Best Seller Experience

Cusco Express
3 Days · Cusco and Machu Picchu

Three days in Cusco with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. From $490 per person.

Full Day · 12 h
3,400 m
Moderate
4.9 · 465 reviews
Max 14 travelers
Breakfast & Buffet Lunch
Meals
Up to 14 People
Group Size
3,400 m
Max Altitude
Moderate
Difficulty
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About this tour

Discover the magic of Cusco on this three-day journey with INKANET ADVENTURE, where Inca history and living Andean culture unfold at every turn. From the Plaza de Armas and the Qorikancha to the Sacred Valley and the unforgettable Machu Picchu, this is Peru at its very best.

Three focused days deliver the highlights of Cusco — the historic city and the legendary Machu Picchu — perfect for travelers short on time who still want the very best of the Andes with expert guides.

3 Days
Duration
3,400 m
Max altitude
Moderate
Difficulty
Max 14
Group size

Tour Highlights

Read our complete guide: Cusco Express 3 DaysRoute, difficulty, best time and insider tips

Machu Picchu guided tour

Explore the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with an expert guide who reveals its history, temples and astonishing stonework.

Cusco city and Inca ruins

Discover the Plaza de Armas, the Qorikancha Temple of the Sun and the mighty Sacsayhuamán fortress above the city.

Authentic Andean culture

Connect with Quechua communities, traditional weaving and living Andean traditions throughout your journey.

All tickets and transport

Your package covers the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), entrances, trains and transport, so there is nothing to organize on arrival.

Hassle-free planning

One booking covers everything — guiding, transport and tickets — for a relaxed and deeply immersive Peru experience.

Day-by-day itinerary

Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Cusco Express 3 Days, with what you see, what is included and the meals provided each day.

DAY 1

Cusco City Tour and nearby Inca ruins

Begin in Cusco at Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, famous for its flawless Inca stonework. Continue to the towering Sacsayhuamán fortress with its panoramic views over the city.

Explore Qenqo and its ceremonial rock carvings, the checkpoint of Puca Pucara, and finish at Tambomachay, the elegant Inca water shrine that showcases Andean engineering.

Visits
Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay
Includes
Guide, transport, BTC ticket, Qorikancha entrance
Meals
Not included on this day
Transfer
Airport or terminal to your apartment
DAY 2

Inca city of Machu Picchu

Depart Cusco around 4:30 AM for the scenic drive through Chinchero and Urubamba to Ollantaytambo, then board the tourist train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.

A short bus climb brings you to the Inca city of Machu Picchu for an in-depth guided tour of its temples, terraces and astonishing architecture. Return by train and bus to Cusco in the evening.

Departure
4:30 AM from Cusco
Includes
Train, buses, Machu Picchu entrance, guide, lunch
Meals
Breakfast and lunch in Aguas Calientes
Highlight
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Good to know: Your original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match your ticket, so we collect each traveler's passport details when you book.
DAY 3

Departure day — see you soon

On your final morning we provide a smooth transfer to the airport or bus terminal. As our journey together ends, the INKANET ADVENTURE team thanks you and hopes the memories of Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Andes stay with you forever.

We look forward to welcoming you back for your next Peru adventure. Safe travels.

Service
Farewell transfer
Includes
Transfer to airport or terminal
Meals
As available

Inclusions & exclusions

Exactly what is covered in your Cusco Express 3 Days tour — and what to budget separately.

What's Included

  • Airport or bus station transfer to your apartment on arrival
  • Welcome coca or muña tea and a full itinerary briefing
  • Professional tour guide for every excursion
  • All ground transport in modern vehicles
  • Entrance to the archaeological sites and the Qorikancha
  • Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
  • Guided tour and entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu
  • Tourist train and bus connections to Machu Picchu
  • Breakfast and selected lunches as detailed by day
  • Light lunch (chicken diet) on arrival

Not Included

  • Dinners unless stated
  • Private equipped apartment (optional upgrade)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses and optional activities

Before you go

A few essentials we recommend to make your Cusco Express 3 Days day the most rewarding possible.

Acclimatize in Cusco first

Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before high-altitude excursions. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and support on every climb.

Physical fitness

The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.

Best time to go

Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.

Sun & weather

The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.

Cancellations & weather

Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.

What to pack

Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.

Essentials

  • Passport — required for the entrance ticket.
  • Hiking boots (broken in) — terrain is rocky & uneven.
  • Warm layers — fleece + thermal base. Pre-dawn below 0°C.
  • Wind & rain jacket — weather changes fast.
  • Beanie & gloves — your extremities will thank you.
  • Sun hat + sunglasses — UV at altitude is brutal.
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ + lip balm with SPF.
  • Reusable water bottle 1–1.5 L.
  • Daypack 20–25 L — light, comfortable.
  • Peruvian soles in cash — for entrance tickets, snacks & tips.

Nice to Have

  • Camera + extra battery — cold drains batteries fast.
  • Snacks — energy bars, dried fruit, nuts.
  • Coca leaves or candy — helps with altitude.
  • Personal medication + altitude pills (if prescribed).
  • Microfiber towel — handy for sweat or rain.
  • Trekking poles — useful for descent (we provide if needed).
  • Travel insurance card — emergency contacts.
  • First-aid items — band-aids, blister patches, ibuprofen.

Pricing & group rates

Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.

Group TypeGroup SizePrice / PersonWhat's Different
Shared Group
Most popular
2 – 14 travelersUS $490 / ppMixed international group · set departure
Family Package4+ adults & kidsUS $466 / pp5% discount for adolescents & children
Group of 8+8 or more travelersFrom US $441 / ppAutomatic group discount at checkout
Group discounts apply automatically. Book 4+ travelers and we'll send a custom quote within 2 hours. Larger groups (10+) qualify for additional savings — message us on WhatsApp.

Payment & refund highlights

Secure online payment

Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.

Free cancellation

Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.

Yes. Every Cusco Magical and Cultural package includes a full guided tour of Machu Picchu with train, bus and entrance ticket included.
Yes. Your original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match the name on your ticket, so we collect each traveler's passport details at booking.
You stay in modern, fully equipped apartments in central Cusco. Twin-share is standard and single rooms are available at an extra cost.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m. Acclimatize for a day or two, drink plenty of water, eat light and avoid alcohol. We carry guidance and support on every high-altitude excursion.
Yes. The pace can be adapted for families and older travelers. Let us know any needs when booking and we tailor the experience.
From
$490 / pp
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