Day 1: Airport Reception – City Tour
Your Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days begins with a warm reception at the Cusco airport. Our team will transfer you directly to your comfortable hotel. This initial time allows you to acclimatize gently to Cusco’s altitude. It ensures a smoother start before embarking on your scheduled Historic Cusco tour. Our Cusco Tour Package is designed for your comfort from the very first moment in this ancient city.
Afternoon City Tour
At 1:30 pm, we will begin our fascinating tour directly from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. Our first significant stop is the QORICANCHA TEMPLE. This sacred site was built on the base of an ancient Inca foundation. It was a principal place where the “sun” god was worshipped, and its remarkable Inca walls are still perfectly preserved today. This visit provides deep insight into the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire.
Following Qoricancha, we proceed to the impressive SACSAYHUAMAN Fortress. This colossal site served as a place of offering to the Sun God. It is famous for its enormous, perfectly polished and molded stones, some reaching 9m high and weighing 350 tons. Next, our Historic Cusco exploration takes us to the Qenqo Temple. This mystical temple of the Qenqo Incas was a significant ceremonial center where religious sacrifices were made, adding a layer of ancient mystery to your Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days.
Our city tour concludes with visits to two more important archaeological sites. We first explore the PUCA PUCARA Military Center. This site is known historically as the inn of the Inca soldiers, strategically located overlooking the valley. Finally, we discover the TAMBOMACHAY Temple. This monument is famously known as “The Bath of the Ñusta” due to the existence of two aqueducts that carry crystal clear water all year round. At the end of this enriching afternoon, we return to your hotel, and you can enjoy a free evening to relax and reflect on the historical wonders encountered.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Activity: Airport reception and transfer, Afternoon City Tour.
- Start Time (City Tour): 1:30 pm.
- Locations Visited: Cusco Airport, Hotel, Plaza de Armas of Cusco, QORICANCHA TEMPLE, SACSAYHUAMAN Fortress, Qenqo Temple, PUCA PUCARA Military Center, TAMBOMACHAY Temple.
- Overnight: Cusco.
Day 2: Tours to Machu Picchu
Your Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days continues with its absolute highlight: the journey to Machu Picchu. At 3:40 am, our transfer will pass by your hotel to pick you up and take you to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, we will board our train to our highly anticipated destination, “Machu Picchu”. This early start ensures we maximize our time at the citadel, a key aspect of your Machu Picchu 3 Days experience.
Scenic Train Journey and Citadel Arrival
At approximately 6:10 am, we board the train to Machu Picchu. The journey lasts about an hour and 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy beautiful landscapes and glimpse ancient archaeological remains along the way. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), our transfer will be waiting for us. They will give us directions to begin our journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will then board the bus to Machu Picchu, preparing for an unforgettable exploration.
In-depth Exploration of Machu Picchu
Once aboard the bus to Machu Picchu, we will enter the archaeological park with our tour guide. We will embark on an extensive guided tour lasting two and a half hours. During this comprehensive exploration, we will visit the Guardian’s House, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu next to Huanapicchu. Our visit also includes the stone quarry, the majestic temple of the sun, and the intriguing temple of the 3 windows. We will delve into both the agricultural area and the urban area, understanding the daily life and ceremonial functions of this ancient Inca city. This Machu Picchu 3 Days experience provides deep insight into its history and architecture. To learn more about the site, consult our Complete Guide Machu Picchu.
At the end of our guided tour, we will leave Machu Picchu to take our bus back to the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). Finally, 30 minutes before our train’s departure, we will be present to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our transfer will be waiting for you. They will take you by bus to the city of Cusco, ending our Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days at Plaza San Francisco.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Activity: Travel to Machu Picchu, Guided Tour of Citadel, Return to Cusco.
- Train Departure (Ollantaytambo): Approximately 6:10 am.
- Train Travel Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Citadel: 2.5 hours.
- Return Train Boarding: 30 minutes before departure.
- Return Destination: Cusco (Plaza San Francisco).
- Overnight: Cusco.
Day 3: Hotel – Airport Transfer
Your Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days concludes with a comfortable departure. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. If your departure time from Cusco is at night, we can schedule an additional service for you. You may also take the day off to tour the imperial city and visit the Traditional Market of San Pedro where you can find local produce. This offers a final glimpse into the local culture of your Historic Cusco adventure. After having enjoyed all our services, this day will be our farewell at the airport in the city of Cusco or the bus terminal.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Included Meal: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Activities: Transfer to Cusco airport or bus terminal.
- Optional Activities (additional cost): Tour of imperial city, visit San Pedro Market.
- End of Services: Farewell at airport or bus terminal.