Explore Machu Picchu Tour

Experience Peru’s most iconic sites on a journey designed for travelers seeking in-depth exploration and memorable views. The adventure begins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, featuring ancient ruins, traditional villages, and fertile landscapes along the Urubamba River. You will visit the Moray terraces, once an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the historic Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools form a unique Andean landscape still in use today.

The core of the trip is a two-day Machu Picchu experience beginning in Aguas Calientes. On Day 1, you will take a bus to the citadel, hike to the Sun Gate and visit the upper viewpoints of Machu Picchu on Circuit 1, known for panoramic views. On Day 2, you will return to explore Circuit 2, the most comprehensive route through the citadel’s temples and terraces, followed by the Huayna Picchu hike with expansive views. The journey concludes with a visit to Rainbow Mountain, providing a complete Machu Picchu experience.
 

Book Your Machu Picchu Tour Today!

Visit Machu Picchu Today offers a thoughtfully designed itinerary that lets you explore Peru’s most iconic destinations at a comfortable pace. The tour features the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Moray’s agricultural sites, the historic Maras Salt Mines, and an immersive two-day Machu Picchu experience from Aguas Calientes. It is ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure, balancing guided tours with time to enjoy each location.

The tour’s highlight is a two-day exploration of Machu Picchu. On the first day, you will take a bus to the citadel, hike to the Sun Gate, and enjoy panoramic views from Circuit 1, ideal for classic photos. On the second day, you will explore Circuit 2, the most comprehensive route through the citadel’s temples and terraces, with an optional hike to Huayna Picchu for exceptional views. The journey concludes with a hike to Rainbow Mountain, creating a complete and memorable Machu Picchu experience.

Tour at a Glance

•    Tour Type: Cultural, adventure & scenic
•    Main Destinations: Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
•    Machu Picchu Visit: 2 days from Aguas Calientes
•    Circuits Included: Circuit 1 & Circuit 2
•    Hikes Included: Sun Gate & Huayna Picchu
•    Difficulty Level: Moderate
•    Start / End Location: Cusco
•    Best For: First-time visitors, active travelers, photography lovers

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience without a trekking route. It is well-suited for:
•    Travelers who prefer returning to Machu Picchu on consecutive days
•    Visitors who want both panoramic views and in-depth exploration
•    Adventurers seeking iconic hikes like Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu
•    Culture lovers interested in Inca engineering and Andean traditions

What Makes This Tour Unique

•    Two-Day Machu Picchu Visit: Explore the citadel from different perspectives without rushing
•    Official Circuits Covered: Upper viewpoints (Circuit 1) and full citadel exploration (Circuit 2)
•    Iconic Hikes Included: Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu
•    Sacred Valley & Andean Wonders: Moray, Maras, and Rainbow Mountain in one itinerary
•    Expert Local Guides: In-depth historical and cultural interpretation

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

The best time to join the Visit Machu Picchu Today tour is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather is stable and ideal for sightseeing and hiking. These months provide clear views at Machu Picchu, improved trail conditions for the Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu and excellent visibility at Rainbow Mountain.
April, May, September and October are especially recommended for their pleasant weather and smaller crowds. The rainy season, from November to March, brings greener landscapes but more frequent rainfall. The tour operates year-round, with each season offering a distinct view of the Andes.

Difficulty Level & Physical Requirements

This tour is rated moderate and suits travelers with basic to good fitness. Activities include walking tours, bus access to Machu Picchu and optional hikes to the Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu, which feature steep sections and stairs.
The Rainbow Mountain hike is the most physically demanding day due to high altitude. Acclimatizing in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is recommended for safety and comfort. No technical hiking skills are needed, but travelers should be comfortable walking several hours at altitude.

Why Choose This Tour?

Choosing Visit Machu Picchu Today allows you to experience Peru’s most famous destination with ample time, context and memorable views. From ancient agricultural sites to panoramic hikes, this tour offers a seamless blend of history, adventure and scenery, guided by professionals who prioritize comfort, safety and authentic experiences.
 

 

Day 01: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

Your tour begins at 8:00 a.m. with a hotel pick-up in Cusco, followed by private transportation to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is a guided visit to Sacsayhuamán, a renowned Inca archaeological complex known for its massive stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. This ceremonial and military site provides insight into Inca engineering, astronomy, and religious practices. From this vantage point, you will have panoramic views of Cusco as your guide explains the site's historical significance during Inca festivals and defensive events.

The tour continues to a traditional Alpaca Farm, where you will see llamas, alpacas, and the rare vicuñas, valued by the Incas for their fine fiber. Learn about their significance in Andean life, including transportation, textiles and symbolism. Next, visit a local weaving center to observe artisans demonstrating traditional textile techniques with natural dyes and intricate patterns. You will then explore the Pisac Inca Site, located on a mountainside with panoramic valley views. This site features advanced agricultural terraces and ceremonial areas, showcasing Inca expertise in farming, water management, and architecture. After a guided tour, descend into the Sacred Valley and travel along the Urubamba River to enjoy a buffet lunch of traditional Peruvian dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Site, a key administrative, military and religious center. During a guided walk, explore its terraces, stone temples and water channels and learn how the town preserves ancient traditions. The day ends with a transfer to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, set amid Andean landscapes.

  • Accomodation. Sol Natura or SImilar
  • Entry Fees: Included
  • Meals: Lunch
Day 02: Moray & Maras Tour – Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Your day begins at 8:00 a.m. with a hotel pick-up in the Sacred Valley to explore key archaeological and cultural sites. The first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village and Inca site known for its terraces, ceremonial platforms and a colonial church built on Inca foundations. Your guide will explain Chinchero’s role as a royal agricultural and textile center and offer insight into Inca urban planning and daily life.

Continue to Moray, known for its unique circular terraces that likely served as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Each terrace level has a distinct temperature, reflecting the Incas’ advanced agricultural and engineering skills. Next, visit the Maras Salt Mines, a landscape of thousands of salt ponds in use since pre-Inca times. Fed by a natural saltwater spring, these terraces contrast with the mountains and showcase traditional salt-harvesting methods still used by local families.

After visiting Maras, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley, featuring regional ingredients and traditional Peruvian cuisine. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the night in Aguas Calientes, surrounded by cloud forest as you prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu.

  • Accomodation. Inti Punko Machu Picchu or SImilar
  • Entry Fees: Included
  • Meals: Brekfast - Lunch
Day 03. Machu Picchu Circuit N 1 - Panoramic Views + Montaña.

Today, you will visit Machu Picchu, a New Seven Wonder of the World and South America's most renowned archaeological site. You will depart early from Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus, traveling through cloud forest to the citadel entrance. Your local guide will lead you along Machu Picchu Circuit 1, known for its elevated viewpoints and panoramic views. From these vantage points, you can see the entire stone city below, framed by peaks such as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. This setting is ideal for photographs and offers insight into Inca urban planning.

During the guided tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu, which served as a royal retreat and ceremonial center for the Inca emperor Pachacútec. You will learn about the precision stonework, advanced water management, agricultural terraces and the sacred connection between the citadel and the surrounding mountain deities, known as Apus. After completing Circuit 1, continue with the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, a challenging but rewarding ascent offering some of the region’s most spectacular views. From the summit, you can appreciate the scale of Machu Picchu, the winding Urubamba River, and the dramatic Andean landscape. The experience lasts about four hours, combining cultural discovery with a memorable high-altitude hike. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for a free afternoon to relax, explore or enjoy local cuisine before your overnight stay.

  • Accomodation. Inti Punko Machu Picchu or SImilar
  • Entry Fees: Included
  • Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel
Day 04: Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Huayna Picchu Hike

Today you will return to Machu Picchu for a deeper exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, take the morning shuttle to Machu Picchu and enter with your local guide. The day focuses on a guided walking tour of the main archaeological sector, offering insight into the Inca city's daily life, spiritual significance and architectural achievements.

The guided tour, lasting about two hours, covers Machu Picchu’s key sites, including ceremonial temples, sacred fountains, stone streets, residential areas, and agricultural terraces. You will learn about the Inca worldview, engineering, and the religious importance of water, astronomy and mountain worship. After the tour, continue with the Huayna Picchu hike, a popular and challenging trail that takes about two hours round trip. The summit provides panoramic views of the citadel, Urubamba River canyon and surrounding Andean peaks, offering a memorable conclusion to your visit.

After the hike, take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time for lunch (not included) or to explore the town. In the afternoon, board the return train to the Sacred Valley, where a private driver will transfer you to Cusco. You are expected to arrive at your hotel between 7:00 and 8:00 PM, concluding your journey through Peru’s most iconic destination.

  • Accomodation. Rumi Punko or Similar
  • Entry Fees: Included
  • Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel
Day 05: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Hike

Experience the unique landscapes of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley. Your day begins with a 4:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Andean countryside. The route includes views of traditional villages, alpaca herds, and mountain scenery.

After a three-hour drive, you will arrive at the trailhead at approximately 4,600 meters (15,100 feet). A light breakfast is provided before you begin a moderate 1.5- to 2-hour hike to the summit of Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). The trail features colorful mineral-rich sedimentary layers that create the mountain’s distinctive stripes.

At the summit, you can view the Andes and the Ausangate Glacier. Your guide will discuss the geological history and cultural significance of Rainbow Mountain to the Quechua people.

After visiting Rainbow Mountain, the route continues through the Red Valley, a quieter path with crimson mountains and high-altitude plains. This trail offers scenic views and is ideal for photography and those seeking a less crowded experience.

The tour concludes with a descent to the starting point, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Cusco is scheduled for late afternoon, between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.

  • Accomodation. Rumi Punko or Similar
  • Entry Fees: Included
  • Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel
Transfer to Cusco Airport – End of Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning or some last-minute souvenir shopping. Two hours before your flight, our team will transfer you to Cusco airport for your flight home or onward.

Tour Package Inclusions: 

Your trip is designed for ease and comfort from start to finish. We handle all essentials, accommodations, guidance, and travel support, allowing you to focus on exploring Peru and creating lasting memories.

Included

✔️ Pre-departure Briefing: Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 6:00 p.m. the evening before your tour to review the itinerary, answer questions, and ensure you are prepared for your adventure.

✔️ All Entry Fees & Permits: All entry fees for Inca archaeological sites are included. Once you confirm your tour or hike, we will arrange the permits. Please provide your full name and passport number as they appear in your passport to avoid delays at checkpoints.

✔️ Professional English-speaking Guide: An experienced local guide will lead your tour, share historical insights, and ensure your safety throughout the journey.

✔️ Airport Pickup and Drop Off: We will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Please provide your flight number and arrival time to ensure a smooth pickup.

✔️ Hotels: You’ll stay in carefully selected 3-star hotels that align with your itinerary and provide comfort after each day. We will confirm your accommodations within a week of booking. If a listed hotel is unavailable, we will promptly inform you and arrange a comparable alternative.

✔️ Meals as per Itinerary: All hotels include breakfast, typically from 6 to 10 a.m., and lunch on select days as outlined in the itinerary. For meals not included, your guide will provide recommendations.

✔️ Guided Tours at All Sites: Enjoy in-depth guided visits to archaeological sites along the trail, including a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu.

✔️ First Aid Kit and Oxygen: Available for any medical emergencies during the trek.

✔️ Train Ticket: The package includes round-trip tourist-class train service between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. You may upgrade to the Vistadome Observatory for an additional $85 per person.

✔️ Private Transportation: For the tours listed in the packages, you will have a nice, modern vehicle in which you will be transported to each site you visit, with a friendly driver.

✔️ 24/7 Customer Support: Champions Peru Travel provides assistance from booking through the end of your trek (WhatsApp: +51 986 029262).

What’s Not Included

❌Some meals: Meals not listed in the itinerary are not included. Your guide will offer suggestions.

❌Tips and Gratuities: Tips are not mandatory but are appreciated by your guide, porters, and support staff as recognition of their service.

❌Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to protect against trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Please ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking.

❌Personal Expenses: Additional purchases such as snacks, souvenirs, bottled drinks, or activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

❌Domestic Flights: Domestic flight tickets are not included. Please purchase flights according to your confirmed itinerary and dates.

Optional Upgrades:

✔️Huayna Picchu Entrance: Add an entry ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain for $75 USD per person. This two-hour round-trip hike takes place after your guided tour of Machu Picchu on the same day and offers panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding mountains. This hike is not recommended for travelers with a fear of heights or discomfort with steep, narrow trails.

✔️Observatory Vistadome Train Upgrade: Upgrade your return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with the Vistadome Train for $85 USD per person. This service features panoramic windows, comfortable seating and onboard refreshments, providing views of the Andes.
 

 

1. What is included in the “Visit Machu Picchu Today” tour?

The tour features guided visits to the Sacred Valley, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, a two-day Machu Picchu experience and a Rainbow Mountain hike. It includes professional guides, transportation, entrance tickets and scenic train journeys. The itinerary is structured to provide a comprehensive and well-paced exploration of Peru’s top attractions.

2. How does the two-day Machu Picchu visit work?

You will visit Machu Picchu on two consecutive days from Aguas Calientes. On Day 1, you take the bus to the citadel, hike to the Sun Gate, and explore upper viewpoints on Circuit 1. On Day 2, you return to explore Circuit 2, the most comprehensive route, with the option to hike Huayna Picchu.

3. Is the Huayna Picchu hike included, and do I need to book it in advance?

The Huayna Picchu hike is optional and requires advance booking due to limited permits. It is not included in the base tour and incurs an additional cost. We recommend reserving early, as tickets often sell out well in advance, especially during high season.

4. How difficult is this tour?

The tour is rated moderate. Most activities involve walking and sightseeing, while hikes like Huayna Picchu and Rainbow Mountain require good stamina due to steep terrain and altitude. No technical skills are needed and the itinerary includes time for acclimatization to support a safe and enjoyable experience.

5. What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October, when conditions are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. April, May, September and October offer fewer crowds and excellent weather. The tour operates year-round, including the rainy season from November to March.

6. Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

Some destinations, especially Rainbow Mountain, are at high altitude. The itinerary includes time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley for acclimatization. Staying hydrated, maintaining a steady pace and following your guide’s advice will help minimize altitude-related discomfort.

7. Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Peru?

Yes, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive and well-organized introduction to Peru. It combines cultural sites, iconic landscapes and a two-day Machu Picchu visit, allowing you to experience the country at a comfortable pace.

8. What should I pack for this tour?

We recommend packing comfortable walking or hiking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, a reusable water bottle and a small daypack. For hikes, consider bringing trekking poles (optional) and snacks.

9. Are meals included during the tour?

Some meals are included, such as lunches during full-day excursions. Meals in Aguas Calientes and certain lunches are not included, giving you flexibility to choose local restaurants based on your preferences.

10. Why choose this tour instead of a one-day Machu Picchu visit?

This tour lets you experience Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace, with two circuits, iconic hikes and multiple viewpoints. Combined with Sacred Valley highlights, Moray, Maras and Rainbow Mountain, it offers a more comprehensive experience than a standard one-day visit.