Overview
Discover the magic, mysticism, and history of the majestic city of Cusco and the citadel of Machu Picchu through a comprehensive 4-day, 3-night program designed by Vilcabamba Tours, ideal for those seeking to explore the region’s essential attractions at a completely comfortable pace. This itinerary combines an initial day of acclimatization with a guided tour of the city’s colonial and Inca treasures —including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Coricancha Temple— and the monumental neighboring fortresses of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay.
The culmination of the journey will take you on a beautiful train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes to explore the enigmatic architecture of Machu Picchu alongside our local specialists. Featuring included lunches and private transfers from start to finish, Vilcabamba Tours handles every operational detail, ensuring your only concern is marveling at the legacy of the Incas.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Cusco: Arrival in the city, reception at the airport, private transfer to the hotel by the Vilcabamba Tours team, and free afternoon to rest and acclimatize.
- Day 2: City Tour and 4 Archaeological Sites: Breakfast at the hotel and a guided tour of the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, and the Coricancha Temple, followed by a visit to the outer complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay.
- Day 3: Excursion to the Citadel of Machu Picchu: Coordinated morning transfer to the station to board the train to Aguas Calientes; bus ascent and entrance to the Inca citadel for a 2.5-hour guided tour with our specialist. Return by bus, lunch in the town, and return journey by train and van back to the hotel in Cusco.
- Day 4: Free Day and Farewell: Breakfast at the hotel and private transfer to the airport at the appropriate time managed by Vilcabamba Tours to board your return flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
The journey begins with your arrival in the city of Cusco. Our Vilcabamba Tours staff will meet you at the airport to offer a warm welcome and transfer you in a private and comfortable service to your selected hotel. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to rest, walk at a relaxed pace, and facilitate the acclimatization process to the Andean altitude, overnighting at your accommodation in Cusco with the continuous support of our assistance team.
Day 2: Cusco – City Tour and 4 Archaeological Sites
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will begin a comprehensive guided excursion through the city’s historic center in the morning, visiting the Plaza de Armas, the majestic Cusco Cathedral, and the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the polished walls of the Coricancha (the Temple of the Sun), the Incas’ main religious axis. Subsequently, led by the expert guide from Vilcabamba Tours, the tour will move to the outskirts of the city to explore four imposing archaeological sites: the colossal Sacsayhuamán Fortress, the stone labyrinth of Qenqo, the Puca Pucará control post, and the ceremonial fountains of Tambomachay, returning to your hotel in Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 3: Excursion to the Citadel of Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the train station in the agency’s exclusive transportation, where you will board the train bound for the town of Aguas Calientes, enjoying the changing landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, our local specialist will greet you to board the bus together for the ascent to the official entrance of Machu Picchu, a Cultural and Natural Heritage site of Humanity. You will take a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours through the sectors, temples, and main plazas of this enigmatic masterpiece of Inca architecture. Upon concluding the circuit, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a pleasant included lunch, boarding the return train in the afternoon (you must be at the station 30 minutes before departure). Upon your arrival, our Vilcabamba Tours transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco in complete safety.
Day 4: Free Day and Transfer to the Airport
You will start the last day with breakfast at the hotel, having the early morning hours free for souvenir shopping or walking through the historic center at your own pace. At the appropriate time and according to your flight itinerary, our private Vilcabamba Tours transportation will pick you up in the accommodation lobby to transfer you directly to the Cusco airport, providing personalized assistance upon departure for you to board your return flight, thereby concluding our services.
Includes
- Reception at Cusco airport and private round-trip transfers by Vilcabamba Tours staff.
- Hotel-to-train station and vice-versa transfers included throughout the program.
- 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco with breakfast included at the hotel of your choice.
- Guided City Tour excursion (Cathedral, Coricancha, and the 4 outer archaeological sites).
- Guaranteed round-trip train tickets for the Machu Picchu excursion.
- Bus tickets for the ascent and descent between Aguas Calientes and the Inca citadel.
- Official entrance ticket to the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Certified professional bilingual guiding service by Vilcabamba Tours.
- Full lunch included at a restaurant in the town of Aguas Calientes on Day 3.
Not Included
- Domestic or international air tickets and airfare.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) or specific entrance fees to the Cathedral and Coricancha (paid directly at the destination).
- Meals not explicitly specified in the itinerary (lunches on days 1, 2, 4, and dinners each night).
- Voluntary tips for guides, drivers, and service personnel en route.
- Personal travel insurance or medical assistance.
