Archaeological Cusco & Machu Picchu 3-Day/2-Night Package
Archaeological Cusco & Machu Picchu 3-Day/2-Night Package - Photo Gallery
Tour Details
This itinerary is designed for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the very best of the Inca Empire. The package comprehensively arranges all transfers starting from your airport arrival, acclimation in the city of Cusco, cultural tours of key archaeological sites, and the train journey to Aguas Calientes to explore the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco - Airport Pickup and City Tour
Morning: Greeting at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and private transfer to your hotel. Free time to rest, acclimate to the altitude, and sip on coca tea.
1:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Start of the Cusco City Tour. The itinerary includes:
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): The primary religious and astronomical center of the empire.
Sacsayhuamán: An impressive megalithic fortress overlooking the city.
Q'enqo: A ceremonial center featuring carved rock labyrinths.
Puka Pukara: An Inca military control post and fortress.
Tambomachay: A temple dedicated to the worship of water.
Night: Overnight stay at your selected hotel in Cusco.
Day 2: Machu Picchu
4:00 AM - 6:30 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and ground transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
6:40 AM - 8:20 AM: Board the tourist train (Expedition or Voyager) to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Ride the tourist shuttle bus (Consettur) from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the imperial citadel of Machu Picchu.
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, exploring the agricultural sector, main temples, the Intihuatana stone, and urban plazas.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Shuttle bus ride back down to Aguas Calientes. Free time for lunch.
4:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Return train journey to Ollantaytambo station, followed by ground transfer back to Cusco city.
Night: Overnight stay at your hotel in Cusco.
Day 3: Departure
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.
At the scheduled time: Private transfer from the hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your return flight. End of services.
Services
Included
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Private round-trip airport transfers (Airport – Hotel – Airport).
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2 nights of hotel accommodation in Cusco with breakfast included.
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Tourist transportation for the Cusco City Tour.
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Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for the City Tour sites.
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Entrance ticket to Qorikancha Temple.
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Ground transportation for Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
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Round-trip train ticket for Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
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Round-trip shuttle bus ticket for Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
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Official entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel (Llaqta).
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Professional tour guide service in English or Spanish for all tours.
Not Included
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Domestic or international airfare.
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Unspecified meals (lunches and dinners).
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Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($65 USD additional).
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Upgrade to Vistadome train ($70 USD additional).
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Tips for service staff or guides.
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Personal travel or accident insurance.
Recommendations
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Original valid passport or official national ID
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Small 20-liter daypack for your Machu Picchu visit
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Warm clothing, windbreaker, and thermal layers for cold Cusco nights
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Lightweight, breathable clothing for exploring Machu Picchu
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Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
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Hiking boots or sneakers with good traction
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Sunscreen, hat or cap, and sunglasses
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Insect repellent for the Machu Picchu area
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Reusable water bottle
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Cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles) for small expenses
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
How is altitude sickness (soroche) managed?
It is very common to feel the effects of high altitude upon arriving in Cusco (11,150 ft / 3,400 m.a.s.l.). We recommend resting for the first few hours at your hotel, drinking plenty of coca tea or muña (Andean mint) infusions, eating light meals, and staying well-hydrated. If you wish, you can consult with a doctor before your trip regarding altitude sickness medication (Sorojchi Pills).
How far in advance should I book this package?
Ideally, you should book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu citadel and train passes have daily capacity limits regulated by the Peruvian government, so securing your entries early guarantees availability during the best times.
Can I do this itinerary if I am traveling with children or older adults?
Yes, this package is suitable for the whole family. The pace of the itinerary allows for progressive acclimation. While Machu Picchu and the archaeological sites on the City Tour feature sections with stone steps, they are covered at a slow, comfortable pace with your guide's assistance.
What luggage should I bring to Machu Picchu?
For the train ride to Aguas Calientes and the visit to Machu Picchu, train companies only allow passengers to board with hand luggage or a small daypack (max. 11 lbs to 17 lbs / 5 kg to 8 kg per person). The rest of your bulky luggage or main suitcases will remain stored safely and free of charge in the luggage storage area at your hotel in Cusco.
Is it mandatory to hire a guide to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, per official regulations from the Ministry of Culture of Peru, visiting the Machu Picchu citadel must be done accompanied by an official tour guide. This package already includes professional guide services throughout the entire tour.
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