How to Plan Your 4-Day Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Adventure

If you are planning a trip to Peru, then a visit to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu is an essential item on your itinerary. While there are numerous ways to reach Machu Picchu, a 4-day organized tour is an efficient and stress-free way to explore the historic site and the surrounding areas. This small-group tour includes all transportation, hotel stays, meals, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable tour guide to help you discover the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

Overview

This 4-day tour is an ideal way to get a taste of the unique region of Cusco, uncovering its history, culture, and cuisine. With an all-inclusive package, the stress of planning your stay is eliminated, and you can sit back and relax as you discover the top attractions. The small-group tour caters to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention throughout the trip. You will also stay in comfortable accommodation, and enjoy complimentary meals throughout the tour.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco City Tour

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a city tour covering the main sights such as the Koricancha temple, the Plaza de Armas, and San Blas neighborhood. You will also be introduced to the diverse culinary scene of Cusco by visiting a local restaurant. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel to relax for the evening.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour

On day two, you will take a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, stopping at the traditional market town of Pisac to explore the artisanal handicrafts and local produce. The trip continues to Ollantaytambo, where you will visit a magnificent archaeological site overlooking the Sacred Valley. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, a small town at the base of Machu Picchu.

Day 3: Machu Picchu Tour

Rising early, you will catch a bus to Machu Picchu for a walking tour with a professional guide. The tour will cover the main attractions, including the Temple of the Sun, the urban areas, and the agricultural terraces. You will have free time to explore the site independently before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the evening, you will take a train back to Cusco.

Day 4: Departure Day

Your tour concludes with a transfer to Cusco’s airport or bus station, leaving you free to continue your travels or return home.

What’s Included

This tour comprises all the necessary expenses mentioned below:

• Hotel accommodations for three nights.
• All transportation required during the tour.
• Professional tour guide.
• All admission tickets related to the itinerary (including Machu Picchu).
• Four complimentary meals during the tour.
• Train Tickets

You are advised to bring spending money for additional meals, souvenirs, and personal expenses.

Meeting and Pickup

This tour includes a pickup service from your hotel in Cusco at 12:30 PM on the first day. The pickup details will be confirmed upon booking your reservation.

Additional Info

Please note that confirmation will be received at the time of booking, and the trip is not wheelchair accessible. Furthermore, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women as the high altitude may be a concern.

Book the Tour Here

If you are excited to explore the mystic sites of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, then you can book the tour through this link. Don’t forget to check visa requirements and other practicalities before you travel to Peru.

Conclusion

Traveling to Machu Picchu can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and this 4-day tour provides an organized and enjoyable approach to exploring the archeological wonder and its neighboring regions. This stress-free tour permits you to focus on your adventure and absorb the amazing landscapes in beautiful Peru without worrying about logistics or planning.

An Insider’s Guide to the Enchanting Cusco City

Cusco City is a charming, history-packed destination that has enchanted tourists from all around the world. Besides the renowned Machu Picchu and the breathtaking Sacred Valley, Cusco is full of hidden gems and unique experiences that only locals know about. If you want to have an unforgettable adventure in Cusco, follow this insider’s guide that will take you to remarkable places, both on and off the beaten path.

Local Attractions: Cusco’s Best-Kept Secrets

While the popular sights such as the Plaza de Armas, Koricancha, and Sacsayhuaman Fortress are impressive, Cusco also has some lesser-known attractions that are equally worth exploring. Here are our top picks:

– Museo Maximo Laura: A vibrant showcase of Peruvian tapestry art that will amaze you with its vivid colors and intricate designs.
– Los Apus Cemetery: A peaceful and touching cemetery where locals honor their deceased family members and ancestors with flowers and keepsakes.
– San Pedro Market: A bustling local market where you can discover a variety of local produce, traditional crafts, and delicious food.

Dining Spots: Taste the Rich Culinary Diversity of Cusco

The food culture of Cusco is a unique and exciting mix of indigenous, Spanish, and international influences. Whether you’re craving a savory ceviche, a spicy lomo saltado, or a sweet picarones, there’s a restaurant or street vendor that can satisfy your appetite. Here are some of our favorite dining spots:

– Pachapapa: A cozy restaurant that serves authentic Andean cuisine, including roasted guinea pig, alpaca steak, and quinoa soup.
– San Pedro Street Food: A vibrant street food market where you can try delicious Peruvian snacks like anticuchos, empanadas, and churros.
– Chicha: A modern restaurant that elevates traditional Andean ingredients and cooking techniques into mouth-watering dishes like rocoto relleno and suckling pig.

Cultural Experiences: Dive Into Cusco’s Fascinating Traditions

Cusco is a city deeply rooted in history and culture, with numerous festivals, rituals, and customs that reflect its rich heritage. Here are some cultural experiences that will give you a glimpse into the heart of Cusco:

– Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun, which is celebrated on June 24th every year, is a mesmerizing reenactment of the Incan winter solstice, complete with colorful costumes, music, and dance.
– Qhapaq Raymi: The Great Inca Road is a spectacular procession that honors the Incan network of roads and bridges, featuring traditional dances, music, and cuisine.
– Folkloric Center Cusco: A cultural center that showcases the diversity of Andean music, dance, and folklore, with live performances and workshops.

Local History: Stories That Bring Cusco’s Past to Life

Cusco’s history is full of fascinating tales of conquest, resistance, and survival, that have shaped the city’s identity and landscape. Here are some memorable stories that will transport you back in time:

– The Twelve-Angled Stone: A legendary stone that is part of the Incan wall in the Hatunrumiyoc street, and has a unique shape that fits perfectly into the other stones without mortar or glue.
– The Last Inca: The tragic story of Atahualpa, the Incan king who was captured by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and executed, marking the end of the Incan empire.
– The Secret Tunnel: The mysterious tunnel that runs beneath the Convent of Santo Domingo, and is said to have been built by the Incas as a secret escape route or a sacred path to the Inti Raymi.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Adventures Await You

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to discover some unique and memorable aspects of Cusco, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will create lasting memories:

– Moray and Maras: A stunning landscape of circular terraces and salt mines that show the ingenuity and skill of the Incas in agriculture and industry.
– Rainbow Mountain: A breathtaking hike that takes you through colorful valleys and snow-capped peaks, until you reach the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain with its stripes of vibrant colors.
– Coffee Plantation Tours: An immersive experience that takes you through the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee beans, and ends with a tasting of the rich and complex flavors of Peruvian coffee.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Journey Awaits You

Cusco is a city that will steal your heart and leave you longing for more. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an adventurer, or a spiritual seeker, Cusco has something unique and exceptional to offer. Follow this insider’s guide and explore the hidden gems and treasures that make Cusco one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. Share your experiences and recommendations with fellow travelers, and let the magic of Cusco inspire you for years to come.