How much time should I spend in Cusco before starting a trek to Machu Picchu?

Plan to spend 2-3 days in Cusco to adjust to the 3450m elevation before starting your trek. This adjustment period lets travelers explore key sites like Sacsayhuaman the Cathedral and Plaza de Armas at a comfortable pace. One TourRadar traveler advised: "We spent two days exploring Cusco with our guide Efrain visiting the Sacred Valley and adjusting to the altitude which made a huge difference for the trek."

What accommodation options are available for tours starting in Cusco?

Cusco offers accommodations ranging from reliable 3-star properties like Hotel San Augustin in the city center to upscale mountain lodges such as Salkantay Lodge along trek routes. Most tours include a night in Aguas Calientes at properties like El Mapi or Casa Andina. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The Munay Wasi Inn in Cusco was super comfortable and perfectly located near Plaza de Armas making it easy to explore the city between tours."

What's the average length of tours starting in Cusco to Machu Picchu?

Tours typically run 2-7 days with most travelers choosing 4-5 day treks on routes like the Salkantay or Lares Trek. These paths take you through notable spots including Humantay Lake Salkantay Pass at 4630m and the Llactapata ruins. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "The journey was perfectly paced over 5 days giving us time to acclimate and enjoy incredible views from places like Salkantay Pass."

What weather conditions should I prepare for when starting from Cusco?

Cusco's weather shifts dramatically between seasons and elevations. The dry season from April through October brings clear skies and cold nights. The wet season running November to March sees afternoon rains with milder temperatures. At Cusco's elevation of 3399m temperatures range from 5-20°C. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We experienced everything from freezing temperatures at Salkantay Pass to warm humid conditions in the cloud forest on the same trek."

What are the most common starting points for tours within Cusco?

Tours typically depart from central locations like Plaza San Francisco Plaza de Armas or hotels in the historic district. Companies such as Kantu Peru Tours offer free pickup from central Cusco hotels usually between 4:00-6:00 AM for day trips. Multi-day treks often begin at the tour operator's office for equipment distribution. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide picked us up right from our hotel in Cusco's historic center making the early morning departure very convenient."

How long is the typical travel time between Cusco and Machu Picchu?

The full journey takes 3-4 hours: a 1.5-2 hour drive to Ollantaytambo followed by a 1.5-2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes then a 25-minute bus up to Machu Picchu. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The journey was very well organized with comfortable transportation - we took the early morning train from Ollantaytambo and arrived at Machu Picchu before the crowds."

Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco

An adventure starting in Cusco is a great way to see Machu Picchu. We have 298 tours that range from 2 days up to 18 days. The most popular time for tours from Cusco is June, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Machu Picchu tours from Cusco

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Hiking & Trekking
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days
4.9 (60 traveler reviews)
"Everything from the morning tea, to the sleeping arrangements was perfectly taken care of. Food was amazing, attention to detail was great."
Megan, traveled in June
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Haku Travel
From
US$790per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
3-Day Llama Hike Sacred Valley Machupicchu with Glamping Sky Lodge Dome in Cusco
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cusco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
QUECHUAS EXPEDITIONS PERU
From
US$680per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
4.8 (58 traveler reviews)
"This was an adventure for us! Everything was excellent and everyone else in our group commented on the great quality too!"
Chadly, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
From
US$932per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain 8 days
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"What a great company. I highly recommend using them."
Melanie, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cusco, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta,Wayllabamba,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
From
US$1,290per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Cachicata Quarry Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights
4.5 (5 traveler reviews)
"The scenery was amazing. This was the perfect antidote."
Seong, traveled in April
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuQuarry Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
From
US$790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 nights
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"The service and ratio of staff for our group was overwhelming in a positive way. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area."
Morgan, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cusco, Lamay, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
From
US$690per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"The trek was definitely a challenge, the scenery amazing and the destination well worth the effort."
Daniel, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Cusco, Cachora, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+1 more
Age Range
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Alpaca Expeditions
From
US$850per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days/7Nights
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The hike was challenging (especially the first day) but that is what I was looking for - pushing your own edge physically while being surrounded by the eerie yet magnificent wonder of the Andes Mountains."
Richard, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cusco, Pisac, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Mollepata,Salkantay Mountain,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Alpaca Expeditions
From
US$1,095per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
5.0 (17 traveler reviews)
"Had an extraordinary adventure hiking through the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. A lifetime experience."
Christina, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cusco, Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo Valley, Sayacmarca,Salkantay Mountain,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Ollantaytambo+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, French,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Vidal Expeditions
From
US$860per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail Hike 3 Days
4.9 (7 traveler reviews)
"Andean Path Travel provides excellent and quality trekking service."
MarshMaxwell, traveled in November
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Cusco, Chinchero, Maras, Ollantaytambo
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Andean Path Travel
From
US$695per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Hiking & Trekking
Inca Trail 4 Days – Small Groups & Vistadome Train
5.0 (209 traveler reviews) award winner
"No words. Just incredible. Simply put, worth the money."
Eduardo, traveled in November
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Pacaymayo Valley,Sayacmarca,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
11% Off
From $850
US$760per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Hiking & Trekking
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu – Glamping & Vistadome
4.8 (84 traveler reviews)
"The tour was incredible with amazing views, great food and high rewards for the hard hikes."
Ella, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cusco, Salkantay Mountain, Lucmabamba, Llaqtapata,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+2 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuSalkantay Trek+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
11% Off
From
US$700per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
7 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.
4.8 (159 traveler reviews)
"Travel to pick you up was on time every day. The whole tour experience was amazing value for money."
John, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu,Moray,Maras,Rainbow Mountain,Salkantay Mountain+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Kantu Peru Tours
11% Off
From
US$669per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Hiking & Trekking
Cusco & Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu
4.8 (108 traveler reviews)
"The food prepared by the chefs was AMAZING! The attention to details was excellent."
Shelley, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Cusco, Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Mollepata, Nevado Humantay,Salkantay Mountain,Lucmabamba,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Inkayni Peru Tours
11% Off
From
US$1,279per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu (Group service )
5.0 (144 traveler reviews)
"Food was incredible and a highlight. We lucked out with the weather with a perfect day for Machu Picchu."
Jacklyn, traveled in June
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta, Llulluchapampa,Pacaymayo Valley,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+5 more
Age Range
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Alpaca Expeditions
11% Off
From
US$830per person
Price based on Shared Room
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