The most complete Cusco and Machu Picchu tour. This 5 day Machu Picchu tour package includes the Sacred Valley, the Capital of the Incas, and a full guided visit to the citadel. Ideal for those seeking best machu picchu tour packages with all logistics covered.
Overview:
5 Day Package at a glance
We Pickup from the airport our your hotel into city sights. Visit the Cathedral built over old Inca spot, kinda overwhelming how they just replaced it. Qorikancha, walls still hold Inca stones under Spanish build. Legends talk gold statues everywhere.
Sacred Valley feels like a breather Pisac market for grabbing stuff, locals haggling loud. Up the hill to ruins, Temple of Sun stands out stark. Urubamba lunch buffet, real Peruvian eats. Ollantaytambo last inca City and site, Inca myths carved in stone.
Machu Picchu day tour. Bus ride up and your guide walks enclosures and temples for 2 hours. Free time to wander, or hike extra (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book in advance). Train back later and drop in Cusco by evening.
Rainbow Mountain early start next and hike challenges with altitude.
The best of 5 day Package
Classic Machu Picchu guided visit
A 2-hour guided touyr through the main sectors of the Inca City, then free time to roam at your pace. Guides focus on chronology, building methods and local stories.
Sacred Valley market & ruins (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba)
4Markets and living streets combined with agricultural terraces and Inca-era stonework. Pisac market sells textiles, handicrafts and snacks; Ollantaytambo shows steep terraces and traditional layouts.
Sacsayhuamán fortress Visit
Massive interlocking stone walls, zigzag terraces and an open ceremonial plaza near central Cusco. Stone fitting is tight and impressive; walking is uneven but not technical.
Rainbow Mountain summit option (Vinicunca) — Palcoyo alternative
High-altitude trek to colorful mineral strata; Vinicunca is higher and harder, Palcoyo is lower and less crowded. Expect steep uphill sections, loose stones and possible horse rental.
Aguas Calientes free time (Manuel Chávez Ballón museum or hot springs)
Town gateway with a compact archaeological museum and public thermal pools near the river. The museum gives context with pre-Inca and Inca finds; hot springs relax tired legs after trains and hikes.
Trip summary
- Day 1: Cusco half-day city tour (Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara).
- Day 2: Sacred Valley (Pisac market and ruins) → Urubamba lunch → Ollantaytambo → train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3: Guided Machu Picchu visit + free time → train back → drive to Cusco (arrive ~19:00).
- Day 4: Rainbow Mountain early start, hike (or horse) → lunch → return to Cusco (16:00–17:00).
- Day 5: Airport transfer from Cusco.
Why travel with us
We plan each day to reduce stress and maximize time on the ground: local pickup, expert English-speaking guides, timed train and bus logistics, and practical tips for altitude and timing. We handle train and entrance coordination so you can focus on walking, photos and short cultural talks.
Our staff adapts pace to the group, offers plain, direct explanations, and arranges simple add-ons (private guide, better train class, horse for Rainbow Mountain) when requested.
Our team handles the nitty-gritty so you focus on the spots. We’ve got local guides who know shortcuts and stories not in books, makes the trek less hassle.
Machu Picchu Circuits Info In 2025
- The circuits split visits into 10 circuits across three main circuits to control crowds. Circuit 1 gives upper views, like panoramic stuff from platforms.
- Circuit 2 is the full loop, hits main temples and squares, classic path most take. Circuit 3 covers lower areas, good for mountain access.
- Each route has time slots, capacity around 4500 daily. Pick based on fitness, some steeper.
- Huayna Picchu ties to Circuit 3A or 4, doubt if it’s worth rush if you hate heights.
Trains to Machu Picchu Summary
Two companies are available: PeruRail and Inca Rail, from Ollantaytambo or Cusco area.
- PeruRail’s Expedition is basic, seats okay, prices start $90 USD round trip. Vistadome adds glass roofs for scenery, around $190-250. Inca Rail’s Voyager similar budget, 360° has wraparound windows, $150ish.
- First Class or Hiram Bingham go luxury, meals included, up to $450 one way. Schedules vary, book ahead ’cause they sell out. Rides take 1.5-2 hours, smooth but track vibes intense at curves
Machu Picchu train Options
- PeruRail Expedition: economy option, frequent departures from Ollantaytambo; budget friendly
- PeruRail Vistadome / Inca Rail 360°: panoramic services with larger windows, snack service and onboard commentary — popular mid-range upgrade. Prices vary by season and direction.
- Belmond Hiram Bingham: high-end luxury train with gourmet dining and entertainment; much higher price, limited seats, book early.
- Timing and availability: trains often sell out in high season; trips can start from Ollantaytambo (shorter road from Cusco) or from Poroy/Cusco stations depending on operator and service. Confirm schedules for your travel date before you buy.
Upgrades Available
Prices fluctuate a bit with season, check current.
- Huayna Picchu hike: Add steep climb for views over Inca City. Around 200 soles (about $53 USD) for foreign adult ticket, includes main entry. Book early, slots fill fast.
- Machu Picchu Mountain trail: Longer but less crowded climb. Similar, approximately 200 soles ($53 USD). Wider panorama, if you’re up for it.
- Horse for Rainbow Mountain: Skip the full hike if altitude bugs you. Locals charge 90-100 soles ($25-30 USD) one way, negotiate at base.
- Train upgrade to Vistadome: Panoramic windows on PeruRail, better views. Extra $40-60 USD over standard Expedition.
- Luxury train like Hiram Bingham: Full meal service, open bar. One way around $450 USD, intense fancy ride.
Itinerary trip
Day 1: Cusco Airport Pickup - Cusco City Tour
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. The half day tour starts with a visit to the Cathedral of Cusco. This was the Royal palace of Incas. On Spanish conquest, they took it down and built the cathedral.
We will continue the City Tour at Qorikancha. This was the most prominent and Sacred Site of worship to Incas. Legends say that once the courtyard of the temple was full of statues made entirely of gold.
The Spanish rulers demolished the temple on conquering Cusco and built the temple retaining its basement.
Once you have had your fill of these two iconic sites within the city of Cusco, we will be driving you to the outskirts of the city. Here we will begin the tour at Sacsayhuaman. It is a massive fortress built entirely of massive stones each weighing over a ton. It is still a mystery how the Incas transported these stones here.
Our next stop will be in Q’enqo. This site was used for scarification and mummification of corpses.
We will then visit Tambomachay. This was more like a spa to the political elites of Incas. There are a series of canals through which water from the nearby Timpuc river flows. Even today you will be able to see the water flowing through these canals.
We will then visit Puca Pucara. In Quechua, it means red rock. It gets its name after the colour of the rock at sunset. This was the watch tower of Incan military.
Ending the tour, we will be driving you back to Cusco city. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo, a block away from Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas.
Day 2: Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0800 in the morning to explore the Sacred Valley. Then we will be driving you to Pisac. Here we will begin the tour by visiting the traditional Pisac market. This is an ideal place to buy souvenirs.
We will then drive you to the hill top to the main entrance of the archaeological complex. Our local expert will be walking you through some of the notable parts of the complex. Temple of the sun is an unmissable part.
We will then continue the tour to Urubamba. This is often referred to as the heart of the Sacred Valley due to its centric location. Here we will be stopping in a local restaurant for a buffet lunch.
After relishing an authentic Peruvian meal, we will continue the sacred valley tour to Ollantaytambo. Here we will begin the tour by admiring the beauty and architecture of the village. We will then be visiting the archaeological complex.
Our local expert will be sharing some detailed story about the prominence of the complex. It depicts Inca mythology.
Later in the evening, you will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu. Once you have checked in at y0ur hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore the town of Aguas Calientes.
What to do in Aguas Calientes?
If you love history then the Machu Picchu Museum is a great place to visit. The museum highlights pre-Inca times with a collection of Inca artefacts. The Orchid Gardens is another location to visit which is about a 30 minute walk from Aguas Calientes.
The site has a rustic feel filled with a variety of beautiful orchids on display. Or enjoy the rest of the day relaxing in the thermal waters of the Hot Springs, in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Full Day Trip to Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, we will be boarding the tourist bus for a 25 minutes ride up the hill for your guided trip to the world heritage site, Machu Picchu.
Our tour guide will welcome you with a 2 hour guided tour and take you to the most important temples and enclosures the lost city of the Incas has to offer. After the tour, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu on your own.
If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the trailhead.
Alternatively, you can hike to Inti Punku or Sun Gate. This is the point of entry to the citadel to those on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
After the full-day tour of Machu Picchu, we will depart Aguas Calientes to board the train at 2:30 pm (depending on availability) to Ollantaytambo train station. Here our representative will be meeting you and will be driving you back to Cusco. We will arrive at the City of Cusco by 7:00 p.m.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain
You will be picked up from your hotel at 5 am to leave for the southern valley of Cusco, a bus drive of approximately 2 hours. Here you will have a small stop for breakfast (included). After breakfast, the trip will continue for 45 more minutes on the bus until you reach the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain Trek.
It usually takes 2 hours to reach the summit from the trailhead. The hike is mostly a climb up to the top (16,732 ft / 5,100 m), which is generally an easy trail. Nevertheless, the altitude is what makes this hike a challenge. Along the hike you will see beautiful landscapes, some local families and of course many llamas and alpacas.
If you are not feeling keen on hiking, you can ride a horse. At the base camp there are locals with their horses, you can negotiate a price and ride on one to the top.
Once you reach the top you can appreciate the mighty Ausangate Mountain Range, the tallest and the most sacred mountain in Cusco. Once you have had your fill of the Rainbow Mountains, you will start the descent until getting back to the bus.
You will return by bus to Ccolca and have lunch there. After lunch, the bus drive will continue for 2 more hours until arriving at Cusco at approximately between 4pm – 5pm.
Day 5: Cusco Airport Drop Off
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco and will transfer you to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Airport Transfer
Departure Time
1:00 p.m.
Price Includes
- Cusco Airport Transfer
- Guided visit in Cusco City Tour
- English speaking local tour guide
- Tourist Ticket to visit sites on Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley (Boleto Turistico)
- All transport as mentioned in the itinerary
- Round trip train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes and back
- Bus from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu and back
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Transfer to the rainbow mountain trail head and back
Not Included
Price Excludes
- Accommodation in Cusco & Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
- Food, except what is mentioned in the list of inclusions
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional)
- Any Private Expenses
Packing list
- Camera fully charged & extra batteries (batteries drain quicker in the cold)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Umbrella, Sunscreen and T-Shirt
- Entrance Fees
Sites you will be visiting
- Cusco Cathedral, Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
- Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay & Puca Pucara
- Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo
- Citadel of Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountains (Vinicunca)
Pricing
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 750US$ Per person
4+ People – 730US$ Per person
Children/students 700US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 900US$ Per person
4+ People – 850US$ Per person
Children/students 840US$ Per person
Frecuently Askeq Questions about Machu Picchu 5 Day Package
The story goes that the Cusco Cathedral stands right where an Inca royal palace used to be. After the Spanish arrived, they tore down the Inca building and built their own church on that exact spot.
Qorikancha was the most important temple for the Incas, a really sacred place for them. You hear some wild stories about it, like how its courtyard was once full of statues made entirely of gold.
The Spanish knocked down the Inca temple, but they built their church, the Church of Santo Domingo, using the original Inca stone foundations. You can still clearly see the Inca stonework at the bottom today, which is pretty amazing.
Sacsayhuaman is just massive. It’s a huge fortress built with stones that are unbelievably big, some weighing over a ton. How they managed to move and place them is still a complete puzzle.
It seems Q’enqo was a spot for Inca rituals. We’re talking about ceremonies, and maybe even things like mummification and sacrifices.
People call this place the “Inca Baths.” It was dedicated to the worship of water and acted as a kind of spa for the Inca elite. Water still flows through the canals they built, which is cool to see.
It gets that name from the Quechua words for “Red Rock.” At sunset, the stones take on this reddish glow. It functioned as a military lookout post.
The market in Pisac is a great spot to look for souvenirs. It’s a traditional market where you can find all sorts of handicrafts and local products.
At the Pisac archeological area, the structure you really can’t miss is the Temple of the Sun. It’s pretty impressive.
They serve a buffet lunch at a restaurant in the town of Urubamba, which is basically considered the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo is unique because it’s a functioning town with people living in buildings that have original Inca construction. There’s also a massive set of ruins on the hillside that shows parts of Inca mythology.
In Aguas Calientes, you could check out the Machu Picchu Museum. There are also some Orchid Gardens about a 30-minute walk away. Or, you can just go relax in the town’s famous hot springs.
You’ll board a tourist bus in Aguas Calientes for the 25-minute ride up the hill to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Inca City.
The guided portion of the tour through the main parts of the Inca City takes about 2 hours.
Once the guided tour is over, you’ll have your own time to wander around and explore the Inca City by yourself.
Those are the two steep mountains that overlook the Inca City. To hike either one, you have to buy a completely separate permit, and they offer some incredible aerial views of the entire area.
The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, was the original entry point for people arriving via the Inca Trail. It’s a free hike up from the main grounds of the Inca City and gives you that classic panoramic shot.
Your train from Aguas Calientes usually leaves around 2:30 PM, but this can change depending on what’s available. That train connects to a bus that will get you back to Cusco at approximately 7:00 PM.
The pickup for this one is brutal; it’s really early, around 5:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco.
Yes, the trip includes a stop for breakfast on the way there, before you get to the trail.
The top of Rainbow Mountain (also called Vinicunca) is at an extreme altitude of 5,100 meters, or 16,732 feet. The thin air is no joke.
The path itself isn’t too hard, but the very high altitude makes it a serious physical challenge.
You’ll get back to Cusco sometime between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Someone will be waiting for you right at the Cusco airport when you arrive.
The city tour finishes in Plaza Regocijo, which is only a block away from the main square, Plaza de Armas.
You’ll take a train from Aguas Calientes to the station in Ollantaytambo. From there, a driver will meet you and take you the rest of the way to Cusco by bus.
