Explore Cusco & Machu Picchu – Ancient Mysteries Come Alive

This five-day private tour is the perfect way to explore the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. You will walk through historic streets in Cusco, discover the beautiful Sacred Valley, and end your journey at the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel of Machu Picchu. It was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll. The tour includes private guided visits, all ground transportation, and train travel.

This is a flexible and personalised experience designed for travellers who want to explore Peru’s most iconic sites at their own pace.

You can book your own hotels, so you have the freedom to choose where you want to stay and your preferred level of comfort.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco

Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft

Your journey begins with a flight to Cusco in Peru, which you will book and pay for on your own. We recommend arriving by mid-morning. Upon arrival, our friendly driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The drive from the airport to the historic centre takes about 20 minutes.

Today is a light day. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, with a population of about half a million people today, is set high in the Peruvian Andes. Your body will need time to adjust to the altitude. Many visitors have probably never visited such a high-altitude city in their travels.

After checking into your hotel, you may wish to take some time to rest. Later, if you feel up to it, you can take a short walk near the hotel. You’ll see cobblestone streets, small plazas, and Spanish-era buildings with Inca foundations. Try a cup of warm coca tea, which helps with the altitude.

• Meals Included: None
• Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (not included in tour)

Day 2 – Walking Tour of Cusco

Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft
Walking Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 9:00 AM. Today, you will explore Cusco on foot. It’s a beautiful city with a mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture.

You’ll begin at San Pedro Market, where local people shop for fruits, herbs, bread, and flowers. It’s full of colour and energy. This is a great place to learn about local life and try some traditional snacks.

Tour Features (Private Service)

This tour is operated entirely as a private service. You will travel with your own guide and private vehicle throughout the trip.

High Altitude Travel:

• Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet).
• The Sacred Valley is located lower, at around 2,800 meters (9,186 feet).
• Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet).
  It’s normal to feel tired or short of breath on the first day. Rest, take it easy, and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust.

Walking & Difficulty:

• This tour involves easy to moderate walking.
• It is suitable for anyone in generally good health.
• You will walk short distances on cobbled streets, trails, and around archaeological sites.
• There are some steps to climb at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.

Travel Distances:

• You will travel about 170 kilometres (106 miles) through the Sacred Valley by vehicle.
• The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• The return train to Cusco (Poroy Station) takes just under 4 hours.
• All ground transfers are included in the tour.

Best Time to Visit:

• The best months to travel are from April to October.
• This is the dry season in the Andes.
• Expect sunny days and cool nights.
• It is the perfect time for visiting Machu Picchu and enjoying clear mountain views.

Next, you’ll walk to the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square. It is surrounded by churches and colonial buildings. From here, you’ll visit Qorikancha, the most important Inca temple in its time. When the Spanish arrived, they built a church on top of it, but much of the original stonework remains. Your guide will explain the history of the site and how the Inca worldview shaped its design.

The tour finishes around 12:30 PM. You will have the afternoon free to explore the city at your own pace. You might want to visit a museum, have a relaxing lunch, or enjoy some shopping.

• Meals Included: None
• Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (not included in tour)

Today begins with a pickup at your hotel at 9:00 AM. You’ll travel by private car through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile valley full of farms, rivers, and mountain peaks.

Your first stop is Pisac, known for its large archaeological site and craft market. The ruins sit above the town and offer amazing views of the valley below. You’ll walk through farming terraces, ceremonial areas, and stone-built paths. After the visit, you’ll have time to explore the Pisac market where locals sell textiles, pottery, and jewellery.

Next, you’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient town that still has its original Inca street layout. Here, you’ll climb the steps of the Ollantaytambo Fortress, which was both a religious centre and a stronghold. The stonework is impressive, and the views are rewarding.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll have free time in the town before boarding the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes. The train departs at 7:04 PM and travels through a scenic canyon alongside the Urubamba River. You will arrive around 8:45 PM. A hotel representative will be waiting to guide you to your accommodation.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (not included in tour)

Meals Included: Lunch

Your guided tour of Machu Picchu will follow Circuit 2B, the most complete and popular route designated by the Peruvian Tourism Authority. This circuit includes access to the main temples, ceremonial areas, and scenic viewpoints. If you would prefer a different route—such as one with less walking or with more challenging access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain—please let us know at the time of booking. Availability is limited, and all circuit selections must be made in advance.

This is part of your tour is the highlight of your journey. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8:00 AM. You will take a 30-minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

You’ll explore the site for about 2.5 hours with your guide. Walk along terraces and stone paths, and see temples, fountains, and plazas. Your guide will explain the history, culture, and construction of this incredible city, which was hidden from the world for centuries

Machu Picchu for most people, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After the tour, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then have free time to relax or visit the local artisan market.

In the afternoon, you will board the return train to Poroy Station at 4:43 PM. This journey takes about four hours. When you arrive at 8:23 PM, our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

• Meals Included: Lunch
• Overnight: Hotel in Cusco (not included in tour)

Day 5 – Departure from Cusco

This morning, we will arrange your private transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to the Andes and take your flight to your next destination. We hope you leave with wonderful memories ot your journey through Peru.

• Meals Included: None