3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima

Our 3 day Machu Picchu Tours 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.

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Duration

Full day

Difficulty

Moderate

Recommended age

12 years

Language

Spanish, English, Portuguese

Max Altitude

3200 msnm

Group size

2 people minimum

3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima

The travel itinerary begins with an early morning pick-up from a hotel in Lima and a flight to Cusco, followed by a transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Cusco includes visits to the Cusco Cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo – Qorikancha, the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the stone carvings of Qenqo, the water fountains of Tambomachay, and the small fortress of Puca Pucara.

The second day features an early trip to Machu Picchu, including a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu’s Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, and Intihuatana, with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.

The final day involves a transfer to the airport for a flight back to Lima and transfer to the hotel. Rest easy knowing you have got transportation and ticket arrangement sorted from Lima to Machu Picchu

History of Machu Picchu

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.

Why travel with us?

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.

Day 1: Lima - Cusco

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.

Day 2: Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco

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.

Day 3: Cusco - Lima

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

Cusco hotel transfer
Round trip plane tickets from Lima to Cusco (Light opt - Carry on bag 10kg)
Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition train tickets)
Professional English speaking Tour guide
Breakfast on the second day
Round bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel

Price Excludes

Travel Insurance
Breakfast on the first day
Hotel in Lima and Hotel in Cusco
Lunch and dinner
Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain (optional)
Entrance to Machu Picchu mountain (optional)
Entrance to Aguas Calientes hot springs (optional)
Vistadome train tickets (optional upgrade)
Hiram Bingham train tickets (optional upgrade)
Tips
Any Private Expenses

Packing list

Original Passport (same as used at time of booking for permits/ tickets)
Camera fully charged & extra batteries (batteries drain quicker in the cold)
Sunglasses and Sun hat or cap
Protect & hydrate sunscreen lotion (factor 60 or 70+ is recommendable)
Water bottle and snacks
Peruvian soles in cash

FAQs about the 3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima

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.

1. What time does the Machu Picchu tour from Lima start?

The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Lima at 4:00 a.m. for your flight to Cusco.

2. Is it necessary to acclimate before visiting Machu Picchu on the 3 day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima?

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:

Spend the first day in the Sacred Valley, which is at a lower altitude and allows for gradual acclimatization.
Avoid intense physical activity during the first few hours after arrival.
Drink plenty of water and try coca or muña tea, traditional herbs that help with altitude symptoms.
Avoid heavy meals and excessive alcohol consumption.
While most travelers adapt within a day, those more sensitive to altitude may consider taking altitude sickness medication under medical advice.

3. Are flights included in the 3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima?

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.

4. Where can I eat during the 3 day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima?

During your 3 day Machu Picchu Tour from Lima, you’ll have several dining options:

Cusco: Try local dishes at Cicciolina, Chicha by Gastón Acurio, or Limbus Resto Bar for amazing Andean flavors.
Sacred Valley: Enjoy Peruvian cuisine at El Huacatay (Urubamba) or Tunupa Restaurant (Ollantaytambo), both offering scenic views.
Aguas Calientes: Before visiting Machu Picchu, eat at Indio Feliz, Toto’s House, or Tree House Restaurant for fresh local ingredients.

5. What places can I visit in 3 days during the 3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima?

The 3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima is designed to maximize exploration time, covering Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

On Day 1: travelers arrive in Cusco, where they can explore Plaza de Armas, visit the Qorikancha Temple, and stroll through the San Blas neighborhood. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca archaeological site, before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
On Day 2: the highlight of the trip is Machu Picchu. The day starts early with a bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the citadel, followed by a 2-3 hour guided tour of its most significant structures, such as the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Main Plaza. Travelers who booked in advance may also hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views.
On Day 3: visitors return to Cusco, where they can explore additional landmarks like Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, and the Twelve-Angled Stone before taking their flight back to Lima.

6. What are the best places to stay for the Machu Picchu 3 day 2 night tour?

For a comfortable and well-located stay during the Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights tour, travelers should consider accommodation in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

In Cusco, top choices include:

Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel: A five-star hotel in a historic colonial mansion, perfect for those seeking a high-end experience.
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro: A mid-range hotel offering excellent comfort and a central location.
Pariwana Hostel: A budget-friendly option popular among backpackers looking for a social atmosphere.

In Aguas Calientes, recommended hotels are:

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: A luxury eco-lodge surrounded by lush nature, offering an immersive Andean experience.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu: A comfortable mid-range hotel with modern amenities and great views.
Supertramp Hostel: An affordable and stylish hostel with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.