NB: Prices correct on 30-Mar-2025 but subject to change.
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting blend of Inca heritage and Spanish colonial charm on "The Charm of Cusco, Private Tour." This immersive journey through Peru's historic heartland begins in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where you'll explore the majestic Coricancha temple and the grand Cathedral. Venture into the hills to uncover the awe-inspiring ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay. The highlight of your adventure is a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, perched high in the Andes. With private transfers, guided tours, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and historical discovery.
Highlights
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre-Columbian past with Spanish architecture
Sacsayhuamán: An immense Inca fortress erected in the fifteenth century on top of a hill above Cusco
Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas hidden on top of an Andean peak
Coricancha: Impressive sample of convergence between the Inca and the Spanish worlds
Qenqo: The ruins of the temple and amphitheatre where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals
PukaPukara: An Inca military complex located on a prominent hill
Tambomachay: A site surrounded by hills that hide amazing places
Arrive at Cusco Airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your selected hotel. A guide will accompany you, offering useful information about the city attractions and assisting you along the way. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30 am. Noon arrivals are too late. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Peru. Alternatively, you can book our optional Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas:
Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas (private basis):
A unique tour that includes visits to the most important attractions between Cusco and Puno. Being the first to explore breath-taking archeological sites Tipón and its impressive rural colonial mansion where the Incas constructed an impressive irrigation system in harmony with nature that is still perceived by the surrounding population. In Pikillacta, the best-preserved pre-Inca cities we´ll follow the remains of the Wari culture, ancestor of the Incas, and in the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, also called "The Sistine Chapel of America” we´ll see the Wari´s marvelous original pipe organ. Take the most advantage of our tour and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Notes: Private service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 4.5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Andahuaylillas and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2
:
CUSCO CITY TOUR & NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. At around 1 pm, your guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby to start a 4-hour guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. You will be transferred to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel at about 5.30 pm.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3
:
CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (75 Km – 2 hrs drive / 1.5 hrs by train)
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Early Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel at around 4.30 am. The exact pick up time will be confirmed one day before. Transfer to Ollanta train station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with approximately one hour and a half train ride to Aguas Calientes. This town is also known as "Machu Picchu Pueblo". Upon arrival, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. After a 25-minute bus ride, you will finally arrive at the 'lost city of the Incas'. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacútec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your 2.5 hour tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments. At the end of the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Finally, you will return by train to Ollanta Station and will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco in the late afternoon.Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4
:
CUSCO DEPARTURE
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima. Although this is the last day of your incredible journey with us in Peru, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with culture and history, will last a lifetime.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English, Spanish, Portuguese or French-speaking local guide on private basis on days 2 and 3
ACCOMMODATION:
3 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Days 1-3 Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-/Post night in Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
MEALS:
3 Breakfasts
Lunch on day 3
TRANSPORT:
Private transfer from airport to hotel in Cusco
Private transfer from hotel in Cusco to train station in Ollantaytambo.
Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category
Shared bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Shared Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Private transfer from train station in Ollantaytambo to hotel in Cusco
Private transfer from hotel to airport in Cusco
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All visits mentioned in the itinerary: Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara in Cusco on day 2; Machu Picchu on day 3.
What's Not Included
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses, drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme.
Tips
Tips for driver and guide.
International Flights
International flights to Peru.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights (it is advised to book the first flights in the morning).
Airport Taxes
Domestic and foreign airport taxes.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator.
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
Please note that Check In in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby.
If your trip includes a visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3400 meters (11 200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling.
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU
The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel (2 hours and a half accompanied by a guide). If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
To help preserve the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and maintain its World Heritage status, the Ministry of Culture has designated various visitor circuits. The specific circuit and schedule will be assigned based on availability at the time your reservation is confirmed.
The following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weight higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:
After prohibiting the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.
INSTRUCTIONS
Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.
In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width)
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Days 1-3 Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-/Post night in Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Mode of Transport
Private transfers from the airport to the hotel in Cusco, from the hotel to Ollantaytambo train station, and roundtrip train to Machu Picchu. Shared bus services between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights' accommodation in Cusco with options ranging from the 3-star Tierra Viva Cusco, the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn, to the 5-star Aranwa Cusco Boutique. Pre-/Post night stays are also available.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Days 1-3 Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-/Post night in Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Check out our Q&As
What languages are the tour guides available in?
The tour guides are available in English, Spanish, and French.
What is the recommended arrival time for the domestic flight from Lima to Cusco?
The domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30 am. Noon arrivals are too late.
What are the accommodation options available during the tour?
Accommodation options include Standard Hotel Category (Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*), Superior Hotel Category (Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*), and Deluxe Hotel Category (Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*).
What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 breakfasts and lunch on day 3.
What are the transportation arrangements during the tour?
Transportation includes private transfers from the airport to the hotel in Cusco, from the hotel in Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu, shared bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back, and private transfers from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the hotel in Cusco and from the hotel to the airport in Cusco.
What are the main attractions visited during the tour?
The main attractions include Coricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara in Cusco, and Machu Picchu.
What is the luggage policy for the train to Machu Picchu?
Passengers can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag, or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. The allowed size is 62 linear inches (157cm) combining height, length, and width.
What should I wear when visiting religious temples or official buildings?
It is recommended not to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings.
What are the new entrance regulations to Machu Picchu?
The current restrictions allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu), they will have 3 additional hours. If the visitor wishes to enter the citadel again, they must acquire an additional ticket in advance.
What items are prohibited at Machu Picchu?
Prohibited items include professional cameras that require lights and tripods, drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners, posters, sharp objects, and backpacks larger than 40cm x 35cm x 20cm.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Jose G.
Muy preparados y respetuosos, gracias LIma Tours
15-Feb-2023
El personal muy atento, preparados, respetuosos
Cesar
Excelente empresa
22-Feb-2023
Me gusto la atención y la formalidad de la agencia.
Marcela
Todo excelente la atención de team de Lima Tours muy buena
16-Feb-2023
Todo excelente la atención de team de Lima Tours muy buena
Lima Tours requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 89 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of lima tours charges.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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[{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO","name":"Cusco","description":"<p>Arrive at Cusco Airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your selected hotel. A guide will accompany you, offering useful information about the city attractions and assisting you along the way. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30 am. Noon arrivals are too late. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Peru. Alternatively, you can book our optional Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas: </p><p><strong><em>Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas (private basis):</em></strong></p><p><em>A unique tour that includes visits to the most important attractions between Cusco and Puno. Being the first to explore breath-taking archeological sites Tipón and its impressive rural colonial mansion where the Incas constructed an impressive irrigation system in harmony with nature that is still perceived by the surrounding population. In Pikillacta, the best-preserved pre-Inca cities we´ll follow the remains of the Wari culture, ancestor of the Incas, and in the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, also called \"The Sistine Chapel of America” we´ll see the Wari´s marvelous original pipe organ. Take the most advantage of our tour and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. </em></p><p><em>Notes: Private service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 4.5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Andahuaylillas and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).</em></p><p><strong>Overnight in Cusco.</strong></p>","lat":"-13.53195","lng":"-71.967463"},{"title":"Day 2: CUSCO CITY TOUR & NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES","name":"Cusco","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel. At around 1 pm, your guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby to start a 4-hour guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. You will be transferred to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel at about 5.30 pm.</p><p><strong>Overnight in Cusco.</strong></p>","lat":"-13.53195","lng":"-71.967463"},{"title":"Day 3: CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (75 Km – 2 hrs drive / 1.5 hrs by train)","name":"Machu Picchu","description":"Early Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel at around 4.30 am. The exact pick up time will be confirmed one day before. Transfer to Ollanta train station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with approximately one hour and a half train ride to Aguas Calientes. This town is also known as \"Machu Picchu Pueblo\". Upon arrival, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. After a 25-minute bus ride, you will finally arrive at the 'lost city of the Incas'. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacútec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your 2.5 hour tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments. At the end of the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Finally, you will return by train to Ollanta Station and will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco in the late afternoon.Overnight in Cusco.","lat":"-13.163199","lng":"-72.545262"},{"title":"Day 4: CUSCO DEPARTURE","name":"Cusco","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima. Although this is the last day of your incredible journey with us in Peru, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with culture and history, will last a lifetime.</p>","lat":"-13.53195","lng":"-71.967463"}]
