if you want to see Machu Picchu without the headache, our 3 day tour to Machu Picchu from Lima is your best call. We’re a travel agency, sure, but our job is to make your whole visit simple. We handle every single detail.
3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima
if you want to see Machu Picchu without the headache, our 3 day tour to Machu Picchu from Lima is your best call. We’re a travel agency, sure, but our job is to make your whole visit simple. We handle every single detail.
Day one is efficient: We grab you early, right at your hotel in Lima, and get you to your flight for Cusco. As soon as you land in Cusco, we take you (fast and safe, guaranteed) straight to your hotel. You’ll have time to settle in and just chill for a bit.
Then, that afternoon, your guide who is a total pro, by the way will meet you for the essential city tour. We hit the main spots! That includes the massive Cusco Cathedral and Qorikancha, which is where the Incas used to coat the walls in real gold.
It’s unbelievable history. Next, we drive up those old streets right to the Sacsayhuaman ruins. Seriously, imagine these colossal, perfectly cut stones towering over the entire city of Cusco. The view from up there is genuinely stunning. We also swing by Qenqo, check out Tambomachay, and see the Puca Pucara fort. Fair warning: it’s a long day, but the history you’re walking through? Totally worth the time.
Day two. You’re setting the alarm early to catch that incredible train down to Aguas Calientes, and then a quick bus ride drops us right at the main gate. That first view of Machu Picchu is going to be something else. It literally takes your breath away. It shuts you down. It’s pure, silent awe.
Your guide makes sure you hit all the key spots inside the Machu Picchu sanctuary: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Three Windows. You’ll figure out right then and there why Machu Picchu totally earned the title of World Wonder. If you’ve still got gas in the tank, definitely go for the climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Let’s be real, it’s a physical challenge, but the reward is those crystal clear, sweeping views of the entire Citadel.
Last day. We handle your departure and get you home safely and hassle free. That means a quick and seamless transfer to the airport in Cusco, and we get you checked in for your flight back to Lima.
Here’s the main deal: you just crushed Machu Picchu and didn’t waste one second stressing about tickets, hotel logistics, or transfer maps. This tour from Lima to Machu Picchu is genuinely the fastest, easiest way to finally see this place everyone talks about. Lock in your spot now.
The History behind Machu Picchu: why all tours to Lima include it
Machu Picchu is way more than just a pile of old stones; it’s an incredible Inca fortress set high up in the Cusco jungle here in Peru. They built it back in the 15th century, right when the Inca Empire was at its strongest. When it was rediscovered scientifically in 1911, a lot of people thought Machu Picchu was the lost capital, which turned out to be wrong. Actually, it was a restricted religious sanctuary. The entrance was pretty much reserved just for the Inca royal family and a handful of specific people.
Here’s the cool part: most historians agree Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish. It was probably occupied by a small group of devoted priests and priestesses until around 1572. That’s when the resistance, the “Inca Empire of Vilcabamba,” finally ended after they executed Túpac Amaru. Once it was abandoned, the jungle took overit literally swallowed the whole place up quickly.
For centuries, there were these legendary, almost whispered stories about a “lost Inca city” in that Vilcabamba region. You even have records, like a Spanish soldier named Baltasar de Ocampo back in the late 16th century, claiming he found this massive, hidden Inca city in the high jungles near Cusco.
Machu Picchu finally hit the global stage in 1911 when an American crew led by Hiram Bingham found the ruins. His team immediately got to work, creating super detailed descriptions and blueprints of the citadel. National Geographic magazine published their incredible findings for the entire world to see.
Look, visiting Machu Picchu is a non negotiable part of any trip to Machu Picchu from Lima. This ancient fortress is still one of the best preserved sites on the planet. When you book one of our 3 day Machu Picchu tours from Lima, you’ll explore the main historical buildings, including the famous Temple of the Condor and the crucial ceremonial Intihuatana.
Why Our Agency Offers the Best Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu
Look, we get it: you have a ton of choices. But we’re not some huge corporate site; we’re a local travel agency here in Peru, and we’re all about giving you the best possible experience on the trails and on your trips to Machu Picchu from Lima. Our whole team has years of boots on the ground experience planning awesome Peru vacations. The best part? When you travel with us, your guides aren’t just reading facts they’re professional tour operators who share those unique, local insights about the history and traditions that you just won’t find in a regular guidebook.
Need the fastest way to see the Citadel? Our 3 day Machu Picchu Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu is exactly the stress free solution you need to explore Machu Picchu quickly and efficiently.
And we don’t stop there! We also offer incredible day tours to iconic spots like Humantay Lake, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley. Plus, check out our special machu picchu tour packages if you’re looking at tackling the Salkantay Trek or the classic Inca Trail.
Ready to explore Peru? Skip the hassle. Choose us for the best service and guaranteed access to those incredible Inca sites. Let us start planning your lima to machu picchu tours today!
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: We handle getting you from the airport to your Cusco hotel.
- Flights: Round-trip plane tickets from Lima to Cusco (Light option only—we include one 10kg carry-on bag).
- Train Tickets: Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Expedition train class).
- Your Guide: A professional, English speaking Tour Guide for all main sites.
- Meals: Breakfast on Day Two (fuel for Machu Picchu!).
- Bus to Machu Picchu: Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes straight up to the site.
- Entrance Fee: Your official entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Price Excludes
- Insurance: Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Meals: Breakfast on Day One, plus all lunches and dinners throughout the trip.
- Accommodation: Your hotel stays in Lima and Cusco (we can arrange these for you!).
- Mountain Upgrades: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain (These are optional add ons).
- Hot Springs: Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs (a nice option after a long day).
- Train Upgrades: Option to upgrade to Vistadome or Hiram Bingham luxury train tickets.
- Personal Costs: Tips and any private expenses.
- Vistadome train tickets (optional upgrade)
- Camera fully charged & extra batteries (batteries drain quicker in the cold)
- Water bottle and snacks
FAQs about the 3 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima
Look, we know you’re totally pumped for this it’s a huge adventure! To make sure you’re cool, calm, and collected, we’ve laid out the most common questions about our 3 day Machu Picchu tours from Lima. Let’s get you ready with zero stress!
Plan on setting that alarm early! We schedule pickup right from your Lima hotel around 4:00 a.m. The goal is to catch the first available flight to Cusco. Our team has the timing dialed in perfectly to maximize your experience right from the very first minute.
It’s a valid concern, and honestly, everyone asks! Cusco sits high up at 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), so it’s something to be aware of. Our itineraries are specifically designed to help you ease into it safely.
Here’s the rundown: Take It Slow: We highly recommend spending that first day in the lower altitude Sacred Valley. It’s the smart, gradual way to acclimatize.
The First 24 Hours: Don’t push it! Avoid intense physical activity right after you land. Rest is your best strategy.
Local Secret: Drink tons of water. And seriously, try the local coca or muña tea they’re traditional, effective helpers for altitude symptoms.
Keep It Light: Stick to light meals and definitely skip the heavy drinking early on.
Most people adjust quickly, but if you’re prone to altitude issues, talk to your doctor about medication before booking your lima to machu picchu tour. Better safe than sorry!
Absolutely, they are! Your 3 day Machu Picchu tour package includes round trip flights between Lima and Cusco. Plus, that ticket lets you bring one carry on bag up to 10 kg easy travel from the jump.
You’re going to eat incredibly well! Peruvian food is amazing. Here are some top local spots we love on your tour from Lima to Machu Picchu:
Cusco: For a great meal, hit Cicciolina, Chicha by Gastón Acurio, or Limbus Resto Bar. They totally deliver on flavor and atmosphere.
Sacred Valley: El Huacatay (Urubamba) and Tunupa Restaurant (Ollantaytambo) are perfect for delicious Peruvian dishes with scenic backdrops.
Aguas Calientes: For refueling after the big day, grab a bite at Indio Feliz, Toto’s House, or Tree House Restaurant. Great local ingredients!
You’ll be amazed at how much we cram in we’ve mastered the logistics! This itinerary moves fast but gives you the ultimate Andes experience:
- Day 1 (Cusco & Immersion): We fly you into Cusco, where you immediately start soaking up the city’s charm. You’ll see the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and the artsy streets of San Blas. Then, it’s off to the Sacred Valley. You catch the train from Ollantaytambo and sleep near the mountain in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 2 (The Citadel): This is the main event! Up early, quick bite, and straight up to Machu Picchu. The first view is unforgettable it truly feels like it’s been waiting just for you. Your guide hits all the main sites: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Main Plaza. You get dedicated time after that to explore the magic solo!
- Day 3 (Wrap up & Departure): Back in Cusco, we usually fit in final spots like the huge stones of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, or the famous Twelve Angled Stone. Then, it’s a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
Rest is vital for Machu Picchu. We split your stay between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, and we know all the sweet spots:
Splurge: Palacio del Inka (Cusco) offers incredible, historic luxury. Inkaterra (Aguas Calientes) is an amazing forest retreat.
Reliable Comfort: Tierra Viva Cusco Centro is always solid great location, no drama. Casa Andina Standard (Aguas Calientes) is modern and totally convenient.
Budget & Vibe: Pariwana Hostel (Cusco) is fun and clean. Supertramp Hostel (Aguas Calientes) offers great style and value.
Seriously: Get good sleep. Machu Picchu requires your A game!
Yes, you can! Both hikes are optional add ons to your tour from Lima to Machu Picchu. Heads up: tickets are extremely limited and sell out months in advance, even before your tour date! You absolutely must reserve these special passes when you book your main tour with us.
Absolutely, you definitely get free time! Our guided tour is essential for understanding the site, but once your guide wraps up the highlights, the rest of the time is totally yours. This is your moment to wander Machu Picchu at your own speed take those epic pictures, find a quiet corner to soak it all in, or just sit and watch the clouds drift over the mountains. Plus, if you snagged a pass for one of the mountain climbs, that free time is exactly when you hit the trails. We always make sure you have dedicated time to experience the magic without feeling rushed.
