Ultimate Cusco and Sacred Valley Itinerary: What to See Before Machu Picchu

Introduction

Imagine waking up in a five-star lodge nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Outside your window, the morning sun lights up the Andes, farmers in traditional clothing walk along centuries-old terraces, and the sound of the Urubamba River whispers in the background.

For discerning travelers, the journey to Machu Picchu is not just about reaching the citadel — it’s about how you get there. Rushing straight to Cusco or squeezing Machu Picchu into a quick one-day tour often means missing the most authentic, luxurious, and memorable parts of the experience.

This itinerary was designed for travelers who value comfort, culture, and exclusivity: couples, families, or friends who want to enjoy the Andes at their own pace, with the guidance of a private expert. By starting in the Sacred Valley, continuing with two carefully planned visits to Machu Picchu, and ending in Cusco, you’ll experience Peru the way it was meant to be discovered — with depth, elegance, and wonder.

Why Begin in the Sacred Valley?

Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), while the Sacred Valley is lower at around 2,800 m (9,200 ft). Starting here allows your body to acclimate smoothly, while you enjoy archaeological treasures, Andean villages, and world-class hotels.

Morning – Transfer to Urubamba

From Cusco airport, your private driver takes you directly to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Recommended Hotels:

• Tambo del Inka (Urubamba) – luxury property with private train station.

• Sol y Luna (Urubamba) – Relais & Châteaux with cozy casitas and gourmet dining.

Afternoon – Easy Pace

Settle in, enjoy the spa, gardens, or a light village stroll. Dinner can be paired with a glass of Peruvian wine.

Day 1: Arrival in the Sacred Valley – Rest and Acclimatization

Day 2: Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Gourmet Lunch

Morning – Chinchero & Moray

Start in Chinchero, famous for its weaving cooperatives and Inca terraces. Continue to Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory with concentric circular terraces.

Lunch – UNU Restaurant

Enjoy a refined lunch at UNU, near Maras, offering a creative take on Andean flavors with stunning views.

Afternoon – Maras Salt Mines

Visit the Maras salt ponds, where thousands of salt pans glisten against the mountain backdrop.

Evening – Return to Hotel

Relax in your Sacred Valley lodge and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 3: Ollantaytambo & Train to Machu Picchu

Morning – Ollantaytambo Fortress & Village

Climb the Ollantaytambo Fortress, one of the most strategic Inca sites. Then explore the charming village, where original Inca urban planning and water channels remain in use.

Midday – Scenic Train Ride

Board your train to Aguas Calientes. Options include:

• Peru Rail Vistadome Observatory panoramic views and an open-air observatory car.

• Belmond Hiram Bingham – luxury, live music, and gourmet cuisine.

• Inca Rail First Class –

  elegant service with spacious seating.

Afternoon – First Visit to Machu Picchu

Head to Machu Picchu for your first guided tour (Circuit 2) in the afternoon. This circuit covers the iconic photo spots, temples, and terraces, often with fewer crowds than the morning.

Evening – Overnight Stay

Recommended Hotels in Aguas Calientes:

• Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel – riverside luxury with top-rated dining.

• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – eco-luxury nestled in cloud forest gardens.

Day 4: Sunrise at Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

Morning – Second Visit (Circuit 3)

Wake up early to re-enter Machu Picchu with Circuit 3. Unlike Circuit 2, this route is quieter and allows for a slower, more intimate exploration. The morning light and mist create a mystical atmosphere.

Afternoon – Train Back to Cusco

Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then board your train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Recommended Hotels in Cusco:

• Belmond Palacio Nazarenas – luxurious suites with heated oxygen and butler service.

• Belmond Monasterio – historic monastery turned elegant hotel.

• Inkaterra La Casona – boutique heritage stay with intimate charm.

• JW Marriott El Convento – stylish hotel built on Inca foundations.

Day 5: Cusco City Tour & Local Neighborhoods

Morning – Historical Highlights

• Cathedral – baroque architecture and paintings from the Cusco School of Art.

• Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) – the Incas’ most sacred site, later transformed into a Spanish convent.

• Sacsayhuamán – monumental fortress with massive stone walls and panoramic city views.

Afternoon – Local Flavor

• San Pedro Market – a vibrant place to see daily life, taste exotic fruits, and explore stalls of local products.

• San Blas – the bohemian neighborhood of artists, with narrow cobblestone streets, handicraft shops, and stunning city views.

Evening – Farewell Dinner

Conclude with a fine dining experience at MAP Café or Cicciolina, offering contemporary Peruvian cuisine.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best Season: April–October for dry skies.

• Altitude Plan: Sacred Valley first, Cusco last, to adjust gradually.

• Machu Picchu Tickets: Secure entrance plus specific circuits (2 and 3) months in advance.

• Guides & Transport: Private service ensures comfort and flexibility.

• Packing Essentials: Layers, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.

The Best Way to Reach Machu Picchu

By beginning in the Sacred Valley, experiencing Machu Picchu twice, and finishing with Cusco’s vibrant culture, this itinerary blends luxury, adventure, and authenticity. Each step of the journey is carefully designed for comfort, exclusivity, and depth — the perfect way to discover Peru’s most iconic destinations.

With the guidance of an expert private guide, your trip becomes seamless and unforgettable — not just a visit to Machu Picchu, but a complete Andean journey.