Classic Cusco (6 days)
Overview
CLASSIC CUSCO — Culture, history, and Machu Picchu
An itinerary for those wishing to discover the main charms of Cusco at a more relaxed pace, without strenuous hiking. Ideal for enjoying Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the rich history and culture of the Andes in comfort.
Itinerary
1DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN CUSCO AND ACCLIMATIZATION
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel in comfort and safety.
This is a free day, designed specifically for you to rest after your journey and allow your body to gently adjust to the altitude of Cusco, located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.
No rush, no obligations: take the time to rest, stay hydrated, and begin to soak up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
2DAY 2 – ANDEAN WOMEN, MORAY, AND THE MARAS SALT MINES
After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, we will depart from Cusco for the Valley—a lower-altitude region perfect for a leisurely day.
Our first stop will be with the Andean women, where you will learn about the artisanal wool-making process—from washing and dyeing to spinning and weaving fabrics adorned with geometric patterns that reflect the Andean worldview and harmony with nature.
Next, we will visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site featuring circular terraces, followed by the Maras Salt Mines, home to hundreds of salt pools built into the mountainside by the Incas—pools that remain in use to this day.
After these visits, we will return to Cusco, arriving at Regozijo Square around 3:00 PM, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for you to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
3DAY 3 – SACRED VALLEY AND AGUAS CALIENTES
Check out of your hotel; we recommend taking only a backpack with the essentials for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage remains in Cusco.
After breakfast, around 7:30 AM, we will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the enchanting Pisac Archaeological Complex, where we will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next, we will travel to Urubamba for a lunch break before continuing to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, our team will be waiting at the station to welcome you and escort you to your hotel, ensuring your peace of mind and safety.
4DAY 4 – MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO
The highlight of the trip has arrived! In the morning, we will head to Machu Picchu, accompanied by a professional guide who will lead you through the sanctuary and share all the details about this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit, you will learn more about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu, the impressive agricultural terraces, the ancient structures, the temples, the ceremonial areas, and how the Incas made the most of the natural landscape and the mountain's strategic location.
After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch before catching the train back to Cusco. You will take home not only beautiful photos but also the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the world's greatest wonders!
5DAY 5 – FREE DAY IN CUSCO
A day designed to slow down and enjoy the charm of Cusco at your own pace.
Stroll through the streets of the historic center, discover its plazas, small shops, and cafés, learn a bit more about the local culture, or simply soak up the city's enchanting atmosphere.
A free day to do whatever you like—without schedules or rushing.
6DAY 6 – RETURN TO BRAZIL
The time has come to say goodbye to Cusco!
At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free transfer to Cusco Airport for your return flight.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories but also the desire to return and discover even more of Peru.
What's Included
Included
- 2 Transfers: Airport / Hotel / Airport
- Professional guides (Spanish & English) for all tours
- Tourist transport for all tours
- Tour: Maras & Moray (entrance fees not included)
- Tour: Sacred Valley of the Incas, including lunch (entrance fees not included)
- Tour: Machu Picchu
- Round-trip train ticket (Expedition or Voyager category)
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Not Included
• Airfare: Domestic and international
• Accommodation and meals not mentioned
• Entrance fees: Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley
• Entrance fee for the Maras Salt Mines
• Snacks
• Water
Recommendations
• Bring your ID card or passport (the one used to purchase your ticket)
• Wear layered clothing
• Comfortable sneakers
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Water
• Snacks
• Motion sickness medication (for winding roads)
• Rain poncho (during the rainy season)
• Cash in Soles
• Backpack for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Avoid raw foods
• Drink only purchased water
• Keep your documents handy at all times
General Conditions
-
Document Accuracy & Identification: Participants must present the original, physical passport or national ID card specified at the time of booking. Discrepancies between booking details and your physical document will result in denied entry to Machu Picchu or train boarding without refund.
-
Non-Included Fees: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) and the entrance fee for the Maras Salt Mines are not included in the tour price. These fees must be paid directly in cash using local currency (Peruvian Soles) at the respective checkpoints.
-
Ticket Non-Refundability & Changes: Machu Picchu entry tickets and train passes (Expedition or Voyager category) are strictly regulated by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and train operators. Once issued, tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable.
-
Health, Altitude & Fitness: While this itinerary is designed for a relaxed pace, Cusco sits at an altitude of over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet). Passengers are responsible for ensuring they are fit for travel in high-altitude environments. Travel and health insurance covering altitude-related medical issues and trip interruptions is strongly recommended.
-
Luggage Allowance on Trains: PeruRail and Inca Rail enforce strict baggage limits for train travel to Aguas Calientes. Each passenger is allowed one small backpack or carry-on weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs). Larger main luggage must be left in storage at your hotel in Cusco.
-
Force Majeure & Schedule Modifications: Tour schedules, train departure times, or circuit entries may be modified due to weather conditions, landslides, strikes, or government mandates. The operator reserves the right to alter itineraries to ensure passenger safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entrance tickets do I need to pay for on-site, and how much cash should I bring?
You will need to pay in cash (Peruvian Soles) for the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for the Sacred Valley sites and the separate entrance fee for the Maras Salt Mines. It is recommended to carry around 150 to 200 Soles per person in cash to cover these fees, plus extra cash for meals, snacks, water, and tips, as card payments are rarely accepted at rural checkpoints.
How should I manage my main luggage when traveling to Machu Picchu?
Train operators limit onboard luggage to a single small backpack (up to 5 kg / 11 lbs) per passenger. You will pack an overnight bag for your stay in Aguas Calientes and leave your main suitcase in free storage at your Cusco hotel, which you can retrieve upon your return.
How can I best prepare for the high altitude in Cusco?
To minimize altitude sickness (soroche), plan to rest for a few hours upon arrival in Cusco. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water and coca tea, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol and heavy physical exertion during the first 24 to 48 hours. Carrying motion sickness or altitude medication is also advised.
What happens if I renew or change my passport after booking the tour?
Because Machu Picchu and train tickets are tied to your exact passport number, you must notify us immediately if your passport changes. You must bring both your old physical passport (or a clear official copy) and your new valid passport on the tour to verify your identity at train stations and site entrances.
Gallery
