5-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1ARRIVAL TO CUSCO (NAVEL OF THE WORLD) – INCA MUSEUM AND KORICANCHA⌄

   Upon arrival in Cusco (3,399 masl / 11,152 ft.), our team will be waiting at the airport for a warm welcome and a private transfer to your hotel. Take the morning to rest and acclimate or explore the city's narrow cobblestone streets, colonial plazas, and vibrant markets at your own pace. In the afternoon, our journey into Andean heritage begins with a visit to the Inka Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years. Here, you’ll uncover the origins and evolution of Andean civilizations, gaining insight into the cultures that shaped this remarkable region. Next, we visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most sacred Inca temple. Once covered in solid gold, this architectural masterpiece symbolized the spiritual and geographical center of the Inca Empire. After an enriching day, we return to your hotel, preparing for the next adventure.

   Overnight: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

2. 2SAQSAYHUAMAN – TEMPLE OF THE MOON – TRANSFER TO AGUAS CALIENTES.⌄

   Our day begins with a visit to Saqsayhuamán (3,700 masl / 12,139 ft.), a monumental feat of Inca engineering. Its colossal stone walls, assembled with astonishing precision and without mortar, remain one of the greatest architectural marvels of the ancient world. From this vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of Cusco while delving into the site's historical and ceremonial significance. Next, we immerse ourselves in the serene energy of the Temple of the Moon, a sacred site dedicated to spiritual connection and the Andean Moon Goddess. We then explore Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial center rich in Inca symbolism and ritual altars. In the afternoon, we travel by car to Ollantaytambo (2,792 masl / 9,160 ft.), where we board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl / 6,692 ft.). As we descend toward the cloud forest, the anticipation builds for our visit to Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch: Buffet lunch

   Overnight: Golden Sunrise Hotel *** or similar.

3. 3MACHUPICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO⌄

   The day begins early, as we enjoy breakfast before taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (2,430 masl / 7,972 ft.), arriving just as the morning mist begins to lift over the citadel. Your guide leads an in-depth tour, unveiling the history, architectural mastery, and spiritual significance of its temples, plazas, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial sites. For those with pre-booked permits, an optional hike up Huayna Picchu (2,720 masl / 8,924 ft.) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 masl / 10,111 ft.) offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the site and surrounding peaks. After soaking in the majesty of Machu Picchu, we descend to Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl / 6,692 ft.), where you’ll have time to rest, explore the town, and enjoy lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo (2,792 masl / 9,160 ft.). Upon arrival, we check into a cozy hotel, allowing you to relax and absorb the atmosphere of this living Inca town, surrounded by ancient ruins and towering Andean peaks.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Intitambo hotel *** or similar.

4. 4MORAY – SALT MINES – CHINCHERO (TEXTILE INTERPRETATION CENTER)⌄

   We begin the day with a visit to Moray (3,500 masl / 11,482 ft.), an ingenious Inca site featuring massive concentric terraces. Believed to be an agricultural laboratory, these terraces allowed the Incas to experiment with different microclimates, showcasing their advanced farming techniques and adaptability to diverse environments. Next, we explore the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 masl / 11,089 ft.), a dazzling network of over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside. Used since pre-Inca times, this site demonstrates the harmony between nature and human ingenuity, as local families still harvest salt using centuries-old techniques. Our final stop is Chinchero (3,762 masl / 12,343 ft.), a picturesque Andean town with Inca ruins, a colonial church, and skilled weavers crafting vibrant textiles. After a day of exploration, we return to Cusco, where a buffet dinner with traditional Andean flavors awaits.

   Meals: Breakfast · Dinner: Dinner buffet

   Overnight: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

5. 5Fly To Lima⌄

   On the final day, a transfer to the airport will be arranged in accordance with your departure schedule, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your journey.

   Meals: Breakfast