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Classic-Modern Cusco - 3 Days Tour
- Duration3 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- Group sizeMax. 15
Overview
Specially designed for those who have limited time but want to make the most of the experience. On this itinerary, you’ll explore the fascinating archaeological sites of Cusco and immerse yourself in the unique energy of Machu Picchu. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to capture unforgettable momen…
Specially designed for those who have limited time but want to make the most of the experience.
On this itinerary, you’ll explore the fascinating archaeological sites of Cusco and immerse yourself in the unique energy of Machu Picchu.
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to capture unforgettable moments at the city’s most charming and photogenic spots before your return flight.
A hands-on and immersive experience that combines history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes in just 3 days 🌄✨.
General conditions
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Day 1 Flight Arrival Requirement: To participate in the Day 1 Afternoon City Tour, your flight must land at Cusco Airport (CUZ) no later than 10:30 AM. Delayed arrivals may result in forfeiting the City Tour without refund.
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Passport Requirement: Your original, physical passport used at booking is mandatory for airport pick-up, hotel checks, train boarding, and Machu Picchu entry.
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Luggage Restrictions: Train operators enforce a 5 kg (11 lbs) hand-luggage limit per passenger. Large bags must be left in secure storage at your Cusco hotel during the Machu Picchu portion.
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Non-Refundable Permits: Machu Picchu citadel tickets, train passes, and bus vouchers issued by Peruvian government authorities are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Inclusions & Site Fees: Includes airport transfers, guided tours, and logistics specified in the package. Local site permits (such as the Boleto Turístico del Cusco and Qoricancha entry) are paid directly on-site in Peruvian Soles unless pre-bundled.
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Cusco & Archaeological City Tour.
✈️ Arrival in Cusco – First Glimpses of the Inca City
👋 Upon landing at the Cusco airport in the morning, our team will warmly welcome you and accompany you on the transfer to the hotel where you’ll be staying.
🌄 Take this first moment to feel the unique energy of the Andes and allow your body to acclimate to the altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level.
🏛️ Archaeological City Tour
🕐 At 12:50 p.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel to begin an unforgettable afternoon of discoveries.
From 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., we’ll take the Archaeological City Tour, a journey to the heart of the history and culture of the capital of the Inca Empire.📍 Our tour includes:
✨ Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun, the holiest site in the empire
✨ Sacsayhuamán, an imposing fortress built with gigantic stone blocks
✨ Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial center
✨ Puca Pucara, an ancient military fortress
✨ Tambomachay, known as the Temple of Water🌙 End of the Day
At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off near the charming Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco.
There, you can stroll around, admire the colonial architecture, and choose one of the local restaurants to enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine.📍 Overnight: Hotel in Cusco 🏨
Day 2Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco.
🌄 A Magical Day at Machu Picchu
⏰ At 4:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for the bus ride to the Ollantaytambo station 🚍.
🚆 At 6:10 a.m., we’ll board the scenic train bound for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), an immersive journey through Andean valleys, mountains, and rivers.
🏯 Arrival at Machu Picchu
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our team will assist you and escort you to the bus that takes you up to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park 🏔️.
👨🏫 There, you’ll take a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours through the main temples, plazas, and archaeological complexes of this modern wonder of the world.
✨ After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore, walk around, and connect with the unique energy of this sacred place.
🛂 A special touch
Don’t forget to get your passport stamped as a memento of this experience 🖋️.
👉 Extra tip: If you have a travel journal 📖, bring it along to record this very special moment.⬇️ Return
🚌 At the end of the visit, you can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes at any time, as buses run frequently.
⏳ In Águas Calientes, enjoy some free time until it’s time to board the train. Then, board the train back to Ollantaytambo 🚆, where our team will be waiting to take you on the final transfer to Cusco (approximately a 1.5-hour trip).
📍 Overnight: Hotel in Cusco 🏨
Day 3Departure From Cusco.
☀️ After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, make the most of your last few hours in this magical city to say goodbye at your own pace and capture unforgettable memories 📸.
If time allows, you can explore some charming, free tourist attractions in the historic center, such as:
🏛️ Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of Cusco
🪨 The 12-Angled Stone, on Hatun Rumiyoc Street
🌿 Plaza de San Blas and the San Blas Viewpoint, with beautiful views of the city
⛪ San Cristóbal Church, with its bells and panoramic viewpoint
💧 The Sapantiana Colonial Aqueduct, a hidden treasure
🌸 Siete Borreguitos Street, charming and lined with flowers
⛲ Tricentenario Square, steeped in history
🛍️ San Pedro Market, perfect for shopping and sampling local flavors✨ For those with extra time before their flight, it’s worth taking a taxi to the outskirts of the city to visit:
✝️ The White Christ, blessing Cusco from above
🌲 Eucalyptus Forest, perfect for breathing fresh air and enjoying nature🚌 At the agreed-upon time, our team will accompany you to the airport, ensuring you arrive 2 hours and 30 minutes before your flight ✈️.
More than just luggage, you’ll take home unforgettable moments, unique emotions, and the vibrant energy of the Andes—all of which will remain forever in your memory and heart 💫.
Cusco isn’t just a destination—it’s a transformative experience! 🌄✨
What's included
Included
- Airport–Hotel–Airport Transfer
- Professional Guide for Machu Picchu
- Archaeological City Tour
- Trip to Machu Picchu
- 1-Day Admission to Machu Picchu
- Round-trip Train Service: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Economy Class)
- Shuttle Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Transfer: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner
- Flights: Domestic and International.
- Partial Tourist Ticket ($22)
What to bring
- Bring personal documents (passport or national ID)
- Students must bring a current student ID from their university
- Sunscreen during the sunny season
- Insect repellent for Machu Picchu
- Raincoat or poncho during the rainy season
- Clothing suitable for cold weather
- Extra battery for your camera
- Purchase your travel insurance here.
- Portuguese-language guided tour
- Private tour
- Option to stay at other hotels
- Vistadome Observatory Train: a more immersive experience with panoramic windows, background music, live dance, and traditional performances. Includes an observation car with a bar and a balcony offering spectacular views. Additional round trip: US$ 94
- Additional one-way trip: US$ 79
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: one of Machu Picchu’s most iconic attractions, featuring a challenging hike and breathtaking panoramic views. Must be requested in advance; limited availability
- Additional cost: US$ 70
Frequently asked questions
What time should my flight arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 3?
On Day 1, aim to land in Cusco by 10:30 AM at the latest so you have time to check in, rest briefly, and start the Afternoon City Tour. On Day 3, we recommend booking an afternoon or evening flight so you can enjoy morning photos and shopping in Cusco before your transfer to the airport.
What happens to my luggage during the Day 2 Machu Picchu visit?
You will leave your main suitcases in free, secure storage at your Cusco hotel. On Day 2, you will travel light with only a small daypack containing your essentials for the trip to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Are entrance fees to the Cusco ruins and Machu Picchu included?
Machu Picchu entry tickets and train passes are fully included in your package. City Tour entry tickets (the Cusco Tourist Ticket and Qoricancha pass) are typically purchased on-site with local cash (Peruvian Soles), unless you reserved an all-inclusive variant.
Is this 3-day itinerary suitable for managing altitude sickness?
Because this is an intensive, fast-paced itinerary, we recommend resting, taking short walks, and drinking coca tea during your first hours in Cusco on Day 1. Machu Picchu sits at a lower altitude (2,430 m / 7,970 ft) than Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), which helps make Day 2 physically manageable.
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