Day 1: The Eastern Sacred Valley (Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba)
Your journey begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most important cultural regions in the Andes.
Our first stop is the famous Taray Viewpoint, one of the best panoramic viewpoints of the Sacred Valley. From here you can admire the dramatic Andean mountains, the Urubamba River, and the agricultural terraces that still shape the valley landscape.
Pisac Ruins
We continue to the impressive Pisac archaeological complex, one of the largest and most important Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. During the guided visit, you will explore the massive Inca cemetery, ceremonial temples, agricultural terraces, and hilltop structures that once formed part of the Inca defensive and spiritual network.
Pisac Artisan Market
After exploring the ruins, we descend into the town of Pisac, where you will have free time to visit the colorful Pisac artisan market. This market is famous for its handmade alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, traditional crafts, and Andean souvenirs.
Lunch in Urubamba
We continue to Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a premium buffet lunch featuring a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes.
Sacred Valley Hotel Check-In
In the afternoon we check into your 3-star hotel in the Sacred Valley, located in the Urubamba or Ollantaytambo area. This part of the itinerary allows you to enjoy the warmer climate and lower altitude of the valley, which helps with acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu.
Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo)
Day 2: Western Sacred Valley Wonders (Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo – Train)
After breakfast at your hotel, we continue exploring the western side of the Sacred Valley, home to some of the most fascinating Inca sites in the region.
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Our first stop is Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site consisting of circular agricultural terraces built into a natural depression. Researchers believe Moray functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory, where different microclimates allowed experimentation with crops and farming techniques.
Maras Salt Mines
Next we visit the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of pink salt pools cascade down the mountainside. These salt pans have been used since Inca times, and local families still harvest salt using traditional methods.
This site is considered one of the most unique and photogenic landscapes in the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca City
In the afternoon we arrive at Ollantaytambo, often called the “Living Inca City” because its original Inca street layout is still preserved today.
Here we explore the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, including the Temple of the Sun, massive stone terraces, ceremonial temples, and defensive walls built by the Incas.
Train to Aguas Calientes
Later in the afternoon we board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
The train journey follows the Urubamba River through lush cloud forest landscapes, making it one of the most scenic train rides in South America.
Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Machu Picchu Sunrise Experience (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco)
Early in the morning we take the first buses from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu, arriving at the sanctuary in time to enjoy the quiet morning atmosphere.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Your guide will lead a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the most important areas of the citadel, including:
The Main Plaza
The Circular Tower (Temple of the Sun)
The Sacred Solar Clock – Intihuatana
The Royal Quarters
Agricultural terraces and panoramic viewpoints of the ancient city
During the tour, your guide explains the history, architecture, engineering, and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Free Time in Aguas Calientes
After the guided tour, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch and to explore the small town.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco is approximately 7:30 PM, completing one of the most complete Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu cultural journeys available.
