Peru · Archaeology

5-Day Empire of the Incas: Cusco, Sacsayhuaman, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

5 Days Round trip from Cusco Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Cusco’s historic center, including San Pedro Market, Qorikancha, Hatun Rumiyoc, and the Cathedral
  • 02 Visit the impressive archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay
  • 03 Discover the Sacred Valley’s traditional culture in Chinchero and its weaving heritage
  • 04 See the concentric agricultural terraces of Moray
  • 05 Tour Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns
  • 06 Travel by train and bus to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu
  • 07 Enjoy included breakfasts and buffet lunches during key excursion days
  • 08 Benefit from transfers, accommodation, and entrance fees included in the itinerary

Discover the heart of the Inca world on a 5-day journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Explore historic plazas, lively local markets, remarkable temples, and some of Peru’s most celebrated archaeological sites as you trace the legacy of the Inca Empire.

From the monumental stones of Sacsayhuamán and the terraces of Moray to the living heritage of Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, each day reveals a different side of Andean culture and history. The experience culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, where dramatic mountain scenery and extraordinary Inca architecture come together in one of the world’s most iconic settings.

From the monumental stones of Sacsayhuamán and the terraces of Moray to the living heritage of Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, each day reveals a different side of Andean culture and history.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Day 1: Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire

Arrival to the city of Cusco, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city. Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone. We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

2
Day 02

Day 2: Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, Tambomachay, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara

In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision. Free afternoon to enjoy the city.

Free afternoon for additional activities, or to cruise around the streets of Cusco. The passport of admissions that is included in this trip gives you access to other points of interest that are not visited.

3
Day 03

Day 3: Sacred Valley, Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo

This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. Short stop in a textiles center to appreciate the old Inca techniques for the dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca plaza with its beautiful colonial church, we will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates. Lunch. Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging in the area.

4
Day 04

Day 4: Machu Picchu, Los Citadel of Incas.

The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance from our staff to board the bus that will ascend up a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba river which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

5
Day 05

Day 5 Farewell Day

Relax as we provide a seamless private transfer to the airport. Our team assists with luggage and ensures a timely arrival, concluding your journey with comfort and peace of mind.

WEB-5SECX / WEB-5SECV

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cusco 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transfers airport / hotel / train station / hotel / airport.
  • Half Day City tour and Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman.
  • Full Day Sacred Valley of the Incas: Chinchero town, Moray and Ollantaytambo Inca Town with buffet lunch.
  • Full Day Machu Picchu excursion with buffet lunch
  • 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco
  • 1 night of accommodation in the Sacred Valley.
  • All entrance fees in each excursion.
  • Daily breakfast.

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks, unless specified

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants. Otherwise, your tour may not be confirmed.
  • When booking your flight Cusco, it must be in the morning. Arrival by noon is too late.
  • Upon time of booking, please provide flight itinerary for international flights and domestic flights.
  • Trek difficulty level is moderate.
  • It is recommended that your bring a: rain jacket, coat, sunscreen, hat and hiking shoes.
  • Important: If you go suffer from altitude sickness, please bring medicine or ask your doctor for advice before you depart.
  • Not stroller accessible.
  • Not suitable for pets.
  • No public transportation nearby.
  • Infants must not sit on laps.
  • Infant seats unavailable.
  • Not recommended for people with back problems.
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions.
  • In Cusco, our staff will be providing your train tickets and entrance to Machupicchu the same day of the excursion.
  • Departure Point: Tour departs from the International Airport in Lima and coincides with your flight's arrival Dates: See Availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cusco, PE
Tour start
Cusco, PE
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Cusco.

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