Cusco Express in 3 days: Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
Only three days in Cusco? That is enough to see the two places nobody should miss: the Inca capital itself and Machu Picchu. The Cusco Express package fits both into a tight but realistic plan, with every ticket, train and transfer already arranged, so your short stay goes on sightseeing rather than logistics.
The package at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Highlights | Cusco city tour and a guided visit to Machu Picchu |
| Highest point | About 3,700 m, on the city tour |
| Accommodation | Fully equipped apartment in central Cusco (twin share) |
| Group | Shared group of 2 to 14 travellers |
| Price | US $490 per person; 5% less for under-18s |
Who the 3-day package suits
This is the plan for travellers with little time: a stopover on a longer South America trip, a long weekend from Lima or a first taste of Peru. In practice you get two full days of sightseeing — the city tour on arrival and Machu Picchu on day 2 — plus a departure transfer on day 3.
Machu Picchu (2,430 m) lies about 1,000 m lower than Cusco, so the order works well for the altitude: you sleep high, but your longest day takes place lower down. If you can add one more day, the 4-day Essential package includes the Sacred Valley for only US $40 more.
Cusco and Machu Picchu in 3 days
City tour, guided Machu Picchu visit, train, buses, entrances, apartment and transfers — US $490 per person.
Day 1: arrival and Cusco city tour
We meet you at the airport or bus terminal and take you to your apartment in central Cusco (3,400 m), with a welcome coca or muña tea and a full briefing on your trip. Then your guide takes you to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, whose Inca walls still carry a colonial convent, and up to the hills above the city: the giant zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán, the carved rock shrine of Qenqo, the checkpoint of Puca Pucara and the water shrine of Tambomachay.
Included: guide, transport, Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) and Qorikancha entrance. Meals: not included on this day.
Day 2: Machu Picchu
The big day starts at about 4:30 am. You drive through Chinchero and Urubamba to Ollantaytambo, ride the tourist train along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes and take the bus up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m) for a guided tour of its temples, plazas and terraces. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, the train and a road transfer bring you back to Cusco in the evening.
Included: train, buses, Machu Picchu entrance, guide, breakfast and lunch. Bring your original passport: it must match your ticket, so we ask for passport details when you book, together with your choice of Machu Picchu circuit.
Day 3: departure
A final transfer takes you to the airport or bus terminal for your onward journey.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Arrival and departure transfers, welcome tea and trip briefing | Dinners |
| Accommodation in a shared, fully equipped apartment in central Cusco | Private apartment (optional upgrade) |
| Professional guide on every excursion | Travel insurance |
| Ground transport, tourist train and Machu Picchu buses | Tips |
| Machu Picchu entrance, Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) and site entrances | Personal expenses and optional activities |
| Breakfasts and the lunches listed day by day | — |
Tips to make three days count
- Land early on day 1. A morning arrival gives you time to rest and drink water before the city tour.
- Take the first evening easy. Eat light, skip alcohol and go to bed early: the Machu Picchu day starts at 4:30 am. Our altitude guide explains why.
- Book early. Machu Picchu tickets sell out weeks ahead in the dry season (May to September); check ticket availability before you fix your dates.
- Pack a small day bag for Machu Picchu: passport, rain jacket, hat, sunscreen and water. More in what to wear at Machu Picchu.
- Choose a later flight out if you want a free morning in Cusco on day 3.
Which Cusco package is right for you?
If three days feel short, this is how the other packages build on this one:
| Package | Days | What it adds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco Express | 3 days | City tour and Machu Picchu | US $490 |
| Cusco Essential | 4 days | + Sacred Valley | US $530 |
| Cusco Discovery | 5 days | + Rainbow Mountain | US $595 |
| Cusco Explorer | 6 days | + Humantay Lagoon | US $690 |
| Cusco Highlights | 7 days | + ATV ride to Moray and Maras | US $860 |
| Cusco Complete | 8 days | + South Valley | US $890 |
| Cusco & Lake Titicaca | 8 days | Cusco highlights + Puno and Lake Titicaca | US $950 |
| Cusco & Lake Titicaca | 9 days | The same + ATV ride | US $990 |
Frequently asked questions
It is enough for the essentials: the city tour and a guided visit to Machu Picchu. To add the Sacred Valley or a high-altitude hike, choose a 4- or 5-day package.
US $490 per person in a shared group, with 5% off for under-18s and an automatic discount for groups of 8 or more.
Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, so most travellers cope well on day 2. Rest on day 1, drink plenty of water and eat light.
At about 4:30 am from Cusco, returning in the evening by train and road.
Yes: a shared, fully equipped apartment in central Cusco. A private apartment is available as an upgrade.
