A four-day journey combining Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, with Machu Picchu and an overnight in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the citadel.
The programme opens with the Cusco city tour and its archaeological park — Koricancha, the Plaza de Armas and its cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Kenko, Puka Pukará and Tambomachay — continues with the full-day excursion to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and overnights in Aguas Calientes. The free day allows a second climb to the citadel, even early enough to catch the sunrise, or optional activities before returning by train to Cusco. Accommodation in 3-, 4- and 5-star categories.
Highlights
Cusco city tour: Koricancha, the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral
Archaeological park: Sacsayhuamán, Kenko, Puka Pukará and Tambomachay
Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, by train
Overnight in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the citadel
A free day to climb again or watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Cusco: city tour and archaeological park
Arrival in Cusco (a flight arriving around 11:00 is recommended). Meeting and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a tour of the city's pre-Hispanic and colonial heritage: the Koricancha, the former Temple of the Sun on which the Santo Domingo Convent stands; the Plaza de Armas and its imposing cathedral, with altars, Cusco School paintings and wood carvings; and, on the outskirts, the Sacsayhuamán fortress with its enormous stone blocks, the Kenko shrine, the Puka Pukará military lookout and Tambomachay, the 'Baths of the Inca'. Overnight in Cusco. Meals: none.
Day2
Day 2: Cusco / Machu Picchu
Full-day excursion to Machu Picchu. Transfer to the railway station and journey across the Andean landscapes and cloud forest to the town of Aguas Calientes; from there, a bus up to the summit and a visit to the Machu Picchu citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. After walking its passageways and admiring the Inca architecture, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day3
Day 3: Machu Picchu / Cusco (free day in Aguas Calientes)
Free day in Aguas Calientes, ideal for strolling its streets, shopping at the artisan market, visiting the thermal baths or taking optional activities (not included), such as a second visit to the Machu Picchu citadel — even early enough for the sunrise — or the climb up Huayna Picchu. At the appointed time, return by train to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco. Meals: breakfast.
Day4
Day 4: Cusco / Lima
At the coordinated time, transfer to the airport to board the return flight to Lima. Meals: breakfast.
Suggested hotels
Inkarri Cusco
Standard
Cusco
3-star option in Cusco.
Hatun Samay
Standard
Machu Picchu
3-star option in Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
José Antonio Cusco
Superior
Cusco
4-star option in Cusco.
El Mapi
Superior
Machu Picchu
4-star option in Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
Aranwa Cusco
Luxury
Cusco
5-star option in Cusco.
Sumaq
Luxury
Machu Picchu
5-star option in Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Private airport / hotel / airport transfers
Included: Half-day Cusco city tour and the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
Included: 2 nights' accommodation in Cusco (2 breakfasts)
Included: Machu Picchu 2 days / 1 night by Expedition or Voyager train (lunch included)
Included: 1 night's accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 breakfast)
Included: Free day in Aguas Calientes
Included: Hotel / train station / hotel transfers
What's not included
Not included: Domestic and international airfare
Not included: Domestic and international airport taxes
Not included: Early check-in and late check-out
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with lunches
Not included: Expenses not specified in the programme
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included
Optional services
Optional, at extra cost:
Second visit to Machu Picchu — Climb up to the Machu Picchu citadel a second time, if preferred very early to catch the sunrise, one of the most beautiful sights this setting can offer.
Optional, at extra cost:
Huayna Picchu climb — For the more adventurous, and weather permitting, the climb up Huayna Picchu, the mountain adjacent to the citadel, from whose summit you can take in the striking landscape surrounding Machu Picchu. The ascent takes about two and a half hours and can only be done before 13:00; it is a demanding trail that rewards the effort on reaching the top.