.

While exploring the Sacred Valley, travelers will discover fascinating Inca cultural sites in a short amount of time. This tour is highly recommended for all types of travelers who wish to explore every corner of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

This itinerary includes an overnight stay in the Sacred Valley and in Aguas Calientes, making the experience even more memorable. The return journey on the Vistadome train, featuring a live onboard show, enhances the overall experience. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Qosqo Native Art Center, where you can enjoy live traditional dance performances.

 Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

  • Acclimatization and relaxation in Cusco
  • Spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley
  • Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
  • Agricultural landscapes and traditional farming fields
  • Impressive Inca archaeological sites in the Urubamba Valley
  • Cloud forest and high jungle scenery
  • The legendary Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu
  • Qosqo Native Art Center with live traditional dance performances

Overview

Day 01: Arrival in Cusco, hotel transfer, and altitude acclimatization
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour and overnight in the Sacred Valley
Day 03: Machu Picchu visit and overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 04: Vistadome train with live show – return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Day 05: Transfer to Cusco Airport and farewell

Language English, Spanish
Altitude Varies by location: 2,000 m (Aguas Calientes) to 3,800 m (Chinchero)
Transportation Combined transport
Difficulty Easy to Moderate

Day 01: Arrival in the “Navel of the World” – Cusco

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Cusco is a fascinating destination where Inca and colonial history blend seamlessly, surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Its cobblestone streets and ancient temples invite you to discover the rich cultural heritage of Peru, making it an unforgettable starting point for your adventure.

During your free time, you may visit the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the Sapantiana Aqueduct, and the San Pedro Market.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

Early in the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop will be the town of Chinchero, where you will visit the archaeological site and take part in a traditional textile experience. This is also an excellent place to purchase high-quality handmade textiles crafted by local artisans.

We will then continue to the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Agricultural Laboratory, two iconic sites of the Sacred Valley. The Maras Salt Mines feature more than 3,000 salt pools dating back to Inca times, while Moray is famous for its impressive circular terraces, believed to have been an agricultural experimentation center used by the Incas to study microclimates and crop adaptation across Peru’s three regions: coast, highlands, and jungle.

Afterward, we will continue into the Urubamba Valley, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

The tour then proceeds to Ollantaytambo, a remarkable Inca fortress featuring massive agricultural terraces and stone structures, offering breathtaking views and a rich historical legacy.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you will spend the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in the Sacred Valley

Day 03: Visit the Wonder of Machu Picchu

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, an unforgettable journey offering panoramic views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley as you approach the town.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will meet you and accompany you to your hotel.

Aguas Calientes is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, famous for its natural hot springs and welcoming atmosphere. At the scheduled time, you will board the bus to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about this iconic Inca citadel. Machu Picchu is an extraordinary archaeological treasure nestled in the mountains, offering breathtaking views of its most important sectors, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Solar Clock (Intihuatana), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Sacred Rock.

This visit provides a deep immersion into Inca history and culture. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own. Later, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have the afternoon free to explore the town or visit the hot springs.

You will enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 04: Return to Cusco on the Vistadome Train

Early in the morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes in more depth. You may visit the butterfly farm or relax at the hot springs. You will also have time to enjoy lunch on your own.

At the scheduled time, you will proceed to the train station and board the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. During the trip, you will enjoy live traditional dance performances in colorful costumes, onboard service with snacks and beverages, and attentive service inspired by Andean culture, enhancing your travel experience.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will continue the journey back to Cusco. You may also take the opportunity to visit some museums included in your General Tourist Ticket (BTG). At 6:30 p.m., you can attend a live traditional dance performance at the Qosqo Native Art Center, also included in your ticket.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer: Cusco Airport (if applicable)

Day 05: Transfer to Cusco Airport & Farewell

In the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. At the scheduled time, we will pick you up and transfer you to Cusco Airport for your departure.

Saying goodbye to Peru means leaving a country full of natural and cultural wonders. From the majestic Andes to its vibrant coastal cities, Peru leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. The warmth of its people, along with its rich history and gastronomy, makes every farewell a moment filled with gratitude and nostalgia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included in the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

  • Airport–hotel–airport and train station transfers.
  • Walking city tour in Cusco.
  • 2 nights of hotel accommodation in Cusco.
  • 1 night of hotel accommodation in the Sacred Valley.
  • 1 night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance fees to archaeological sites (BTG General Tourist Ticket) for the Sacred Valley tour.
  • Lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Breakfast starting from Day 2.
  • Train tickets: Expedition Class (outbound) and Vistadome Class (return) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes).
  • Professional guide service.
  • Entrance to the Qosqo Native Art Center, including live traditional dance performances.

What's Not Included in the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

  • International and domestic airfare.
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Upgrade to Vistadome train service (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes).
  • Dinners.
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Any type of beverages.
  • Personal expenses and any additional costs not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bring your original passport
  • Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes
  • Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat
  • Carry a rain poncho (especially during rainy season)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Train companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) only allow one carry-on bag or backpack not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Larger luggage can be stored for free at your hotel in Cusco.

Yes, all of our standard shared guided tours are conducted with a maximum of 8 to 10 people per guide in Machu Picchu to ensure a close, personalized experience and optimal resolution of your questions.

Government entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets are personal and non-transferable, and their dates are rigid according to official policies. Therefore, rescheduling is subject to penalties and the availability of new tickets at the time of requesting the change.