Cusco Express 3 days – 2 nights
- Duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group
- Private or group
- Language
- Spanish
- Max altitude
- 3,762 m.s.n.m
About this tour
Looking for a quick yet beautiful visit to the city of Cusco?
This is your best option.
The “Cusco Express” (3 days/2 nights) is an ideal adventure for those who want to experience the essence of the Inca world in a short time. Explore the mystical city of Cusco, marvel at the landscapes of the Sacred Valley, and cap off the experience with the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu. A brief trip, yet one filled with history, culture, and ancient energy.
Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at the Cusco airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest; you will also have the opportunity to explore Cusco's historic center and the surrounding streets on your own.
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We begin the day by heading to the town of Pisac. Our tour takes us toward the sacred area of Inti Punko within the Pisac Archaeological Park, where we will walk around the Pisac ruins and connect with the four elements of the earth. At midday, we will travel to Urubamba. After lunch, we will explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site—formerly an Inca resting place and a departure point for Machu Picchu—and admire its impressive structures. Before concluding, we will stop in Chinchero to visit a local community and its Textile Interpretation Center, as well as the area's archaeological site.
The day will end with our return to Cusco.
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We will start the day by heading to the bus terminal to board the bus that will take us to the train station in Ollantaytambo; there, we will board the tourist train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will take the tourist bus to the citadel's entrance and begin a guided tour of its main archaeological sites, including its various districts and plazas. We will also have the opportunity to take the classic photograph of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Cusco by tourist train.Upon arrival in Cusco, we will check out of the hotel and then be transferred to the airport, bringing this beautiful adventure to a close.
Included
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Transfers: Private arrival transfer (Airport – Hotel).
- Ground and rail transport:
- Shared transport for the Sacred Valley excursion.
- Transfer from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (round trip).
- Shuttle bus (up and down): Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (Consettur).
- Tour guide:
- Professional guide (shared service) for the Sacred Valley tour.
- Professional guide (private service) for the Machu Picchu excursion.
- Admission tickets: Entrance fees for Sacred Valley tourist sites and the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Meals included: Daily breakfast at the hotel and buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant during the Sacred Valley tour.
Not included
- Airfare: Domestic or international flights.
- Departure transfer: Transport from the train station or hotel to the airport on Day 3.
- Unspecified meals: Lunches on Days 1 and 3, and dinners on all nights.
- Optional Machu Picchu access: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Insurance: Travel medical, accident, or baggage insurance.
- Personal expenses: Tips, souvenirs, additional drinks, or use of unspecified luggage storage.
Information and recommendations
- Acclimatization on Day 1: Since there are no scheduled excursions on the first day, use this time to rest at your hotel, drink coca tea, and eat light meals to help your body adjust smoothly to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 meters above sea level).
- Luggage arrangements: Bring only a carry-on bag or backpack weighing a maximum of 5 kg for the excursion to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu; you can leave your main luggage in storage at your hotel in Cusco.
- Return flight coordination: Make sure to schedule your departure flight for the evening of Day 3 (preferably at 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM or later) to allow sufficient time after your return to Cusco by train.
- Required documentation: Keep your original passport or valid national ID card (physical copy) handy, as you will need it to board the train and enter the Inca citadel.
Frequently asked questions
At what time should I schedule my departing flight on Day 3?
It is recommended to book your return flight for the evening of Day 3 (after 8:30 PM). This ensures sufficient time to visit Machu Picchu, return by train to Ollantaytambo/Cusco, and transfer to the airport.
Is the final transfer to the airport on the last day included?
No, this itinerary includes only the arrival transfer (Airport – Hotel). The final leg from the train station or your hotel in Cusco to the airport on Day 3 is at the passenger's own expense.
What lunch options do I have during Day 3 at Machu Picchu?
Lunch on Day 3 is not included. You can have lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes before or after your tour of the citadel, where you will find a wide variety of restaurants to suit all budgets.
What happens to my large luggage during the tours?
You can leave your bulky suitcase at your hotel in Cusco—using their free luggage storage service—before heading to Ollantaytambo, allowing you to travel comfortably with only the essentials needed for the train journey and your visit to Machu Picchu.
Before you travel
Important information about Machu Picchu
Limited-capacity tickets
Entry to the citadel has a daily capacity set by the Ministry of Culture. In high season (May to September) tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. We book your entrance as soon as you confirm.
Original passport
Bring the same document used to buy the tickets: it is checked on the train, the bus and at the Machu Picchu gate. Students: valid university ID.
Circuits and entry time
Visits follow signposted circuits at the time printed on your ticket. Arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. There are no restrooms inside the citadel: they are next to the entrance.
What to bring (and what not)
Small backpack, rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and water in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastics, food, drones, tripods and walking poles without rubber tips are not allowed.
Altitude and weather
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco (3,399 m). The climate is subtropical: strong morning sun and sudden showers, especially from November to March.
Train and bus
You travel by train to Aguas Calientes (from Ollantaytambo or Cusco station) and then take a 25-minute bus up to the entrance. We coordinate schedules, tickets and transfers.
Conservation rules
Touching or climbing the walls, leaving the trails, smoking and feeding animals are not allowed. You will visit the citadel with an official licensed guide.
Inca Trail
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name (non-transferable). The trail closes every February for maintenance; during that month we offer alternatives such as Salkantay or the train tour.
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