Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, beckons adventurers to uncover its captivating wonders. This 3-day tour promises a seamless journey through the Sacred Valley, the mystical Humantay Lake, and the iconic Machu Picchu. Enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the ancient citadel of Pisac to the imposing Ollantaytambo Fortress. Witness the breathtaking landscapes that have captivated travelers for centuries, and savor the flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this comprehensive itinerary ensures an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be swept away by the magic of Cusco.
Key Points
- This 3-day tour covers the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu, starting from $420 per person.
- The tour includes transportation, admission tickets, and select meals, with a maximum group size of 18 participants.
- Highlights include visiting Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and hiking to the turquoise Humantay Lagoon on the second day.
- The third day is dedicated to exploring the iconic Machu Picchu site with a guided tour.
- Cancellation with a full refund is possible up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made without upfront payment.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Urubamba
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour
- Day 2: Humantay Lake Tour
- Day 3: Machu Picchu Tour
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- What to Bring
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?
- Are There Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Tour Activities?
- Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu Beyond the Tour?
- Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Meals Provided?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Urubamba
- More Tour Reviews in Urubamba
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Urubamba we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This 3-day tour from Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and the iconic Machu Picchu.
Priced from $420 per person, the tour includes transportation, admission tickets, and select meals. Offered in English and Spanish, the group size is limited to 18 participants.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now without paying anything today.
Over the course of the 3 days, visitors will visit Inca ruins, a traditional market, a stunning glacial lake, and the majestic Machu Picchu, accompanied by a professional guide throughout.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Urubamba.
Itinerary Highlights
The 3-day tour starts with a visit to the Sacred Valley on Day 1. Guests will explore the Pisac Inca citadel and market, enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and discover the Ollantaytambo Fortress.
The tour also includes a stop at the Chinchero archaeological site before returning to Cusco by 7 PM.
On Day 2, the group will wake up early to hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon. After a breakfast in Mollepata, they’ll spend 1-1.5 hours hiking to the lake’s edge.
Lunch will be served in Mollepata before the return to Cusco by 5:30 PM.
The final day is dedicated to visiting the iconic Machu Picchu, with transportation, train tickets, and a guided tour of the UNESCO site included.
Day 1: Sacred Valley Tour
On the first day, the tour begins with a pickup from the hotel at 7:30 AM.
The group will visit the Pisac Inca citadel and market, where they can explore the ancient ruins and browse the local handicrafts.
After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour continues to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, a well-preserved Inca military, religious, and administrative center.
The final stop of the day is the Chinchero archaeological site, known for its Inca terraces and colonial church.
The group will return to Cusco by 7:00 PM, having experienced the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
Day 2: Humantay Lake Tour
Departing the hotel at 4:00 AM, the group embarks on the Humantay Lake tour.
After a breakfast stop in Mollepata, they begin the 1-1.5 hour hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, nestled at the base of the Humantay glacier.
The stunning turquoise waters, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, create a serene and awe-inspiring setting.
Upon reaching the lake, the group has time to explore, take photographs, and soak in the natural beauty.
Afterwards, they return to Mollepata for a well-deserved lunch before the journey back to Cusco, arriving by 5:30 PM.
- Depart hotel at 4:00 AM
- Breakfast in Mollepata
- 1-1.5 hour hike to Humantay Lagoon
- Explore the stunning turquoise waters
- Return to Cusco by 5:30 PM
Day 3: Machu Picchu Tour
After an early start, the group transfers to the Ollantaytambo train station, where they board a train that winds through the scenic Peruvian countryside to Aguas Calientes.
From there, they take a bus up to the iconic Machu Picchu site. A professional guide leads the group on a 2-hour tour, revealing the history and significance of this remarkable Inca citadel.
Following the tour, travelers have free time to explore the ruins independently before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an optional visit to the relaxing hot springs.
The day concludes with the return journey by train and bus back to Cusco.
Inclusions
The tour includes tourist transportation and a professional guide for the Sacred Valley portion.
Plus, the package provides:
- A buffet lunch during the Sacred Valley tour
- Entrance tickets and meals for the Humantay Lake excursion
- Round-trip train transportation from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Bus transport to and from Machu Picchu
- An entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and a professional guide for the site visit
Exclusions
What does the tour exclude?
The tour doesn’t cover the cost of any food not specifically described in the itinerary. It also doesn’t include entrance fees to the tourist sites visited during the Sacred Valley portion of the tour.
Visitors will need to pay for entrance to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes out of pocket. Plus, tips for the guides and any snacks purchased throughout the trip aren’t covered.
Participants should bring cash to cover these exclusions. The tour provides a comprehensive experience, but travellers should budget for a few additional expenses not included in the package price.
What to Bring
Equipped with their passport, participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for extended walking and hiking.
Bringing a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat can help shield the eyes and face from the sun’s glare. A camera is essential to capture the breathtaking landscapes and historic sites visited during the tour. Sunscreen is recommended to protect the skin from the strong UV rays.
Finally, having some cash on hand is advisable for purchasing souvenirs, snacks, or making any additional payments not covered by the tour.
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Cash
- Personal medication
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?
Yes, the group size can be customized. The tour operator offers limited group sizes up to 18 participants, but they may be able to accommodate larger groups upon request, depending on availability.
Are There Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?
The tour offers discounts for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Children receive a 15% discount, while seniors get 10% off the standard price. Discounts are automatically applied at the time of booking.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour Activities?
The tour activities don’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for some hiking.
Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu Beyond the Tour?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Machu Picchu beyond the tour. The tour includes a guided visit, but you’re free to explore the site further on your own after the tour ends.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Meals Provided?
The tour doesn’t provide specific dietary accommodations, but the buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley tour offers a variety of options that should cater to most dietary needs. Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are typically available.
Cusco 3 Days: Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake & Machu Picchu
Recap
This 3-day tour from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Peru’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Travelers will marvel at the Sacred Valley, hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, and uncover the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu, all while enjoying the convenience of a well-planned itinerary and inclusive pricing. Don’t miss this chance to create lifelong memories in one of South America’s most captivating destinations.
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