Our 3 day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima to Machu Picchu is perfect for exploring Machu Picchu in a short time. This ancient citadel is one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru.
Day one starts early. Someone picks you up from your hotel in Lima, and before you know it, you’re boarding a flight to Cusco. The air feels different when you land thinner, cooler and after a quick transfer to your hotel, you finally get to slow down for a bit. In the afternoon, your guide meets you for a walk through Cusco’s most important landmarks. You’ll visit the cathedral, step inside Qorikancha where the Incas once covered the walls in gold, and then head up into the hills. That’s where Sacsayhuaman stands — huge stones, perfectly cut, with a view over the city. There’s more: Qenqo, a labyrinth of carved stone; Tambomachay, with its running water; and Puca Pucara, a smaller fortress that still holds stories.
The second day is the big one. Early start again. You catch the train to Aguas Calientes, and from there, a bus takes you up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The first time you see it… it’s quiet. No one says much. Your guide takes you around the main areas the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Three Windows. If you’ve still got the energy, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Not easy, but absolutely worth it.
Last day, you’re on your way back. A transfer to the airport in Cusco, a flight to Lima, and maybe finally some time to realize what you’ve just experienced. From beginning to end, everything’s been arranged, so you didn’t have to worry about tickets or transport. Just the journey itself.
Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel located in the high jungles of Cusco, in Peru. It was built during the height of the Inca Empire, in the XV century. After its scientific rediscovery in 1911, Machu Picchu was mistaken as the lost capital of the Inca Empire. However, Machu Picchu was actually a religious sanctuary whose entrance was reserved to the royal Inca family.
Most historians agree that Machu Picchu was never invaded by the Spanish. The citadel was probably inhabited by a small population of priests and priestesses until 1572 when the so-called “Inca Empire of Vilcabamba” fell after the execution of Tupac Amaru. After being abandoned, the citadel was quickly covered by the surrounding jungles.
Over the centuries, there have been some sporadic references to a “lost Inca city” in the region of Vilcabamba, Cusco. For example, in the late XVI century, a Spanish soldier named Baltasar de Ocampo claimed that he encountered a large Inca city hidden in the high jungles of Cusco.
Machu Picchu was officially rediscovered in 1911 when an American expedition led by Hiram Bingham found the Inca ruins. This expedition elaborated detailed descriptions and blueprints of some sections of the citadel. Their findings were made public to the world by the National Geographic magazine.
Cusco Machu Picchu is an unskippable destination when visiting Peru. This ancient citadel is one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru. During this tour, you will explore the main buildings of Machu Picchu, including the famous Temple of the Condor and the Intihuatana.
We are a local travel agency committed to providing the best tours and treks in Peru. Our staff have years of experience planning vacations in Peru. During our tours, our tour operator will give you unique insights about the history and traditions of all the places you will be visiting.
Our 3 day Machu Picchu Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu is perfect for exploring Machu Picchu in a short time. We also offer day tours to Humantay Lake, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. You can also check out our special tour package options to the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail. Explore the most incredible Inca archaeological sites of Peru with us.
We began our 3-day tour by picking you up from your hotel in Lima at 4:00 am. Then, we will drive to the airport to take a flight to Cusco City. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you to your hotel room. Later in the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel. Then, you will have a guided Cusco city tour.
Cusco Cathedral
We will first visit the Cusco Cathedral. This church houses numerous paintings of the traditional Cusco Art School. These paintings depict curious scenes that mix the Spanish and Inca cultures. One of them is “The Last Supper”, which shows Jesus Christ and his apostles eating a guinea pig.
Convent of Santo Domingo – Qorikancha
Afterward, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo. This colonial church was built on top of the Inca temple of Qorikancha. The Qorikancha was the main temple of the Inca Empire. It used to house hundreds of religious idols from the populations conquered by the Incas. Nowadays, some sections of the Qorikancha are still visible. Some of them are the Sun Temple, the Moon Temple, the Intipampa, and the Solar Garden, among other Inca ruins.
Sacsayhuaman
Next, we will visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, located outside the city of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman has huge stone walls arranged in a zig-zag layout. For this reason, Sacsayhuaman is often mistaken as a fortress. However, the archeological evidence suggests that Sacsayhuaman was actually a giant temple dedicated to the sun and thunder gods.
Qenqo
After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we will explore the nearby Inca site of Qenqo. Some sections of Qenqo are decorated with complex stone carvings that resemble snakes, monkeys, and llamas. Some historians propose that Qenqo was used as a sanctuary where ritual sacrifices were performed. However, the real purpose of Qenqo is still unknown to this day.
Tambomachay
Then, our next stop will be the Inca ruins of Tambomachay. This site has some Inca water fountains that still work to this day. Tambomachay was an Inca temple dedicated to the water. It also served as a retreat center for the Inca royalty.
Puca Pucara
Finally, we will visit the small fortress of Puca Pucara. This place served as an Inca military outpost. After visiting Puca Pucara, we will return to Cusco City, where we will transfer you to your hotel room.
We will wake up early in the morning. After having breakfast, we will drive to the Ollantaytambo train station, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once there, we will board a train to Aguas Calientes town, the entry point to visit Machu Picchu.
The train trip to Machu Picchu takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu. After passing the security checkpoints, we will enter the Inca citadel.
Then, you will have a guided tour of the most famous places of Machu Picchu. You will visit the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana. If you have booked a ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, our staff will take you to the respective entrance for your Machu Picchu trek.
After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch. The lunch is not included in the tour price. In the afternoon, we will board a train to return to Ollantaytambo. Once there, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco City.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the airport for your flight to Lima. Once we arrive in Lima, we will transfer you to your hotel.
If you want to learn more about the Inca history of Cusco or prefer a customised tour option, contact us for more information about our specialized Sacred Valley Tours.
Departure & Return Location
Lima Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:00 a.m.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
We know you are so excited about your 3 day Machu Picchu hike tour and you want to know it all to be prepared for it. That’s why we will answer any doubt you have, so you don’t have to worry about any surprise during your trip.
The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Lima at 4:00 a.m. for your flight to Cusco.
Yes, Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, and some travelers may experience altitude sickness. To minimize its effects, it is recommended to:
Yes, your package covers round-trip flights between Lima and Cusco. And you're allowed a carry-on bag up to 10 kg with that ticket.
During your 3 day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima, you’ll have several dining options:
You’d be surprised how much you can see in just three days — if everything’s well organized. This itinerary is fast-paced but rewarding, and it really gives you a taste of what the Andes have to offer.
For this kind of trip, where time is tight and every moment counts, picking the right place to sleep can make a huge difference. Most travelers split their nights between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, and luckily, there are good options in both whether you’re into luxury stays or just want a clean bed and a hot shower.
In Cusco, if you’re looking to spoil yourself a bit, Palacio del Inka is something else. It’s one of those places where everything from the thick walls to the inner courtyards makes you feel like you’re somewhere important. It’s not cheap, but it’s memorable.
If you want something more practical but still very comfortable, Tierra Viva Cusco Centro hits that sweet spot. Good rooms, good location, and no unnecessary extras.
For budget travelers or anyone who enjoys a more social vibe, Pariwana Hostel is fun, clean, and has that backpacker energy that makes meeting people easy.
In Aguas Calientes, things feel more relaxed. Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is the one people talk about if you’re going all out it’s tucked in the forest, super green, and feels like a retreat.
Casa Andina Standard is a solid mid-range option simple, modern, and right where you need it to be.
And then there’s Supertramp Hostel, which a lot of travelers love for its quirky style, good prices, and laid-back mood. If you’re on a budget but still want some charm, it’s a great pick.
Wherever you stay, the key is to rest well Machu Picchu deserves your full energy.
Yes, both are optional add-ons. Availability is limited, so we recommend reserving at the time of booking.
Yes. After your guided tour, you’ll have time to explore the citadel on your own or hike if you’ve added a mountain entrance.
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