4-Day: All Included Excursion City Tour, Sacred Valley & MachuPicchu

Experience the best of Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu on a well-rounded 4-day tour for $750 per person. This package offers a deep dive into Peru’s Inca heritage, with visits to iconic sites like Sacsayhuamán, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and the breathtaking Machu Picchu. Led by knowledgeable guides in small groups (max 15 travelers), you’ll get plenty of personalized attention, making each moment more meaningful. The tour includes airport transfers, accommodations, some meals, and transportation, making it a convenient, all-in-one way to explore Peru’s highlights.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances structured sightseeing with free time — you’ll enjoy expert-guided tours that bring history alive, but also have moments free to soak in the atmosphere or explore at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of train travel from Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu offers a scenic, relaxing way to reach one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.

A potential consideration? Ticket availability for Machu Picchu can be limited, depending on the time of year and Circuits sold by the Peruvian authorities. If tickets aren’t available, a full refund is offered, which shows the tour’s commitment to transparency. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, guided experiences and value a comprehensive itinerary that covers both cultural highlights and stunning vistas.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package with airport transfers, accommodations, meals, and transportation
• Small-group tours for a more personalized experience
• Expert guides provide engaging and informative commentary
• Visits to iconic sites like Sacsayhuamán, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu
• Balanced mix of guided tours and free time for personal exploration
• Ticket availability for Machu Picchu is limited and subject to change

A Closer Look at the 4-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and the City Tour

Arriving in Cusco, you’re greeted by a representative from Chullos Travel Peru and transferred to your hotel, giving you a chance to settle and acclimatize to the altitude. Resting early is wise, as the days ahead will be packed with sightseeing and travel.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll join a guided city tour starting at the Plaza de Armas, the lively heart of Cusco, where you can soak in the colonial architecture and vibrant street life. Visiting the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), you'll learn about Inca religious practices intertwined with Spanish colonial influence. Guides tend to make these stories come alive, and you’ll get a sense of Cusco’s layered past.

Next, your guide will take you to Sacsayhuamán, a site famous for its precisely cut stones that fit together without mortar — a marvel of Inca engineering. The tour continues with Qenqo, a mystical ritual site carved into a rocky outcrop, and Puca Pucara, an imposing military fortress painted in its signature red hue, giving the site its name. Finally, you’ll visit Tambomachay, known as the Bath of the Inca, where water once played a sacred role.

By early evening, you’ll head back to Cusco, likely arriving around 7 PM, with time to relax or explore a bit on your own. Expect a total of about 5 hours of touring, with entrance fees included — a good introduction to Cusco’s vibrant blend of history and modern life.

Day 2: Sacred Valley’s highlights

The next morning kicks off early at 8 AM with a scenic drive into the Sacred Valley, essential for understanding Inca civilization. Your first stop is Pisaq, famed for its vibrant market and impressive archaeological remains. A guided tour here lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to marvel at the finely crafted terraces and learn about Inca agricultural practices.

Continuing along the Willka Mayu (Sacred River), the trip takes you to Urubamba, where a buffet lunch featuring local Andean dishes provides a hearty break. The food is typically good quality and offers a taste of regional flavors, a highlight for many travelers.

Post-lunch, your next stop is Ollantaytambo, often called the “Living Inca Town,” thanks to its well-preserved streets and terraces. Guided for about an hour, you’ll see the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the Princess Baths. These sites highlight Inca engineering and spirituality intertwined.

In the late afternoon, you'll board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. This scenic train journey is a relaxing way to transition from the Sacred Valley to your next major highlight — Machu Picchu itself.

Day 3: The Magnificence of Machu Picchu

The early morning bus ride from Aguas Calientes up the mountain is a classic Peruvian experience. Once at Machu Picchu, you'll enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Guides often highlight the most impressive structures, like the Intihuatana, the Sun Temple, and the Royal Palaces. Travelers often comment on how these guides make the ruins’ stories come alive, turning stone and grass into a vivid tapestry of history.

After the tour, you have leisure time to explore or grab lunch in Aguas Calientes. If tickets for Machu Picchu are available (note that they’re sold separately by the Ministry of Culture), you could opt for a short hike or simply soak in the views.

Later, you'll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, then enjoy a transfer back to Cusco. This full-day adventure is about 7 hours, with the actual ticket to Machu Picchu not included in the price but arranged if available.

Day 4: Relaxation and Optional Experiences

Your final day provides a gentle farewell. You can relax, explore Cusco at your own pace, or take an optional tour focusing on Peruvian gastronomy and Pisco Sour preparation. This is a fun, laid-back way to wrap up your trip and learn a new skill.

Alternatively, many travelers choose to spend their morning walking the cobblestone streets, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting local markets before departing. The tour ends with your choice of free time or a transfer to the airport.

The Value of This Tour

For $750, this tour covers quite a bit: airport pickups, guided tours, entrance fees, accommodations, some meals, and transportation. The small-group format enhances the experience, allowing guides to be more attentive and answer your specific questions.

What sets this apart is the combination of culture and logistical convenience. You won’t need to worry about booking tickets separately or navigating public transport — everything is organized. The inclusion of train travel and a well-paced itinerary means you’ll cover the key highlights without feeling rushed.

One of the most praised aspects in reviews is the knowledgeable guides, like Cynthia, who mentioned their guides as being "very knowledgeable and friendly." The scenic views, especially at Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, are unforgettable, and many travelers appreciate the chance to experience these sites with someone who understands their significance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience that balances sightseeing with free time. It’s perfect if you’re visiting Peru for the first time and want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every step. If you value small-group tours and expert guides, you’ll find this especially rewarding.

However, be aware of the potential issue with ticket availability for Machu Picchu. If you’re set on visiting the site, it’s worth confirming the ticket circuits and timing early. The tour’s flexibility to provide refunds if tickets aren’t available offers peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 4-day, all-inclusive tour offers a well-organized, authentic glimpse into Peruvian culture and history. It balances structured guided visits with leisurely moments, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a mix of guidance and personal exploration.

The inclusion of small groups and expert guides ensures a more engaging and educational experience, perfect for those who want to understand the stories behind the ruins. The scenic train ride and visits to iconic sites like Sacsayhuamán, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu ensure you'll come away with memories that last a lifetime.

While ticket availability for Machu Picchu can be a challenge, the tour’s full refund policy offers reassurance. Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore Peru’s most famous sites, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is airport pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from the Cusco airport, making your arrival smooth and stress-free.

What is the group size? The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Are entrance fees included? Yes, all entrance fees for the sites visited during the city tour, Sacred Valley, and Ollantaytambo are included. Machu Picchu tickets are sold separately and depend on availability.

How long is the Machu Picchu visit? The guided tour at Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving you time to absorb the site’s grandeur and history.

What meals are included? The tour provides three breakfasts and two lunches, typically featuring regional flavors, with other meals optional at your expense.

Can I customize the itinerary? The itinerary is fixed, but optional activities like Pisco Sour classes are available on the final day.

Is there free time at Machu Picchu? Yes, after the guided tour, you can explore independently or relax in Aguas Calientes.

What should I pack? Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunblock, and layers — the weather can vary, especially at high altitudes.

Are guides knowledgeable? According to reviews, guides like Robert and Cynthia are highly knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience more meaningful.

What if tickets for Machu Picchu are unavailable? The tour offers a full refund if tickets cannot be secured, ensuring no financial risk.

This tour offers a thoughtful, well-supported way to experience Peru’s highlights. If you’re after authentic storytelling, beautiful scenery, and a manageable pace, it’s a solid choice to consider.