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3 Day Machu Picchu Tour

Cusco Airport - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
(73)
Service Level:
Premium
Activity type:
  • Hiking
  • Local Culture
  • Archaeology
  • Train journeys
  • Scenic Vistas
Physical Rating:
Trip Type:
Semi-Private Tour
Trip Length
3 Days
Starting from
$ 740
per person

Leisurely 3-Day Machu Picchu Tour & Sacred Valley from Cusco Airport

Explore all the highlights of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on this amazing 3-day Private Guided Tour starting from Cusco Airport

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on our leisurely 3-day guided tour, starting from Cusco Airport. Our exclusive itinerary, carefully crafted by Cusco Local Friend, ensures that you make the most of your time exploring all the highlights of the region. From the picturesque sites of Chinchero, Moray, the salt mines of Maras, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo to the iconic Machu Picchu, our knowledgeable guides will accompany you every step of the way.

On this Exclusive 3 Day Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour, you’ll visit all the must-see sites of the region! For the first 2 Days, you will be exploring the Sacred Valley, including Pisac Ruins, Chinchero, Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and Ollantaytambo. On the third day, you will explore Machu Picchu on a private guided tour, Our expert local guide will take you through the ancient ruins and sites in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, sharing their knowledge of the history and meaning behind these incredible sites as well as the local culture; They will also show you the best spots for photos, ensuring you capture the perfect memories

This leisurely 3 – Day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley adventure is perfect for first-time visitors, couples, and families who enjoy taking their time to explore. Independent travelers will especially appreciate starting their journey in the Sacred Valley, as its lower elevation will help with acclimatization. With limited time in Peru, this tour allows you to make the most of your trip! For an extended and all-inclusive tour, check out our 5-day Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley highlights package.

Why you will love this tour

  • In just three days, you will see all the must-see destinations in the famous Sacred Valley and the new7wonder of the world – Machu Picchu.
  • This exclusive 3-Day itinerary introduces you to the history of the Incas and the local culture as you explore the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
  • Staying in the Sacred Valley which is at about 9,500 ft. above sea level will help you acclimatize quicker and gradually to the altitude so you can get up and explore this beautiful region with a lower risk of getting altitude sickness. 
  • Enjoy a personalized guided tour of one of the New7Wonders of the World and capture photos from prime vantage points and meet the local resident – the Llamas
  • Explore the Sacred Valley’s must-see sites in 2 leisurely days without being rushed and enjoy the scenic Sacred Valley by train on the way to Machu Picchu 
  • We don’t follow the crowds, while we include the must-see highlights in this tour; we make every effort to avoid most of the crowds.
  • This is an intimate private experience so you enjoy a personal experience, go at your own pace, and will be able to talk to your guide and ask questions, and be involved during the tour.

Trip Details

  • Tour Type: Private Tour basis
  • Start: Cusco Airport OR Cusco city
  • Finish: Cusco city
  • Pick-up Time: To be Confirmed based on the day program on the itinerary
  • Duration: 03 Days 
  • Mode: Private car, Train, Walking 
  • Difficulty: EASY TO MODERATE, you don’t need to be super-fit, although there is quite a lot of walking on trails with altitudes above 3,700 meters above sea level  (12100 feet) as well as there will be many stone-made steps up and down.
  • Customizable: YES! Go Private and customize this tour, add-ons are all available. We are happy to adjust this tour to fit your interests and travel timeframe.

ITINERARY

Day 1. Airport pickup - Transfer to the Sacred Valley - Pisac Tour

Flight to Cusco (It is required to arrive before midday). Upon arrival, we will meet you at Cusco airport and we start the adventure to the Sacred Valley right away. Staying in the Sacred Valley which is at about 9,500 ft. above sea level will help you acclimatize quicker and gradually to the altitude so you can get up and explore this beautiful region with a lower risk of getting altitude sickness. 

We will first drive to the Eastern side of the Sacred Valley while you enjoy the amazing scenic views of the area.

Our first stop is at Pisac Ruins – the most extensive archaeological sites in the Valley (it is even bigger than Machupicchu) You will be amazed by the stunning Incan farming terraces and the fort-like ruins of an Inkan village on the top of the Mountain. Whether or not to visit the Pisac Market is your choice, as it is an optional stop. At your request, we can also stop at a small Llama Farm on the way.

At the end of the tour, we will take you to your hotel in Urubamba or in Ollantaytambo.

We start the Second-Day adventure with the pickup from your Accommodation. The pickup time will be around 8 – 8.30 AM (it will be confirmed on the previous day)

We will first visit Chinchero, A small town famous for its spectacular mountain views, the traditional textile weaving cooperatives, and the well-preserved Inkan ruins. At the end of the tour, we will drive to your Hotel

By midmorning, We will explore the amazing Agriculture Terraces of Moray, believed to be an elaborate agricultural laboratory and the famous Salt Mines of Maras, where locals obtain Salt from a local subterranean water stream. By midday, we will make a stop at a local restaurant for a deserved lunch (Lunch is NOT included in the price)

Finally, after lunch, visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and explore the fascinating and megalithic Ruins, learn about Inca culture and explore the local handcraft market along the way.

At the end of the tour, we will have 2 options:

  1. Drop you off at the Train Station in Ollantaytambo so we take the early evening train to Aguas Calientes and stay in Aguas Calientes and be closer to Machu Picchu, which is recommended for those planning to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning or those who want to hike Huayna Picchu.
  2. Or, you can return to your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and make a day trip to Machu Picchu the following day, which is recommended for those who prefer not to change hotels every night and want to stay in the Sacred Valley.

1 – Those staying in Aguas Calientes Town

  • Your guide will meet you at your hotel, then he will show you the way to the bus station and board the 30 min, bus ride to Machupicchu Park. 

2 – Those staying in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba or Cusco:

  • Private transfer in the morning to Ollantaytambo Train station. Board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes (A.K.A. Machu Picchu Town) – Meet your guide at the train station and hop on the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu Park. 

Get ready for your private guided tour of Machu Picchu! Your private guide will accompany you to the Guard House at Machu Picchu where you’ll get the best view of this World Wonder, as well as an extended tour and explanation of the history, surrounding areas, and the sacred legend of Machu Picchu. 

Following your private tour (optionally at extra cost) you can join us on the Hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Then, return to Aguas Calientes and have time for lunch. Finally, you’ll begin your journey back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

You can also customize this itinerary to continue your adventure in Peru.

Included

  • Arrival Airport transfer
  • Transportation for all tours + pickups and drop-offs.
  • English-speaking licensed local guide.
  • Entrance Tickets to all the visited sites
  • Sacred Valley Tour is a private tour and includes: Transportation, Entrance Tickets and Tour Guide
  • Machu Picchu Guided Tour is a private service and includes:
    • Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
    • Professional local Guide.
    • Round trip shuttle bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
    • Round-Trip Expedition Train Tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
  • 2-Night Accommodation in a 3-Star Hotel in the Sacred Valley or Aguas Calientes (If you book the Hotel on your own, we will deduct this from the tour price)

Not Included

  • Meals
  • Upgrade to one-way VISTADOME glass-roof train $40 USD per person
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain/Huayna Picchu (optional and based on availability) – $70 USD per person
  • Gratuities 
  • Travel Insurance

Book this Experience

We require a minimum of 2 participants to book this tour
More than 2 people? Group discounts here.

What to Expect

Breathtaking views, mild to hot temperatures although kind of windy at some places in the afternoons; mostly sunny days during the months of May, June, July, and August, although some mornings would be a little foggy in Machu Picchu (some days very foggy in the rainy season); Mosquito area (Machu Picchu); Lots of history about the Inca Empire; Friendly English speaking tour guide; Your journey your way!

Why Travel with us

Local Knowledge & Expertise

It's great to travel with professional experts from the same destination you are going, that's how you get first-hand information. With deep in-country knowledge, We know the ins and outs of all the logistics, we will ensure you can make the most of your time away.

Personalized Experiences

Your time is precious - we know that. Your experience is our top priority. No big bus groups, No flags to follow! Traveling with a private guide and driver you’ll do what you want, when you want with the freedom to change your plans on the fly.

Friendly Local Guides

Great sights don’t make an amazing tour. Great guides do! Our guides don’t read from a script, we give them the freedom to make each tour their own, and your experience unique. We love what we do and it shows. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the buzz and excitement that Cusco Local Friend to offer.

Exclusive Itineraries

It’s not all about the destination, it’s also about the journey. We offer only the best itineraries and tours. As local experts, we know first-hand what tours or experiences are the ones that most travelers enjoy and request. Escape the crowds! Never waste any minute, never miss any highlight!

Trip Reviews

Cusco Local Friend has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence due to the most consistent 5-star reviews in Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu for exceptional levels of service and care.

Ammar B
Ammar B
September 4, 2023.
Tour with Abraham! People of Peru :) Highly recommend Abraham! Was one of the highlights for our trip for sure and we enjoyed it thoroughly, definitely book and request him. He was so funny and we got to joke a lot throughout the whole trip. Peru is known for the people and Abraham is one of them for sure!
Romil B
Romil B
September 2, 2023.
Amazing Experience - Highly recommended We booked full day sacred valley tour with Cusco Local Friend and our experience was amazing. Let me start by mentioning the ease of booking the tour by chatting with Percy via Watsapp. Percy provided us complete guide on the tour in details and booking was done with in minutes. On the day the tour, we met our guide Juan Pablo. He was awesome. Throughout the whole tour from Pisac Ruins, Salt Mines, Moray to Tempe del sol - Juan Pablo provided us intricate details of the history of Peru and kept us engaged. Since we are vegetarians, Juan Pablo took extra precautions of finding a nice restaurant which catered to our dietary restrictions. I would highly recommend Cusco Local Friend for Sacred Valley Tours !!!
Getaway40980607404
Getaway40980607404
August 30, 2023.
Perfect Experience! Cusco Local Friend put together the perfect vacation package for my mother (77) and I. It included Ollantaytambo, The Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Our entire experience with the company was an absolute pleasure. Abraham, our guide had a passion for sharing his knowledge of Inkan culture, and was a joy to be around. Each of our drivers (Romulo and Edgar) were skillful and made us feel safe and in good hands. Percy and Hugo were both available at any time to answer questions via instant message, and made sure that we knew what to expect on each leg of the journey, and made sure we have any necessary documents well in advance. I would book through Cusco Local Friend again in an instant.
Diana T
Diana T
August 29, 2023.
Interesting tour of Sacred Valley sites This tour was so informative and interesting! Our guide, Pablo, knew so much about the history of the sites we visited, we learned so much. He and the driver were friendly and nice. The sites we visited were some of our favorites on the trip. Would definitely recommend!
Shilesh J
Shilesh J
August 9, 2023.
Great Tours and Team My family of 3 found Cusco Local Friends (CLF) during online research. We were going to Peru for a wedding in Arequipa and decided to make an extended vacation out of the trip. Our private trip with CLF included a full day in Sacred Valley, late afternoon followed by early morning entrances to Machu Picchu, horse-back ride up to Humantay Lake, followed by Rainbow Mountain. The team I worked with these arrangements was Hugo primarily and Percy in the background paperwork. I worked extensively with Hugo via WhatsApp, email, and on the phone to plan the tour. Hugo gave great advice on the sequence to make sure we were properly acclimatized to high altitude prior to Humantay and Rainbow portions of the tour. Our guide was Ferdinand, and the driver was Edgar. Everyone in this team was just fantastic. I have the highest recommendation for CLF as tour operator. We were met at CUZ airport by Hugo and driver Edgar. The minivan was spacious, clean, and comfortable. During the drive into town, Hugo spent a lot of time explaining everything to us, went over the plans, and most importantly gave us great advice on what to eat, what to avoid, and how best to gradually acclimatize. He helped us change USD to PEN at a great rate, provided us with bottles of water before exiting the van as he left us in the capable hands of Edgar to drive us to Ollantaytambo. Hugo had advised us to visit a free site in Ollantaytambo adjacent to the actual ruins. We did that in the later afternoon. Our tour started the next day when we were met by Edgar and guide Ferdinand. Ferdinand spoke perfect English and was a pleasure company for entirety of our tours. He is knowledgeable of the history of all the sites we visited. He had the foresight of bringing us walking sticks for our downhill walks from Humantay Lake, which was a challenging walk for us. He helped in every possible way during the tours. The team even planned our trip schedule to Humantay to account for a road closure, to make sure we had the least amount of waiting time for the road to reopen. I cannot emphasize enough how this was slick planning. Peru is a great country to visit, the people are very friendly and there is so much more to explore. We barely covered a small portion in capable hands of CLF team. My family thanks Hugo, Ferdinand, Edgar, and Percy for a great, safe, informative introduction to a small portion of Peru. I recommend CLF without any reservations. PS: I forgot to add that Hugo gave a complimentary ride from hotel to CUZ airport day after our final trip. See my review in google for pictures
MFerraro
MFerraro
August 4, 2023.
Absolutely perfect & wonderful friends Hugo, Abraham & their team were beyond incredible. They became friends from the moment we met them. It was such a pleasure having them w our group throughout our stay as they made everything effortless on our end. They have every piece of information you need and/or want & were incredibly knowledgeable & passionate about sharing their knowledge w us. They were able to answer every question we had about the history of Peru & all the wonderful sights we saw on our adventure together. Thank you Hugo for your incredible team. Can’t wait to come back & see you again.
Francesca B
Francesca B
August 3, 2023.
Good views, great experiences, excellent staff! This tour was worth every dollar spent! Our group was able to see so much of the Sacred Valley while traveling comfortably and having lots of fun. Our tour guides Hugo and Abraham were very kind, knowledgeable, efficient and had a trip packed full of adventures for us. We experienced Machupicchu while our guides passionately explained the history. They truly thought of everything and we hardly waited in any lines since they knew the most efficient times to visit. I would absolutely do this tour again if I ever visit Peru again! Will recommend to anyone visiting the Sacred Valley.
Lily Z
Lily Z
August 3, 2023.
Amazing experience These guys are pros! They have a wealth of history knowledge and were so attentive to our groups needs. They made our trip more full filling and they treated us like family!
Katie S
Katie S
August 3, 2023.
Amazing experience and awesome guides! Hugo and Abraham were excellent guides. They were knowledgeable, caring, and friendly. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience in Cusco! Highly recommend!!
Marissa L
Marissa L
August 2, 2023.
Amazing experience with the best guides! Hugo and Abraham are the best guides ever! They welcomed and guided us through Cusco for a week with Kula Adventures. We had the best experiences and quickly became family by the end of the trip. Hugo and Abraham are so warm, welcoming, and passionate which made our trip so memorable and powerful!

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