The "Best of Cusco in 4 Days" tour will immerse you in the cultural and natural wonders of Cusco, Peru. We will explore the Sacred Valley. These locations are renowned for their ancient agricultural terraces and historical significance. You will also experience local traditions and the vibrant culture of nearby towns.
We will be dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. This 4-day trip will allow you to uncover the mysteries of the ancient Inca citadel. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, you will explore the ruins and enjoy views of the mountains and Urubamba River.
We will take on the challenge of hiking to Rainbow Mountain, where you will witness its vibrant colors and awe-inspiring landscapes. The hike may be tough, but the views are more than worth it. We will visit Humantay Lake, a serene and beautiful spot surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. This peaceful hike offers an ideal opportunity to relax and take in the tranquility of the Andes.
We will begin our journey with a 7:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. If you choose Option A,we will start by visiting an alpaca farm, where we will interact with friendly Andean wildlife.
Afterward, we will explore Pisac Ruins, an impressive Inca site perched high above the valley. The stunning views and ancient stone structures will leave you in awe. Then, we will visit Pisac Market, a lively place full of local crafts and Peruvian treats.
Next, we will head to Ollantaytambo, a town famous for its ancient Inca fortress. You will be amazed by the massive stone terraces that have withstood centuries. After a delicious lunch in Urubamba, we will optionally visit a local brewery.
Later, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes at either 4:37 PM or 7:00 PM, depending on availability. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night.
Option B: Maras Route – Chinchero, Moray, Salt Ponds & OllantaytamboOn Option B, we will begin our day with a 7:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel. We will start by visiting Chinchero, a traditional village where we will observe the ancient weaving techniques. Next, we will head to Moray, an extraordinary Inca site known for its agricultural terraces, once used for crop experimentation. From there, we will visit the Salt Ponds of Maras, where salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times.
After lunch in Urubamba, we will visit Ollantaytambo, a site famous for its impressive stone terraces. The massive stones of the fortress provide a glimpse into Inca engineering. Afterward, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, departing at either 4:37 PM or 7:00 PM, subject to availability. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will check in at our hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet
Minimum Altitude: 2,040 meters / 6,692 feet
Distance Traveled: 70 km / 43 miles
Difficulty: Walking tour
On Day 2, we will visit the world-renowned Machu Picchu. We will begin with an early 5:00 AM breakfast and store your luggage at the hotel. At 6:00 AM, we will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving early to avoid the crowds. Upon arrival, we will pass through the checkpoint and start a 3-hour walking tour of Machu Picchu.
We will explore key sectors of the archeological site, including the urban, religious, and agricultural areas. After the tour, you may opt to hike Huayna Picchu, depending on your ticket. Once we return to Aguas Calientes, you will have time for lunch and check out the town.
We will take the 2:55 PM train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by private bus. Arriving at your hotel in Cusco around 7:30 PM.
Maximum Altitude: 2,430 meters / 7,972 feet
Minimum Altitude: 2,040 meters / 6,692 feet
Distance Traveled: 300 km / 186 miles
Difficulty: Walking tour
We will pick you up at 3:00 AM from your Cusco hotel. After a 3-hour drive, we will reach Soraypampa, located at 3,850 meters / 12,631 feet. From here, we will start our 2-hour uphill trek to Humantay Lake, situated at 4,200 meters / 13,779 feet. Along the way, we will enjoy stunning views of the Andes and the Salkantay Mountain.
At the lake, we will have a delicious breakfast while taking in the incredible scenery. Your guide will share the history and significance of this sacred site. After some time for photos and relaxation, we will return down the trail to Soraypampa, where a delicious lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 4:00 PM.
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters / 13,779 feet
Minimum Altitude: 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet
Distance Traveled: 80 km / 50 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, uphill and gradual downhill
Time of Hiking: 4 hours
In order to fully enjoy this short high elevation, your guide with let you know one day before what to bring. We will also provide a walking stick and a rain poncho.
We will start the day with a 3:00 AM pickup from your hotel. After a 2.5-hour drive, we will arrive at the Vincuna Station (4,632 meters / 15,200 feet) for a hearty breakfast. We will begin our trek to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, a 4-mile (7 km) round trip hike. The hike will take approximately 2 hours to reach the pass at 5,200 meters / 17,060 feet.
At the pass, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the vibrant Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate Glacier. After taking photos and learning about the geography and history of the area, we will descend back to the start point. Once we return, we will serve a delicious lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 4:30 PM.
Maximum Altitude: 5,036 meters / 16,522 feet
Minimum Altitude: 1,900 meters / 6,233 feet
Distance Traveled: 15 km / 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, uphill and gradual downhill
Timi of Hiking: 4 hours
To enhance your visit to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend booking your reservations well in advance. Machu Picchu is now divided into different circuits to manage visitor flow and preserve the site’s integrity.
There are three main circuits:
The tour spans 4 days, covering key destinations like the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake.
We highly recommend drinking coca tea to help acclimatize to the high altitude. You will also have time to adjust upon arriving in Cusco before starting the tour.
Yes, all of the sites, including Machu Picchu, Pisac Ruins, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, are accessible. However, some trekking may require a moderate level of fitness, especially for Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley have varied weather, with warm days and cool evenings. You should prepare for colder temperatures, especially in the mornings and at higher altitudes.
On Day 1, we explore the Sacred Valley before heading to Aguas Calientes. In the evenings, you will have time to explore Cusco, including the Plaza de Armas and the nearby San Blas neighborhood.
San Blas is a charming neighborhood in Cusco, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and cozy cafes. It's a great place to explore after your day of sightseeing.
It's a good idea to carry some cash for personal expenses, tips, and optional activities. Small markets and local vendors prefer cash, although they widely accept credit cards.
We include meals on Day 1 (lunch and dinner), Day 2 (breakfast), Day 3 (breakfast-to-go and lunch), and Day 4 (breakfast-to-go and lunch). However, we do not include lunch on Day 2 in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an extra $70 one-way or $160 round-trip.
