3-Day Machu Picchu Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Machu Picchu tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Machu Picchu Itinerary, incl. Cusco and Inca Quarry Trek

  The mountain path visits Perolniyoc ruins (3200m) and Cachicata quarry (3820m) over 3 days. Reaching 4500m altitude across two passes, the journey concludes with a 2-hour guided Machu Picchu tour and optional Huayna Picchu climb (pre-booking required).

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco to First Mountain Camp

    Your Inca Quarry trek starts at 6:00 AM with pickup from Cusco. The 2-hour drive to Rafca (2800m) winds through mountain roads, so consider bringing motion sickness medication. From Socma village (3000m), you'll hike about 2.5 hours to Perolniyoc waterfall and ruins (3200m). The trail gets slippery near the waterfall, so good water-resistant hiking boots are important. After lunch, prepare for a challenging 4-hour climb to the first pass at 4,400m. A recent traveler shared: "The views and food were amazing - we had four-course meals that were better than most restaurants in town!"

    
  • Day 2

    High Altitude Trek to Aguas Calientes

    The day starts with a 1.5-hour hike across high plateau to the trek's highest point at 4,500m. You'll then descend to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), which offers stunning views of snow-capped Veronica mountain. Stop for lunch at Choquetacarpo (3600m) before exploring Cachicata quarry (3820m), where you can see unfinished Inca stonework. A 3-hour descent brings you to Ollantaytambo, where you'll catch the evening train to Aguas Calientes. Remember to pack layers for temperature changes that can vary by 20°F between sun and shade.

    
  • Day 3

    Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

    Get an early start by taking the first bus to Machu Picchu before 6:00 AM to avoid crowds. The 20-minute bus ride includes steep switchbacks - sit on the right side for the best views. Your guide will give a 2-hour tour of the main sites. If you're planning to climb Huayna Picchu, book it 2 weeks ahead and allow 2-3 hours for the steep climb. The return journey to Cusco takes about 4 hours, combining train and bus travel. You'll arrive at Plaza San Francisco, so plan your final transportation in advance.

    

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• 3 Day Peru Itinerary, incl. Cusco and Machu Picchu

  The 21km trek leads from Cusco through Puca Pucara (3,700m) to UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, featuring stops at Huchuy Qosqo ruins and Sacred Valley. Overnight stays include camping in Quencco village and hotels in Aguas Calientes, with optional Huayna Picchu climb ($75) or Sun Gate sunrise hikes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco to Quencco Village

    Your journey starts with a 6 AM pickup in Cusco and a 20-minute drive to Puca Pucara at 11,800 ft. The morning hike takes about 90 minutes to reach the first pass at 13,450 ft. Pack plenty of water and pace yourself as you adjust to the altitude. "Our guide was patient and knowledgeable, helping us acclimate while teaching us about the medicinal plants along the way," one traveler noted. The 8.7-mile trail shows off beautiful views of Cusco and passes by Queullacocha Lake on the way to Quencco village. Look out for Andean geese and hummingbirds during your 6-7 hour hike. In the evening, you'll visit a local family to learn about traditional Andean life.

    
  • Day 2

    Quencco to Aguas Calientes

    Start your day with a 2-hour hike to the original Inca Trail sections near Pumamarca. The landscape here is stunning. You'll see snow-capped peaks above while walking through lush green valleys filled with wildflowers. The path takes you to Huchuy Qosqo ("Little Cusco"), an impressive site at 11,800 ft. Take time to explore the terraces and ancient storehouses before a 2-hour descent to Lamay village. From there, catch an afternoon train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. A recent visitor shared: "The hike to Huchuy Qosqo was manageable and gave us amazing mountain views without the crowds of the main Inca Trail."

    
  • Day 3

    Machu Picchu

    Catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu starting at 5:30 AM. Lines form early, but arriving for sunrise is worth it. You'll get a 2-hour guided tour followed by free time to explore. Want to climb Huayna Picchu? Book permits at least 1 month ahead. It costs $75 extra but offers incredible views. You'll return to Cusco by train and bus, getting back around 8 PM.

    

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• Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu - 3 Days

  Adventure seekers thrill to this three-day journey: mountain biking Day 1, optional ziplining and hiking to Aguas Calientes Day 2, concluding with sunrise citadel exploration Day 3.

  

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  • Cusco Peru

    34 mi

  • Abra Malaga Mountain Peru

    19 mi

  • Santa Teresa Peru

    4 mi

  • Aguas Calientes Peru

    5 mi

  • Machu Picchu Peru

    40 mi

  • Cusco Peru

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