Cusco & Machu Picchu: The Complete Guide
Machu Picchu is Peru's crown jewel but Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the reason the trip works — altitude, logistics and ticketing all need advance planning. Below is the itinerary we send friends, the ticket system explained in plain English, and how to book each moving piece through our tour and transfer partners.
5-day itinerary that works
Day 1 — arrive Cusco (or sleep low in the Sacred Valley first, 9,400 ft / 2,860 m). Rest, coca tea, light dinner. Do not climb anything.
Day 2 — Cusco slow day: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Qorikancha, San Blas artisan quarter, Sacsayhuamán late afternoon.
Day 3 — Sacred Valley day tour: Pisac ruins + market, lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo ruins + village. Sleep in Ollantaytambo.
Day 4 — Machu Picchu day: early Vistadome or Expedition train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes, bus up, Circuit 2 (or Circuit 1 with Huayna Picchu add-on if you booked it). Return train.
Day 5 — buffer or add-on: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Humantay Lake, or a return Cusco day to see Chocolate Museum and shop for textiles.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits — 2026 rules
Since 2024 Machu Picchu uses fixed circuits. The three main options are Circuit 1 (upper terraces + classic postcard view), Circuit 2 (upper + full citadel — the closest thing to the old 'complete' tour), and Circuit 3 (lower royal enclosure only).
Add-on peaks: Huayna Picchu (the classic peak behind, permits sell out first), Machu Picchu Mountain (higher, quieter, longer), and Huchuy Picchu (short, easier). Add-ons are booked as combined circuit tickets.
Book directly through the official government portal or via a licensed operator 2-3 months ahead in peak season (June-August). Take a printed and PDF copy plus your passport.
Trains and how to actually get there
There is no road to Machu Picchu. The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes 1h30-1h50; from Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro) it takes 3h30-4h.
Two operators — PeruRail and IncaRail — run three service tiers: budget (Expedition / Voyager), scenic (Vistadome / 360°) and premium (Hiram Bingham / First Class).
From Aguas Calientes, take the Consettur shuttle bus up to the citadel gate (25 min). Book the bus separately.
For altitude, arriving via the Sacred Valley (train from Ollantaytambo) is much easier than sleeping the first night in Cusco.
Altitude — how to actually enjoy the trip
Fly Lima → Cusco morning, then transfer straight down to the Sacred Valley (Urubamba / Ollantaytambo, ~9,400 ft) for the first 1-2 nights instead of sleeping in Cusco (11,150 ft). You'll feel far better.
Hydrate aggressively, avoid alcohol night one, eat light. Coca tea and Sorojchi Pills (over-the-counter locally) help. Diamox (prescription, from home) is the standard prophylaxis.
Save active days (Rainbow Mountain 16,522 ft, Sacsayhuamán climb) for day 3-4.
Where to stay
Cusco San Blas: the atmospheric artisan barrio uphill from the Plaza — cobbled lanes, boutique hotels, quieter nights.
Cusco Plaza de Armas: convenient and beautiful but pick a hotel one lane back to avoid nightclub noise.
Sacred Valley (Urubamba / Ollantaytambo): lower altitude, gorgeous mountain settings, ideal for the first two nights and the pre-train morning.
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo: only sleep here one night if you want a very early citadel entry or a two-day pass.
Check live hotel rates in Cusco, Peru
Real availability and prices from our licensed booking partner. No hidden fees.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
May-September is dry season — best hiking weather, clearest views, biggest crowds and highest prices. April and October are shoulder sweet spots. November-March is wet (afternoon rain most days) but green, cheap and quieter. February the Inca Trail closes for maintenance.
How many days do I need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Five full days is the minimum for a comfortable trip with altitude acclimatisation. Seven days lets you add Rainbow Mountain, more Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Maras salt pans, Moray) and a full Cusco cultural day.
Do I need a guide inside Machu Picchu?
Yes — since 2023 the site officially requires an accredited guide for entry with all circuits. Book a guide with your ticket or hire one at the gate; group tours are cheaper than private.
How do I book Machu Picchu tickets?
The safest way is via a licensed Peruvian operator or your hotel — they handle circuit + train + bus in one package. Independent travellers book directly on the official government portal 2-3 months ahead in peak season.
How do I get from Cusco airport?
Cusco airport (CUZ) is 15 minutes from the centre. Pre-book a private transfer (Kiwitaxi or a Cusco-based operator) so you can go straight to your hotel or continue direct to the Sacred Valley — no queue, no altitude-shocked negotiation.
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