3-Day Machu Picchu Tour: Mysteries of the Incan Empire
📸 3-DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR – MYSTERIES OF THE INCAN EMPIRE
Ancient Icons. Andean Life. A Journey Beyond the Postcard.
This is not your average Machu Picchu tour. This is an immersive, three-day expedition that blends legendary landmarks with authentic Andean culture—perfect for travelers and photographers who want to go deeper into the real Peru.
DAY 1 – SACRED VALLEY HIDDEN GEMS & THE TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, stopping at places most travelers miss. You’ll meet Andean women in the weaving town of Chinchero and photograph their stunning traditional clothing while learning the stories behind their centuries-old techniques.
Next, you’ll explore a secret viewpoint over the valley—an ideal place for wide compositions and quiet portraits of local shepherds going about their day. After lunch by a tranquil lake, you’ll continue to the Maras Salt Mines. This surreal, geometric landscape offers endless opportunities for both minimalist and documentary-style photography.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes. We’ll take care of all logistics, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and meet your cultural guide for a short briefing about the big day ahead.
Optional Add-On: Have your photographer guide accompany you all the way to Machu Picchu for dedicated photo mentorship.
DAY 2 – SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU & RETURN TO THE SACRED VALLEY
Start your day early to reach Machu Picchu before the crowds. Enter the site at dawn, when soft light paints the stone in gold and mist still clings to the peaks. You’ll receive a guided tour rich in insight, history, and Andean cosmology—then enjoy free time to explore and photograph on your own terms.
After descending from the site, you’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes and return to the Sacred Valley by train in the afternoon. From the station, a private transfer will take you to your boutique hotel. After a long but unforgettable day, you’ll have time to relax, download your photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful Andean atmosphere.
DAY 3 – COMMUNITY LIFE, PORTRAITS & THE TRUE HEART OF PERU
The final day is dedicated to the soul of the Andes. After breakfast, you’ll visit a remote Quechua community nestled in the mountains. Along the way, you’ll stop at a traditional market to pick up some offerings for your hosts.
Once in the village, you’ll spend time with a beautiful local family who welcomes you into their home. There’s no performance here—just real people sharing their way of life. You’ll visit the local school, interact with the children, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch.
Afterward, you’ll explore the surrounding highland lakes, joined by members of the family dressed in traditional attire—perfect for powerful, respectful portraits and wide, story-driven compositions. The day ends with heartfelt goodbyes and a return drive to Cusco, where your journey concludes with full memory cards and an even fuller heart.
💰 Tour Pricing
💲 Private Tour for 1 person – $1580 USD
💲 2 people – $900 USD per person
📩 Group rates available upon request
➕ Add-On Options
- Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike
- Photographer Guide to Machu Picchu
- Single Room Supplement
📷 Recommended Photography Gear
- Mid-range zoom for flexibility
- Prime lens for portraits
- Telephoto for landscapes and salt mines
- Tripod (forbidden at Machu Picchu) + ND & CPL filters for long exposures and reflections
- Headlamp for early starts
📅 Book Your Journey into the Heart of the Incan Empire
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.andeanphotoexpeditions.com
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Departure/Return Location
Your Hotel in Cusco -
Departure Time
Please be ready before 8:00 AM -
Return Time
Approximately 18:30 (In 3 days) -
Dress Code
Clothes for all conditions (the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes, it’s best to be prepared!) Comfortable walking shoes. Although no strenuous hiking is involved its always recommendable to wear sensible footwear. -
Included
AccommodationEntrance FeesGuideLunchMealsPhoto AssistanceTransport -
Not Included
ExtrasInsuranceLocal Flights
Tour Plan
1st Day - Departing from Cusco
2nd Day - Machu Picchu
3rd Day - Community Visit
Tour Location
Discover Machu Picchu
10 Interesting Facts about Machu Picchu
Tour Reviews
We will be grateful for your honest and objective feedback.
Superb
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Matias F.
Amazing places and experience, top notch guide and photos
I will not describe the tour as it would take from the surprise. I will only say that Dan is an amazing guide, kind and caring in his approach. He takes you to great places and is always open to give a nice story or advice (he’s a professional photographer after all!).
The tour was extremely well designed, far from the mainstream tourism and its crowded sites. Dan will take you to these nice hidden spots where you will take the most amazing pictures. He also has a very responsible approach to tourism, including the local communities without exploiting them.
Thanks again Dan, it was a unique trip.
Bozena L
Exceptional trip with an amazing guide!
It was our first trip to Peru and South-America which thanks to our guide Dan was our best experience so far!
Before our trip, Dan helped a lot creating the itinerary such that it would suit our needs. He answered all our questions and bought our Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tickets on forehand.
During our trip, he was an amazing guide who shared his passion for Peru with us. He has a great knowledge of the country and its culture which he showed by taking us to the most amazing places in Peru, also visiting several local families and communities.
Thanks to Dan we saw the best and most beautiful places of Peru, which a ordinary tourist would surely miss! Many thanks for this amazing trip Dan!
Marco
Great trip
May 2022 • Solo
Traveling with Dan was pleasant, eventful and rich of personal experiences: this is twice as much remarkable for me, because I always travel alone, and like to plan my trip by myself. Dan has rare ‘people-skill’, both with the ‘locals’ (he can struck a pleasant conversation with anybody, get precious local information, and get accepted in everybody’s home when necessary) and with clients (he always there when you need him, and he discretely disappears when it is the time for you to have the space of a ‘personal’ experience, either with people in the street or with the beauty of the environment). These are the most important qualities for a guide. The trip organisation was seamless, and his personal attention to my satisfaction and enjoyment was heartwarming. His network – drivers, hotels, restaurants.. – is excellent, and everybody loves him. He has special connections with Peruvian people living in remote villages, he introduced me to some of them, and shared with the locals moments of their life. Priceless, for me. The destinations were all well selected, a special experience for each of them. I came back with lots of beautiful photos, and desire to be back soon.