3 Day Machu Picchu Tour
3 Day Machu Picchu Tour
5.0 (36 Reviews)
3 day Machu Picchu Tour, The Best Bundle Tour to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley are three stunning destinations in Peru that are steeped in culture and rich history, and you will visit them on this 3-day tour from Cusco.
Machu Picchu, located in the Andes Mountains, is an Incan citadel that was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham and has since become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The breathtaking rock structures, intricate alleyways, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make Machu Picchu a truly magical and unforgettable destination.
Cusco, known as the “Navel of the World” of the Incas, was once the capital of the Incan Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow cobblestone streets, friendly people, and colonial buildings blend seamlessly with Incan ruins and traditional markets, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past and present, the 3 day Machu Picchu tour starts from this city where you will explore the highlights in the historic center and its surrounding areas.
The Sacred Valley also named Urubamba Valley, located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, it is a picturesque area that holds many important Incan sites, this includes Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, Pisac, Maras salt ponds, and Inca Trails. The valley’s ancient terraced agriculture and traditional villages offer visitors a glimpse into the ancient way of life that has been preserved over centuries. On this journey to Machu Picchu, you will visit the highlights of the valley on day 2.
Join us on this incredible journey of discovery and get immersed yourself in the rich culture, views, and history of Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF:
Trip Summary
3 Day Machu Picchu Tour and Sacred Valley Summary
- Tour start point: Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba Town.
- Tour end point: Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.
- Itinerary options: This itinerary is totally customizable.
- Guides: Knowledgeable, Funny, and Friendly (unique character of Beyond Andes Guides).
- Service Type: Private and Semi-private service.
- Departure: Daily departures, available for booking on any date, we require 2 people to open a new departure.
- Limited Machu Picchu Tickets: YES!, book this tour at 2 -3 months in advance.
- Group Size: Up to 10 participants
- Best time to visit: From May through October.
Itinerary
1Cusco City Tour (Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, and More)
We’ll start the day with a prompt meeting time of no later than 9:00 am at your hotel in Cusco city, ensuring that we make the most of our time together.
Our first stop is the impressive Incan site of Sacsayhuaman, this ancient Incan religious site, composed of massive boulders, sits perched on a steep outcropping overlooking Cusco. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city while gaining insight into the important religious and ceremonial significance of this site. After Sacsayhuaman, we’ll visit the Inca site of Pukapukara, a small Incan site located in a very scenic spot.
Returning to the city by private transport, we’ll take you to some of the local sites not typically included in other city tours. Our first stop is the bustling San Pedro market, a hub of activity where locals gather to start their day. Here, we’ll explore the stands that sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats and medicinal plants, giving you an authentic glimpse into daily life in Cusco.
Next, we’ll embark on a tour of the most significant historical sites of Cusco, this includes the Plaza de Armas and the Main Cathedral (access to the interior is optional, and admission tickets are not included). We’ll also visit Qoricancha – the Sun Temple – the most sacred Inca temple dedicated to the Sun God. Though the temple was destroyed by the Spaniards upon their arrival, the existing foundation was used to build a colonial church, making for a fascinating mix of architectural styles and cultural history.
As our tour draws to a close, we’ll walk back to your hotel, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Cusco.
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
2Experience Sacred Valley and Travel to Aguas Calientes Town
Our Beyond Andes Travel guide will pick you up from your hotel, the first stop is the charming town of Chinchero, renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, traditional textile weaving cooperatives, and well-preserved Incan ruins. As we wander through the streets and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful place, you’ll feel your spirit lift and your mind expands.
Next, we’ll visit the famous Salt Mines of Maras where you’ll witness local workers extracting salt from a subterranean water stream. It’s a fascinating process, and you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these skilled individuals.
From there, we’ll venture to the incredible Agriculture Terraces of Moray, a true marvel of engineering and ingenuity. These terraces, believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory, will leave you in awe of the intelligence and foresight of the Incan people.
By midday, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch (please note that lunch is not included in the tour price). After refueling our bodies, we’ll continue on to the Inca site of Ollantaytambo where we’ll visit the impressive megalithic site and learn about Incan culture and history.
As the day winds down, we’ll drop you off at the train station in Ollantaytambo by 3:00 PM, where you’ll embark on a breathtaking 1 hour and 45 minutes train ride to Aguas Calientes. From the panoramic window train, you’ll enjoy scenic landscapes and marvel at the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
3Experience Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, our guide will come to your hotel to pick you up and start the tour to Machu Picchu.
You’ll then embark on a short 25-minute bus journey up the hillside to the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll explore the Inca Citadel on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and marveling at the incredible structures that have stood the test of time.
Discover the Main Temple, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and more, as your private guide shares insights into how these locations were used by the Incan themselves. Don’t forget to capture stunning photos of the incredible views at Machu Picchu.
Your guided tour of this amazing site will last approximately three hours, as our guide regales you with tales of the Inca Empire and the history and culture of the people who built and inhabited this awe-inspiring place. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delicious lunch.
When you’re ready, it’s time to board the train back to Ollantaytambo where our driver will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in either the Sacred Valley or Cusco City.
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
Note on Itinerary
Although we strive to strictly adhere to the itinerary outlined above, please be advised that it is subject to change due to a variety of factors beyond our control. These factors may include incidents in the location where the trip will be operated, strikes, political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Please note that & Beyond Andes Travel is not responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from such circumstances.
In the event that we must deviate from the original schedule, we will make every effort to provide the best alternative options available to ensure a fantastic experience. However, any additional expenses that may be incurred will be the sole responsibility of the client and not of & Beyond Andes Travel.
Included
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets (first time slot)
- Sacred Valley and Cusco city tour Entrance tickets
- Round trip train tickets
- Round trip bus tickets (shuttle service)
- Professional & Beyond Andes Guide
- Private transport for Sacred Valley tour
- Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Sacred Valley or Cusco.
Not Included
- Meals
- Hotel in Cusco city and Aguas Calientes Town (we can book it for you at extra cost, if so, please let us know)
- Travel insurance
- PayPal fees
- Gratuities
- Huayna Picchu mountain tickets (if interested in, tickets must be booke 3 – 4 months in advance and whose cost is $75.00 per ticket).
What to bring
- Original passport
- Comfortable shoes or hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Rain gear if traveling in wet season (November – April)
- Snacks
- Personal medication
Recommendations
- We recommend book this tour with reasonable time in advance since the tickets sell out mostly a couple of months in advance.
- Please keep in mind to bring the following: Original passport, sunblock, sunhat, fleece or jacket, rain gear/poncho if traveling in wet season (Nov to April), hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, deet or bug spray, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for meals.
Pricing List
Private Service
Tour Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 50% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 50% of final balance must be paid fully OR before the tour begins.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee: $95 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 1100.00 | Inquire Now |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 630.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 610.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 590.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 550.00 | Inquire Now |
Travel Guide
Machu Picchu Ticket Circuits
There are 4 circuits that have been set by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to control the flow of traffic and prevent overcrowding. See the list of each circuit on the following lines for further information.
After May 25, 2022, those doing the 4-day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Short Inca Trail will not be able to visit the whole citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Gate of the Sun, you must go directly to the official viewpoint of Machu Picchu where you will have many opportunities to take the official classic (postcard) photo of this iconic Inca citadel, after a short while you need to leave, later on, or the following day in case of 2-day Short Inca Trail hikers you will re-enter the citadel but only to visit the lower part (Circuit #03) for your guided tour.
Circuit 01: On this route, you will visit the Guard House, from where you will have one of the best views of Machu Picchu and the Sun temple. It also allows you to visit most of the terraces and the lower part of Machu Picchu. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 02: The best circuit, this circuit grants you to visit the highest part of Machu Picchu, the route connects with the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge. It also allows you to see the middle and lower parts, like Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, and much more. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 03: The circuit allows you to visit the sector of the agricultural terraces, the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Sun, the Ceremonial Fountains, and other constructions located in the lower section. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 04: This circuit grants you to visit the lower part of the terraces and the urban sector, combined with the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the Temple of the 3 Windows. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 05: This circuit was created for the Inca Trail hikers and allows them to visit the lower part and the middle part of Machu Picchu. Click here to see the circuit map.
What to eat on this day tour to Machu Picchu?
Peru is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which features a mix of Incan, Spanish, and modern influences. Some popular dishes include:
- Ceviche: This dish is made of raw fish that is marinated in lime/lemon juice (a special lemon type from the Cusco’s jungle) and served with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
- Lomo Saltado: This hearty dish features tender strips of beef that are stir-fried with onions, local chili peppers, tomatoes, and french fries. It comes with rice (in Peru is normal to have potatoes and rice in a dish).
- Quinoa Soup: Very typical soup to the highlands of Peru, this nutritious soup is made of quinoa as a main ingredient and comes with vegetables and spices.
- Chicha: An ancient drink, it was the main alcoholic drink in the Incan empire. It is made of fermented corn and it is a popular drink in the highlands of Peru, especially for local farmers and it is often served at local festivals and celebrations.
Faqs 3 Day Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel from the 15th century located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It’s believed that the Spanish never arrived and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo town. Alternatively, you can hike the classic 4 day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Short Inca Trail option, the hikes require a permit. There are also other alternative trails to hike to Machu Picchu like Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Inca Quarry Trail.
Yes, you do need a ticket to visit Machu Picchu itself, tickets are limited per day to 3500 a day and the tickets sell out 2- 3 months in advance.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May through September. The weather is mild and sunny, and there is less chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds of tourist.
Most visitors spend between 3-5 hours at Machu Picchu, which is enough time to explore the site and take in the views. However, if you’re an avid hiker or history buff, you may want to spend more time or even hike Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain, if so, please plan to stay a full day.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring some snacks and water. Also, it’s recommended to bring rain gear during the wet season.
Yes, there are very strict rules to follow, see some here; visitors are not allowed to touch the ruins or climb on them. Also, drones and tripods are not allowed without a special permit. Finally, it’s important to respect the environment and pack out any trash.
Yes, there are several hotels in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu town, which is located at the base of Machu Picchu Inca citadel. Additionally, there is a fancy lodge located right next to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
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