Classic Machu Picchu 5 days
Classic 4-Day Inca Trail adventure
Duration:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Location:
Cusco
Difficulty:
Easy
Availability:
All year
Classic Machu Picchu
The 5-Day Machu Picchu Tour is designed for travelers who want to explore the cultural highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu. This itinerary combines historical sites, traditional towns, and Inca architecture within a well-organized program.
The tour begins with a city tour of Cusco, including visits to Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the archaeological fortress of Sacsayhuamán, both key sites that reflect the engineering and spiritual importance of the Inca civilization. The journey continues through the Sacred Valley, with stops at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where original Inca streets and stone constructions remain in use today.
The program concludes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. This five-day experience offers a comprehensive introduction to the history, architecture, and cultural heritage of the Inca Empire.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Airport Transfer
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Please provide your flight number and arrival time in advance to coordinate the service. At the hotel, you will be welcomed and have time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco (3,399 m / 11,151 ft).
You will have the afternoon free for acclimatization. If your arrival is earlier than the official check-in time, you may use the hotel’s common areas while waiting for your room.
Important Advice on Arrival in Cusco
Cusco is located at high altitude, and it is common to feel more tired than usual upon arrival. We recommend taking the first afternoon at a relaxed pace. Drinking coca tea, widely available in hotels, may help with acclimatization. Light walks around the Plaza de Armas and nearby streets are advisable to help your body gradually adjust.
Staying well hydrated is important during the first days. It is also recommended to eat light meals while your body adapts to the altitude. Later during your stay, you may try traditional Andean dishes such as guinea pig, which has historical importance in the region.
During your free time, you may visit the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, which offers traditional music and dance performances from the Cusco region. The show begins at 6:00 p.m., and early arrival is recommended due to demand. If your package includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), entry may be included.
Additional Recommendations
Coca tea may be consumed in the mornings to support acclimatization, but it should be avoided late in the evening due to its stimulating effect. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city. Suggested visits during free time include the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha Museum, Regional History Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, and the Museum of Popular Art, which provide insight into the local culture and history.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Check-in: 12:00 p.m.
Check-out: 9:00 a.m.
Meals included: None
Maximum Height: 3399 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Day 2: Cusco City Tour (Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay) – 5-Hour Tour
On this day, you will explore the main historical and archaeological sites of Cusco and its surrounding areas.
We begin at the Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas. This is the principal church of the city and was built over the palace of the Inca Wiracocha. Inside, you will find an important collection of colonial art, including more than 300 paintings from the Cusco School.
Next, we visit Qoricancha, which in Quechua means “Temple of the Sun.” This was one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire and was once covered with gold and silver ornaments.
We then leave the city center to visit the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán, known for its massive stone blocks, some weighing more than 150 tons. During Inca times, this site had ceremonial and defensive functions and was associated with the god Illapa (lightning).
The tour continues to Qenqo, a ceremonial site dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth), where you will observe carved stone structures and ritual spaces. We then visit Puka Pukara, known as the “Red Fortress,” followed by Tambomachay, a site associated with water worship and possibly used as a ceremonial bath for Inca rulers.
At the end of the afternoon, we return to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel or in the Plaza de Armas if preferred.
Important Advice
The City Tour takes place in the afternoon, leaving the morning free for acclimatization. It is recommended to rest, drink coca tea with breakfast, and wear comfortable walking shoes. During your free time, you may visit the Plaza de Armas and nearby museums, such as the Regional History Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Qoricancha Museum, and the Museum of Popular Art, to gain further insight into the local culture.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
Maximum Height: 2171 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes (Awanacancha, Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo) – 8-Hour Tour
On this day, you will explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Vilcanota Valley. We begin with a visit to the archaeological complex of Pisac, located on a mountain ridge overlooking the valley. The site features agricultural terraces and stone structures integrated into the natural landscape, reflecting advanced Inca engineering.
Afterward, we visit the local artisan market, where you can observe and purchase traditional handicrafts. We continue through Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch and enjoy a buffet featuring typical Peruvian cuisine, including a variety of salads, soups, main dishes, and desserts.
In the afternoon, we visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, a historic Inca town that once served military, religious, and administrative functions. You will walk through its streets and explore the terraces and stone structures that remain in use today.
Following the visit, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a hotel representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Important Advice
We recommend carrying only a small overnight bag or daypack with essential items such as money, light clothing, travel documents, camera, insect repellent, sun hat, sunscreen, and personal hygiene products. The rest of your luggage can remain at your hotel in Cusco, as you will return there after visiting Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Maximum Height: 3000 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco (2.5-Hour Guided Tour)
In the morning, at the scheduled time, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and accompany you to the bus station. You will take a 20-minute bus ride along a winding road ascending approximately 400 meters to reach the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas.
Upon arrival at the citadel, we will begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, visiting the main sectors of Machu Picchu and learning about its historical and architectural significance.
In the afternoon, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included). Later, according to train availability, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Important Information
Since January 1, 2019, Machu Picchu operates under a one-way circuit system. Once you pass through a sector, you cannot return. Re-entry to the site is not permitted after exit. The only exception applies to visitors holding additional tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. In these cases, the duration of the guided tour will be adjusted according to the mountain entrance schedule (approximately 1 hour for Machu Picchu Mountain and 2 hours for Huayna Picchu).
Important Advice
Before visiting Machu Picchu, we recommend leaving your main luggage at the hotel in Aguas Calientes and carrying only essential items such as water (Machu Picchu is a plastic-free zone, and single-use plastic bottles are not permitted), passport, entrance ticket, cash, sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. After returning to Aguas Calientes, you may collect your luggage from the hotel.
If time permits, you may visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum, the official site museum of Machu Picchu. Entry after midday is free upon presentation of a valid passport. Please allow extra time for possible queues for the shuttle bus and train. Your guide will assist you throughout the process.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
Maximum Height: 2430 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Day 5: Hotel – Cusco Airport
According to your flight schedule, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cusco Airport. This concludes our services.
Check-in time: 12:00 p.m.
Check-out time: 9:00 a.m.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: If your departure flight is scheduled after the hotel check-out time, you may use the hotel’s common areas while waiting for your transfer.
Final Recommendations
Please keep all entrance tickets provided during the briefing (such as the Tourist Ticket, Qoricancha ticket, Consetur bus ticket, and others). These documents are required for access to the corresponding sites. In case of loss, replacement tickets must be purchased at your own expense.
We also recommend checking your hotel room and transportation vehicles carefully to ensure that you have not left any personal belongings behind.
What's Included
Day 1:
Private transfer: Cusco Airport – Hotel in Cusco
Assistance
Day 2:
Shared Cusco City Tour (transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets)
Assistance
Day 3:
Shared Sacred Valley Tour (transportation, professional guide, entrance tickets, and lunch)
Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (PeruRail or Inca Rail)
Assistance
Day 4:
Round-trip bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Professional English-speaking guide
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
Train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (PeruRail or Inca Rail)
Transfer: Ollantaytambo train station – Cusco hotel
Assistance
Day 5:
Private transfer: Cusco hotel – Cusco Airport
Assistance
Hotels:
3 nights in Cusco (breakfast included)
1 night in Aguas Calientes (breakfast included)
24-hour assistance
Does not include
Drinks (except those mentioned in the itinerary)
Meals (except those mentioned in the itinerary)
Snacks
Phone calls
Personal expenses
Tips / gratuities
Travel insurance
Prices
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