3-Day Machu Picchu Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Machu Picchu tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Machu Picchu Itinerary, incl. Cusco and Inca Quarry Trek

  The mountain path visits Perolniyoc ruins (3200m) and Cachicata quarry (3820m) over 3 days. Reaching 4500m altitude across two passes, the journey concludes with a 2-hour guided Machu Picchu tour and optional Huayna Picchu climb (pre-booking required).

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco to First Mountain Camp

    Your Inca Quarry trek starts at 6:00 AM with pickup from Cusco. The 2-hour drive to Rafca (2800m) winds through mountain roads, so consider bringing motion sickness medication. From Socma village (3000m), you'll hike about 2.5 hours to Perolniyoc waterfall and ruins (3200m). The trail gets slippery near the waterfall, so good water-resistant hiking boots are important. After lunch, prepare for a challenging 4-hour climb to the first pass at 4,400m. A recent traveler shared: "The views and food were amazing - we had four-course meals that were better than most restaurants in town!"

    
  • Day 2

    High Altitude Trek to Aguas Calientes

    The day starts with a 1.5-hour hike across high plateau to the trek's highest point at 4,500m. You'll then descend to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), which offers stunning views of snow-capped Veronica mountain. Stop for lunch at Choquetacarpo (3600m) before exploring Cachicata quarry (3820m), where you can see unfinished Inca stonework. A 3-hour descent brings you to Ollantaytambo, where you'll catch the evening train to Aguas Calientes. Remember to pack layers for temperature changes that can vary by 20°F between sun and shade.

    
  • Day 3

    Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

    Get an early start by taking the first bus to Machu Picchu before 6:00 AM to avoid crowds. The 20-minute bus ride includes steep switchbacks - sit on the right side for the best views. Your guide will give a 2-hour tour of the main sites. If you're planning to climb Huayna Picchu, book it 2 weeks ahead and allow 2-3 hours for the steep climb. The return journey to Cusco takes about 4 hours, combining train and bus travel. You'll arrive at Plaza San Francisco, so plan your final transportation in advance.

    

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• 3 Days in Peru, incl. Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

  The path to Machu Picchu unfolds over three days, with a 12km trek from KM 104 through Chachabamba ruins and Wiñay Wayna terraces. Ambitious travelers can opt for the Huayna Picchu climb for spectacular citadel views.

  

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  • Day 1

    Sacred Valley Exploration

    Leave Cusco at 7 AM to get ahead of other tourists. Your first stop is Chinchero's weaving center, where you can watch traditional textile making. Pack warm layers since morning temperatures reach a chilly 12,690 ft. Next, visit the salt ponds of Maras to see how locals have collected salt since Inca times. Move on to the agricultural terraces at Moray. Bring sun protection since this site offers minimal shade. Stop for lunch before visiting the impressive stone fortifications at Ollantaytambo. One visitor shared: "The ancient engineering at Ollantaytambo is mind-blowing - climbing those steep terraces gives you real appreciation for Inca architecture." Spend the night in Ollantaytambo to adjust to the altitude and rest up for your trek.

    
  • Day 2

    Short Inca Trail

    Catch the 6:30 AM train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 where your trek begins. Starting at Chachabamba ruins (7,170 ft), you'll hike uphill for 4-5 hours on ancient stone paths. The 7.5-mile journey feels longer due to the altitude, so bring extra water and snacks. Stop at Wiñay Wayna ruins for lunch and incredible valley views. The path to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) levels out, and you'll arrive around 5 PM for your first look at Machu Picchu. Head down to Aguas Calientes for overnight rest.

    
  • Day 3

    Machu Picchu

    Get up by 4:30 AM to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Early arrival lets you see the site in morning light before it gets busy. Take a 2-hour guided tour, then explore on your own. You can climb Huayna Picchu if you bought permits in advance ($75, usually sells out months ahead). Return to Aguas Calientes for your afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. A van will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 7 PM. Consider spending an extra night in Cusco since train schedules often change.

    

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• 3 Day Peru Itinerary, incl. Cusco and Machu Picchu

  The 21km trek leads from Cusco through Puca Pucara (3,700m) to UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, featuring stops at Huchuy Qosqo ruins and Sacred Valley. Overnight stays include camping in Quencco village and hotels in Aguas Calientes, with optional Huayna Picchu climb ($75) or Sun Gate sunrise hikes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco to Quencco Village

    Your journey starts with a 6 AM pickup in Cusco and a 20-minute drive to Puca Pucara at 11,800 ft. The morning hike takes about 90 minutes to reach the first pass at 13,450 ft. Pack plenty of water and pace yourself as you adjust to the altitude. "Our guide was patient and knowledgeable, helping us acclimate while teaching us about the medicinal plants along the way," one traveler noted. The 8.7-mile trail shows off beautiful views of Cusco and passes by Queullacocha Lake on the way to Quencco village. Look out for Andean geese and hummingbirds during your 6-7 hour hike. In the evening, you'll visit a local family to learn about traditional Andean life.

    
  • Day 2

    Quencco to Aguas Calientes

    Start your day with a 2-hour hike to the original Inca Trail sections near Pumamarca. The landscape here is stunning. You'll see snow-capped peaks above while walking through lush green valleys filled with wildflowers. The path takes you to Huchuy Qosqo ("Little Cusco"), an impressive site at 11,800 ft. Take time to explore the terraces and ancient storehouses before a 2-hour descent to Lamay village. From there, catch an afternoon train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. A recent visitor shared: "The hike to Huchuy Qosqo was manageable and gave us amazing mountain views without the crowds of the main Inca Trail."

    
  • Day 3

    Machu Picchu

    Catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu starting at 5:30 AM. Lines form early, but arriving for sunrise is worth it. You'll get a 2-hour guided tour followed by free time to explore. Want to climb Huayna Picchu? Book permits at least 1 month ahead. It costs $75 extra but offers incredible views. You'll return to Cusco by train and bus, getting back around 8 PM.

    

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