Many people make quick trips to Machu Picchu, sometimes lasting only one or two days. However, if you have more time, we will show you how to plan the dream trip to Cusco, combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. This is, without a doubt, the ideal way to live the experience, although if you come from places at sea level, you will need a prior acclimatization period, which you can do in the Sacred Valley of the Incas before continuing to Machu Picchu and finishing your journey in the city of Cusco. Discover the best itinerary for your trip.

• How many days do I need to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu?
• Before arriving in Cusco
• Upon arriving in Cusco
  • Day 1: City of Cusco and its surroundings
  • Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Day 3: Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Day 4: Return
• Frequently Asked Questions

The constructions of the Machu Picchu citadel

How many days do I need to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu?

The ideal number of days for a trip like this is four, although it can be done in just three. Apart from Machu Picchu, the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the most impressive attractions.While you will need more than a day to explore them in depth, you can take Full Day tours to see the highlights of each place.

In the city of Cusco, you can visit archaeological sites, impressive museums, the fusion of colonial and Andean architecture, natural forests, and the stunning landscapes that surround it.

The Sacred Valley is popular not only for the many Inca towns that can be visited but also because it encompasses many villages full of traditions and living culture. Throughout the journey, you’ll see mountain ranges, rivers, snow-capped peaks, farmlands, and a great biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Before arriving in Cusco

Book Machu Picchu tickets

• To begin, if you plan to make this trip on your own and not on an organized tour, know that any trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu starts with purchasing tickets to Machu Picchu, especially if you want entry to the Huayna Picchu Mountain or the classic circuit. You must purchase them 3 months in advance. Otherwise, you should choose one of the 8 remaining tickets (there are 10 in total, and each offers a different experience) at least one month prior.

Book train tickets, hotels, and guides

• After booking your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the next step is to book train tickets, followed by plane tickets, hotels, and guides. If you’re visiting during the high season (May–August), all of this must be booked months in advance. Otherwise, you might end up spending more, as last-minute bookings during the high season are very expensive.

Upon arriving in Cusco

Day 1: The city of Cusco and its surroundings

• Take it easy on your first day in Cusco, especially if you’re coming from cities near sea level. The best option is to take a City Tour of Cusco starting at noon. We recommend resting in the morning after your arrival, though we know you’ll probably leave your belongings at the hotel and head out to explore as soon as possible.
• Drink plenty of water or coca tea; this will help you prevent altitude sickness. For this tour, you can purchase a tourist ticket or book a tour without much anticipation.This tour guarantees visits to places such as: The Cathedral, the Qoricancha Temple, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
• As a complement, you can visit the historic center of Cusco, which can easily be explored on foot since everything is close by. Highlights include: the Twelve-Angle Stone, the Main Square, the San Cristóbal viewpoint, the San Blas neighborhood, and the many museums near the center.

• Recommendations

  • While touring the city of Cusco and its surroundings, you will be able to appreciate the work of Cusco’s artisans. But something else you shouldn’t miss is tasting traditional food. Peru is one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations. After this fantastic day, you can enjoy Cusco’s incredible nightlife. Around the main square, you’ll find many restaurants, clubs, and bars with people from all over the world.

• What you will need

  • Hotel in Cusco (preferably booked in advance).
  • Tourist ticket to access the attractions (or you can book a tour).
  • Transportation by bus, private taxi, or an organized tour reservation.
  • Group guide or private guide.

View from the Main Square

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas

• The best way to explore the Sacred Valley is by joining an organized tour, as it will save you from dealing with transportation, tickets, and planning on your own. But if you wish to go independently, buses and minivans to the Sacred Valley of the Incas depart from Puputi Street in Cusco. Don’t forget to have a good breakfast beforehand. If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, you might want to visit the San Pedro Market, where you’ll find a wide variety of food at very affordable prices.
• In most cases, tours through the Sacred Valley of the Incas start at 8:00 a.m. from the city of Cusco. The first destination is the beautiful town of Pisac, where you’ll visit its archaeological site (it was a kind of royal estate that belonged to the Inca Pachacutec; here you can see terraces, residences, ceremonial places, canals, and aqueducts). The tour also includes a brief stop at its artisan market, full of products rich in cultural heritage.
• The next stop is usually Urubamba, the commercial center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll have time for lunch (included in most tours). Then you’ll visit the town of Ollantaytambo, home to the most impressive archaeological fortress. This place served as an agricultural, military, and religious center and was the gateway to the Inca Trail leading to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Here, you can see residences, temples, terraces, towers, and other amazing Inca constructions.
• On the way back, most tours stop at the town of Chinchero, also known as the City of the Rainbow. It’s a colonial village that houses a large archaeological site where you can enjoy some of the best landscapes in the Sacred Valley. If time allows, the tours also let you experience traditional weaving workshops that preserve millenary techniques.

• Recommendations

  • Bring non-slip hiking shoes; in Pisac and Ollantaytambo, you’ll climb stone steps, and the paths can be slippery, especially during the rainy season.
  • Dress warmly, as strong winds often blow through the Valley in the afternoon.
  • Bring your camera, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a rain poncho (just in case), and plenty of water.
  • Buy a souvenir in Pisac or Chinchero — each textile or craft you see carries deep historical tradition.
  • In the town of Urubamba, you can enjoy the best food in the Sacred Valley.
  • If you have more time, take your time exploring these places, as well as every corner of the villages they’re located in.

• What you will need

  • Hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo
  • Tourist ticket to enter Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero (included if you book a tour).
  • Transportation by bus, private taxi, or organized tour reservation.
  • Meals (included in most tours).

Inca Terraces in the Sacred Valley

Day 3: Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

• This day should start very early — around 5:00 a.m. is the best time to enjoy a Full Day adventure in Machu Picchu. The trip begins with a transfer from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, a journey of almost 2 hours. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the train you previously booked, another 2-hour ride that arrives in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
• Depending on your entry time to the Machu Picchu citadel, you’ll either have time to explore this small town or head straight to the entrance gate. To do so, you’ll take a bus that takes about 30 minutes — tickets can be purchased in the town itself. There’s also a walking path that leads to the entrance, but it’s a constant uphill climb, so we recommend saving it for your return if you wish to experience it.
• The tour of Machu Picchu lasts an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if your ticket includes an additional hiking route, this time may extend. To return, you can either take the same bus or walk downhill for just over an hour.
• Depending on your train’s departure time, you can explore the attractions of Aguas Calientes. We recommend choosing an evening departure so you can enjoy the adventure without rushing.

• Recommendations

  • If you book a Full Day tour, all transportation will be included, as well as entrance tickets and guiding service.
  • Arrive at the train station at least half an hour before departure time.
  • Hire a guided service to better enjoy your experience at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
  • We suggest bringing everything you need in a small backpack: your camera, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain protection (regardless of the season), and a bottle of water.
  • In Aguas Calientes, don’t miss the chance to visit the hot springs, the craft market, and take walks through the vast biodiversity surrounding it.

• What you will need

  • Hotel in Cusco
  • Transfers by bus or tourist transport on an organized tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station.
  • Ticket to Machu Picchu (booked in advance).
  • Train tickets (round trip).
  • Bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Return transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

The Town of Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Return

• On your return day, depending on your flight or bus schedule, you can take short walks around the city, visit museums, or simply enjoy local cuisine. If you have more travel time, you can visit places such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, the South Valley, or explore each town in the Sacred Valley in detail.

Alternative destinations to include in your trip
Destination	Location	Altitude	Duration	Characteristics
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)	100 kilometers southeast of Cusco	5,200 meters above sea level	Full day (14 hours)	Mountain filled with natural colors that resemble a rainbow.
Humantay Lagoon	120 kilometers northwest of Cusco	4,200 meters above sea level	Full day (14 hours)	Turquoise lagoon at the foot of the Humantay snow-capped mountain, surrounded by natural scenery.
South Valley (Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas)	40 kilometers southeast of Cusco	3,100 – 3,600 meters above sea level	Half day (6 hours)	Archaeological and cultural circuit with temples, archaeological sites, and traditional towns.
Maras and Moray	40 kilometers northwest of Cusco	3,400 meters above sea level	Half day (6 hours)	Circular terraces of Moray and the Maras salt mines, along with an impressive landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How many days do I need to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu?

  We recommend a minimum itinerary of 4 days. This will give you time to acclimatize, visit the main attractions in Cusco, explore the Sacred Valley, and also Machu Picchu. If you have less time, you can do it in 3 days, but it will be a faster trip with fewer breaks.

• 2) What is the best time of the year to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu?

  The dry season (from April to October) is ideal, as there is less rain and clearer days. However, the rainy season (November to March) offers greener landscapes and fewer tourists. It all depends on your preferences.

• 3) How far in advance should I book my Machu Picchu tickets?

  Machu Picchu has 10 types of entry tickets. If you want to enter Huayna Picchu or take the classic circuit, we recommend buying your tickets 3 months in advance. For the other entrances, one month in advance is sufficient.

• 4) Is it better to book an organized tour or travel on my own?

  If you prefer comfort, we recommend an organized tour since it includes transportation, tickets, guide, and transfers. If you enjoy adventure and want to save some money, you can do it on your own, but you must consider logistics and make your reservations in advance.

• 5) Which train should I take to get to Machu Picchu?

  Trains depart from Ollantaytambo, Wanchaq, or Poroy (depending on the schedule). There are companies such as PeruRail and Inca Rail offering a wide range of tourist services. The choice depends on your schedule, budget, and the type of experience you are looking for.

• 6) What should I bring for my trip to Machu Picchu?

  Bring a small backpack with water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, rain poncho, camera, and your passport (required for entry). Avoid bulky backpacks, as they are not allowed inside the archaeological site.

• 7) Can I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket on the spot?

  Yes, you can buy it directly in the city. However, if you plan to visit several sites (such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, among others), we recommend purchasing it in advance.

• 8) Is it safe to travel alone to Cusco?

  Yes, Cusco is a safe destination for travelers, both solo and in groups. Just take normal precautions: watch your belongings, use authorized transportation, and avoid lonely streets at night.

• 9) What can I do if I have more days in my itinerary?

  If you have extra time, you can explore amazing places such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, the South Valley, or visit Maras and Moray. These are complementary experiences that enrich your trip.

• 10) Can I visit Machu Picchu if it rains?

  Yes, the site remains open all year round. You just need to bring rain protection — the mist and clouds actually make the landscape even more mystical, as the mountains become wrapped in fog.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Vilma B.

“The Best Trip“

“The Sacred Valley is beautiful, the weather is great, the people are wonderful, the food is amazing, but Machu Picchu is more than great — it is astonishing, unique, indescribable, magical, simply unmissable.“




 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 23, 2025