Peru Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco Extension Tour
Ancient Wonders and Cultural Highlights
- Available: May, June, July, August, September, October, December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotel
Highlights
- Explore ancient Incan archaeological sites and salt pans in the Sacred Valley
- Experience two days at UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu citadel and surrounds
- Stay at three luxury hotels, relaxing in comfort and refinement after exciting days exploring the sites
Itinerary
Arrive in Cusco, Transfer to Sacred Valley
Day 1
Upon arrival in Cusco, meet your local guide and transfer to the nearby Urubamba Valley (also known as the Sacred Valley). The valley is situated about 2,000' lower than Cusco (which is at 11,200' above sea level) and staying here for the first nights will help you acclimatize. Stop en route to visit the ancient ruins of Pisac, perched on a hill high above the valley, and featuring some of the finest Inca stonework in existence as well as beautiful, sweeping terraces that perfectly highlight the contours of the mountain terrain. Enjoy lunch in Pisac village, then continue to your hotel in Urubamba. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner.Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru
Activity: 2 hours walking tour of archaeological ruins
Transportation: 2-hour rivate transfer Cusco to the Sacred Valley
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Discover Sacred Valley Sites of Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo
Day 2
Set out this morning on a scenic drive from the valley to the highland plateau. Visit the salt pans of Maras, where one of the finest salts in the world is extracted. The patchwork effect of hundreds of salt pans in varying shades of white, pink and beige is wonderfully photogenic. Enjoy a special picnic lunch with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Continue to the ancient site of Moray to see its impressive circular terraces that were used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory. Return to the valley and visit the fascinating ruins of Ollantaytambo. This monumental fortress is one of the few places where the Inca Empire won a major battle against the Spanish. The town below shows vestiges of Incan town planning, including traditional housing compounds, stone streets, and an extensive communal water system that is still in use to this day. Return to the hotel in Urubamba. Dinner tonight is on your own.Accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru
Activity: 2 hours walking tour of Maras & Moray, 2x hours walking tour of Ollantaytambo (including 200 steps up & down to reach the top of the ancient fortress)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Train to Machu Picchu & Tour the Ruins
Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to the train station at Ollantaytambo. Board a train for the scenic 2 hour trip along the Urubamba River. From the Machu Picchu train station at Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride on steep, winding switchback roads will take you up to the enigmatic "lost city" perched 2,000' above the river. The majestic ruins nestled between striking mountain peaks exist as an incomparable complex of terraces, stairways, baths, altars, and houses. Immediately following lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, learn about the archaeological and historical importance of these structures as part of your private in-depth walking tour of the Machu Picchu citadel. Return to Aguas Calientes by bus and check in to your luxury hotel for some time at leisure before dinner.
nAccommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similarAccommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel-Aguas Calientes
Activity: 3 hours walking tour of Machu Picchu
Transportation: 1.5-hour train ride, 30-minute public shuttle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Machu Picchu & return to Cusco
Day 4
Return to Machu Picchu this morning and explore the citadel further with your guide, or if you wish, you can hike Machu Picchu Mountain or climb Huayna Picchu for dramatic vistas of the ruins below and the surrounding mountains (subject to permit availability). Descend for lunch at the hotel and take an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo station. From there you'll be transferred to Cusco to check-in to your hotel. Dinner is on your own.Accommodation: Palacio del Inka
Activity: 2 hours walking tour of Machu Picchu or 2-3 hours/2 miles optional mountain hikes
Transportation: 30-minute public shuttle transfers, 1.5-hour train ride, and 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cusco and Sacsayhuaman
Day 5
Cusco was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its history and vibrant beauty. Explore the city this morning on a private walking tour, including the Main Square and Cathedral, and also venture above the city to marvel at the incredible stonework at the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán, built on high terraces overlooking Cusco. The afternoon is at leisure back in Cusco for independent explorations. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner.Accommodation: Palacio del Inka
Activity: 4 hours walking tour of Cusco and Sacsayhuaman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Cusco
Day 6
After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to the Cusco airport for your departing flight.Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
- Drawing on over 40 years of experience in the region, MT Sobek can be relied on for expert leadership.
- This extension immerses you in Inca history, exploring its most iconic archaeological gems.
- We've designed this extension to include excellent regional food and the finest accommodations.
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 6.
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
8 to 10 guests from $2,890 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $2,990 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $3,190 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $3,390 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $3,790 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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May, June, July, August, September, October, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Bottled water on all group transfers (if possible, bring your own and we will refill with purified water to save on plastic waste)
- Mineral water and soft drinks with included meals
- Wine with welcome and farewell dinners
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Entrance fees and ground transportation for all activities mentioned in the itinerary (unless otherwise noted)
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, flights to and from Cusco, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Local Tour Guide .
We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. While you won't be hiking any long distances, you will be on your feet for much of the day and site visits require walking over uneven terrain, and climbing and descending a significant number of ancient stone steps (as many as 200 steps at Ollantaytambo, and over 100 steps at Machu Picchu). You'll be sleeping and touring at altitudes between 6,700' and 11,200' (and will visit a couple of sites at altitudes ~12,000').
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
2 hours walking tour of archaeological ruins
Day 2
2 hours walking tour of Maras & Moray, 2x hours walking tour of Ollantaytambo (including 200 steps up & down to reach the top of the ancient fortress)
Day 3
3 hours walking tour of Machu Picchu
Day 4
2 hours walking tour of Machu Picchu or 2-3 hours/2 miles optional mountain hikes
Day 5
4 hours walking tour of Cusco and Sacsayhuaman
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Stay at a curated selection of elegant hotels including a converted colonial mansion and casitas in the cloud forest.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel-Aguas Calientes
A village in its own right, Inkaterra Machu Picchu comprises 83 whitewashed casitas set among 12 acres of cloud forest complete with terraced hills, waterfalls, and lush gardens. The individual casitas feature inviting beds and rustically elegant decor. Diners in the first-class restaurant can indulge in Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, while admiring views over the Vilcanota River.
Palacio del Inka
Housed in a 500-year-old mansion, the exquisite Palacio del Inka is located in the historic center of Cusco, just a five-minute walk from the main square. The rooms are beautifully appointed, decorated with Peruvian art, handcrafted furnishings and modern conveniences and comforts, such as LED TV, high-speed Internet access, and comfortable beds.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru
This Inkaterra property is a modern, hacienda-style hotel set on 100 acres in the countryside between Cusco and Machu Picchu. With only 12 rooms and 24 casitas, guests can experience solitude, space, and serenity while taking in breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. The hotel's architecture and interiors reflect the region's cultural history, with colonial furniture, Inca masks, and handcrafted woodwork throughout.
Weather
The climate varies due to the diverse topography of the region, with Cusco having a more pronounced shift between warm days and chilly evenings. At lower altitudes, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu have milder climates, with a tropical mountain climate around the peaks of Machu Picchu.
FAQs
When and where should I arrive?
Depending on your flight schedule, you may need a hotel night in Lima, Peru. We suggest the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport, which is conveniently located right at the airport.
Should I book an extension for before or after my visit to the Galapagos?
Do I have to bring hiking boots and will I need walking poles?
What do I need to know about altitudes on this extension?
At about 7,000 feet above sea level, the atmospheric pressure and percentage of oxygen begins to decrease rapidly, making it harder to breath. High altitude is considered 8,000-12,000 feet above sea level, very high altitude is between 12,000-18,000 ft, and extreme altitude is 18,000 ft and up.
Thin air has less moisture, so when traveling at high elevations be sure to drink extra water to prevent dehydration; reapply sunscreen and lip balm frequently; and dress appropriately with plenty of coverage including hats, sunglasses, gloves, and wind/waterproof clothing to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. You may find you need to walk at a slower pace and take more breaks.
Altitude sickness may occur when you do not give your body adequate time to acclimate to lower air pressure and less oxygen. For those with mild symptoms, the hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley have oxygen available, along with complimentary coca leaf tea ("mate de coca"), both of which are helpful in acclimatization. For some people, Acetazolamide (Diamox) can facilitate acclimatization as well as prevent and treat mild cases of altitude sickness. If you are considering Diamox, be sure to discuss with your doctor.
For those with more severe altitude sickness, the only solution is to get to a lower elevation, rest, and hydrate.
