Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour-6 Days & 5 Nights

Tucked between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a truly remarkable destination. With its mild climate, the majestic presence of the Andes, ancient fortresses, and villages rich in age-old traditions, a journey through this Inca heartland is unforgettable.

Begin with a visit to the Pisac Market, one of the most renowned in the Cusco region. Dating back to the colonial era, it was once a gathering place for local settlers and today offers a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan goods. Continue to the Pisac Archaeological Park, where you’ll gain insight into the ingenuity of the ancient Inca civilization.

In the afternoon, explore the impressive Ruins of Ollantaytambo, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Inca architecture. The site features 17 remarkable terraces rising to a fortress, crowned by the striking Temple of the Sun—built from six massive pink granite monoliths—along with the iconic ten-niche wall and the Sun Gate.

Itinerary:

Pisac Market → Parque Arqueológico de Pisac → Ollantaytambo Ruins → Hotel

Parque Arqueológico de Pisac

The National Archaeological Park of Pisac comprises a vast complex of archaeological remains, including agricultural terraces, aqueducts, roads with walls and gateways, channeled waterways, cemeteries, and bridges.

Spanning approximately 4 square kilometers, the site extends across the surrounding hills, where the ruins appear both in intricately arranged clusters and as isolated structures.

Ollantaytambo Ruins

Ollantaytambo was a key agricultural, military, and religious center during the Inca Empire.

Today, it continues to impress with its finely crafted stonework and monumental structures set high in the Peruvian Andes. It is widely believed to have served as the last stronghold of the Inca nobility during their resistance and retreat from the Spanish toward the jungle. Like many Inca sites, it was constructed using massive, precisely cut stones, demonstrating the extraordinary engineering skills of the civilization.

Today you can freely travel in the Sacred Valley or choose to participate in activities at your own expense (choose 1 option).

The options are considered with a minimum of 2 travelers. Please take note all options are subject to availability.

Option 1: Maras+Moray+Chinchero- One Day Tour

After breakfast, we will first discover Moray, the enigmatic Inca ruin in the beautiful Sacred Valley. Moray is one of the famous Inca ruins near Cusco. It is composed of three groups of circular terraces (muyus in Quechua) that descend 490 feet (150 meters) from the highest terrace to the lowest. Then we will head to the Salineras de Maras, which is made up of more than 3,000 natural salt wells near the town of Maras. Following, we will visit Chinchero. It is one of the most representative towns of Cusco in general. Known for its archeology and its crafts. After the visit, we will return to the hotel.

Moray

Moray is one of the famous Inca ruins near Cusco. It is composed of three groups of circular terraces (muyus in Quechua) that descend 490 feet (150 meters) from the highest terrace to the lowest. Each muyu has 12 levels of terraces with the largest depression having a diameter of 600-feet. Surrounded by the towering Andes mountains, looking into the depths of these man-made craters will fill you with awe and wonder. 

Maras salt mines

The Maras Salt Mines are more than 6,000 salts ponds carved by the Incas. In the distance, these resemble a snow layer. It is an unparalleled view where the pools have various shades of white or earthy brown. The precious Peruvian pink salt is one of the treasures that ancient ancestral cultures have left us. Although the salt flats themselves were created by man, the water that is channeled into these pools comes from a natural underground spring. This underground spring is constantly and quietly carrying the water so that it fills the various ponds with the precious pink salt.

Option 2: Willoq community One Day Tour

In the morning, we will depart from the hotel and head to the Willoq community. It brings tourists closer to the daily life of a high Andean community of Ollantaytambo in the department of Cusco. After arriving in Willoq, you will have the opportunity to wear unique clothing. Then, you will appreciate the weaving process and the shearing of wool. At noon, you will enjoy a local specialty lunch. After lunch, we will be back to Ollantaytambo Ruins for a visit. After the visit, we will return to the hotel.

Depart from the hotel, we will take the bus to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival, we will take the observation train to Machu Picchu. This is a famous scenic train route that runs along the turbulent Urubamba River, with panoramic skylights providing a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley.

After arriving at the station, we will walk to the bus stop and take a public bus under the guidance of the guide to Machu Picchu. We will visit this well preserved pre–Columbian Inca ruins.

After visiting Machu Picchu, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then take the bus to Cusco.

Itinerary:

Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Include train tickets) → Machu Picchu (180mins, include ticket) → Take the train back to Ollantaytambo → Cusco

Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu Observation Train Time: 07:22-08:48

Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo Observation Train Time: 16:12-17:50

The above train times are for reference only. Due to the high availability and limited resources, the time will be adjusted according to the actual situation.
The allowed luggage for the train is 8 kilograms per person.

*Note:

1. Due to limited Machu Picchu ticket availability, to ensure your smooth visit, please promptly provide accurate passport details when placing your order. Failure to provide passport information in time may result in unsuccessful ticket reservation. We appreciate your understanding.

2. Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once successfully booked. A fee of $100 USD per person will apply for any itinerary changes.

3. Depending on actual Machu Picchu ticket availability, the sequence of activities and hotel arrangements may be adjusted while keeping all itinerary content unchanged.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu stands at 2,430 meters above sea level, nestled within a tropical mountain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It is considered one of the most remarkable urban achievements of the Inca Empire at its height, with massive stone walls, terraces, and ramps that appear seamlessly carved from the natural rock formations.

Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, the site overlooks the upper Amazon Basin, an area rich in biodiversity. The monumental yet refined architecture of Machu Picchu harmonizes perfectly with its surrounding environment, to which it is closely connected. Numerous subsidiary sites, along with an extensive network of roads, trails, irrigation channels, and agricultural terraces, attest to the area’s long-standing and, in some cases, continuing human use.

Today you can freely travel in Cusco or choose to participate in activities at your own expense.

The optional tours are considered with 2 travelers, please take note all optional are subject to availability.

Option 1: Cusco Walking & Shopping (3 hours)

Enjoy a 3-hour guided walk through Cusco and discover the charm of this historic city. Begin at the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), where a central fountain is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. To the north stands the Cusco Cathedral, a 16th-century Baroque church that reflects a unique blend of Spanish and Inca influences. To the west, visit the Qorikancha (Santo Domingo Monastery), built atop one of the most important Inca religious sites.

Continue to the famous Twelve-Angled Stone, an exceptional example of Inca stonework and a designated national heritage site. Next, visit the Máximo Laura Museum, Peru’s first museum dedicated to contemporary textile art. Stroll through the San Blas district, a vibrant and artistic neighborhood, and conclude with a visit to a local textile shop to admire traditional craftsmanship. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, or you may choose to stay for lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense), with directions provided for your return.

Option 2: Cooking Class (4 hours)

Take part in a hands-on cooking class at a culinary studio in central Cusco. Guided by professional Peruvian chefs, you will learn to prepare traditional, nutritious dishes using locally sourced ingredients. This immersive experience offers insight into Peru’s rich culinary heritage while allowing you to enjoy the dishes you create.

Option 3: Cusco City Tour & Nearby Ruins (Half Day)

Begin your half-day tour at Cusco’s Main Square, where your guide will introduce you to the Cusco Cathedral, constructed between 1560 and 1664 using red granite from the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Continue to Qorikancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo, built over the most important Inca temple dedicated to the Sun, once adorned with gold-covered walls.

After exploring the city, visit several important archaeological sites on the outskirts of Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán, known for its massive zigzag stone walls, as well as Qenqo and Tambomachay. After the tour, return to your hotel.

Option 4: Rainbow Mountain Trek (Full Day)

Embark on a full-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors. Please note that this trek involves approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of hiking at high altitude; participation should be based on your physical condition.

Depart Cusco early in the morning, traveling south through Urcos and Checacupe to the community of Pitumarca (approximately 2 hours), where you will enjoy breakfast. After a briefing, continue by vehicle to the trailhead (about 1 hour).

Begin your hike at the base of the Ausangate range, ascending gradually for approximately 2.5 hours to reach the summit. Along the way, you may encounter various South American camelids and unique high-altitude flora. At the summit, take time to admire and photograph the mountain’s striking multicolored layers.

Descend for approximately 2 hours back to the starting point, then regroup and return to Pitumarca for lunch. In the afternoon, travel back to Cusco.

Included: Boxed breakfast, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain, and lunch.

Today will be the end of our unforgettable and pleasant journey!  Transfer back from your hotel to the airport. Our staff only provides one drop-off service from the hotel at 8:00 in the morning. If a guest has an early flight and needs to leave the hotel before 8 o'clock for the airport, please note that transfer is not included.

Option excursions: Amazon Rainforest 3-day and 2-night Tour (stay overnight in the rainforest lodge)

After the trip, you can go to Puerto Maldonado to enter the Amazon rainforest at your own expens. You can visit to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica and Tambopata National Reserve.