Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Machu Picchu

Begin your journey in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire with an immersive Cusco City Tour, ideal for acclimatizing and understanding the living history of the Andes.

The tour starts with hotel pickup at approximately 1:00 PM. Visit Tambomachay, a ceremonial temple associated with water and purification, followed by Puca Pucara, a reddish fortress that once functioned as a military checkpoint.

Continue to Q'enqo, where carved limestone channels, ceremonial altars, and underground chambers reveal Inca religious practices. Then visit Sacsayhuaman, an extraordinary fortress made of enormous interlocking stones.

Back in the city, visit Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and conclude at the Cathedral of Cusco, home to religious artwork and colonial masterpieces.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide picks you up between 7:00 and 7:15 AM to begin the Sacred Valley journey.

The first stop is a traditional artisan center with live demonstrations of Andean weaving techniques. Continue to El Mirador for panoramic views of the valley.

Explore the archaeological site of Pisaq, including ceremonial plazas, stonework, and agricultural terraces. Afterward, visit the nearby artisan market.

Continue to Urubamba for buffet lunch. In the afternoon, arrive at Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns, and visit its monumental terraces and ancient fortress.

After Ollantaytambo, enjoy dinner before or after the train journey to Aguas Calientes, depending on the assigned train time. Upon arrival, check in at a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, leave your main luggage in storage and bring only a small daypack with passport, sun protection, water, and camera.

Walk to the Aguas Calientes bus station and take the approximately 25-minute shuttle ride to Machu Picchu.

Use the restrooms outside the entrance before entering. Your guided visit follows Circuit 2, subject to availability, or the best available official circuit.

Explore the panoramic viewpoint near the Watchtower, main temples, royal quarters, agricultural terraces, sacred fountains, and ceremonial sectors during a guided visit of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

If pre-booked, Huayna Picchu may be added. After the visit, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes around midday. Lunch is on your own before boarding the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. A private vehicle returns you to Cusco, with expected hotel arrival around 8:00 PM.

Cusco Airport mainly handles domestic flights. International travelers normally arrive in Lima, clear customs and immigration, and connect to Cusco.

• LATAM, Avianca, SKY, and other airlines operate daily flights from Lima.
• Weather and high-altitude landing conditions can cause delays.
• Lima to Cusco by bus takes approximately 20 to 22 hours.
• Arrive in Cusco at least one full day before the tour.

Train luggage capacity is limited. Bring one small carry-on bag or backpack for the two hotel nights.

• Leave large luggage securely at your Cusco hotel or with IPA storage.
• Keep passport, money, electronics, medication, and valuables with you.
• Label all bags clearly.
• Bring a small daypack for Machu Picchu.

This route includes Cusco and nearby sites at high altitude before descending to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
• Walk slowly and rest when needed.
• Tell your guide immediately if you feel headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue.

This tour is gentle to moderate and suitable for most travelers with basic mobility.

• Day 1 includes light walking at archaeological sites around Cusco.
• Day 2 includes moderate walking at Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.
• Day 3 includes stairs and uneven stone paths at Machu Picchu.
• No trekking experience is required.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

• Dry season, April to October: sunnier days and cool mornings.
• Rainy season, December to February: more showers and cloud cover.
• Shoulder months, March and November: mixed conditions.
• Bring breathable layers, fleece, and a light waterproof jacket.
• Use sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Carry a reusable bottle and small snacks.

• Guides are trained in first aid and altitude awareness.
• A first-aid kit is carried on tour.
• Portable oxygen is available when needed on high-altitude routes.
• Emergency transport plans are coordinated with local providers.
• Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

• Medical emergencies and altitude concerns.
• Trip cancellation or interruption.
• Weather-related delay.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Lost or delayed luggage.

• IPA follows low-impact travel practices.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and reduce single-use plastic.
• Respect sacred sites, local communities, and ancestral traditions.
• Your trip supports local guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants, and artisans.
• A portion of every booking contributes to the IPA Sustainable Fund.

• Valid passport or student ID.
• Immigration card if applicable.
• Travel-insurance details.
• Train, hotel, and Machu Picchu confirmations.
• Small overnight bag for two nights.

• Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes.
• Breathable layered clothing.
• Warm fleece or sweater.
• Light waterproof jacket or poncho.
• Sun hat or cap.
• Light scarf or buff.
• Extra clothing for two hotel nights.

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV sunglasses.
• Lip balm and hydrating cream.
• Hand sanitizer and biodegradable wet wipes.
• Personal medication.
• Insect repellent.
• Toiletries for two nights.

• Small daypack, ideally under 25 L.
• Original passport.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Light snacks.
• Camera or smartphone.
• Power bank.
• Cash in Peruvian soles.
• Rain gear and a warm layer.

• High-energy snacks.
• Camera or smartphone.
• Cash in small denominations.
• Reusable bottle or hydration pack.
• Waterproof pouch for documents and electronics.

IPA combines small groups, expert local guides, smooth logistics, cultural interpretation, and responsible tourism. The route includes Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu in one carefully organized package.

The tour is gentle to moderate. It includes walking through archaeological sites, stone paths, terraces, cobblestone streets, and Machu Picchu circuits, but no trekking.

Arrive early, hydrate, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and walk slowly. Guides are trained in altitude response and carry first-aid support.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley can be chilly in the morning and evening, especially from May to August. Aguas Calientes is warmer and more humid.

Yes. It is suitable for families and children aged approximately 6 and older, provided they are comfortable with light walking, stairs, and full sightseeing days.

This package offers a complete cultural route with small groups, expert guides, hotel coordination, train and bus tickets, Machu Picchu entrance, and carefully managed transfers from start to finish.