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Cusco and Machu Picchu Super Quick (3 days)

overview

Cusco and Machu Picchu Super Quick

The tour begins in Cusco, where on the first day you arrive and are transferred to your hotel, then take a guided walking tour of the historic city center — visiting colonial-era buildings and Inca-era sites such as the old sun temple (Qoricancha) and the main plaza. Travelers often also explore local markets or handicraft areas, which gives a taste of daily life in the Andes and helps with altitude acclimatization.

The second day takes you to Machu Picchu: after an early morning train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo we arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo at the base of the ruins, then a short bus ride up to the citadel, you enjoy a guided tour of the famous Inca complex — walking through temples, terraces and archaeological zones, while learning about the history and culture of the Incas. Later you return by train and are again based in Cusco. On the third day you have a relaxed morning , then a transfer to the aiport for onward travel. This trip is perfect for thoose short on time.

Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day that you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.

Trip Highlights
  • An express tour to see the best of Cusco and Machu Picchu in just three days.
  • A walking tour of Cusco’s historic center, including the Cathedral and the Qorikancha temple.
  • A full-day adventure to Machu Picchu with a scenic train journey and a guided tour of the ruins.
  • The tour is all-inclusive, covering transfers, guides, meals, and all entrance fees.
Included
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • English-speaking guide throughout
  • City walking tour of Cusco
  • Cathedral and Qorikancha entrance fees
  • Train tickets to/from Machu Picchu
  • Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket (pre-booked time slot)
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Carbon Positive travel: carbon emissions offset, two native trees planted per person
  • Drinking water throughout Cusco activities
NOT Included
  • International or domestic flights
  • Personal insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Optional additional activities on Day 3 (e.g. museum visits, classes)

Welcome to Cusco!

Upon arrival, collect your luggage and meet your guide for a seamless transfer through the vibrant streets of Cusco to your hotel, just a short 20-minute drive away. After checking in, we’ll head to a delightful restaurant in the heart of the historic centre for a delicious lunch.

Following your meal, embark on a relaxed exploration of Cusco with one of our expert guides. Known for their deep knowledge and engaging personalities, our guides ensure a memorable introduction to this ancient city. Given the altitude, we recommend a gentle walk to acclimate.

Start with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, where you can marvel at the impressive Cathedral. Inside, discover intriguing pieces from the Cusqueña School of Art, including the whimsical Macaw-winged cherubs and the unique depiction of guinea pig in The Last Supper.

Another highlight is the Qoricancha temple, once the center of Inca Sun worship, renowned for its life-sized golden statues.

For a sensory adventure, visit the bustling San Pedro food market. It’s a vibrant experience with stands brimming with exotic fruits, butchered meats, and local delicacies. Explore a world of fresh cheeses, homemade breads, healthy juices, and even toad soup.

In the evening, enjoy free time to relax and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center at your own pace.

Today we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Summary
  • Arrival & Transfer: Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel, followed by a delicious lunch in the city’s historic center.
  • Guided City Walk: Enjoy a relaxed, guided walk to acclimate to the altitude. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral (home to unique art from the Cusqueña School), and the Qoricancha (Sun Temple), the center of Inca sun worship.
  • San Pedro Market: Experience the vibrant San Pedro food market, bustling with exotic fruits, local delicacies, and handmade goods.
  • Evening at Leisure: The evening is free for you to relax and explore the UNESCO World Heritage city center on your own.

Discover Machu Picchu in a day: 

If you have limited time but still want to explore the legendary “Lost City of the Incas,” we’ve got you covered with a seamless one-day adventure.

Begin your journey with a transfer to the train station, where you’ll board an early morning train bound for Machu Picchu. As the train travels along the impressive Urubamba River, you’ll descend through lush cloud forest, approaching the majestic Machu Picchu mountain.

Upon arrival, your private English-speaking guide will escort you on a short bus ride directly to the ruins. Here, you’ll embark on an extensive walking tour, with in-depth explanations that bring the fascinating history of this iconic site to life.

Please note: Entrance times are pre-purchased and strictly limited to four hours on the site.

After exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu, descend to the train station and enjoy one of the world’s great train journeys as you travel back through the picturesque Sacred Valley.

Summary
  • Train Journey: Begin with an early transfer to the train station, where you’ll board a train that follows the Urubamba River through the cloud forest to Machu Picchu.
  • Guided Tour: Upon arrival, take a short bus ride to the ruins for an in-depth, four-hour guided walking tour of Machu Picchu, with a private guide providing historical context.
  • Lunch & Return Journey: After exploring, enjoy a buffet lunch at the Tinkuy Restaurant before boarding your train for a scenic journey back through the Sacred Valley.
  • Hotel: Return to your hotel for the night.

Free day in Cusco then onward travel: 

Back once more in the old Inca capital, you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Inca Museums, chocolate making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafés and watching the world go by.

We transfer you to Cusco Airport at least two hours before your onward flight.

Summary
  • Explore Cusco: Enjoy a free morning to explore Cusco’s charming cobbled streets, discover the San Blas artist district, visit museums to see Inca treasures, or simply relax.
  • Airport Transfer: In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the airport at least two hours before your onward flight.
Family at Machu Picchu

Equipment & Packing List

Cultural day trips kitlist

Important Trip Details

Trip length
3 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Peak altitude
~3,400m
Season
All Year Round
Trip Availability
Private upon request

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

See what our past travelers had to say

John Leivers, who worked with the adventure outfitter Amazonas Explorer convinced me to sign up for a five-day itinerary instead of the more popular four-day trip. I understood John’s reasoning the next day when, after a relaxed afternoon of hiking along the Urubamba River, we arrived at the ruins of Patallacta. After a quick bath in the ice-cold stream, our Peruvian guide Efrain Valles led me into the ruins for a tour by flashlight. ….In the late afternoon, we approached a set of stone steps that vanished into the tropical greenery above. “You go first, Mark,” Efrain said, suppressing a smile. “Let me know what you see up there. “At the top of the stairs the foliage parted and I turned left into a bright patch of sunlight. There I was greeted with a final surprise from the Inca geniuses who’d built this trail a century before. Unfolding before me was a postcard come to life — the dazzling white stone city of Machu Picchu. Check out Mark’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.
Mark Adams | Author of “Turn Right at Machu Picchu”

See what our past travelers had to say

Amazonas Explorer are an ideal travel company – committed, knowledgeable and adventurous – with whom I have often travelled and always been impressed. Our team of travel experts created Hugh’s own personalized adventure according to their preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.
Hugh Thomson | Author of “The White Rock”

See what our past travelers had to say

Just to say that everything went perfectly on our weekend trip to Llactapata, so thanks so much for arranging that – and the vodka was really appreciated!! Peter, the director, also commented on how smoothly it all went and how good the staff and food were. We were lucky with the weather, the solstice did exactly what it was supposed to do, and aren´t the views from there amazing? Will speak to you soon, but just wanted to write quickly to say thanks. Our team of travel experts created Adrian’s own personalized adventure according to his preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.
Adrian Gallop | National Geographic

See what our past travelers had to say

This is to extend my strongest recommendation, to those seeking a guide in Peru, for having Efrain Valles as a tour guide. Our group of 13 all had an outstanding experience in Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Each and every one of us was honored and grateful to have a guide who was thoughtful, cheerful, helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. He is a true ambassador for the Andean culture and its relationship to nature and communicated great enthusiasm for his work and for his nation. Our team of travel experts created David’s own personalized adventure according to his preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.
David Bingham | Grandson of Hiram Bingham, discover of Machu Picchu
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