Peru
2 Day Machu Picchu Tour by Bus from Cusco
Hidroeléctrica, Puente Ruinas, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
From
US$215
≈ €184 · billed in US$ ≈ £158 · billed in US$ per person
In short
Cusco was the Inca capital and is the base for Machu Picchu, at 3,400 m. Spend the first 36 hours at Cusco pace — no hiking, no alcohol, plenty of water — and the rest of the trip works. Skip that and the altitude takes the day you came for.
The city is built on itself: Inca stone walls at street level, Spanish churches on top of them, and a Plaza de Armas that has been the centre of both. Qorikancha, the sun temple the Spanish built a convent over, is the clearest place to see the two layers touching.
It is also the highest point of most Peru trips at 3,400 m, which is why the standard order is two nights here doing very little, then down to the Sacred Valley at 2,800 m, then Machu Picchu at 2,430 m.
Everything for the region leaves from here: the Sacred Valley day, the trains from Ollantaytambo, Rainbow Mountain, and the Inca Trail.
What Cusco is known for
- Qorikancha — the Inca sun temple under a Spanish convent
- Sacsayhuamán and the ruins in the hills above town
- The Plaza de Armas and the cathedral
- San Pedro market for lunch
- The base for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain
Practical detail
- Altitude
- 3,400 m — 36 hours to acclimatise
- How long you need
- 5 days including Machu Picchu
- Best months
- April–October, dry season
- Nearest airport
- Cusco (CUZ), 1h20m from Lima
What a trip to Cusco costs
Per person, including hotels, transfers and the guided days each trip lists. International flights are never included.
Peru
4 Day Best of Cusco Tour Package
Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas at the Urubamba
From
US$309
≈ €265 · billed in US$ ≈ £227 · billed in US$ per person
Peru
5 Day Highlights of Cusco Tour Package
Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Urubamba and More
From
US$444
≈ €381 · billed in US$ ≈ £326 · billed in US$ per person
Peru
6 Day Best of Cusco Tour Package
Cusco, Humantay, Urubamba, Salkantay and more
From
US$580
≈ €497 · billed in US$ ≈ £425 · billed in US$ per person
Peru
7 Day Ultimate Cusco Tour Package
Cusco, Humantay, Urubamba
From
US$721
≈ €618 · billed in US$ ≈ £529 · billed in US$ per person
Peru
5 Day Best of Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour Package
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Urubamba and more
From
US$870
≈ €746 · billed in US$ ≈ £638 · billed in US$ per person
| Package | Length | Price p/p | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour by Bus from Cusco | 2 days | US$215 | Book |
| 4 Day Best of Cusco Tour Package | 4 days | US$309 | Book |
| 5 Day Highlights of Cusco Tour Package | 5 days | US$444 | Book |
| 6 Day Best of Cusco Tour Package | 6 days | US$580 | Book |
| 7 Day Ultimate Cusco Tour Package | 7 days | US$721 | Book |
| 5 Day Best of Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour Package | 5 days | US$870 | Book |
No package matches that search.
Frequently asked
How do you avoid altitude sickness in Cusco?
Spend your first 36 hours at Cusco pace — no hiking, no alcohol, plenty of water — then drop to the Sacred Valley at 2,800 m before going up to Machu Picchu. Coca tea helps; arriving and immediately climbing does not.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
Five including Machu Picchu: two acclimatising and seeing the city, one for the Sacred Valley, one for Machu Picchu, one spare.
What is the best time to visit Cusco?
April to October is the dry season and the reliable window. January and February are the wettest months, and the Inca Trail closes every February.