Short Machu Picchu Tour
3 days: US$1650 per person
On this Southern Crossings tour,
you’re taken care of from beginning to end – airport or dock transfers and domestic flights are included!
Depart any day and customize your private Peru tour at no extra charge!
Domestic flights included
This short Machu Picchu tour begins in Lima and takes you to the old Inca capital of Cusco and Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This three day Machu Picchu tour is perfect for passengers arriving by ship, on business in Peru or with only three days for a visit.
Day 1
Private transfer to Lima airport and flight to Cusco. Arrive Cusco and private city and ruins tour.
Day 2
Early morning train to Machu Picchu. Private guided tour, then free time at the site.
Day 3
Return flight to Lima and private transfer if needed.
What’s included in the trip
- Private transfer to Lima airport from Miraflores or Puerto Callao at the beginning of trip and drop off at the end
- Southern Crossings bilingual guides
- All other internal transport (excluding transport to optional restaurants, bars, sights and excursions)
- Domestic Flights Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Lima
- Two nights of 3-star hotel accommodation
- Breakfast included with all hotel stays
- Private Machu Picchu excursion including bilingual guide, round trip Vistadome or Executive train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and one-day entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary
- Private Cusco city tour including entrance fees, private vehicle, driver and professional guide
- Cuzco Visitor’s Ticket which gives entrance to the major ruins, churches and museums in and around Cusco
- 24-hour customer support line while on tour
What’s not included
International flight to/from Lima, pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings, cancellation insurance is advisable.
Short Machu Picchu Tour – Trip itinerary
Day 1 – Airport/dock pick-up, flight Lima-Cusco, Cusco city tour
This morning you´ll have a private transfer to the Lima airport, and then a short flight brings you to the famous Inca city of Cuzco. After checking into your hotel, we set out to explore the incredible capital of the Inca Empire. We head to the picturesque Plaza de Armas and its two cathedrals to see the colonial influence in the city. We can admire the stunning architecture of the church and also the native influences subtly woven into the artwork. Afterwards, we go to Coricancha church, where colonial and Incan architectures are on display side-by-side directly contrasted with each other. Then you´ll get a taste of indigenous Cuzco by visiting the San Pedro central market, where we can see local products and handicrafts and try exotic foods and fruits. Afterwards we make our way above the city to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman where we can marvel at the incredible stonework and architecture of the Inca civilization. We head back to Cuzco in the late afternoon. Overnight in Cuzco or overnight in the Sacred Valley if you are concerned about the altitude (the Sacred Valley is 645m – 2,000ft – lower than Cuzco). We are happy to add this to your itinerary.
Cusco tours
Day 2 – Train to Machu Picchu, private tour, free time at site
A beautiful early morning train journey takes us across the high plain above Cusco then down the Urubamba Valley to majestic Machu Picchu. Known as one of the greatest architectural achievements in history, this historic sanctuary is considered one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. After a guided tour, take time for independent exploration of this magnificent site. Return train to Cuzco in the evening. Overnight in Cuzco.
Day 3 – Flight to Lima, transfer included if necessary
Return flight to Lima. Let us know if you have a preference for what time of day you’d like your flight to depart. If possible, it’s always nice to have a bit of extra time in magnificent Cuzco and return to Lima in the afternoon. Private transfer back to Port Callao to catch your cruise, to Lima or depart on your
“Short Machu Picchu Tour” – Additional Info and Details
Joining the tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being swindled by airport taxis.
Accommodation Upgrades
This tour includes 3-star hotels. We would be happy to give you an upgrade to four- or five-star. If you would like to select a specific hotel let us know your preference. We can then work it into your custom itinerary.
international flight.
Extra activities
Add extra activities such as river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, surfing and free days to your custom itinerary. Ask about these options and we’d be happy to add them to your quote. If you have any special requests or interests like birding, cooking or crafting that you would like to explore please let us know!
Extra accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip.
Accommodation Upgrades
This tour includes three star hotels. We would be happy to give you an upgrade to four or five star. If you would like to select a specific hotel let us know your preference. We can then work it into your custom itinerary.
Single Person Supplement
A single supplement will be added to your quote if you are travelling alone.
Joining the tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being swindled by airport taxis.
Is this trip for me?
Peru: Islands Express is an eight-day tour which includes a family stay on Lake Titicaca and high-altitude walks of 30-45 minutes. The rooms with the family are twin-share and clean, but also very basic, often with no electricity and always with the bathroom outside the house. It is possible to visit the Islands on a Lake Titicaca Islands tour day trip if you would prefer or to upgrade to a 4-star hotel on a different island. The trip also includes walking around ruins and during city tours. As always, a certain patience is required for the inconsistencies and occasional delays of developing-world travel.
Pre-trip planner
Required documents
All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.
Required immunizations
No immunizations are required of travelers to these areas of Peru. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. No areas visited on this trip are malaria or yellow fever zones. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.
Climate
Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:
Cuzco: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are cold in Cuzco.
Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain.
Puno – Lake Titicaca islands tour: similar to Cuzco with stronger sun and colder nights.
Money guide
The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler’s checks are difficult to cash (American Express is best, but you may be charged 5-8% to cash) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not bring Money Grams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged. Please note that cash must be untorn. It can be older looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it unchangeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country.
Expect to spend about US$5-12 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru on the Lake Titicaca Islands tour.
Artisan market prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between US$5 and $30. Currency Converter
