Machu Picchu Express - 5 days

Machu Picchu Express - 5 days

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5 Days From

$1345

Machu Picchu Express - 5 days

5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru

Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1345

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Peru with the Machu Picchu Express tour. Begin your adventure in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, where you'll explore its vibrant streets and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Venture into the Sacred Valley, visiting the colorful Pisac Market and the awe-inspiring Ollantaytambo fortress. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu with a scenic train ride to this iconic Inca citadel, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Sonesta Hotel in Cusco and the charming Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay in the Sacred Valley. With guided tours, private transportation, and an English-speaking tour leader, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Peru's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

Highlights

  • Cusco – Explore the captivating capital of the Inca Empire and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress.

  • Sacred Valley of the Incas – Discover the Pisac ruins and shop at the vibrant Pisac market.

  • Machu Picchu – Enjoy a scenic train ride to the spectacular Inca citadel, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

  • Sacred Valley of the Incas – Visit the Ollantaytambo fortress with its enormous Inca terraces.

  • Aguas Calientes – Experience the charming town at the base of Machu Picchu.

  • Optional excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, with its striking mineral stripes.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel

Upon arrival Cusco Airport you'll be met and transferred to our group tour hotel. After hotel check in spend the rest of the day at leisure adjusting to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.

Day 2: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore Cusco on a guided tour, taking in some of the city's most important landmarks. Our tour begins at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, it's one of the most beautiful squares in the country. Then we take in other highlights of the city, including the cathedral and the Kenko Amphitheatre before visiting the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city which is brimming with wonderful cafes, shops and handicraft markets and art shops.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cusco - The Sacred Valley. We depart Cusco this morning and take a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the colourful Pisac Market, where artisans from the region get together and exchange or buy and sell their products. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. There's plenty of time to explore the market, see the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles on offer, and barter for souvenirs.





This afternoon we visit the striking Ollantaytambo fortress with its enormous Inca terraces constructed on the side of a steep mountain. Ollantaytambo is one of the best examples of Incan architecture and many of the inhabitants of the town still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors. After a tour through the area we check into our nearby hotel for the night.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we travel by train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu town). On the 90 minute journey sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery through the panoramic windows. In Aguas Calientes we board the bus which takes us along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.





The incredible lost city of Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. A guided tour will take us around the citadel. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. The ruins are divided into the Urban and Agricultural Sectors with features ranging from terraced fields and water fountains to storage buildings, guardhouses and religious temples as well as bridges on the trails leading out of the citadel. After the guided tour we return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before we travel by train back to Cusco.

Day 5: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. A transfer will take you to Cusco airport for your onward travel.





If you're not departing Cusco until later this evening, or you've booked post tour accommodation, you may wish to join one of the optional excursions on offer today. You can visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.





Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the [[Rainbow Mountain|131596]] (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits. Please note: Optional excursions must be booked prior to departure.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 star

  • 4 breakfasts

    Enjoy 4 breakfasts during your stay.

  • 3 nights 4 star hotels and 1 night 3 star hotel in the Sacred Valley

    Stay in 3 nights at 4-star hotels and 1 night at a 3-star hotel in the Sacred Valley.

  • Cusco airport transfer on day 1 and day 5

    Receive airport transfers in Cusco on the first and last day of the tour.

  • Guided tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

    Participate in guided tours of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

  • Expedition train to Machu Picchu

    Travel on the Expedition train to Machu Picchu.

  • Escorted by English-speaking local tour leader (for groups of 4 or more) and specialist local guides for included sightseeing

    Be escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader for groups of 4 or more, and specialist local guides for included sightseeing.

  • Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

    Enjoy transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Entrance fees and Cusco Tourist Ticket

    Entrance fees and the Cusco Tourist Ticket are included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Tipping – an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation

Stay at the recently renovated Sonesta Hotel in the heart of Cusco, offering mountain or city views, cable TV, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. Enjoy Peruvian and international cuisine at the hotel's restaurant. In the Sacred Valley, experience the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay, a former monastery with rustic rooms, Andean dishes, and resident alpacas.

Age Policy

As standard they must be ages 15 or older to join this group tour. However, those aged 13+ may be considered on a case by case basis. 

Mode of Transport

Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with transfers included from Cusco airport on day 1 and day 5. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu and explore the region with guided tours and local guides for sightseeing.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at the Sonesta Hotel in Cusco and the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay in the Sacred Valley. The Sonesta Hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms with mountain or city views, cable TV, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay is housed in an old monastery and features rooms with private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.

  • Are there any meals included in the tour?

    The tour includes 4 breakfasts. Meals are provided at the accommodations, which offer a variety of Peruvian and international dishes.

  • Is there a guided tour of Machu Picchu included?

    Yes, the tour includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu. You will travel by train to Aguas Calientes and then take a bus to the Inca citadel for a guided tour of the site.

  • What is the mode of transportation to Machu Picchu?

    Transportation to Machu Picchu is by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel.

  • Are there any optional excursions available on the last day of the tour?

    Yes, on the last day, you can choose to visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero or take a full-day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, if you have booked post-tour accommodation or have a late departure.

  • Is there a tour leader or guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader for groups of 4 or more, and specialist local guides are provided for included sightseeing.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Prices last published on 25-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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