Machu Picchu 3 Days Tour – Without Ticket
3 Days / 2 Nights
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From US$420 person
Adventure, Cultural, Nature
Moderate
Spanish, English
Hotels
From 2 people
Machu Picchu Tour 3 Days and 2 Nights – Perfect If You Don’t Have Your Ticket Yet!
Didn’t manage to get a ticket to Machu Picchu? Don’t worry. This trip is specially designed for you. Over the course of three days, you’ll enjoy a complete experience that combines history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to secure your entrance to the Inca citadel, even during high season.
Important Tips for Your Trip During High Season
Heads up: If you’re traveling during high season, don’t stress if you couldn’t get your Machu Picchu entry ticket in advance. You can still visit the Inca citadel with our 3-day, 2-night tour.
That said, we recommend booking several weeks ahead, as entry tickets and train passes sell out very quickly online.
When left to the last minute, usually only very late times are available (like 8 or 9 p.m.), which means long waits and less comfort.
The best schedules make all the difference. A well-organized visit is not only more comfortable but also allows you to enjoy every moment more fully.
Planning ahead guarantees a smooth and stress-free experience, so your memory of Machu Picchu will be truly special.
Day 1: Sacred Valley VIP Tour
We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 6:20 and 6:45 a.m. to begin an incredible journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Visit to Chinchero
Our first stop will be in Chinchero, a small and picturesque town. There you’ll see Inca agricultural terraces, the remains of the royal estate of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, and a colonial church built on the foundations of an Inca structure. You’ll also get to witness the entire textile production process, from washing and spinning the wool to transforming it into beautiful handmade crafts.
Moray Terraces
Next, we’ll head to the Moray terraces, a fascinating site where the Incas experimented with different types of crops at varying altitudes. This is a one-of-a-kind place where you’ll discover how the Incas perfected agriculture to adapt to changes in climate and elevation.
Maras Salt Mines
Our next stop will be the Maras Salt Mines, a collection of salt ponds that have been in use since Inca times. Here you’ll see how salt is extracted naturally and traditionally, and learn more about how the Incas managed this valuable resource.
Lunch in Urubamba
After visiting Maras, we’ll head to the town of Urubamba, known for its pleasant climate. You’ll have about 40 minutes to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring the best of local cuisine.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
We continue to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, an incredible site built to protect the Sacred Valley from potential invasions. Here you’ll see massive stone blocks and strategic structures that were key to the defense of the Inca Empire. You’ll also learn about its historical and cultural significance.
Train Ride to Machu Picchu
After visiting Ollantaytambo, we’ll head to the train station to board the Expedition Train. The train departs at 4:30 p.m., and the journey lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes to Machu Picchu Pueblo station.
Registration for Machu Picchu Ticket Purchase
Once we arrive at the train station, our assistant will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name or will contact you via WhatsApp. They will accompany you on a 7-minute walk to the Ministry of Culture office, where you’ll register to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket for the following day. This registration is important to ensure you have the opportunity to buy your ticket, as entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. The line can last more than an hour, so we recommend arriving with plenty of time and patience. The earlier we arrive, the easier it will be to get the best available time slots for your visit.
Accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo
After completing the registration, we’ll escort you to your hotel—Horizonte or Vista Machu Picchu—where you’ll spend the night. Rest well and get ready for the big day of exploration at Machu Picchu that awaits you.
Day 2: Reservation Confirmation and Free Day in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Early in the morning, you’ll return to the Ministry of Culture office to line up and confirm your reservation. There, you’ll receive a pre-ticket, which is a necessary step before making the official purchase for Machu Picchu entry.
Free Day in Machu Picchu Pueblo
After confirming your reservation, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy the peaceful town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes).
You can visit the hot springs, a perfect spot to relax, or take a walk through the butterfly garden, where you’ll see the area’s butterfly diversity up close and learn about their life cycle.
Official Ticket Purchase in the Afternoon
Later, at the time given to you by the Ministry of Culture, you’ll need to return to the office to complete the official purchase of your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Our assistant will give you all the necessary guidance: which circuit to choose, the best time slot for your visit, and the recommended route based on availability.
Getting Ready for the Machu Picchu Visit
Once the purchase is complete, your guide will give you a brief explanation of what to expect during the next day’s visit: what to bring, when to leave, and other important details to help you make the most of your Machu Picchu experience.
Day 3: Visit to Machu Picchu
After a restful night at the same hotel, you’ll enjoy an early breakfast to get ready for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Then, you’ll head to the bus station approximately 1 hour before the entrance time shown on your ticket. There, you’ll board the official bus to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The bus ride takes about 40 minutes, winding up a road surrounded by nature and spectacular views.
At the entrance gate to Machu Picchu, your official guide will be waiting for you. Don’t forget to bring your physical passport, as it is mandatory to pass the entrance control.
Accompanied by your guide, you’ll enter one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours.
Tour of the Inca Citadel
During the tour, you’ll travel back in time to the era of the Incas. Your guide will reveal the secrets and history behind iconic places such as:
- The Main Square
- The Temple of the Three Windows
- The Main Temple
- The mysterious Sacred Rock
From the viewpoint, you’ll be able to take the most iconic photos of Machu Picchu, with the entire citadel in the background.
At the end of the guided tour, you may stay for up to an hour to explore on your own, take more photos, and enjoy the magical atmosphere.
Optional Add-On: Huayna Picchu and Temple of the Moon
If you’re looking for an extra adventure, you can choose Circuit 3 – Route A, which includes access to Huayna Picchu Mountain and the enigmatic Temple of the Moon. The hike to the summit takes about 1 hour, and the view from the top is breathtaking. There is an additional cost of 200 soles, and this option must be selected when purchasing your ticket the day before.
Return to Aguas Calientes and Trip Back to Cusco
After your visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon or evening (depending on your train schedule), you should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
The return train will depart between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and the ride to Ollantaytambo lasts approximately 2 hours.
There, our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco city. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Finally, we’ll drop you off at your hotel so you can rest after this unforgettable experience.
VIP Sacred Valley
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco
- Tour guide
- Buffet lunch
- Tourist ticket
- Entrance to the Salt Mines
- Transportation
Machu Picchu
- Round-trip train ticket
- Assistant in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (2 nights)
- Breakfast
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Round-trip Consettur bus ticket
- Tour guide in Machu Picchu
- Return train ticket
- Return transportation Ollantaytambo–Cusco
- Meals
- Drinks
- Entrance to the hot springs
- Entrance to the butterfly garden
- Other items not mentioned
Clothing:
- Light and comfortable clothing for walking (trekking pants, cotton t-shirts or sports fabric).
- Waterproof jacket or poncho (the weather may change and there is a chance of rain).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Warm clothes (mornings and evenings can be cold).
- Comfortable trekking or sport shoes with good grip, ideal for hiking.
Accessories:
- Sunscreen (sun protection is crucial, especially at high altitudes).
- Insect repellent, especially in Machu Picchu and nearby areas.
- Sunglasses.
- Trekking poles with rubber (if you use them).
Documents and money:
- Entrance to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley (carry your tickets printed or on your cell phone).
- Passport or identity card (required to enter Machu Picchu).
- Cash (soles for small expenses, since in some areas they do not accept cards).
Food and water:
- Reusable water bottle (it is best to avoid disposable plastic).
- Energy snacks such as granola bars or dried fruits to keep you active.
Others:
- Camera or smartphone for photos, with extra battery or portable charger.
- Small backpack to carry your things during the hikes.
- Personal medication and something for altitude sickness (such as coca leaves or soroche pills).
Traveling prepared will make your experience much more enjoyable. Enjoy your visit!
