Machu Picchu 3 days/2 nights

🧭 Description

Explore the magic of Cusco and discover the most impressive legacy of the Inca Empire with this fully organized 3-day, 2-night tour. From your arrival at the airport to your final farewell, every moment is carefully planned for a stress-free experience filled with culture, history, and spectacular scenery.

Begin by acclimatizing to the ancient capital of Tahuantinsuyu with a tour of its sacred temples, ancient stone fortresses, and ancestral paths. Then, immerse yourself in the most anticipated journey: a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, where the mystique of the Inca citadel will completely envelop you. Walk among ceremonial temples, agricultural terraces, natural viewpoints, and sites that still preserve the soul of a unique civilization.

• ⚠️ Important: Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and sell out quickly, so it’s always important to check availability before confirming any tour. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to guarantee admission on your desired date.

🧭 Itinerary

📍 Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and connection with the Inca legacy

From the moment you land in the imperial city, the local team greets you with warmth and efficiency and takes you directly to your hotel. During this first contact with the Andean mountains, you’ll have time to adapt to Cusco’s slow pace, feel the fresh air of the high altitude, and contemplate its colonial rooftops and ancestral energy.

In the afternoon, begin a cultural journey that connects you directly to the heart of the Incas. The tour begins at the Temple of the Sun, known as Qoricancha, one of the most important ceremonial centers of the Inca worldview. Its perfectly assembled walls tell the story of a civilization that worshipped the sun with astronomical precision.

Afterward, you’ll head to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where the titanic stone blocks speak of an architecture that still amazes the world. The tour continues to Qenqo, a rock-carved sanctuary dedicated to secret rituals; then to Puca Pucara, a military structure that guarded the valley entrances; and finally to Tambomachay, a water temple with canals and fountains that still flow through the rock. This first day is a profound introduction to the splendor of Andean engineering and spirituality.

📍 Day 2: The Dream Day – On the Way to Machu Picchu, Wonder of the World

The day begins with the latent excitement of those about to fulfill a dream. The transfer takes you through the fertile Sacred Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and traditional villages, to the railway departure point. Aboard the tourist train, the journey becomes an unforgettable visual experience: rivers winding through the Andes, waterfalls tumbling from above, and high jungle landscapes that announce the arrival in the tropical zone of Aguas Calientes.

As soon as you step into this small and cozy town, you’ll feel like you’re on the threshold of something great. From there, an eco-friendly bus will take you along a steeply winding road through dense vegetation to the entrance of Machu Picchu. As you pass through the sanctuary gates, you will witness a majestic spectacle: the citadel emerges like a hidden gem between mountains and clouds, revealing its mysteries step by step.

During the guided tour, you will explore the most important sections of the sacred city: the temples dedicated to the Sun and the Condor, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana or “Inca sundial,” the agricultural terraces suspended over the abysses, and the ceremonial paths that harmoniously connect all spaces with nature.

Every step you take in Machu Picchu will be a history lesson and a moment of contemplation. After this intimate encounter with one of the wonders of the modern world, you will return to the village to enjoy a well-deserved traditional lunch, with free time to wander the streets, buy handicrafts, or relax if you wish. The day concludes with the return train ride, followed by ground transportation to your hotel in Cusco, your heart filled with wonder.

📍 Day 3: Last Postcards of Cusco and Farewell

Your last morning in Cusco is free to enjoy at your own pace. You can stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic center, visit a café overlooking the plaza, or return to a spot that captivated you on the first day. This is the perfect opportunity to take last-minute photos, buy souvenirs, or simply soak up the mystical atmosphere that characterizes this unique city.

At a prearranged time, our staff will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the airport, ensuring your departure is as smooth and punctual as your arrival. With lasting memories, picture-postcard photos, and a new connection to history, this all-inclusive trip to Machu Picchu culminates, an experience that goes far beyond sightseeing.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

This package is designed to provide you with a hassle-free, complete, and safe experience. All the essentials are covered so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind from the very beginning:

✅Pickup at the Cusco airport and private transfer to your chosen hotel in the historic center.

✅Tourist transportation for the Cusco City Tour, with return to your hotel.

✅Full admission to all the City Tour attractions: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

✅Professional tour guide throughout the tour in Cusco and Machu Picchu, bilingual (Spanish-English), with in-depth historical and cultural knowledge.

✅Round-trip tourist train ticket, Expedition service or similar:

1. Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
2. Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
3. Ground transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, before and after the train ride.

✅Hop-on hop-off tourist bus between Aguas Calientes and the citadel of Machu Picchu.

✅General admission to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, arranged in advance.

✅Guided tour of Machu Picchu, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, covering the main archaeological sites.

✅Lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, with typical regional dishes.

✅Free time to explore Aguas Calientes, shop for handicrafts, or relax after the tour.

✅Final transfer from your hotel to the Cusco airport, according to your flight schedule.

✅Personalized assistance throughout the trip, with attention to every detail.

❌ What’s not included?

Although the tour is comprehensive, there are certain personal and optional expenses not included in the package:

❌Breakfasts, dinners, or meals not specified, especially on the first and last days.

❌Admission to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, optional access that must be requested in advance and is subject to availability (additional cost).

❌Entrance tickets to the Aguas Calientes hot springs, optional activity (approx. 10 soles per person).

❌Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, additional drinks, calls, or laundry.

❌Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff, not mandatory, but recommended as a token of appreciation.

❌Travel or medical insurance, recommended but not included (you can purchase it yourself before your trip).

🌟 Recommendations

To make the most of this adventure to one of the wonders of the world, we share some useful recommendations that will make your experience more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable:

• Arrive in Cusco one or two days in advance, if possible. This will allow you to acclimatize to the altitude (3,350 m above sea level) and avoid altitude sickness during the excursions.
• Always carry your original passport. It is required to enter Machu Picchu and board the train.
• Pack layers of clothing. In Cusco and Machu Picchu, the weather can change in a single day. It is recommended to bring light shirts, a waterproof jacket, a coat for the evening, and comfortable pants.
• Appropriate footwear. Wear hiking shoes or sneakers with good non-slip soles. Avoid new or uncomfortable shoes.
• Stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle and drink water during hikes to maintain your energy.
• Sunscreen and repellent. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and insect repellent, especially in the Aguas Calientes area.
• Cash. Aguas Calientes has ATMs, but they are not always open. Bring cash in soles for personal expenses, souvenirs, drinks, or tips.
• Light backpack. Only small backpacks (max. 25 liters) are allowed during your visit to Machu Picchu. Bring essentials: water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, poncho, etc.
• Bring a charged camera or cell phone. You won’t want to miss the incredible panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Bring a power bank if possible.
• Swimwear (optional). If you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, don’t forget your swimsuit and a small towel.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, it’s an ideal option for families, couples, seniors, and travelers in general. No great physical fitness is required, as it doesn’t involve long hikes or difficult routes. The only things to consider are the altitude in Cusco and some stairs at Machu Picchu.

• Do I need a passport to enter Machu Picchu?

Yes, you must present your original passport to enter the sanctuary and to board the train. If you are a student and have a valid university ID, you must also bring it.

• Can I visit Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but you must request it at the time of your reservation. Access is limited and has an additional cost. It requires a good level of physical fitness, as it involves a steep hike, but offers spectacular views.

• When is the best time to take this tour?

The dry season, between April and October, offers clear skies and is ideal for visiting Machu Picchu. However, the tour runs year-round, even during the rainy season (November to March), when the landscape is greener and there are fewer visitors.

• Are there restrictions at Machu Picchu?

Yes. To preserve the archaeological site, large backpacks, selfie sticks, drones, umbrellas, and food are not permitted. You must also follow the established route and not touch or climb on any structures.

• Can I cancel or modify my reservation?

Cancellation and change policies vary by agency or operator. In general, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets are non-refundable, so it is recommended to check the conditions before confirming your purchase.

• Is accommodation included in this tour?

This package does not include accommodation, as it is designed for travelers who already have a hotel in Cusco. If you wish to include it, we can put together a customized package with 2, 3, or 4-star accommodations according to your preference.