Private 4-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Highlights: City, Sacred Valley & Citadel
The Ultimate Smart Traveler Package: Experience the Best of the Inca Empire with Seamless Logistics and Total Autonomy.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights.
- Start Time: Flexible Pickup (Day 1 upon arrival or morning).
- Strategic Focus: History, Culture, Photography & Gastronomy.
- Key Note: A comprehensive, stress-free itinerary covering the essential Inca sites with private flexibility.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Walking tours at altitude).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Train Service: Vistadome & Vistadome Observatory (Panoramic).
- Highlights: Cusco City, Sacsayhuamán, Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Complete Andean Experience, Curated for You
Why stress about coordinating transfers, tickets, and timings? This 4-Day Private Highlights Tour is the definitive soft landing into the Andes, designed for travelers who want to see it all without the hassle. We’ve connected the dots between Cusco’s colonial charm, the Sacred Valley’s natural wonders, and the majesty of Machu Picchu into one seamless narrative.
Your journey begins with a gentle immersion into Cusco’s history, allowing you to acclimatize while exploring ancient temples. Day 2 takes you deeper into the Sacred Valley to marvel at the engineering of Moray and the photogenic Maras Salt Mines, ending with the flexibility to choose where you sleep—Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Aguas Calientes.
The climax is a private, unhurried tour of Machu Picchu, accessing the citadel via the panoramic Vistadome Observatory train. With a dedicated private driver and expert Storyteller guides throughout, this package offers the perfect balance of structure and autonomy, ensuring you experience the magic of Peru on your own terms.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to the Empire – Cusco City Tour
Private Pickup: Whether from the airport or your hotel, your private driver and guide are ready.
The Coricancha: Visit the Inca Temple of the Sun, the spiritual center of the empire, now a stunning fusion of Inca masonry and colonial architecture.
The Cathedral: Explore the Cusco Cathedral, a treasure trove of colonial art and history in the Plaza de Armas.
The Four Ruins: Ascend to the outskirts to marvel at the colossal walls of Sacsayhuamán, the ritual labyrinths of Qenqo, the fortress of Puka Pukara, and the water temple of Tambomachay.
Evening: Return to your hotel to rest and acclimatize. (Lunch not included).
Sacred Valley VIP – Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo
Morning: We head into the fertile Sacred Valley.
Chinchero: Witness traditional weaving demonstrations by local women, keeping ancient textile arts alive.
Moray & Maras: Explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the dazzling white salt pools of Maras—two of the most photogenic sites in the valley.
Lunch: Enjoy a premium Buffet Lunch in Urubamba, featuring fresh local ingredients.
Ollantaytambo: Walk the streets of the only living Inca city and explore its massive fortress.
The Choice: Decide where you end your day (Must be selected at booking):
- Stay in Ollantaytambo: Relax in the valley (lower altitude).
- Go to Aguas Calientes: Take the evening train to wake up near Machu Picchu.
- Return to Cusco: Head back to the city for the night.
The Lost City – Machu Picchu
The Journey: If not already in Aguas Calientes, take the Vistadome Observatory Train for a scenic ride through the Urubamba canyon.
The Citadel: Board the bus to the entrance. Your private guide will lead you on a ~2.5-hour exclusive tour of Machu Picchu, explaining the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the site. No rushing—this is your moment.
The Return: After free time in Aguas Calientes, board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo/Poroy, where your private driver waits to whisk you back to your Cusco hotel.
Farewell to the Andes
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning. Explore the San Pedro Market, shop for last-minute souvenirs, or simply relax.
Transfer: Your private driver will pick you up at the scheduled time for a smooth transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight home or your next destination.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver for all tours and transfers (Airport/Hotel/Station).
- Expert Private Guides: Dedicated professionals for Cusco (Day 1), Sacred Valley (Day 2), and Machu Picchu (Day 3).
- All Entrance Fees: Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), Cathedral, Qorikancha, Maras, and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Premium Transport: Vistadome & Vistadome Observatory train tickets and Consettur bus tickets.
- Meals: Buffet Lunch on Day 2 in Urubamba.
- Safety: Oxygen kit and first aid available in all vehicles.
- 24/7 Support: Real-time assistance throughout your trip.
Not Included
- Accommodation: Hotels are not included (we can book them for you as an add-on based on your preferred category).
- Meals: Breakfasts (usually included with hotels), dinners, and lunch on Day 1/3/4.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides and drivers.
- Optional Hikes: Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (must be booked months in advance).
What to bring
Recommendations
- Day 2 Strategy: We highly recommend staying in Ollantaytambo or taking the evening train to Aguas Calientes on Day 2. This saves you 4 hours of driving back and forth to Cusco and allows for a more relaxed morning on Day 3.
- Acclimatization: Cusco is high (11,000 ft). Drink plenty of water and coca tea on Day 1. The Sacred Valley (Day 2) and Machu Picchu (Day 3) are lower, which helps with altitude adjustment.
- Book Early: Machu Picchu tickets and Vistadome Observatory seats sell out weeks in advance. Book 2-3 months early for the best availability.
- Luggage: Trains have luggage limits. Leave your large suitcases in storage at your Cusco hotel (or we can manage them) and travel with an overnight bag for Days 2-3.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Can I choose my hotels?
A: Yes! This package gives you the flexibility to book your own hotels, or we can provide a curated list of our partner hotels (3-star to 5-star Luxury) and add them to your package for a seamless experience.
Q: Is this suitable for children?
A: Absolutely. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility—stops for bathrooms, snacks, or rest are easy. The visuals (salt mines, trains, llamas) keep kids engaged.
Q: What if I want to hike Wayna Picchu?
A: Let us know at the time of booking. We will secure the specific permit needed (subject to availability) and adjust the Day 3 itinerary to accommodate the hike.
Q: Do I have the same guide every day?
A: Typically, you will have a Cusco specialist for Day 1, a Valley specialist for Day 2, and a Machu Picchu expert for Day 3. This ensures you get the deepest knowledge for each specific area.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private 4-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Highlights: City, Sacred Valley & Citadel
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
