4d3n Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Explore Peru’s rich heritage with our 4-day, 3-night tour, starting in the vibrant capital, Lima. From there, journey to the Sacred Valley’s serene landscapes, and visit the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. The adventure wraps up in Cusco, where you’ll experience a blend of Inca and colonial history. Perfect for those wanting a deep dive into Peru’s cultural treasures.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Lima and discover the culinary capital of South America
  • Travel directly to the Sacred Valley to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Explore huge Inca temples and discover Inca architecture
  • Learn about the Andean Culture and religious syncretism
  • Discover the magic of Machu Picchu traveling by train
  • Places to visit: Lima city, San Francisco catacombs, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, The temple of the Sun Qorikancha, and more.
  • Departures: Daily based on Machu Picchu ticket availability
  • Transport: Tourist van or minibus, and train.
  • Overnights: 03 nights in a 3-star hotel

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Sacred Valley tour from the airport
  • Transfer to the train station in a tourist transport, van or minibus.
  • Entrance tickets to visit the mentioned places
  • Guided tours with a professional English-speaking guide.
  • Roundtrip train tickets in the train selected.
  • Lunch is provided at a tourist restaurant every day.
  • 03 nights at a 3-star hotel. Request an upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star hotel.
  • English-speaking professional tour guide.
  • Roundtrip bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.

Extra hikes

  • Request a reservation to lunch next to Machu Picchu at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel, in the Tinkuy restaurant. This way you don’t have to take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for a meal.
  • Additionally you have hike options to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, buying an additional ticket.
    From January to April the train departure is from Wanchaq station and a bus is taken to Ollantaytambo and from there begins the train journey.
  • There are two train options that depart and arrive at the same time. The Expedition train, called the tourist train, is comfortable and has affordable prices. The Vistadome is a panoramic train with upgraded services and wide windows to enjoy the scenery better. Also includes snacks and hot drinks along the way. The prices are not more expensive though. On the way back the Vistadome includes a fashion show and a folk dance show.

Booking terms

  • We need a deposit of 30% of the total tour cost of the tour. 
  • The balance can be paid based on: From 1 to 8 participants, a full payment must be made 45 days before the tour start date.
    From 8 to more participants, a full payment must be made 70 days before the tour start date.
  • Please see the full booking and cancelation policies clicking here.

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima - City tour

Upon arrival in Lima, our team will meet you at the airport. Look for our sign with your name and our brand logo. We will also provide you with a 24-hour mobile WhatsApp number to notify us of any last-minute changes to your flight itinerary.

From the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the vibrant tourist district of Miraflores. While lunch is not included, our assistant can recommend nearby restaurants, or you may choose to dine at the hotel’s restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll pick you up for an afternoon city tour, where you’ll explore both the modern and colonial aspects of Lima. Highlights include a visit to the San Francisco Convent, famous for its catacombs. After the tour, we’ll return you to your hotel, giving you the evening to explore the scenic Miraflores district, including its lovely plazas and shopping mall.

Day 2: Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Early in the morning we will take you to the airport, Please request a boxed breakfast at the hotel as the hotel restaurant will be closed by the time. The flight to Cusco is not included. Once in Cusco we start a captivating tour of the Sacred Valley, beginning with the archaeological site of Pisac. Explore its rich history and vibrant local handicraft market. Next, we’ll visit the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.

A delicious lunch is included at a charming restaurant in Urubamba, another picturesque town in the Sacred Valley. The tour concludes at Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the train to Machu Picchu Village, also known as Aguas Calientes. You’ll arrive around 6 PM, and the friendly staff from your hotel will be waiting to escort you to your accommodation.

Aguas Calientes is a quaint, pedestrian-only village, perfect for a relaxing evening before your next adventure. Take time to recharge at your hotel, as the highlight of your journey awaits: the Machu Picchu tour! While dinner is not included, you’ll find plenty of delightful dining options in the village.

Day 3: Machu Picchu - Cusco

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel. The pick-up time is scheduled according to your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. From there, we’ll take a short walk to the bus station and embark on a scenic 30-minute drive up the winding road to the mountain. This marks the beginning of the highly anticipated tour.

Led by a professional, English-speaking guide who is passionate about Peruvian history, you’ll be in excellent hands for an informative and engaging experience. The tour lasts approximately two and a half hours, during which you’ll explore the majestic temples, houses, Andean terraces, fountains, and more.

After the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at Tinkuy, the restaurant of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located next to Machu Picchu. Following the meal, we’ll take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes village, where you’ll have some free time to explore the area. Later, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo station, we’ll continue by road to Cusco, where we’ll pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Your hotel in located in the heart of Cusco, at the historical center.

Day 4: Cusco - Lima

We will pick you up at around 8 AM to begin the Cusco & Inca Temples tour. This half-day excursion starts with a visit to the Inca temple of Qorikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun in Quechua. Next, we will explore the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, where you can admire unique canvases from the Cusqueña Art School, which reflect the religious syncretism of the 16th century.

After visiting these city highlights, we’ll head to the outskirts of Cusco to witness the awe-inspiring stonework of the Sacsayhuamán Inca complex and archaeological site. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the construction techniques used to create these massive stone walls. We’ll then continue to the ceremonial temple of Qenqo and the water temple of Tambomachay.

After visiting these city highlights, we’ll head to the outskirts of Cusco to witness the awe-inspiring stonework of the Sacsayhuamán Inca complex and archaeological site. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the construction techniques used to create these massive stone walls. We’ll then continue to the ceremonial temple of Qenqo and the water temple of Tambomachay.

Following the tour, we’ll take you to a tourist restaurant near the main plaza for a delicious lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine. After lunch, you’ll have some free time before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Please provide us with your arrival and departure flight information in advance.

End of the tour.

Discover and explore the Inca’s land and feel Peru’s magic with us!

The Tourist Trains

The tourist trains are comfortable and perfect to travel to Aguas Calientes town. There are two services available, the Expedition train from Perurail, and the Voyager from Incarail. Both services are good and share similar timetables.

We work with both and they are our partners so we have confidential rates and are able to provide competitive prices. In both cases the rountrip bus ticket from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is included.

They are less expensive that the Panoramic trains and has similar timetables. They have comfortable seats at a basic fare. The way of the railroad is the same as well as the train stations.

The Panoramic Trains for the way back

The panoramic trains are perfect to watch the Sacred Valley while traveling to Machu Picchu. There are two services available, the Vistadome from Perurail, and the 360° from Incarail. Both services share similar timetables.

Vistadome: Offers a more complete service, including complimentary snacks, live dance shows, and a fashion show featuring alpaca garments. This train Features comfortable seats, large tables, and panoramic windows for enjoying the scenic views.

The 360° Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail offers a unique experience with panoramic views. Each wagon features large windows on both sides, allowing for contemplative travel from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

With reupholstered seats for 248 passengers, this train boasts dome-like UV-protected windows.

The Luxury Train for the way back

Those looking for an exclusive and luxurious experience in Peru need look no further. The Hiram Bingham has the best service onboard enjoying a scenic train ride.  It has a lounge car, dinner car, observatory car to have fund and enjoy.

Voted “Best Train in the World” by readers of Conde Nast Traveller UK (2011). Ranked among the top 7 trains globally (Conde Nast Traveller magazine, 2010). Featured as one of the 10 most marvelous train routes worldwide (NBC).

The train is named after the American explorer Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. The train offers a unique and luxurious way to travel to one of the most famous tourist destinations in South America.

Enjoy delicious meals onboard, including breakfast, brunch, and dinner, prepared by skilled chefs. Complimentary beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are available throughout the journey. Experience live music and entertainment during the trip. A guided tour of Machu Picchu is included, providing insights into its history and significance. Comfortable seating, elegant interiors, and impeccable service.

San Francisco convent in Lima:

Explore the historic catacombs filled with thousands of bones arranged in intricate patterns, a vast library housing ancient books and manuscripts, and the beautifully adorned church featuring Spanish Baroque architecture. The convent also displays stunning religious art and frescoes, including a unique depiction of the Last Supper with Peruvian elements, offering a rich glimpse into Lima’s colonial past.

Ollantaytambo archaeological site:

It was once an important administrative center for the Inca Empire and played a strategic role in the Spanish conquest of Peru. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the ruins, visit the local market, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding Andes mountains. Ollantaytambo is also an important transportation hub for those traveling to Machu Picchu, as the town is a starting point for the famous Inca Trail hike and has a train station with regular service.

Machu Picchu Inca citadel:

Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city in Peru, rests high in the Andes Mountains. It was built in the 15th century, during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, and rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. It is renowned for its advanced dry-stone construction with structures seamlessly fitted together without the use of mortar. It has extensive agricultural terraces, which demonstrate sophisticated engineering techniques for water management. Machu Picchu is notable for its astronomical alignments, particularly the Intihuatana stone, which functioned as a solar clock or calendar. Today it is known as one on the seven wonders of the world.

Temple of the Ray:

An important place of worship in Sacsayhuaman’s citadel was the temple of lightning. It is thought to have been a place of worship for Illapa, the Inca god of lightning. Illapa was a strong god in Inca mythology who commanded lightning and thunder and was revered as a protector of the Incas and their empire. It was constructed from huge stone blocks. No mortar was required to join the blocks together because they were carved and placed with such accuracy. The temple of lightning is thought to have been built in the 15th century, during the reign of the Inca Pachactec.

Cusco cathedral:

It is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru. The construction of the cathedral began in 1559 and was completed in 1669. It was built on the site of the temple of the Inca Wiracocha, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors. The cathedral is a mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic. It also has an impressive collection of religious art, with many works from the Cusco School, one of the most important schools of religious art in Latin America. The cathedral is famous for its main altar, which is made of silver and features many religious artworks and sculptures.