This 5-day guided tour through Peru’s renowned Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the country’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. Travelers will embark on a captivating journey, exploring ancient Inca sites, marveling at the engineering feats of the past, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the enduring traditions that continue to shape the region. From the bustling streets of Cusco to the serene terraces of Moray and the saline wonders of the Maras Salt Mines, this meticulously curated itinerary promises to leave a lasting impression on all who venture forth.
Key Points
- This 5-day small-group guided tour in Peru covers the highlights of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.
- The tour includes airport pickup, transfers, entrance fees, accommodation, and breakfast, providing a comprehensive cultural and natural experience.
- Travelers will explore Inca ruins, such as Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu, with a knowledgeable guide.
- The tour also features visits to the Moray agricultural laboratory and the Maras Salt Mines, showcasing Inca ingenuity and heritage.
- The maximum group size of 15 ensures a personal and immersive experience, with the tour rated 5.0 from 15 reviews for exceptional cultural and natural experiences.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
- Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
- Day 3: Machu Picchu
- Day 4: Moray and Maras Salt Mines
- Day 5: Departure
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Water on the Tour?
- Do I Need to Bring Cash for Tipping the Guides?
- Is There Wi-Fi Available at the Accommodation?
- Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Destinations?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This 5-day small-group guided sightseeing tour in Peru highlights the captivating Cusco and Sacred Valley region.
It’s perfect for travelers seeking a personal experience, with a maximum group size of 15. The tour includes entrance fees, accommodation, breakfast, and all transfers, ensuring a seamless journey.
Guests will explore the iconic Machu Picchu, the agricultural laboratory of Moray, and the mesmerizing Maras Salt Mines.
With an overall 5.0 rating from 15 reviews, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the cultural and natural wonders of this remarkable destination.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Details
The tour kicks off on Day 1 with an airport pickup and hotel transfer, allowing travelers to rest and acclimate in the morning.
In the afternoon, the group embarks on a city tour, exploring the iconic Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Qenqo sites.
On Day 2, the focus shifts to the Sacred Valley, where they’ll visit the Pisaq ruins, enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and discover the archaeological wonders of Ollantaytambo.
The highlight of the tour is Day 3, when the group takes an early bus to the legendary Machu Picchu for a guided tour, followed by free time to explore the citadel and a return train to Ollantaytambo.
On Day 4, the itinerary includes visits to the fascinating Moray agricultural laboratory and the captivating Maras Salt Mines.
Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
The tour kicks off on Day 1 with an airport pickup and hotel transfer, allowing travelers to rest and acclimate in the morning.
In the afternoon, the group embarks on a city tour, starting at the Koricancha, an ancient Inca temple once covered in gold.
Next, they visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress with massive stone walls.
The final stop is Qenqo, an intricately carved ceremonial site.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insight into the rich history and significance of these important Inca landmarks, setting the stage for the immersive journey ahead.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
On Day 2, the group embarks on a tour of the Sacred Valley, a region renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and well-preserved Inca ruins.
The first stop is the Pisaq ruins, where the group explores the extensive terraces, ceremonial centers, and fortifications left by the Inca civilization.
Next, the group enjoys a buffet lunch in the charming town of Urubamba, surrounded by the majestic Andes.
The final destination is the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, where the group marvels at the massive stone structures and learns about the Inca’s engineering prowess.
The key highlights of the day include:
- Exploring the Pisaq ruins
- Savoring a buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Visiting the Ollantaytambo archaeological site
- Taking in the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
After exploring the Sacred Valley on the previous day, the group is eager to embark on the much-anticipated visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.
An early bus takes them to the ancient citadel for a 2.5-hour guided tour. Visitors marvel at the breathtaking views and the remarkably well-preserved structures.
Following the tour, they’re given free time to wander the ruins and soak in the serene atmosphere before enjoying a lunch in Aguas Calientes.
The group then takes the return train to Ollantaytambo, concluding their day’s adventures with a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 4: Moray and Maras Salt Mines
Guests embark on a captivating day, exploring the unique Moray ruins and the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines.
First, they’ll visit the Moray site, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory nestled in a serene valley. This unique terraced site is believed to have been used to experiment with different microclimates and crop varieties.
Next, they’ll journey to the striking Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested from natural springs for centuries. Guests can witness the evaporation process and even have the opportunity to purchase the coveted Maras salt.
The day offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca ingenuity and the area’s rich cultural heritage.
- Tour Moray’s terraced agricultural site and learn about Inca farming techniques.
- Marvel at the Maras Salt Mines, where workers have harvested salt for generations.
- Explore the evaporation process and purchase the renowned Maras salt.
- Gain insights into the region’s cultural heritage and Inca engineering accomplishments.
Day 5: Departure
With the captivating explorations of Moray and Maras Salt Mines complete, the 5-day small-group guided tour in Peru reaches its final chapter. On the last day, the group will be transported to the airport based on their scheduled flight times. This convenient departure service ensures a seamless end to the journey.
| Departure Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Transfer | Provided |
| Flight Schedule | Required |
| Group Size | Maximum 15 |
The tour operator, Machu Picchu Journey, has meticulously planned this entire itinerary to provide a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for travelers exploring the wonders of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour package are the airport pickup, all necessary transfers, and entrance fees for the scheduled activities across the 5-day itinerary.
Accommodation and breakfast are also provided.
However, the exclusions include:
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, such as dinners.
- Any additional activities or expenses not specified in the tour package.
- Travel insurance, which is highly recommended but not included.
- Gratuities for the guide and driver, which are at the discretion of the traveler.
The tour operator, Machu Picchu Journey, offers this comprehensive 5-day guided sightseeing experience starting at $657.00 per person, with the price varying based on the group size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to October, when skies are clear and temperatures are mild. Crowds are smaller outside of the peak summer months of June to August.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Water on the Tour?
Travelers can bring their own food and water on the tour, but the operator provides breakfast and some other meals are included. It’s recommended to bring snacks and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the active days.
Do I Need to Bring Cash for Tipping the Guides?
It’s recommended to have some cash on hand for tipping the guides, as this is a common practice. The tour operator suggests budgeting around $5-10 per day for guide tips to show your appreciation for their services.
Is There Wi-Fi Available at the Accommodation?
The tour operator does not explicitly mention if Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation. However, many hotels in Peru do offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, so it’s likely that this amenity will be provided during the tour.
Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Destinations?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional destinations. Travelers can inquire with the tour operator, Machu Picchu Journey, about customizing the itinerary to visit other notable sites in Peru during their stay.
5 Days: Cusco || Sacred Valley || Machupicchu || Moray & Salt Mines ||
“This company is great. They communicate very well and address all questions and concerns. Everything was scheduled perfectly and they were always o…”
Recap
This 5-day guided tour of Peru’s highlights offers an immersive experience. Travelers will explore the historic city of Cusco, the picturesque Sacred Valley, the iconic Machu Picchu, and the unique Moray and Maras sites. With a small group size, the tour provides a personalized journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. It’s an opportunity to discover the beauty and rich heritage of this remarkable destination.
