5 Day Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Highlights
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Relaxed 5 Day Machu Picchu Sacred Valley Experience with Local Guides
Explore the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the famed UNESCO site – Machupicchu on this amazing 5-Day leisurely Guided Adventure starting from Cusco Airport.
Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every traveler, so why not make the most of it? This guided tour takes you to Pisac, Maras, and Moray in the Sacred Valley, before continuing to Machu Picchu. This 5 Day itinerary allows you to take your time and fully immerse yourself in the area without rushing your experience. Your final nights are spent in Cusco, the former Inca imperial capital which never fails to captivate modern travelers.
Begin your adventure right after your arrival at Cusco Airport with a comfortable pick-up and transfer to the Sacred Valley, where you can acclimate to the high altitude. Embark on a picturesque train ride through the valley to reach the renowned Machu Picchu citadel, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains, including Huayna Picchu. Afterward, return to Cusco and explore this captivating city, a blend of ancient and colonial architecture.
This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, couples, families, and small groups; This package is ideal for those planning to stay in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo and want to make the best use of their time in Peru. Travelers will especially appreciate starting their journey in the Sacred Valley, as its lower elevation will help with acclimatization. For those looking to add another must-see destination to their itinerary, check out our 5-day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour.
Why you will love this tour
- In just five days, you will see the best that Peru has to offer, including the famous Sacred Valley, the new7wonder of the world – Machu Picchu, and Cusco city – once the capital city of the Incas.
- This exclusive 5-Day Guided Experience starts at Cusco Airport and starts the exploration in the Sacred valley so you can adjust to the altitude gradually
- 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.
- The itinerary introduces you to the history of the Incas and the local culture as you explore the beautiful Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- You will gain an insight into the fascinating and colorful culture of Peru as you travel to Machu Picchu, through the beautiful Sacred Valley
- 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.
- All our tours are private experiences 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
- Start: Cusco Airport
- Finish: Airport or Hotels in Cusco
- Pick-up Time: To be Confirmed based on your flight arrival time
- Duration: 05 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, there will be many stone-made steps up and down.
- Customizable: YES! This is only a sample itinerary and you are able to customize this tour, add-ons are all available. We are happy to adjust this tour to fit your interests and timeframe.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Cusco Airport to the Sacred Valley
Flight to Cusco, we recommend arriving before midday. Upon arrival, meet & greet at Cusco’s airport and transit to the Sacred Valley. 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.
The first stop will be at Llama Farm to learn about these cute South American camelids. Then continue to the Inca ruins at Pisac and its beautiful market on the way. 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. 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.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley Private Tour - Full day exploration
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)
In the morning you will 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.
Visit Agriculture Terraces of Moray, believed to be an elaborate agricultural laboratory. Visit the famous Salt Mines of Moray. Visit Chinchero, A small town famous for its spectacular mountain views, the traditional textile weaving centers, and the well-preserved Inkan ruins. At the end of the tour, we will drive to your Hotel
At the end of the tour, we will have 2 options:
- 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.
- 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.
Day 3 – Machu Picchu Private Tour - Return to Cusco
Private transfer in the morning to Ollantaytambo Train station. Board the upgraded Class Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes (A.K.A. Machu Picchu Town)
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 Upgraded Vistadome 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.
Day 4 – Best of Cusco city Private Tour (Sun Temple, Local market & Sacsayhuaman)
Explore Cusco city with a local guide on foot, visit the Temple of the Sun, the main religious center of the Incas, the Cusco’s main plaza, and the San Pedro Food Market.
Then visit Sacsayhuaman, the Royal House of the Sun and one of the greatest stone monuments in Incan architecture. Optional farewell Lunch with a Local Andean family or toast your vacation with a Pisco Sour!
Day 5 – Departure Day - Until next time...
Free morning and last-minute shopping. You can leave Cusco at any time during the day. We will provide a transfer to the Airport.
Note on the Itinerary
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Reasons which may include incidents in the location where the trip will be operated, strikes, political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme bad weather, flight cancellations, and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of Cusco Local Friend and that Cusco Local Friend is not liable for such changes or amendments.
On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it! However, some extra expenses may be incurred, these extra expenditures will be covered by the client in their totality and not by Cusco Local Friend.
Included
- All the mentioned tours during the Itinerary (Sacred Valley & Cusco city with surrounding sites, Machupicchu)
- All entrance fees for the mentioned tours (Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, Cusco)
- A private professional bilingual tour guide
- Private & comfortable transportation for tours and transfers
- Train tickets Round Trip from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu (One-way Vistadome)
- Admission Tickets to Machu Picchu Inka Citadel
- Bus tickets to Machupicchu Park Round Trip
- All transfers From/To Hotel – Train station
- Transfer In and Out – from the airport to hotel to airport
- 4-Night 3-Star Hotel accommodation in Cusco, Sacred Valley (If you book the Hotel on your own, we will deduct this from the tour price)
Not Included
- Meals and Drinks
- Souvenirs and Gratuities
- Optional Hike to Huaynapicchu Mountain
- Travel Insurance
Book this Experience
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.
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