Machu Picchu Itinerary 4 Days
Moderate
4 Days / 3 Night
2 - 12 people
5036 masl
Discover the wonders of Peru in 4 days.
Machu Picchu 4 day hike Full Itinerary
Cusco City Tour
Your Machu Picchu Itinerary 4 Days begins in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. You'll enjoy an excellent morning tour to acclimatize to the altitude. Starting at 9:30 a.m., your local guide will pick you up for a guided city tour of Cusco, where you'll explore the fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.
We'll begin by visiting Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun. The most sacred Inca temple, it is said that it was once filled with gold and later became the Convent of Santo Domingo. We'll continue to the Cathedral in Cusco's Plaza de Armas.
On the outskirts of Cusco, we'll head to Sacsayhuaman, a massive Inca fortress with panoramic views of Cusco. From there, we'll head to Qenqo, a spiritual and ceremonial site carved in stone. We'll continue to Puca Pucara, a reddish fortification used for military and administrative purposes, and end with Tambomachay, known as the Inca Baths, which showcases its hydraulic engineering.
After the tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's journey through the Sacred Valley.
Sacred Valley of the Incas VIP
After an early breakfast, you'll begin your full-day tour of Peru's legendary Sacred Valley, one of the Inca regions rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Your guide will pick you up early at 7:00 a.m. to begin your immersive cultural experience.
We'll start at the Mirador de Taray, where you'll begin the day with a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, framed by the Andes and the winding Urubamba River. We'll arrive in Chinchero, where you'll learn all about looms, some of which cost up to two thousand soles. From there, we'll continue to the incredible circular terraces of Moray, where the Incas experimented with different temperatures for their crops.
We'll then head to Maras to explore the salt wells, with more than 3,000 wells still used by the community. You'll be able to purchase and taste Maras salt. We'll have a buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring exquisite traditional dishes and fresh ingredients. We'll continue to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, where we'll discover the impressive Inca fortress and living village, known for its enormous stone terraces.
After the tour, we'll head to the Ollantaytambo train station to board your train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). The scenic drive will take you through lush valleys along the Urubamba River, offering breathtaking views of the cloud forests and mountains. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we'll rest at your hotel. Your guide will greet you in the evening to give you the final details of the next day's Machu Picchu tour.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Today is the long-awaited day of your 4-day Machu Picchu Itinerary. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, take one of the first buses up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
You'll experience a tour lasting approximately two and a half hours, where you'll explore the most important areas of the citadel with your expert guide. Depending on the tour you choose, you'll visit different areas of Machu Picchu that will leave you amazed. You can visit the Temple of the Sun, the main plaza, the agricultural terrace, and the Intihuatana. If you wish to take an additional hike, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must notify us in advance.
After the guided tour, you'll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have time to have lunch on your own, explore the town, or relax before boarding our train to Ollantaytambo. On your return, our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Get ready for the next day because you'll have one of the best hikes in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain Tour - Vinicunca Hike
On your final day, prepare for an epic adventure to Peru's Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most impressive and photogenic natural wonders of the Andes. This full-day experience is the perfect culmination of your Machu Picchu 4-day tour.
The tour will begin with a 5:00 a.m. departure to Llactoc, where we will arrive for approximately three hours. This will be our starting point for the hike, followed by a delicious buffet lunch to recharge our batteries. The hike will be approximately 7 km through stunning high Andean landscapes, with colorful, mineral-rich slopes, giving them their distinctive appearance. The hike will last between two hours, uphill, depending on the pace.
At the summit, you'll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Vinicunca and the surrounding Red Mountains. Weather permitting, you'll also be able to see Ausangate, one of Peru's highest peaks. If you're not up for the hike, optional horse rental is offered on-site. After enjoying the views, begin the descent and enjoy a buffet lunch upon arrival back at Llactoc, before returning to Cusco by vehicle, arriving around 3:00-4:00 PM. This tour is offered at the end of the tour because it allows your body to better acclimatize to the altitude, increasing your comfort and allowing you to enjoy the hike.
What’s Included in your Machu Picchu Itinerary 4 days
- Day 1
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private transportation for city tours and archaeological sites
- Return to your hotel in Cusco
- Half-day guided city tour
- Day 2
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Full-day guided tour of Sacred Valley
- Visit to Chinchero
- Guided tour of Maras and Moray
- Train ticket to Aguas Calientes
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Day 3
- Early breakfast at the hotel
- Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu
- 2- to 3-hour guided tour of the citadel
- Return train to Ollantaytambo
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco
- Day 4
- Early morning hotel pickup
- Round-trip transportation to the Vinicunca trailhead
- Professional trekking guide
- Buffet breakfast and lunch at Llactoc
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
- Guided hike to Rainbow Mountain
- Return to Cusco in the afternoon
What’s not Included in your Machu Picchu Itinerary 4 days
- Meals not specified in the inclusions
- BTC entrance fee Cusco tourist ticket
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Snacks, drinks, or personal purchases
- Optional horse rental in Vinicunca.
Machu Picchu 4 Days Packing List
- Essential documents and supplies
- Original passport for all entries
- Student ID valid if you book with discounts
- Train and Machu Picchu tickets; we will provide digital or printed copies upon request
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash in soles for tips, snacks, and groceries
- General Clothing
- Comfortable pants for activities
- Breathable long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Light gloves and hats
- For Machu Picchu
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip. If you’re used to trekking shoes, wear them.
- Sunglasses + a hat or cap.
- Sunscreen with SPF 30+.
- For Rainbow Mountain
- Thermal base layer
- Hiking socks
- Scarf or bandana
- Your own trekking poles or we’ll provide one
- Snacks or energy bars
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal hygiene items
FAQs Machu Picchu Itinerary 4 Days
How to get to Machu Picchu?
You’ll take a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. The next day, a short bus ride will take you to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Andes mountain range of Peru. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its advanced engineering, mystical architecture, and panoramic views.
What is the best time to take the 4-day tour to Machu Picchu?
The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather for this tour, especially for clear skies at Machu Picchu and the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. June to August is peak season, while April and November offer a good balance between fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Where do I buy tickets for the 4-day tour to Machu Picchu?
Todas las entradas a Machu Picchu tanto como los trenes estan incluidas en el paquete turistico. No tiene que preocuparte por comprar nada por separado.
Are there limits on visiting Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Tickets are limited to 5,600 people per day for Machu Picchu and between 400 per day for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Optional hikes must be reserved in advance, as must Machu Picchu tickets, depending on your itinerary.
Travel info
Tour Schedule Summary
| Day | Main Activity | Altitude (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco City Tour | 3,350 – 3,650 m |
| 2 | Sacred Valley + Train to Aguas Calientes | 2,065 – 3,650 m |
| 3 | Machu Picchu Guided Tour | 2,400 m |
| 4 | Rainbow Mountain Hike | 4,900 – 5,100 m |
Comparison Table: Machu Picchu Circuits
| Circuit | Routes | Description | Includes Classic Photo? | Physical Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 | 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D | Panoramic route to higher areas with sweeping views of Machu Picchu. Includes Intipunku and Machu Picchu Mountain. | ❌ No (offers a higher panoramic view) | High |
| Circuit 2 | 2A, 2B | Classic route through agricultural, residential, and ceremonial sectors. Best for the iconic photo spot. | ✅ Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 | 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D | Lower-level route. Ideal for families, children, and older travelers. Includes the full lower circuit. | ❌ No | Low |
Machu Picchu Weather by Season
| Season | Months | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | April – October | Sunny and clear (50°F – 72°F / 10°C – 22°C) | Best visibility, dry trails, great for trekking and photos | High tourist crowds, limited ticket availability |
| Rainy Season | November – March | Frequent rain, cloudy skies (46°F – 68°F / 8°C – 20°C) | Fewer tourists, lush green landscapes, peaceful ruins | Wet and slippery trails, occasional delays or closures |
| Shoulder Season | Late March & October | Mixed weather, occasional rain | Balanced crowds, moderate climate | Unpredictable weather – pack for sun and rain |
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