Cuzco & Machu Picchu Itineraries

We offer 3 recommended itineraries and on request we will create a custom Machu Picchu trip to fit your specific interests and schedule.

6 Day This program includes Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and an overnight at Machu Picchu in your choice of hotel. This is the best experience of Andes culture and archeology.

4 Day This shorter trip leaves out the Sacred Valley while still providing an overnight at Machu Picchu in your choice of hotel.

3 Day For those short on time. Travel from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, tour the ruins, and return to Cuzco the same day. No overnight at Machu Picchu.

ALL services are PRIVATE SERVICE. Flights are not included.

Ask for Custom Itinerary.

6 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Make a morning flight to Cuzco at 11,024 feet above sea level. Greeting upon arrival and transfer from the airport to the Hotel Royal Inca II. This three-star hotel is within walking distance of historic churches, museums and the main plaza of Cuzco. Afternoon tour of Cuzco - The Plaza de Armas, which has been the center of solemn parades and great assemblies since Inca times; The Cathedral, built on the site where the palace of Inca Viracocha once stood, mixes Spanish Renaissance architecture with beautiful Inca stone-work. Its construction began in 1580 and took approximately one century to complete.Among its many treasures are nearly 400 colonial paintings, including those of the "School of Cusco" Cusco Cathedral a very particular style developed by the blending of Incaand Spanish cultures; The Museum of Religious Art, displaying a fine collection of colonialartifacts and paintings of the "School of Cusco" style. Just outside is the Twelve AngledStone, an example of Inca architectural achievement that continues to amaze the world, the twelve corner-angles fit perfectly with all the surrounding stone blocks. The stones were positioned without the use of mortar and have withstood earthquakes of the centuries; The Koricancha Temple, known as the "temple of the supreme Sun God " that colonial chronicles described as having the inner walls covered with gold plates to reflect the sun's rays entering through windows specially positioned for that purpose; and the nearby ruins Sacsayhuaman, a massive fortress made of large stones, including one weighing 125 tons, arranged in a zig-zag shape in three platforms. Sacsayhuaman presently serves as the location for the Inti Raymi Festival (Festival of the Sun) held every year on June 24 and; Kenko, or Quenco, (zig-zag) another great example of skilled Inca masonry work consisting of a large limestone slab covered with carvings, thought to have been used for ritual sacrifices. Here is also a mysterious cave with large niches, and an amphitheater facing north with 19 niches; Tambomachay, consisting of a beautiful ceremonial bath, popularly called "Bath of the Inca”, formed by four walls linked by stairs and adorned with crystalline waterfalls. Return to Royal Inca II for overnight. (B)

Day 2 - Free day for optional activities. Cuzco has many shops with colorful, diverse and creative handicrafts. These include textiles hand-made from alpaca wool, ceramics, religious imagery, dolls, gold and silver jewelry and more. Wandering around the colorful fruit and vegetable market is a photographer’s dream. There are many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy delicious regional cuisine. Overnight at Royal Inca II Hotel. (B)

Day 3 - Early morning pickup for a full day tour of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Awanakancha, a beautiful Exhibition Center of Textiles and South American camelids such as llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas. Continue to the Urubamba Valley of the Incas, considered the historic heart of the Inca Empire. It was intensively cultivated with terraces increasing its harvest several fold. Small villages lined the valley floor, while the stone fortresses of Ollantaytambo and Pisac served the dual purpose of providing protection and serving as religious centers. We arrive to the colorful Pisac Indian Market, have sometime for free exploration. Lunch at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay hotel. Continue to Ollantaytambo for a tour of the ruins. The enormous step terraces protecting the fortress are spectacular. The bastion's walls were built with huge blocks of granite. This location was the site of a major battle during Manco Capac's Inca rebellion against the conquistadors. Overnight at Pakaritampu Hotel. The hotel was built in the architectural style of Cuzco and is surrounded by lawns and garden of local plants and flowers. (Pisac Indian Market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Other Sacred Valley hotel options available.) (B/L)

Day 4 - Early morning transfer to the station for the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome trains have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. Entertainment on board, snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included on the journey. Aguas Calientes is renowned for its natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). Upon arrival, transfer by bus to Machu Picchu. Full-day guided tour of the Inca citadel including park entrance fee, bus and lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Machu Picchu is one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built by the Incas on the summit of the mountain of Machu Picchu (Old Peak), it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River in a semi-tropical area at 8,000 feet above sea level. It was “re-discovered” in 1911 by the American professor Hiram Bingham, although locals knew of it’s existence all along. The building style is "late imperial Inca". It is thought to have been a sanctuary inhabited by high priests and the "Virgins of the Sun". No signs of post-conquest occupation were found. The original entrance to the complex is the Intipunko" (Sun Gate) on the southwestern side of the citadel at the end of the Inca Trail. You can easily take a short walk out from the main ruins to the Sun Gate. Overnight at Hotel of your choice. (See options below.) (B/L/ maybe D)

Day 5 - Morning return (on your own) to the citadel including bus and entrance fee. An early arrival will give you the opportunity to walk out to the Sun Gate to obtain the classic Machu Picchu photograph of the rays of the sun first illuminating the ruins. Your guide the previous day will brief you on what time to arrive to the gate. This morning is also a good opportunity to hike up Huayna Picchu, (Young Peak), that is as much a part of the site as the buildings of the citadel. The towering granite peak overlooks Machu Picchu to the north with a steep, well-preserved original Inca path, well worth the one hour climb for an astounding view of the citadel and the entire valley. Note that this hike is not suited for those nervous about heights and sheer drop-offs. Afternoon Vistadome train back to Cuzco - Poroy Station, with private transfer to your Cuzco hotel, the Royal Inka II. (B)

Day 6 - Late morning transfer from hotel to airport for flight back to Lima. Make your connections to the States or elsewhere. (B)

Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu			6 days / 5 nights
Tour class:	PRIVATE SERVICE 2010 Rates
Highlights:	Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Hotel near Ruins. Pisac Market days are Tues. Thurs. Sun.
Includes:	All activities guided in Private Service, entrance fees, meals as shown, transfers to and from airports, hotels. Flights are not included.
Operates:	Daily departures.
Prices below are for the 6 day/5 night Itinerary as above with the Hotel of your choice at Machu Picchu. Hotel substitutions in Cuzco by request.
Select your Hotel near the Ruins:	Total Itinerary Price per person
Select your Hotel near the Ruins:	1	2	3	4	5/6	Single Supp
Inti Inn Wiñaywayna	$ 1578	$ 1069	$ 952	$ 896	$ 866	$ 167

Hostal Continental	$ 1577	$ 1071	$ 954	$ 898	$ 868	$ 163

Hanaqpacha Inn
Standard	$ 1594	$ 1083	$ 966	$ 910	$ 880	$ 168
Superior	$ 1659	$ 1108	$ 991	$ 935	$ 905	$ 207

Rupa Wasi	$ 1621	$ 1090	$ 973	$ 917	$ 887	$ 188

Inti Inn Machu Picchu	$ 1654	$ 1106	$ 989	$ 933	$ 903	$ 205

Hatuchay Towers
Standard	$ 1764	$ 1175	$ 1058	$ 1002	$ 972	$ 246
Superior	$ 1876	$ 1217	$ 1100	$ 1044	$ 1014	$ 315
Junior Suite	$ 2003	$ 1281	$ 1164	$ 1108	$ 1078	$ 379

Inkaterra Machu Picchu
Superior Room	$ 1973	$ 1325	$ 1208	$ 1152	$ 1122	$ 305
Superior Deluxe	$ 2028	$ 1353	$ 1236	$ 1180	$ 1150	$ 332
Junior	$ 2082	$ 1381	$ 1264	$ 1208	$ 1178	$ 359
Junior Deluxe	$ 2194	$ 1475	$ 1358	$ 1302	$ 1272	$ 375
Suite	$ 2370	$ 1579	$ 1462	$ 1406	$ 1376	$ 449

Sumaq Machu Picchu
Superior Deluxe	$ 1957	$ 1315	$ 1198	$ 1142	$ 1112	$ 300
Junior Suite	$ 2056	$ 1376	$ 1259	$ 1203	$ 1173	$ 337

Sanctuary Lodge
Standard Room	$ 2284	$ 1484	$ 1367	$ 1311	$ 1281	$ 457
with Mtn. View	$ 2476	$ 1569	$ 1452	$ 1396	$ 1366	$ 564
with View & Terrace	$ 2621	$ 1637	$ 1520	$ 1464	$ 1434	$ 641
Suite	$ 2836	$ 1772	$ 1655	$ 1599	$ 1569	$ 721

4 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Make a morning flight to Cuzco at 11,024 feet above sea level. Greeting upon arrival and transfer from the airport to the Hotel Royal Inca II. This three-star hotel is within walking distance of historic churches, museums and the main plaza of Cuzco. Afternoon tour of Cuzco - The Plaza de Armas, which has been the center of solemn parades and great assemblies since Inca times; The Cathedral, built on the site where the palace of Inca Viracocha once stood, mixes Spanish Renaissance architecture with beautiful Inca stone-work. Its construction began in 1580 and took approximately one century to complete. Among its many treasures are nearly 400 colonial paintings, including those of the "School of Cusco" a very particular style developed by the blending of Inca and Spanish cultures; The Museum of Religious Art, displaying a fine collection of colonial artifacts and paintings of the "School of Cusco" style. Just outside is the Twelve Angled Stone, an example of Inca architectural achievement that continues to amaze the world, the twelve corner-angles fit perfectly with all the surrounding stone blocks. The stones were positioned without the use of mortar and have withstood earthquakes of the centuries; The Koricancha Temple, known as the "temple of the supreme Sun God " that colonial chronicles described as having the inner walls covered with gold plates to reflect the sun's rays entering through windows specially positioned for that purpose; and the nearby ruins Sacsayhuaman, a massive fortress made of large stones, including one weighing 125 tons, arranged in a zig-zag shape in three platforms. Sacsayhuaman presently serves as the location for the Inti Raymi Festival (Festival of the Sun) held every year on June 24 and; Kenko, or Quenco, (zig-zag) another great example of skilled Inca masonry work consisting of a large limestone slab covered with carvings, thought to have been used for ritual sacrifices. Here is also a mysterious cave with large niches, and an amphitheater facing north with 19 niches; Tambomachay, consisting of a beautiful ceremonial bath, popularly called "Bath of the Inca”, formed by four walls linked by stairs and adorned with crystalline waterfalls. Return to Royal Inca II for overnight. (B)

Day 2 - Early morning transfer to the station for the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome trains have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. Entertainment on board, snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included on the journey. Aguas Calientes is renowned for its natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). Upon arrival, transfer by bus to Machu Picchu. Full-day guided tour of the Inca citadel including park entrance fee, bus and lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Machu Picchu is one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built by the Incas on the summit of the mountain of Machu Picchu (Old Peak), it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River in a semi-tropical area at 8,000 feet above sea level. It was “re-discovered” in 1911 by the American professor Hiram Bingham, although locals knew of it’s existence all along. The building style is "late imperial Inca". It is thought to have been a sanctuary inhabited by high priests and the "Virgins of the Sun". No signs of post-conquest occupation were found. The original entrance to the complex is the Intipunko" (Sun Gate) on the southwestern side of the citadel at the end of the Inca Trail. You can easily take a short walk out from the main ruins to the Sun Gate. Overnight at Hotel of your choice. (See options below.) (B/L/ maybe D)

Day 3 - Morning return (on your own) to the citadel including bus and entrance fee. An early arrival will give you the opportunity to walk out to the Sun Gate to obtain the classic Machu Picchu photograph of the rays of the sun first illuminating the ruins. Your guide the previous day will brief you on what time to arrive to the gate. This morning is also a good opportunity to hike up Huayna Picchu, (Young Peak), that is as much a part of the site as the buildings of the citadel. The towering granite peak overlooks Machu Picchu to the north with a steep, well-preserved original Inca path, well worth the one hour climb for an astounding view of the citadel and the entire valley. Note that this hike is not suited for those nervous about heights and sheer drop-offs. Afternoon Vistadome train back to Cuzco - Poroy Station, with private transfer to your Cuzco hotel, the Royal Inka II. (B)

Day 4 - Late morning transfer from hotel to airport for flight back to Lima. Make your connections to the States or elsewhere. (B)

Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu			4 days / 3 nights
Tour class:	PRIVATE SERVICE 2010 Rates
Highlights:	Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Tambomachay, Machu Picchu, Hotel near Ruins.
Includes:	All activities guided in Private Service, entrance fees, meals as shown, transfers to and from airports, hotels. Flights are not included.
Operates:	Daily departures.
Prices below are for the 4 day/3 night Itinerary as above with the Hotel of your choice at Machu Picchu. Hotel substitutions in Cuzco by request.
Select your Hotel near the Ruins:	Total Itinerary Price per person
Select your Hotel near the Ruins:	1	2	3	4	5/6	Single Supp
Inti Inn Wiñaywayna	$ 1148	$ 823	$ 740	$ 701	$ 680	$ 84

Hostal Continental	$ 1147	$ 825	$ 742	$ 703	$ 682	$ 80

Hanaqpacha Inn
Standard	$ 1164	$ 837	$ 754	$ 715	$ 694	$ 85
Superior	$ 1229	$ 862	$ 779	$ 740	$ 719	$ 124

Rupa Wasi	$ 1191	$ 844	$ 761	$ 722	$ 701	$ 105

Inti Inn Machu Picchu	$ 1224	$ 860	$ 777	$ 738	$ 717	$ 122

Hatuchay Towers
Standard	$ 1334	$ 929	$ 846	$ 807	$ 786	$ 163
Superior	$ 1446	$ 971	$ 888	$ 849	$ 828	$ 232
Junior Suite	$ 1573	$ 1035	$ 952	$ 913	$ 892	$ 296

Inkaterra Machu Picchu
Superior Room	$ 1543	$ 1079	$ 996	$ 957	$ 936	$ 222
Superior Deluxe	$ 1598	$ 1107	$ 1024	$ 985	$ 964	$ 249
Junior	$ 1652	$ 1135	$ 1052	$ 1013	$ 992	$ 276
Junior Deluxe	$ 1764	$ 1229	$ 1146	$ 1107	$ 1086	$ 292
Suite	$ 1940	$ 1333	$ 1250	$ 1211	$ 1190	$ 366

Sumaq Machu Picchu
Superior Deluxe	$ 1527	$ 1069	$ 986	$ 947	$ 926	$ 217
Junior Suite	$ 1626	$ 1130	$ 1047	$ 1008	$ 987	$ 254

Sanctuary Lodge
Standard Room	$ 1854	$ 1238	$ 1155	$ 1116	$ 1095	$ 374
with Mtn. View	$ 2046	$ 1323	$ 1240	$ 1201	$ 1180	$ 481
with View & Terrace	$ 2191	$ 1391	$ 1308	$ 1269	$ 1248	$ 558
Suite	$ 2406	$ 1526	$ 1443	$ 1404	$ 1383	$ 638

3 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Make a morning flight to Cuzco at 11,024 feet above sea level. Greeting upon arrival and transfer from the airport to the Hotel Royal Inca II. This three-star hotel is within walking distance of historic churches, museums and the main plaza of Cuzco. Afternoon tour of Cuzco - The Plaza de Armas, which has been the center of solemn parades and great assemblies since Inca times; The Cathedral, built on the site where the palace of Inca Viracocha once stood, mixes Spanish Renaissance architecture with beautiful Inca stone-work. Its construction began in 1580 and took approximately one century to complete. Among its many treasures are nearly 400 colonial paintings, including those of the "School of Cusco" a very particular style developed by the blending of Inca and Spanish cultures; The Museum of Religious Art, displaying a fine collection of colonial artifacts and paintings of the "School of Cusco" style. Just outside is the Twelve Angled Stone, an example of Inca architectural achievement that continues to amaze the world, the twelve corner-angles fit perfectly with all the surrounding stone blocks. The stones were positioned without the use of mortar and have withstood earthquakes of the centuries; The Koricancha Temple, known as the "temple of the supreme Sun God " that colonial chronicles described as having the inner walls covered with gold plates to reflect the sun's rays entering through windows specially positioned for that purpose; and the nearby ruins Sacsayhuaman, a massive fortress made of large stones, including one weighing 125 tons, arranged in a zig-zag shape in three platforms. Sacsayhuaman presently serves as the location for the Inti Raymi Festival (Festival of the Sun) held every year on June 24 and; Kenko, or Quenco, (zig-zag) another great example of skilled Inca masonry work consisting of a large limestone slab covered with carvings, thought to have been used for ritual sacrifices. Here is also a mysterious cave with large niches, and an amphitheater facing north with 19 niches; Tambomachay, consisting of a beautiful ceremonial bath, popularly called "Bath of the Inca”, formed by four walls linked by stairs and adorned with crystalline waterfalls. Return to Royal Inca II for overnight. (B)

Day 2 -Early morning transfer to the station for the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome trains have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. Entertainment on board, snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included on the journey. Aguas Calientes is renowned for its natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). Upon arrival, transfer by bus to Machu Picchu. Full-day guided tour of the Inca citadel including park entrance fee, bus and lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Machu Picchu is one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built by the Incas on the summit of the mountain of Machu Picchu (Old Peak), it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River in a semi-tropical area at 8,000 feet above sea level. It was “re-discovered” in 1911 by the American professor Hiram Bingham, although locals knew of it’s existence all along. The building style is "late imperial Inca". It is thought to have been a sanctuary inhabited by high priests and the "Virgins of the Sun". No signs of post-conquest occupation were found. The original entrance to the complex is the Intipunko" (Sun Gate) on the southwestern side of the citadel at the end of the Inca Trail. You can easily take a short walk out from the main ruins to the Sun Gate. Afternoon Vistadome train back to Cuzco - Poroy Station with private car to your Cusco hotel, the Royal Inka II. (B/L)

Day 3 - Late morning transfer from hotel to airport for flight back to Lima. Make your connections to the States or elsewhere. (B)

Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu			3 days / 2 nights
Travel Cuzco to Machu Picchu, tour the ruins, and return to Cuzco the same day.
Tour class:	PRIVATE SERVICE 2010 Rates
Highlights:	Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Tambomachay, Machu Picchu.
Includes:	All activities guided in Private Service, entrance fees, meals as shown, transfers to and from airports, hotels. Flights are not included.
Operates:	Daily departures.
	Price per person
	1	2	3	4	5/6	Single Supp
	$ 1000	$ 702	$ 619	$ 580	$ 559	$ 56

Machu Picchu Itineraries	Hike the Inca Trail
About Cuzco	Places to see outside Cuzco
About Machu Picchu	Amazon Riverboat Expedition & Machu Picchu Combo