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Machu Picchu Express

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5 days

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the spectacular lost city of Machu Picchu on this 5 day tour, which starts and ends in Cusco. Take in the highlights of the captivating Cusco on a walking tour, discover the vast Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and the Pisac ruins before travelling by train for a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.

Tour Overview

Duration

5 days

Starts

Cusco

Ends

Cusco

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 16

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Wednesdays - year round

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

Peru

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 5
Per person from
NZD$2,436.75
Save 5% today
Total From
$5,130.00
NZD$4,873.50
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,539.00
$4,104.00

Tour Highlights

Cusco – Take in the highlights of the captivating capital of the Inca Empire on a guided tour and explore the Sacsayhuaman Fortress
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Roam around the Pisac ruins and shop at the vibrant Pisac market
Machu Picchu – Enjoy a scenic train ride to explore the spectacular Inca citadel, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Visit Ollantaytambo fortress with its enormous Inca terraces constructed on the side of a steep mountain

Included

4 breakfasts
3 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night 3 star hotel in the Sacred Valley
Cusco airport transfer on day 1 and day 5
Guided tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Expedition train to Machu Picchu
Escorted by English-speaking local tour leader (for groups of 4 or more) and specialist local guides for included sightseeing
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance fees and Cusco Tourist Ticket

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cusco

Upon arrival Cusco Airport you'll be met and transferred to our group tour hotel. After hotel check in spend the rest of the day at leisure adjusting to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 2 - Cusco

Today we explore Cusco on a guided tour, taking in some of the city's most important landmarks. Our tour begins at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, it's one of the most beautiful squares in the country. Then we take in other highlights of the city, including the cathedral and the Kenko Amphitheatre before visiting the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city which is brimming with wonderful cafes, shops and handicraft markets and art shops.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 3 - Sacred Valley

Cusco - The Sacred Valley. We depart Cusco this morning and take a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the colourful Pisac Market, where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs.

This afternoon we visit the striking Ollantaytambo fortress with its enormous Inca terraces constructed on the side of a steep mountain. Ollantaytambo is one of the best examples of Incan architecture and many of the inhabitants of the town still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors. After a tour through the area we check into our nearby hotel for the night.

Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we travel by train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu town). On the 90 minute journey sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery through the panoramic windows. In Aguas Calientes we board the bus which takes us along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.

The incredible lost city of Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. A guided tour will take us around the citadel. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. The ruins are divided into the Urban and Agricultural Sectors with features ranging from terraced fields and water fountains to storage buildings, guardhouses and religious temples as well as bridges on the trails leading out of the citadel. After the guided tour we return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before we travel by train back to Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cusco

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. A transfer will take you to Cusco airport for your onward travel.

If you're not departing Cusco until later this evening, or you've booked post tour accommodation, you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer today. You can visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.

Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits. Please note: Optional excursions must be booked prior to departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation Cusco

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$215per passenger

Pre tour accommodation Cusco

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$215per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Chinchero | Peru | South America
Add on:Chinchero Half Day Tour

On this half day excursion, explore the picturesque village of Chinchero, nestled within the Sacred Valley. Revered as the birthplace of the rainbow, this traditional Andean settlement boasts Inca ruins, a beautiful colonial church, breathtaking mountain panoramas, and a bustling traditional Sunday market.

$135

per passenger
Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain | Peru
Add-on: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek

Embark on a full-day guided excursion to discover the natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, located in the Andes of Peru. Trek to the summit and marvel at the vibrant colours of the mountain's layered sedimentary rocks, ranging from deep reds to vibrant yellows and mesmerizing blues, creating a unique and unforgettable sight. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way and a delicious lunch included.

$205

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Sonesta Hotel
Cusco

The recently renovated Sonesta Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cusco. The Plaza de Armas, Cusco Craft Center, Centro de Textiles and Cusco Museum of Popular Art are all just a short walk away. The well-appointed guest rooms feature either a mountain or city view, with cable TV, free WiFi and private bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant serves a fusion of Peruvian and international food. There are two bars and a café for you to relax and enjoy a drink after a busy day sightseeing.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
Cusco

Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, located in the historic city of Cusco, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and cultural charm. Perched on a hillside with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, this contemporary hotel provides well-appointed guest rooms featuring plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, ensuring a restful stay. The on-site restaurant serves tasty local and international cuisine, there's a cosy bar to enjoy a relaxing drink after a busy day of sightseeing and courtyard yoga sessions, should you wish to partake. The hotel's prime location provides easy access to Cusco's renowned attractions, including the Plaza de Armas and the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay
Sacred Valley

Scenically housed in an old monastery at the foot of a mountain in Peru's iconic Sacred Valley, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay is located just outside Urubamba and makes a great base for exploring the region. Rooms combine the contemporary and the rustic, featuring private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The onsite restaurant serves Andean classic dishes with a modern twist, and there's also a bar for customers to enjoy. As with many rural Peruvian hotels, there are resident alpacas!

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Mid-range Boutique Hotel
La Casona de Yucay
Sacred Valley

La Casona de Yucay is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the serene Sacred Valley of the Incas. Housed in a historic 1810 colonial mansion, the hotel combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering an authentic Andean experience. The beautifully appointed rooms feature traditional decor and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious farm-to-table Peruvian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the bar serves snacks and of course, the traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour. After a day exploring ancient Inca sites, the courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, appreciate the view and the tranquil setting.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Mid-range Boutique Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
25 Dec - 29 Dec
$2,445
$2,925
2025
Twin/Double
Single
15 Jan - 19 Jan
Sold Out
Sold Out
12 Feb - 16 Feb
Save 5%
$2,565$2,437
$3,105$2,950
12 Mar - 16 Mar
Save 5%
$2,565$2,437
$3,105$2,950
16 Apr - 20 Apr
Save 5%
$2,565$2,437
$3,105$2,950
14 May - 18 May
Save 5%
$2,565$2,437
$3,105$2,950
28 May - 1 Jun
Save 5%
$2,565$2,437
$3,105$2,950
11 Jun - 15 Jun
Save 5%
$2,565$2,437
$3,105$2,950
25 Jun - 29 Jun
$2,565
$3,105

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