Discover the best of Cusco and its surroundings on this 6-day tour, designed to visit the most iconic places of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. From your arrival, you’ll walk the historic streets of Cusco, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit majestic Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. You’ll also enjoy unforgettable experiences such as a picnic surrounded by llamas and the stunning Rainbow Mountain. This itinerary combines adventure, culture and time to rest, with free time to enjoy Cusco at your own pace before heading home. Perfect for travelers looking for a complete and authentic experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Itinerary
This day is planned for proper acclimatization to the altitude. In the afternoon we take a half-day tour of the main archaeological and historic sites of the city of Cusco.
On arrival, our team welcomes you at the airport and takes you by private transfer to your hotel, where you'll receive an overview of the program and travel tips.
Welcome at Cusco airport
When you land, we'll be waiting to take you comfortably by private transport to your hotel. Our staff will assist you from the very first moment.
Briefing
At the hotel you'll receive an introductory talk with details of the itinerary, schedules and important tips to enjoy the tour.
Pick-up from your hotel
In the afternoon we pick you up at your accommodation to start the tour of Cusco's attractions.
Qorikancha – Temple of the Sun
We visit one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire, famous for its perfect architecture and for having been covered in gold.
Transfer to Sacsayhuaman
We continue in tourist transport to the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman.
Sacsayhuaman
We explore this imposing ceremonial complex, known for its gigantic, perfectly fitted stone blocks.
Q’enqo
We visit this ceremonial shrine carved into the rock, used for religious rituals in Inca times.
Puka Pukara
We visit this reddish fortress, which served as a checkpoint and resting place for Inca travelers.
Tambomachay
We end the tour at this complex dedicated to water, where Inca fountains and canals still work today.
Return to Cusco
The tour ends with the transfer back to your hotel or the Plaza de Armas.
Recommendations
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat
- Starting point: airport or hotel lobby
- Approximate duration: 5 hours (not including the airport transfer)
Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a full excursion that combines Andean landscapes, archaeological sites and living traditions, ending with the train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Pick-up from your hotel – 07:30 hrs
We start the excursion with pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Chinchero – Traditional village
We visit Chinchero, known as the “birthplace of the rainbow”, where we explore its craft market, colonial church and Inca terraces.
Moray – Circular terraces
We continue to Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural research center that took advantage of different microclimates.
Maras Salt Mines
We walk through the famous Maras Salt Mines, made up of more than 3,000 salt pools that create a unique landscape in the Sacred Valley.
Buffet lunch in Urubamba – 13:30 hrs
We enjoy a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Ollantaytambo – Inca fortress
We visit the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, an important military, religious and administrative center of the Inca Empire.
Train to Aguas Calientes – 19:00 hrs
From Ollantaytambo we board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, where we spend the night.
Enjoy one of the most anticipated days of the trip: the visit to Machu Picchu. Starting from Aguas Calientes, you'll go up with your guide to explore the Inca citadel and discover its history, architecture and ancestral energy on a personalized tour.
Pick-up from your hotel in Aguas Calientes
The day starts with private pick-up from your hotel in Aguas Calientes. From there, you'll go up with your guide to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Ascent to Machu Picchu
We ride the tourist bus for about 25 minutes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, enjoying views of the jungle and mountains.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
With your professional guide you'll explore the Inca citadel for 2 to 3 hours, learning about its history, architecture and the engineering that made it self-sufficient.
Free time in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
After the guided visit, you'll have free time to keep exploring Machu Picchu on your own or return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to browse the craft shops.
Return by train and transport to Cusco
We board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be ready to take you to your hotel in Cusco, ending this unforgettable day.
Important information
- Maximum altitude: Cusco (3,399 m)
- Minimum altitude: Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m
- Approximate total duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Train schedules subject to availability
- We recommend bringing your passport, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water and a camera
- Machu Picchu entrance subject to availability (advance booking required)
Live a unique experience in touch with Andean nature. Today you'll enjoy a private picnic in Maras, surrounded by spectacular landscapes with a privileged view of Apu Verónica.
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
The adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Maras.
Scenic drive to Maras
Along the way you'll enjoy impressive Andean landscapes that reflect the essence and tranquility of the Sacred Valley.
Private picnic in nature
On arrival, the hosts welcome you and assign you a private picnic tent in an exclusive natural setting.
You'll enjoy a carefully prepared table with a cheese board, nuts, sourdough bread, fresh fruit, seasonal juice, hot drinks, water, coffee and wine.
Return to the city of Cusco
After this experience full of calm, flavors and connection with nature, we drive back to Cusco, ending the day with unforgettable memories.
Discover the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on an excursion from Cusco. Along the way you'll enjoy spectacular Andean landscapes, visit local communities, see wildlife such as alpacas and vicuñas, and take a memorable hike to one of Peru's most famous natural icons.
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
The tour starts between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco, then we drive south in tourist transport.
Scenic route to Cusipata
During a drive of about 3 hours, we pass traditional towns such as Oropesa, Andahuaylillas and Urcos, surrounded by impressive views of the Andes.
Andean breakfast in Cusipata
We stop in Cusipata for a typical regional breakfast, perfect to recharge before the hike.
Start of the hike from Phulawasipata
From Phulawasipata (4,630 m) we start a moderate hike of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Rainbow Mountain, surrounded by high-mountain landscapes and native wildlife.
Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca (5,200 m)
At the summit you'll have free time to rest, take photos and admire this impressive natural phenomenon of multicolored mineral layers, with privileged views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the snow-capped Ausangate.
Descent to Phulawasipata
After the visit, we hike back to Phulawasipata, where our transport will be ready to continue.
Buffet lunch in Cusipata
We return to Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch with typical local dishes.
Return to the city of Cusco
After lunch, we drive back to Cusco. Arrival is expected between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with drop-off at your hotel or the Plaza de Armas.
Important notes
- Minimum altitude: Cusco (3,399 m) – Maximum altitude: Vinicunca (5,200 m).
- Proper acclimatization for at least one day before the tour is recommended.
- Wear layered thermal clothing, hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Bring a small backpack with water, snacks and a warm layer.
- Approximate tour duration: 13 hours.
- Not recommended for people with heart or respiratory problems.
Your last day in Cusco is free to enjoy at your own pace. You can stroll around the city, buy souvenirs or simply rest before your airport transfer.
Free day in Cusco
Enjoy free time to explore the city on your own, visit markets, take photos or relax at your hotel.
Airport transfer
Depending on your flight time, our private transport takes you from your hotel to Cusco airport for your departure.
Recommendations
- Check your flight time and arrange your airport transfer with the front desk.
- Enjoy your last day shopping for souvenirs or visiting any places you missed in Cusco.
- Arrive at the airport with enough time according to your airline's rules.
What's included
- 5 nights of accommodation in 2★ hotels
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites included
- Voyager or Expedition train ticket (round trip)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Consettur buses Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (full BTC)
- Airport ↔ hotel transfers (round trip)
- Buffet lunches in the Sacred Valley
- Official English/Spanish-speaking guides throughout the tour
- Private or shared tourist transportation depending on the destination
- First aid kit and basic assistance
- 24/7 assistance during your trip
Exclusions
- Domestic or international flights
- Meals not specified in the program
- Alcoholic drinks or extras at restaurants
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Horse at Rainbow Mountain
- Tips for guides, drivers and service staff
- Personal expenses or shopping during the tour
Remember these tips to better enjoy your trip, always carry with you:
- Bring light clothing for the day and warm clothing for the night
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking
- Stay hydrated and bring a reusable water bottle
- Bring altitude sickness pills or coca tea (ask your guide)
- Always keep your original passport or ID at hand
- Use sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses and insect repellent
- Bring a camera or phone with a good battery to capture the landscapes
- Bring cash in soles for local purchases or tips
- In the rainy season (November to March), bring a poncho or rain jacket
Bloqueador solar
Botella de agua reutilizable
Cámara fotográfica
DNI o pasaporte vigente
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the maximum and minimum altitudes of the tour?
The minimum altitude is in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m) and the maximum at Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m). We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco before starting high-altitude activities.
What does the tour include?
Professional guides on every excursion. Entrance to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray. Buffet lunches where indicated. Special experiences such as the picnic with llamas and the Vinicunca hike.
How difficult is the tour?
Most days involve moderate walking. The Rainbow Mountain excursion requires good physical condition because of the altitude and the hike of about 1h30.
Do I need special clothing?
Yes, we recommend layered clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a warm layer for high-altitude areas.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu in advance?
Yes, Machu Picchu entrance must be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
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