Machu Picchu Express
4-day Adventure by Cotopaxi
Explore the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 | Sacred Valley | Hacienda Urubamba (1 night)
Day 2 | Machu Picchu | Inkaterra Hotel (1 night)
Day 3 | Cusco | La Casona (1 night)
Day 4 | Departure
What's in your Allpa?Your Packing list
Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Nido Accessory Bag Cada Día for your toiletries
Llama Trucker Hat with sunglasses and sunscreen
Wharf Beanie for cold mornings
Tecca Fleece Glovers for early morning hikes
Losdos Zip-Off Pant
Perenne Long-Sleeve Shirt with other short-sleeve layers
Trico Hybrid Hooded Jacket for layers
Impermeo 3L Hooded Shell Jacket for occasional rain
Waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
Day 1 | Sacred Valley
Arrival at Cusco Airport & Transfer to the Sacred Valley
Land in Cusco, Peru, via Lima. Meet your guide and private transfer to the Sacred Valley, located at a lower altitude and helps you acclimate to the Andes. Welcome to the heart of the Inca civilization. Several sites tucked in the Sacred Valley await to be explored, from farmlands thriving with multi-colored potatoes and corn to the mystic villages of the highlands.
Traditional Weavers of Peru
Along the way, visit the Chinchero weaving center to meet the Callanaupa family and enjoy a traditional weaving demonstration. The Callanaupa sisters have organized talented local women into a weaving cooperative, helping them to support their families while dedicating themselves to their culture’s weaving patterns. The women will demonstrate the art of weaving with traditional back strap looms, and you will be able to browse their creations if you care to buy, or donate to the community.
Pisac & Hacienda Huayoccari
Visit the old ruins of Pisac with their magnificent terraces and views of the mountains. Enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch at this traditional hacienda. Ancient farmers and later the Inca state channeled the Vilcanota River and created artificial lakes to make this region ideal for agriculture. White corn tender and rich in carbohydrates and easy to store and transport— was the specialty of the region and central to the development of the Inca Empire. The Lámbarri Orihuela family, which has owned the hacienda for more than a century, carries on this farming tradition.
Horseback Riding
Explore the depths of the Sacred Valley on horseback on Peruvian Paso horses led by an expert guide. Later, check-in to your hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Hacienda Urubamba (or similar) | 1 Superior Room (B, L)
Day 2 | Machu Picchu
Private Transfer & Train
Your day begins with a private transfer through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome Train. The 1.5-hour ride offers panoramic views of the lush valley, winding rivers, and towering Andean peaks.
KM 104 Hike to Machu Picchu (5–6 hrs)
Disembark at KM 104, the gateway to a shorter but spectacular section of the Inca Trail. Your hike begins with a visit to Chachabamba, an ancient Incan ceremonial site thought to have been a religious and agricultural hub. As you ascend through cloud forests and stone pathways, you’ll reach Wiñay Wayna, a breathtaking archaeological complex of cascading terraces and temples, often compared to a miniature Machu Picchu.
Continuing along the trail, you'll walk in the footsteps of the Incas, crossing stone stairways and ridge-top paths until you arrive at Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun). From this vantage point, you’ll witness your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu—a sight reserved for those who arrive by foot, just as the Incas once did.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes & Evening at Leisure
After soaking in the views, take a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into Inkaterra Machu Picchu. Enjoy a well-deserved evening at leisure, perhaps unwinding at the hotel’s spa or strolling through the charming town. A delightful dinner is included, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's adventure.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar) | 1 Superior Room (B, L)
Day 3 | Cusco
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
Catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving in the early morning mist for a magical start to your day. Begin your hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, a challenging ascent that rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding Andean peaks. This climb, once used for sacred rituals, offers a unique perspective on the Incan world.
Machu Picchu Citadel
After descending, embark on a guided visit to the Machu Picchu Citadel, uncovering its mysteries and engineering marvels. Wander through the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Royal Tomb, as your guide reveals the site's historical and spiritual significance.
Return to Cusco via Train & Transfer
Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley, then transfer by private vehicle to Cusco.
Walking Tour of Cusco’s Highlights
Meet your guide for an immersive walking tour through the historic heart of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Wander through the Plaza de Armas, home to the grand Cusco Cathedral, adorned with intricate colonial art and hidden indigenous influences.
Dinner at Leisure
As the tour winds down, soak in the city's vibrant energy before an evening at leisure to dine at one of Cusco’s exceptional restaurants.
La Casona (or similar) | 1 Deluxe Room (B, L)
Day 4 | Departure
Morning at Leisure
Enjoy your final morning in Cusco at leisure. You can explore the markets, the museums and the amazing colonial churches that are scattered around the city. Visit the Inca heritage buildings and enjoy delicious street food.
Airport Transfer
Private transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight home.
Pricing & Inclusions
See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.
Starting at $2,500 per person
Price per person based on 2 people in double occupancy.
Accommodation: All accommodations, as described in the itinerary.
Transport: All transfers, as described in the itinerary.
Trains: Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu on the Vistadome Train, as described in the itinerary.
Touring & Activities: All experiences, activities, tours with English speaking guides, all required entrances fees and passes, as described in the itinerary.
Meals: All meals as listed in the itinerary (“B”, “L” or “D”).
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Restaurant reservations and coordination. All insider tips and recommendations for your trip.
Exclusions
Flights
Travel insurance
Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips