Your journey begins in Cusco, the historical capital of the Incan Empire, where you explore colonial architecture interwoven with Incan stonework. The city demonstrates the layering of Spanish colonial construction over Incan foundations, creating a unique architectural landscape reflecting centuries of cultural synthesis. Your Cusco experience includes visits to significant archeological sites surrounding the city, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay. These sites reveal Incan engineering sophistication and religious practices. The combination of urban exploration and nearby archeological sites provides comprehensive understanding of Incan civilization before you proceed to other locations.

Your second day encompasses a full exploration of the Sacred Valley, the agricultural heartland that sustained Incan civilization. You visit multiple significant sites including Pisac Inca Ruins, featuring an impressive cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs and engineered agricultural terraces. You explore Moray, an innovative experimental agricultural site where Incan engineers tested optimal growing conditions. You observe the unique salt extraction sites at Maras Salineras, where pink-colored salt continues to be harvested using pre-Incan methods. Your day concludes in Ollantaytambo, a colonial town with intact Incan structures and massive terraces demonstrating Incan architectural capability.

The distinguishing feature of this tour is your travel to Machu Picchu aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train service. This exclusive train operates only once daily and represents one of the most luxurious train experiences in South America. The Hiram Bingham features fine dining, a sophisticated bar car serving premium Peruvian cocktails, an open-air observatory car for panoramic viewing, live music performances, and VIP lounge access at the Machu Picchu station. The train journey itself becomes a memorable experience rather than simply a transportation method. Your morning departure from Cusco allows daytime appreciation of the Sacred Valley and Urubamba River canyon landscapes as you descend toward Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you transfer directly to Machu Picchu Inca City via private bus. Your expert guide conducts a comprehensive private tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of the World, interpreting the site’s three functional sectors (agricultural, residential, and religious). Following your guided tour, you have independent exploration time before afternoon tea service at the exclusive Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. Your return journey to Cusco utilizes the Vistadome train, which provides superior comfort with panoramic windows and refined service.

Throughout your entire 4-day tour, MACHU PICCHU TEAM coordinates all logistics, provides expert guides fluent in English and Spanish, arranges private transportation with trained drivers, and maintains detailed oversight of your experience. The program operates as a private tour, meaning your group travels separately from other tourists, ensuring personalized service and flexible scheduling. Your accommodation options feature 4-star hotels exclusively, representing premium comfort and service standards. The combination of luxury train travel, expert guide interpretation, fine dining, and premium accommodation creates an experience accessible to travelers valuing comfort and quality over budget considerations.

The 4-day program is designed to allow appropriate acclimatization to Cusco’s altitude while maintaining a relaxed pace that balances cultural exploration with recovery time. Your first day provides morning rest at your hotel before afternoon touring. Your second day encompasses comprehensive Sacred Valley exploration with return to Cusco by evening. Your third day features the train journey and Machu Picchu visit, the program’s centerpiece. Your fourth day provides gentle departure, with airport transfer included at your convenience.

Trip details

• Total Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Total Destination Coverage: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
• Maximum Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level (Machu Picchu elevation)
• Group Size: Minimum 2 participants; maximum 8 persons
• Type of Service: Private (your group travels separately from other tourists)
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train, Vistadome train, private bus
• Difficulty Level: Mild (minimal physical demands; moderate walking at most sites)
• Hotel Accommodations: 4-star hotels exclusively (Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel)
• Guides: Professional English-speaking guides, local experts
• Meals Included: Breakfast daily; lunch and dinner as specified per itinerary
• Train Services: Belmond Hiram Bingham (Cusco to Aguas Calientes with fine dining); Vistadome (Aguas Calientes to Cusco with amenities)
• Special Amenities: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel tea service at Machu Picchu
• Starting Requirements: Minimum 2 participants; tours available any date suitable to your schedule

Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Explore the City

• Morning Arrival — Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
• Hotel Check-in — Short briefing and morning free for rest and acclimatization
• 01:00 p.m. — Pickup from hotel for afternoon city tour
• 01:30 p.m. — Begin exploration of Imperial Cusco City
• 02:00 p.m. — Visit Santo Domingo Convent and Temple of the Sun (Koricancha)
• 02:30 p.m. — Explore Ancient Inca Palace and main worship center
• 03:30 p.m. — Visit Sacsayhuaman archeological site
• 04:30 p.m. — Visit Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay
• 06:00 p.m. — Return to hotel
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley

• 07:30 a.m. — Pickup from Cusco hotel in private transportation
• 08:00 a.m. — Stop at Mirador of Taray for valley viewpoint
• 09:00 a.m. — Arrival at Pisac Inca Ruins archeological site
• 11:00 a.m. — Explore cemetery, terraces, tunnels, and religious areas
• 11:30 a.m. — Visit colorful market of Pisac (approximately 20 minutes)
• 12:00 p.m. — Drive to Urubamba for lunch
• 01:00 p.m. — Lunch
• 02:00 p.m. — Continue to Moray archeological site
• 03:00 p.m. — Explore Moray’s innovative terraced basin
• 03:45 p.m. — Continue to colonial town of Maras
• 04:15 p.m. — View pre-Inca salt mines (Maras Salineras)
• 05:00 p.m. — Continue to Ollantaytambo
• 05:30 p.m. — Guided exploration of Ollantaytambo Inca village and structures
• 06:30 p.m. — Return to Cusco
• 07:00 p.m. — Arrival at hotel in Cusco
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco

Day 3: Cusco – Machu Picchu

• 08:30 a.m. — Pickup from hotel; transfer to Poroy train station
• 09:05 a.m. — Belmond Hiram Bingham train departure from Poroy
• 09:05 a.m. onwards — Welcome show with traditional regional dances aboard train
• Mid-morning — Bar car beverage and cocktail service begins
• Around 10:30 a.m. — Gourmet brunch service aboard train
• 12:24 p.m. — Arrival at Aguas Calientes train station
• 12:45 p.m. — Private bus departure from train station to Machu Picchu
• 01:30 p.m. — Arrival at Machu Picchu Inca City; beginning of private guided tour (approximately 2 hours)
• 03:30 p.m. — Conclusion of guided tour; independent exploration time begins
• 04:30 p.m. — Departure from Machu Picchu for return to Aguas Calientes
• 05:15 p.m. — Arrival in Aguas Calientes; afternoon tea service at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel
• 06:10 p.m. — Vistadome train departure from Aguas Calientes
• 08:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m. — Arrival at Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station
• 08:30 p.m. to 09:00 p.m. — Private transportation arrival at Cusco hotel
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco

Day 4: Departure & Airport Transfer

• Morning — Breakfast at hotel
• Any time — Pickup from hotel for transfer to Cusco airport (coordinated with flight time)
• Departure — Transfer to airport

Included

Not Included

Pricing Structure

Base Tour Prices

Your tour pricing varies depending on your accommodation selection. All prices are per person and require a minimum of 2 participants.

Without Hotels:

• $1,297 USD per person – This option includes all tour components, meals, Belmond Hiram Bingham train passage, Vistadome return train, transportation, and guidance. Hotel accommodations are not included; you arrange your own or use accommodations you have already booked.

With 3 Nights 4-Star Hotels:

• $1,667 USD per person – This option includes all tour components, meals, trains, transportation, guidance, and 3 nights accommodation at 4-star hotels (Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection, or Novotel in Cusco).

Belmond Hiram Bingham Train

The Belmond Hiram Bingham train is included in your base tour price (1-way journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes).

Round-Trip Hiram Bingham Train Option:

If you desire a return journey on the Hiram Bingham train rather than the Vistadome train:

• Additional $575 USD per person – This upgrade allows you to return to Cusco aboard the Hiram Bingham rather than the Vistadome train.

Student Discounts

Age-Based Discounts:

• Ages 18 to 25 with Student Card – Discount of $30 USD per person. You must provide a copy of your valid student identification card at booking. The card should display your university/educational institution name, your photograph, and card expiration date valid for the current academic year.
• Ages 11 to 17 (Under 18) – Discount of $30 USD per person. No student documentation required, but you must send a copy of your passport at booking to verify age.
• Ages 2 to 11 (Children) – Discount of $40 USD per person. Send a copy of your passport at booking to verify age.
• Ages 0 to 2 – Free (no cost).

Hotel Single Supplement

• 4-Star Hotel Single Supplement – $90 USD per night for solo travelers preferring private rooms.

Upgrades and Optional Services

• Upgrade to 5-Star Hotels – Available upon request for additional cost. Contact MACHU PICCHU TEAM for pricing.
• Return Hiram Bingham Train Upgrade – $575 USD per person to return on the Hiram Bingham rather than the Vistadome train.

Climate and Weather Preparation

Understanding the Climate

Your tour traverses regions at varying elevations, each with distinct climate characteristics. Cusco (3,350 meters) experiences a temperate highland climate with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping to approximately 5 degrees Celsius. The Sacred Valley sits at slightly lower elevations, with somewhat warmer daytime temperatures but similarly cold nights.

Machu Picchu, at 2,400 meters, experiences warmer daytime temperatures (approximately 15 to 25 degrees Celsius) and milder nighttime temperatures (approximately 10 degrees Celsius).

Rainfall occurs throughout the year in the Cusco region, but the wettest months are November through March. The drier season runs from April to October, though isolated rain showers can occur even during the dry season. During the rainy season, afternoon thunderstorms are common, particularly at higher elevations.

Clothing Strategy for Different Seasons

May to September (Dry Season):

During these months, rainfall is minimal, and days are generally sunny. However, temperature swings between day and night are significant. During the day at high elevations, temperatures may reach 15 to 20 degrees Celsius with strong sun exposure. At night, temperatures drop to near or below freezing, particularly in Cusco.

Pack: light insulating layers, fleece jacket, warm down jacket, rain jacket (for occasional showers), warm hat, gloves, and sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat).

October to April (Wet Season):

During these months, rainfall is more frequent and heavy. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Morning hours are often clearer before afternoon clouds develop. Temperature variations are less extreme than during the dry season, but nights remain cold at high elevation.

Pack: all items listed above plus additional rain protection such as waterproof pants or heavy-duty rain jacket. Bring extra dry clothing layers, as damp conditions make staying warm more difficult.

Best Visiting Months:

May to September represents the optimal period for touring, with more predictable weather and clearer visibility. March to April and October can also be suitable, though some rain should be expected. November to February experiences the highest rainfall and is the least desirable touring period.

Local Culture and People

Meeting Local Communities

The regions you visit contain communities maintaining traditional lifestyles and speaking Quechua language. Some residents have had limited contact with outsiders, and some may appear shy or reserved when first encountering tourists.

Respectful interaction is essential. Greetings should be polite and low-key. Ask permission before photographing residents or children, as some people prefer not to be photographed. Small gifts such as toys, useful clothing, notebooks, or fruit are appreciated but not expected. Avoid giving money directly to children or adults, as this can create dependency.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respect local customs and religious practices. The community members maintain strong connections to the land and practice traditional spiritual beliefs. Do not remove plants, stones, or other items from sacred locations. Do not touch or disturb any structures or artifacts within Inca sites.

Learn basic Quechua phrases to show respect and interest in the local language. Your guide can teach you greetings and simple expressions. Even attempting to speak the local language demonstrates respect and often creates positive interactions.

Local Economy and Fair Trade

The communities you visit rely on agriculture, animal herding, tourism, and artisanal crafts for their livelihoods. Purchase handicrafts and products directly from local artisans when possible, ensuring they receive the full benefit of your purchase rather than middlemen. Fair prices for handicrafts support local economies and encourage cultural preservation.

Food and Eating Habits

Local Cuisine and Ingredients

The traditional Andean diet centers on potatoes, grains like quinoa and maize, beans, and high-altitude vegetables. Animal proteins include chicken, alpaca, guinea pig (cuy), and occasionally llama. These ingredients have been cultivated and consumed in the region for centuries and are adapted to high-altitude growing conditions.

Meals provided by your tour feature local, naturally-sourced ingredients. You can expect meals that are hearty, nutritious, and prepared with attention to dietary balance.

Eating Schedule

Your tour includes scheduled meal times for breakfast, lunch, gourmet brunch on the train, and afternoon tea service as specified in the daily itinerary. Meals are timed to support your energy levels and touring schedule.

Special Dietary Requests

If you follow a specific diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), inform MACHU PICCHU TEAM at the time of booking so appropriate meal selections can be arranged. Discuss any dietary needs with your guide during your tour.

Affordable Dining and Budget Options

Eating in Cusco

Cusco offers a wide range of dining options at various price points. Casual restaurants (comedores) offer authentic Peruvian cuisine at very affordable prices. A typical meal at a comedor costs 15 to 25 Peruvian soles (approximately $4 to $7 USD). These casual eateries serve local diners and offer genuine food at budget prices.

Higher-end restaurants in Cusco cater to tourists and charge higher prices (40 to 100+ Peruvian soles per meal or $12 to $30+ USD). These restaurants often offer international cuisine or upscale Peruvian food.

Eating in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes offers numerous dining options at various prices. Tourist restaurants near the main plaza charge higher prices, while restaurants away from tourist areas offer lower-cost meals. Local comedores and small cafes provide affordable authentic meals.

Meals in tourist restaurants typically cost 30 to 80 Peruvian soles ($9 to $24 USD), while local establishments charge 15 to 35 Peruvian soles ($4 to $10 USD).

Optional Activities Without Cost

Free Activities in Cusco

• Walking the Historic Center: Cusco’s historic center includes architectural and cultural sites visible from public streets without paid admission. Wander the plazas, observe colonial architecture, and experience the urban layout of this historical city at no cost.
• Market Observation: Visit local markets to observe daily life, purchase goods, and experience local commerce. Market entry is free; costs apply only if you purchase items.
• Church and Convent Exteriors: Many colonial churches and convents have impressive exteriors visible from public streets. Photography of external architecture is generally permitted without fees.
• Plazas and Public Spaces: Cusco’s main plazas are public spaces where you can sit, observe, and experience local culture without fees.

Free Activities in Aguas Calientes

• Town Exploration: Walking through Aguas Calientes town provides opportunities to observe how tourism shapes a mountain community. Explore shops, restaurants, and local streets without specific costs unless you purchase items.
• River Walking: Walking along the Urubamba River near Aguas Calientes provides scenic views and outdoor time without fees.

Physical Effort and Health Requirements

Understanding the Physical Demands

This tour is classified as mild difficulty. Daily activities involve light to moderate walking (approximately 2 to 4 hours per day on most days) through urban areas, archeological sites, and natural landscapes. Your pace is leisurely, allowing time for observation and photography. Train journeys require minimal physical effort beyond boarding and moving within the train.

The main physical demands are:

• Moderate walking on uneven terrain at Sacsayhuaman
• Moderate walking through Pisac and Ollantaytambo archeological sites
• Approximately 2 hours of walking at Machu Picchu during your guided tour (followed by independent exploration at your own pace)
• Train journeys (sitting with occasional movement to observation cars and dining areas)

Altitude Acclimatization

Your first day in Cusco (3,350 meters) includes morning rest and acclimatization. Spend your morning resting at your hotel, engaging in light activity such as walking around the neighborhood, drinking water, and eating light meals.

Altitude acclimatization typically requires 24 to 48 hours. By your second day (Sacred Valley), most travelers have significantly acclimatized and can engage in full-day activities.

Medical Conditions and Tour Suitability

Persons with certain medical conditions should consult their physician before booking this tour. Conditions of concern include: severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe arthritis affecting joints. Your doctor can advise whether this tour is medically appropriate for your individual condition.

MACHU PICCHU TEAM can discuss your medical condition confidentially if you have concerns about tour suitability.

Age Considerations

This tour is generally suitable for persons from childhood through older adulthood, depending on individual health status and fitness. The mild difficulty level makes this tour accessible to travelers of varying ages. Families with children often complete this tour successfully. Older travelers successfully complete this tour regularly if they maintain reasonable health and fitness.

Discuss your specific age situation with MACHU PICCHU TEAM if you have concerns about appropriateness for you or a family member’s age.

Practical Travel Information

Currency and Money Management

The Peruvian currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). U.S. dollars (USD) are also accepted in tourist areas. Exchange rates fluctuate; approximately 3.5 to 4 Peruvian soles equals 1 U.S. dollar (rates vary).

Automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout Cusco and Aguas Calientes allow you to withdraw Peruvian soles using your bank debit card. Bring your bank card and remember your PIN number. Some ATMs charge transaction fees (typically 5 to 7 PEN per transaction).

Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, but smaller establishments may only accept cash. Bring sufficient cash for meals, tips, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Communication and Internet

Cellular phone signals are available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Signal is limited or unavailable on train journeys. WiFi internet is available at hotels and many restaurants in urban areas.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Verify that your insurance policy covers the high-altitude regions you will visit.

Vaccination and Health Precautions

Consult your doctor regarding vaccinations recommended for Peru. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some regions. Altitude sickness is not prevented by vaccination; acclimatization is the only prevention method.

Malaria is present in some lowland jungle regions of Peru but not in the Cusco highlands or Machu Picchu regions you will visit.

FAQs

What to Bring – Comprehensive Packing Guide

Critical Documents and Personal Items

• Original Passport – Your original passport is essential and must be the exact same passport you used for booking your tour. You will present your passport at Machu Picchu entrance, for train boarding, and at other locations. You cannot enter Machu Picchu without your original passport.
• Passport Copies – Create 2 to 3 photocopies of your passport biographical page and store them separately from your original passport. These copies provide backup documentation if your original passport is lost.
• Travel Documents – Bring all train tickets, hotel reservation confirmations, and tour booking confirmations. MACHU PICCHU TEAM provides these documents; keep them organized and accessible.

Baggage and Carrying

• Small Backpack or Carry Bag – A small backpack or carry bag is recommended for daily use during tours. Larger backpacks are not permitted on trains or in Machu Picchu Inca City. Your day bag should be small enough to comfortably carry during walking tours and fit under train seats.
• Luggage for Hotel Stays – Pack a wheeled suitcase or travel bag for your hotel accommodations. This luggage remains at your hotel during daily tours. Bring only your small day backpack for tours.

Clothing and Footwear

• Changes of Clothing – Pack sufficient clothing for 4 days including underwear and socks for each day. You will have opportunity to launder items at your hotel if needed.
• Comfortable Shoes or Runners – Pack comfortable walking shoes suitable for urban exploration and moderate hiking. Shoes should provide ankle support and grip for steep terrain. Break in shoes before your trip to avoid blisters.
• Rain Jacket or Rain Poncho – Pack a waterproof rain jacket or poncho for weather protection. Rainfall can occur year-round in the Cusco region.
• Fleece or Light Jacket – Pack a lightweight insulating layer for temperature management during tours and train journeys.
• Warm Jacket for Nights – Pack a warm jacket for evenings, particularly during the dry season (May to September) when nights at high altitude are cold.
• Hat for Sun Protection – A broad-brimmed hat protects your face and head from intense high-altitude sun exposure.

Personal Care Items

• Basic Toiletries – Pack your preferred personal hygiene items including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and other toiletries. Hotels provide some toiletries, but packing your preferred items ensures comfort.
• Sunscreen – High-altitude sun exposure is intense. Pack sunscreen with sun protection factor of at least 30. Apply sunscreen before tours and reapply after swimming or if you perspire heavily.
• Insect Repellent for Mosquitoes – Pack insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, particularly important for evening times in Aguas Calientes.
• Face Moisturizer – High-altitude environments have low humidity, causing rapid skin drying. Face moisturizer helps prevent chapping.
• Medications – Bring any personal medications you take regularly. Also bring over-the-counter medications for common traveler issues: pain relief (ibuprofen), antihistamine (for allergies), and stomach remedies.

Additional Items

• Camera – Pack a camera or smartphone for photographing sites. Bring sufficient battery power or charging cables.
• Water Bottle or Hydration Container – Bring a refillable water bottle for carrying water during tours. Boiled water is provided during tours, but having your own container allows independence.
• Extra Money – Bring sufficient cash (U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles) for meals not included in your package, shopping, tips, and optional activities. ATMs are available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
• Swimsuit (Optional) – A swimsuit is optional, useful if you wish to visit hot springs in Aguas Calientes.