Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days
See the highlights of the Inca heartland in four days, with no camping. You’ll tour Cusco and its Inca sites, spend a full day in the Sacred Valley visiting Pisac, Moray, the Maras salt mines and Ollantaytambo, and take the train to Aguas Calientes. The next morning you’ll explore Machu Picchu with your guide. On the last day, you’ll hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley. Hotels, private transport, trains, entrance fees and guides are included.
This tour is designed for travelers who prefer hotels to tents and want a well-organized introduction to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Most days involve easy walking at archaeological sites. The exception is Rainbow Mountain, a short but high-altitude hike to about 5,036 m (16,520 ft).
Overview
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days Overview
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and many of its streets still stand on Inca walls. This program follows a logical route out of the city. Day 1 covers Cusco and the four Inca sites just above it. Day 2 crosses the Sacred Valley from Pisac to Ollantaytambo, where you board the train to Machu Picchu. Day 3 is your guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, before returning to Cusco. Day 4 takes you southeast of Cusco to the colored slopes of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
Your guide and driver handle all the logistics, from airport pickup to the train connections, so you can focus on the sites.
Tour Highlights
- Cusco and its Inca sites. See the Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha, then Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay above the city.
- The Sacred Valley in one day. Visit a camelid center, the Pisac terraces, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines and Ollantaytambo.
- A night in Aguas Calientes. Sleep at the foot of Machu Picchu so you can take an early bus up the next morning.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Explore the citadel with your guide on Circuit 2 (Machu Picchu Classic), which includes the classic view over the site.
- Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Finish with a hike to the colored mineral bands of Vinicunca, at about 5,036 m (16,520 ft), and the deep red hills of the Red Valley.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days |
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights |
| Hotels | Cusco (Tierra Viva Cusco Centro) and Aguas Calientes (Hatun Inti Classic or similar) |
| Highest point | Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), about 5,036 m (16,520 ft), on Day 4 |
| Walking | Easy walking at the sites on Days 1 to 3; a 3- to 4-hour hike on Day 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; Day 4 is demanding because of the altitude |
| Start and finish | Cusco airport pickup on Day 1; return to your Cusco hotel on Day 4 |
| Transport | Private van, tourist-class train and Machu Picchu bus |
| Machu Picchu | Guided tour, Circuit 2 (Machu Picchu Classic) |
| Group size | Private service; groups of up to 12 travelers |
| Best season | April to October (dry season); the tour runs year-round |
| Price | From US$850 per person (groups of 5 to 8) |
Who This Tour Is For
This tour suits couples, families, friends and solo travelers who want to see Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a short time, with comfortable hotels and private transport. Days 1 to 3 involve walking on uneven stone paths and steps but no trekking. Day 4 is different. The Rainbow Mountain hike is short, but it climbs to about 5,036 m (16,520 ft), so you need reasonable fitness and good health. Horses can be rented at the trailhead for part of the way. If you have heart or respiratory conditions, or are traveling with young children or older relatives, talk to your doctor and to us before booking.
How This Tour Compares
| Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days | Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2 Days | Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days | |
| Cusco city tour | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sacred Valley | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Machu Picchu | Guided tour | Guided tour | Short Inca Trail plus guided tour |
| Rainbow Mountain | Yes | No | Yes, plus Humantay Lake |
| Camping | None | None | None |
| Price from | US$850 | US$490 | US$970 |
Short on time? Choose the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days or the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour from Cusco. Want to hike the Inca Trail and see Humantay Lake? See the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days.
Why Book This Tour with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned and operated. We are a Cusco-based company, and our own team handles your transfers, guides and tickets.
- Private transport throughout. Our van picks you up at the airport and your hotel, and meets you at the train station.
- Tickets bought in your name. Machu Picchu tickets and train seats are limited, so we buy them as soon as you pay your deposit.
- Well-located hotels. You stay in central Cusco and in Aguas Calientes, close to the Machu Picchu buses.
- A pace that fits you. Your guide adjusts the walking pace to your group, and Day 1 is kept gentle to help you adjust to the altitude.
Itinerary
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and Cusco City Tour
Our exclusive 4-day journey begins with your arrival in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Your dedicated Ali Perú Treks guide will greet you at the Cusco airport and escort you in private transport to your hotel in the historic center. We recommend arriving before 11:00 a.m. to allow time for altitude acclimatization (3,400 m / 11,152 ft), rest, hydration, and a warm cup of coca tea offered by your hotel.
At 1:00 p.m., your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin our cultural exploration. We will start with a guided walking tour through Cusco’s iconic Plaza de Armas, featuring grand colonial architecture built atop ancient Inca foundations, flanked by the majestic Cathedral.
Next, we will visit the sacred Q’oricancha (The Temple of the Sun), the spiritual and geographical heart of the Inca Empire. During Inca times, its finely polished stone walls were covered in thick sheets of solid gold. After exploring Q’oricancha, our private vehicle will take us just outside the city to explore four major archaeological sites:
- Sacsayhuamán: A monumental fortress and ceremonial complex famous for its massive zigzagging megalithic walls. The precision of its engineering is awe-inspiring, with limestone blocks weighing over 120 metric tons fitted seamlessly together without mortar.
- Q’enqo: A mystical ceremonial labyrinth carved directly out of a single limestone monolith. Its underground chamber houses a stone altar used for sacred rituals, mummification, and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
- Puka Pukara: Known as the “Red Fortress” due to the reddish hue its stones take on at sunset. This complex served as a strategic military checkpoint, barracks, and rest stop for royal entourages entering Cusco.
- Tambomachay: Commonly known as the “Inca Baths,” this site was dedicated to the worship of water and fertility. It features a sophisticated hydraulic engineering system of canals, aqueducts, and cascading fountains that still flow with crystal-clear water from underground springs.
At the end of the tour, we will drop you off safely back at your hotel to rest and enjoy your evening in Cusco.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Tour time | About 1:00 PM to late afternoon |
| Highest point | About 3,700 m (12,140 ft) at the sites above Cusco |
| Overnight | Tierra Viva Cusco Centro |
| Meals | Not included |
| Difficulty | Easy |

Day 2: Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Train to Aguas Calientes
We begin day two at 7:00 a.m. with a private pickup from your hotel in our exclusive van. This tour has been meticulously designed to highlight the mastery of Inca engineering and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes.
Our first stop is a living museum and textile interpretation center where you can interact up close with llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Here, local master weavers will demonstrate the ancestral Andean weaving process, the fascinating use of natural dyes derived from local plants, and the rich history of Andean textiles.
Continuing in our private transport, our next stop will be the Taray Viewpoint, where you will enjoy a privileged panoramic view of the Sacred Valley a perfect spot for taking unforgettable photos.
Afterward, we will begin our archaeological and cultural explorations:
- Pisaq Archaeological Site: We proceed to the majestic Inca site of Pisaq, world-famous for its massive agricultural terraces that seem to sculpt the mountain itself. You will also explore its ancient cemetery, one of the largest and most significant in the region.
- Urubamba (Lunch): We head into the heart of the Sacred Valley to enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch at a local restaurant, recharge, and taste fresh regional ingredients.
- Moray Agricultural Laboratory: Explore this breathtaking agricultural experimentation center. Its unique circular terraces functioned as a microclimate laboratory, allowing the Incas to acclimatize crops from various ecological zones.
- Maras Salt Mines: We will visit these ancient salt pans, where you will learn about the artisanal extraction process that has remained virtually unchanged since Inca times. It is a striking visual spectacle featuring over 3,000 glistening white salt ponds.
- Ollantaytambo Fortress: Our final historical stop is Ollantaytambo, a strategic site that served vital administrative, military, and religious functions. We will walk through its original cobblestone streets the only living Inca town in Peru that still preserves its authentic urban layout.
After exploring Ollantaytambo, we will enjoy dinner at a specially selected local restaurant. Following dinner, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Upon arrival, our staff will assist you with hotel check-in for a restful night before your big day at Machu Picchu.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Tour time | Full day from 7:00 AM, then the evening train |
| Highest point | About 3,500 m (11,500 ft) at Pisac and Moray |
| Overnight | Hatun Inti Classic or similar, Aguas Calientes, about 2,040 m (6,690 ft) |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate (walking with steps at Pisac and Ollantaytambo) |

Day 3: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
The big day has finally arrived, and it promises to be nothing short of spectacular! Today, we visit Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will only need to bring your daypack with essentials (the hotel will store your main luggage while you explore). To maximize our experience and beat the crowds, our plan is to take one of the first buses up to the sanctuary on a 25-minute scenic ride.
We will enter Machu Picchu for a complete, in-depth exploration bathed in the magical morning light. Your expert Ali Perú Treks guide will lead you on a three-hour guided tour through the most significant sectors of the citadel. You will delve deep into Inca history and architecture while visiting sacred temples, plazas, and the most impressive viewpoints for the perfect photograph.
After the guided tour, we will take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes. We recommend returning to town at least 2 hours before your train departure to enjoy a delicious lunch (not included) at one of the many charming local restaurants.
At the scheduled time, your Ali Perú Treks guide will personally escort you to the station to board the return train to Ollantaytambo—a 2-hour journey through the heart of the Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco in our private transport, dropping you off safely at your hotel door, bringing this unforgettable adventure to a close.
| Day 3 | Details |
| Activity | Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Circuit 2 |
| Tour length | About 3 hours, plus free time |
| Walking | About 4 km (2.5 mi) within the site, with many stone steps |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, private van to Cusco |
| Overnight | Tierra Viva Cusco Centro |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Difficulty | Easy |

Day 4 Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
After picking you up from the comfort of your hotel at 6:00 a.m., we begin a direct 3-hour journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the South Valley. Our route is specifically designed for your well-being: by departing at an optimized hour, we guarantee you a restful night’s sleep, allowing you to enjoy breakfast at your hotel and start the adventure with full vitality. Our destination is the strategic trailhead in Chilliwani (4,600 m / 15,091 ft).
Upon arrival, we begin our famous trek toward Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the majestic Red Valley. Thanks to our optimized departure time, you will start the ascent well-rested and better acclimatized.
During the approximately 3 km (1.86-mile) trek, you will witness high-altitude biodiversity in its purest state. You will hike surrounded by vast Andean meadows home to hundreds of alpacas and llamas, all under the watchful gaze of the ancient glaciers of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca Mountain (5,036 m / 16,522 ft), you will be rewarded with the stunning sight of its multi-colored mineral stripes and the powerful presence of Mount Ausangate, the guardian spirit of the Andes.
To make this experience even more exclusive, we include the detour to the Red Valley. This surreal landscape, with its deep crimson hills contrasting against the bright blue sky, is a hidden gem that very few travelers ever get to see an experience that will truly take your breath away.
After conquering the peak and capturing unforgettable photographs in the best morning light, we descend back to our transportation to enjoy a well-deserved local buffet lunch in Cusipata. Following lunch, our private transportation will take you directly back to your hotel doors in Cusco.
| Day 4 | Details |
| Drive | About 3 hours each way |
| Hiking distance | About 7 km (4.3 mi) round trip, including the Red Valley |
| Hiking time | About 3 to 4 hours |
| Trailhead | Chilliwani, about 4,600 m (15,090 ft) |
| Highest point | Rainbow Mountain, about 5,036 m (16,520 ft) |
| Meals | Buffet lunch in Cusipata |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging (because of the altitude) |

Includes
What’s Included in the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days
Included
- Cusco Airport Pickup: Private reception upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
- Cusco Airport Drop-off: Private transfer to the airport after the tour for your departure flight.
- Hotels:
- Tierra Viva Cusco Centro (Nights 1 and 3)
- Hatun Inti Classic or similar in Aguas Calientes (Night 2)
- Private transport for all tours and transfers
- Professional English-speaking guides for the Cusco city tour, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain
- Train: round-trip tourist-class train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (PeruRail Expedition or similar)
- Machu Picchu bus: round trip between Aguas Calientes and the citadel
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket: Circuit 2 (Machu Picchu Classic)
- Entrance fees:
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), covering Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo
- Qorikancha
- Maras salt mines
- Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley community fees
- Meals:
- Hotel breakfasts on Days 2, 3 and 4
- Lunch in Urubamba and dinner in Ollantaytambo on Day 2
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata on Day 4
- Free storage of your main luggage at your Cusco hotel while you travel to Machu Picchu
Not Included
- Flights to and from Cusco
- Meals not listed above, including lunch and dinner on Day 1, lunch and dinner on Day 3, and dinner on Day 4
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Horse rental at Rainbow Mountain
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Drinks, snacks, laundry and other personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability. These are separate ticket types with their own routes through the citadel. Book at least four months ahead.
- Horse at Rainbow Mountain: about US$20 to US$25, paid in cash to local families at the trailhead
- Train upgrade: a higher class of train is available on request
Packing List
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour Packing List
You stay in hotels throughout, so you don’t need camping gear. The key is packing light for the night in Aguas Calientes and dressing in layers for cold mornings and strong sun.
How Your Luggage Works
- Main luggage: stays at your hotel in Cusco on Days 2 and 3, free of charge.
- Overnight bag: take one small backpack for Aguas Calientes. PeruRail allows one backpack of up to 8 kg (17.6 lb), with height, length and width adding up to no more than 100 cm, or one carry-on of up to 12 kg (26 lb) and 115 cm.
- At Machu Picchu: bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in). You can leave your overnight bag at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Your Daypack
- Original passport. You need it for the train and for Machu Picchu, and it must match your booking.
- Water: 1.5 to 2 liters in a reusable bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent for Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
- Personal medication, including anything your doctor recommends for altitude
- Camera and power bank
- Cash in Peruvian soles in small bills for snacks, souvenirs and tips
Clothing
- Layers: quick-dry T-shirts, a fleece and a light down jacket for cold mornings in Cusco
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, already broken in
- Light clothes and sneakers for the evening in Aguas Calientes
- Swimsuit, if you want to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Extra Gear for Rainbow Mountain (Day 4)
- Warm hat, gloves and a scarf or neck gaiter
- Warm jacket. It can be cold and windy near the top.
- Trekking poles (optional), helpful on the climb and descent
- Snacks such as energy bars or chocolate
Travel Info
Travel Information for the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days
Arrival in Cusco
Send us your exact flight details when you book so we can meet you at the airport. Day 1 activities start at 1:00 PM, so we recommend arriving before 11:00 AM. There is no separate briefing. Your guide explains each day’s plan as the tour goes.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Cusco is at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), and the Inca sites above the city reach about 3,700 m (12,140 ft). Many visitors feel mild headaches, breathlessness or tiredness on the first day. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, avoid alcohol the first night and try coca tea.
Days 2 and 3 are at lower altitudes, which helps your body adjust before Rainbow Mountain on Day 4. Talk to your doctor about altitude medication before you travel. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.
Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuit 2
Machu Picchu tickets are sold for a specific circuit and time slot, and they are limited each day. Circuit 2 (Machu Picchu Classic) includes the classic view from the terraces and the main urban sector. We buy your ticket in your name as soon as you pay your deposit, subject to official availability. Learn more in our guide to the Machu Picchu circuits.
Weather and Best Time to Go
The dry season, from April to October, brings sunny days and cold mornings and nights in Cusco and at Rainbow Mountain. The rainy season, from November to March, brings afternoon showers and cloud. The tour runs year-round, but bring rain gear in any season. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$200 per person, paid online through WeTravel by credit or debit card. We use it to buy your Machu Picchu tickets and train seats right away.
- Balance: pay on Day 1 in Cusco, in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) or by card.
- Refunds: Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets are personal and non-refundable once issued. See our booking information page for full terms.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with medical cover is required for this tour. We recommend a policy that also covers trip cancellation.
Money and Tipping
Peru’s currency is the sol (PEN), and many tourist businesses in Cusco also accept US dollars. Bring small bills, as cards aren’t accepted everywhere. Tipping is voluntary. As a guide, many travelers tip about US$10 to US$15 per day to their guide and US$5 to US$8 per day to their driver.
Dietary Needs
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available. Please tell us at least one week before your trip.
Responsible Travel
- Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic.
- Stay on the marked paths and don’t touch or climb on Inca walls.
- Ask before photographing people, including weavers and herders.
For more general advice, see our Peru travel information page.
Price
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days Price
Prices are per person in US dollars for a private tour, and they depend on the size of your group. They include the services listed under What’s Included.
| Group size | Price per person |
| 1 traveler | US$2,500 |
| 2 travelers | US$960 |
| 3 travelers | US$930 |
| 4 travelers | US$900 |
| 5 to 8 travelers | US$850 |
| 9 or more travelers | Contact us for a quote |
Optional extras: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain US$80 per person · horse at Rainbow Mountain about US$20 to US$25 (cash, at the trailhead).
Want to add days or change the order? Contact us and we’ll adapt the itinerary to your dates.
Faq
Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour 4 Days FAQs
Four days lets you see Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without rushing, with a night in Aguas Calientes for an early visit. This program also adds Rainbow Mountain. If you have more time, an extra day in Cusco helps with acclimatization.
Yes, for Days 1 to 3, which involve walking on uneven paths and steps at the sites. Day 4 at Rainbow Mountain is a real hike at high altitude, but you can rent a horse for part of the way.
The trail is about 7 km (4.3 mi) round trip, including the Red Valley, and it isn’t technical. The difficulty comes from the altitude, between about 4,600 and 5,036 m (15,090 and 16,520 ft). Walk slowly and stop often.
Days 1 to 3 suit most ages. Rainbow Mountain is at about 5,036 m (16,520 ft), so check with your doctor first if you have health concerns or are traveling with young children.
Yes. Tickets are limited by circuit and time slot and can sell out weeks or months ahead in high season. We buy them in your name when you pay the deposit.
Circuit 2 (Machu Picchu Classic), with the classic view over the citadel and a walk through the main urban sector. It is subject to official availability.
Yes, for US$80 per person, subject to availability. Each is a separate ticket type with its own route through the citadel, so book at least four months ahead.
One small backpack per person. PeruRail allows a backpack of up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) and 100 cm in total dimensions, or a carry-on of up to 12 kg (26 lb) and 115 cm. Your main luggage stays at your Cusco hotel.
We keep Day 1 gentle and schedule the highest day, Rainbow Mountain, last. Drink water, avoid alcohol at first and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Travel insurance with medical cover is required.
The US$200 deposit lets us buy your Machu Picchu tickets and train seats in your name right away. These tickets are personal and non-refundable once issued.
WeTravel is an international payment platform used by many tour operators. You pay by card on its secure checkout, and we don’t see your full card details.
On Day 1 in Cusco, in cash (US dollars or soles) or by card.
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available. Please tell us at least one week before your trip.
The tour runs rain or shine. Bring a rain jacket or poncho in any season.
Tipping is voluntary. Many travelers tip about US$10 to US$15 per day to their guide and US$5 to US$8 per day to their driver.
Yes. Because this is a private tour, we can add days or change the order of the activities. Contact us with your dates.
Why do I need to pay a deposit to book a Machu Picchu tour?
The deposit is used immediately to secure your Official Machu Picchu Permits (Circuit 2) and train tickets. According to Peruvian government regulations, these permits are personal and non-refundable once issued. Your deposit guarantees that your spots are legally secured under your name.
Is WeTravel a safe way to pay for a Peru tour online?
Absolutely. WeTravel is the world’s leading payment platform for the tourism sector. It utilizes bank-grade encryption; we never have access to your card details, ensuring a 100% protected transaction.
When do I need to pay the remaining balance for my Cusco Machu Picchu tour?
The pending balance will be settled upon your arrival in the city of Cusco on Day 1, allowing you to start your adventure with all logistics already organized.
Does this tour accommodate vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets?
Of course! We just need you to inform us at least one week in advance. We coordinate special menus with our selected hotels and restaurants to ensure your meals are safe and delicious.
What happens if it rains during my Machu Picchu tour?
Our tours operate rain or shine. Andean weather is unpredictable, so we always recommend a high-quality rain poncho. Rain often adds a mystical touch and spectacular clouds to Machu Picchu, making for unique photos.
Can I customize or extend this Cusco Machu Picchu tour itinerary?
Yes. As a local tour operator, we offer flexible itineraries and can tailor this package to your travel dates, group size, or interests — including adding extra days, upgrading hotels, or combining it with treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay. Contact us via WhatsApp to request a custom itinerary.
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