Machu Picchu Express - 5 days
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
15-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Peru with the Machu Picchu Express tour. Begin your adventure in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, where you'll explore its vibrant streets and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Venture into the Sacred Valley, visiting the colorful Pisac Market and the awe-inspiring Ollantaytambo fortress. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu with a scenic train ride to this iconic Inca citadel, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Sonesta Hotel in Cusco and the charming Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay in the Sacred Valley. With guided tours, private transportation, and an English-speaking tour leader, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Peru's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel
Upon arrival Cusco Airport you'll be met and transferred to our group tour hotel. After hotel check in spend the rest of the day at leisure adjusting to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore Cusco on a guided tour, taking in some of the city's most important landmarks. Our tour begins at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, it's one of the most beautiful squares in the country. Then we take in other highlights of the city, including the cathedral and the Kenko Amphitheatre before visiting the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city which is brimming with wonderful cafes, shops and handicraft markets and art shops.
Day 3: Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cusco - The Sacred Valley. We depart Cusco this morning and take a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the colourful Pisac Market, where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs.
This afternoon we visit the striking Ollantaytambo fortress with its enormous Inca terraces constructed on the side of a steep mountain. Ollantaytambo is one of the best examples of Incan architecture and many of the inhabitants of the town still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors. After a tour through the area we check into our nearby hotel for the night.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we travel by train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu town). On the 90 minute journey sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery through the panoramic windows. In Aguas Calientes we board the bus which takes us along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.
The incredible lost city of Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. A guided tour will take us around the citadel. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. The ruins are divided into the Urban and Agricultural Sectors with features ranging from terraced fields and water fountains to storage buildings, guardhouses and religious temples as well as bridges on the trails leading out of the citadel. After the guided tour we return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before we travel by train back to Cusco.
Day 5: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. A transfer will take you to Cusco airport for your onward travel.
If you're not departing Cusco until later this evening, or you've booked post tour accommodation, you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer today. You can visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.
Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the [[Rainbow Mountain|131596]] (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits. Please note: Optional excursions must be booked prior to departure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
4 breakfasts
Enjoy 4 breakfasts during your stay.
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3 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night 3 star hotel in the Sacred Valley
Stay in 3 nights at 4-star hotels and 1 night at a 3-star hotel in the Sacred Valley.
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Cusco airport transfer on day 1 and day 5
Receive airport transfers in Cusco on the first and last day of the tour.
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Guided tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Participate in guided tours of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
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Expedition train to Machu Picchu
Travel on the Expedition train to Machu Picchu.
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Escorted by English-speaking local tour leader (for groups of 4 or more) and specialist local guides for included sightseeing
Be escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader for groups of 4 or more, and specialist local guides for included sightseeing.
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Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Enjoy transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles.
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Entrance fees and Cusco Tourist Ticket
Entrance fees and the Cusco Tourist Ticket are included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Accommodation
Stay at the recently renovated Sonesta Hotel in the heart of Cusco, offering mountain or city views, cable TV, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. Enjoy Peruvian and international cuisine at the hotel's restaurant. In the Sacred Valley, experience the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay, a former monastery with rustic rooms, Andean dishes, and resident alpacas.
Age Policy
As standard they must be ages 15 or older to join this group tour. However, those aged 13+ may be considered on a case by case basis.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with transfers included from Cusco airport on day 1 and day 5. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu and explore the region with guided tours and local guides for sightseeing.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays at the Sonesta Hotel in Cusco and the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay in the Sacred Valley. The Sonesta Hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms with mountain or city views, cable TV, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay is housed in an old monastery and features rooms with private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts. Meals are provided at the accommodations, which offer a variety of Peruvian and international dishes.
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Is there a guided tour of Machu Picchu included?
Yes, the tour includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu. You will travel by train to Aguas Calientes and then take a bus to the Inca citadel for a guided tour of the site.
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What is the mode of transportation to Machu Picchu?
Transportation to Machu Picchu is by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
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Are there any optional excursions available on the last day of the tour?
Yes, on the last day, you can choose to visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero or take a full-day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, if you have booked post-tour accommodation or have a late departure.
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Is there a tour leader or guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader for groups of 4 or more, and specialist local guides are provided for included sightseeing.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.