Explore Cusco’s top attractions in just 6 days. From the Machu Picchu citadel to the majestic Rainbow Mountain, passing through the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to ancient and sacred archaeological sites.
You’ll visit unique attractions such as Maras, with its hundreds of salt pools; Moray, known for its circular agricultural terraces; and traditional Andean villages like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
You’ll also explore the heart of Cusco, the capital of Inca Empire, where you'll find the Temple of the Sun, known as Qoricancha, the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and many other sites that still preserve the region’s rich Inca and colonial heritage.
This tour package combines history, culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. It is designed for you to enjoy the very best of the Land of the Incas.
Summary
Departure: every day of the year
Duration: 6 days
Minimun altitude: 2000 m.s.n.m. (Aguas Calientes)
Maximun altitude: 5,035 m.s.n.m. (Rainbow Mountain)
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
City Tour: Coricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán, and Qenqo
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
Day 02: Tour Salt Mines – Maras Moray
Farming terraces of Moray and salt mines of Maras
Overnight at hotel in Cusco
Day 03: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
Train Journey to Machu Picchu village
Overnight at hotel in Machu Picchu Town
Day 04: Tour in Machu Picchu
Guided tour in Machu Picchu
Return to Cusco
Day 5: Tour to the Majestic Rainbow Mountain 5100 masl.
Estimated round-trip travel time by vehicle: 6 hours.
Hiking time: 4 hours.
Hiking distance: 4 to 7 km.
Day 6: Farewell to Cusco
Transfer from the hotel to the Cusco airport.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore more of Cusco before you depart!
If your departure flight from Cusco is at night, starting from 20:00 hrs, you can make the most of your last day by adding one of these fascinating tours to your experience, which are definitely worth visiting:
Hike to Humantay Lake: 5:00 to 18:00 hrs
Hike to 7 lakes of Ausangate : 4:00 to 17:30 hrs
At Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires an additional ticket): 2,693 m elevation
ITINERARIO
Arrival to the city of Cusco and City Tour!
Tour schedule: 13:30 to 18:00 hrs
Upon arrival in the city of Cusco you will be met at the airport and transferred to your chosen hotel. We will recommend you to drink a coca tea and rest for the first hours to acclimatize better at the height of Cusco.
The Cusco City Tour begins in the downtown area with a visit to the Temple of the Sun, Coricancha, one of the most remarkable Inca structures, known for its exquisite architecture and deep religious significance during the Inca era.
Next, we will board our tourist transport to the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, a majestic construction made of enormous limestone blocks precisely fitted together.
The tour continues with visits to Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Puca Pucara, ancient Inca shrines, each with unique architectural features and functions within the Tahuantinsuyo. As you immerse into the history of ancient Cusco, you will also enjoy breathtaking landscapes surrounding the city.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Cusco.
Day 02: Tour Moray – Maras Salt mines
Tour Schedule: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Meals Included: Breakfast
Difficulty Level: easy
Breakfast at the hotel and pick up to go in our private transport to Maras village, which has a wonderful view of the mountains and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Close by is the archaeological site of Moray, composed of concentric circular terraces built in a natural depression. This site was probably used as an agricultural laboratory in Incan times. Finally, we will visit the salt mines located northwest of the town of Maras, consisting of more than 3000 pools used since Pre Inca times; today the salt extracted has excellent quality, and is highly recommended for consumption for its beneficial properties. Return to the city. Overnight in Cusco
Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
Tour schedule: 8:00 to 15:30
Meals included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
This day begins with a pick-up from your hotel to head to the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop, just an hour away, will be the stunning Pisac archaeological site, where you'll be amazed by the perfectly built agricultural terraces and palaces perched on the mountain. Then, we will descend to the charming colonial town of Pisac, where you will have time to purchase water, snacks, or local souvenirs before continuing our journey.
After an hour driving, following the course of the Urubamba River, we will arrive in the town of Urubamba, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After that, we will continue our tour to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, the living Inca city and gateway to Machu Picchu. Here, you will explore the magnificent temples and chambers, all built with massive granite stone blocks.
After exploring the Sacred Valley, we head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you'll board a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), according to your scheduled departure. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s exciting visit to Machu Picchu.
Train Schedules from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (1h 45min journey)
Peru Rail Expedition: 19:00hrs
Peru Rail Vistadome Observatory: 15:37
Inca Rail Voyager Service: 16:36 hrs
Tour in Machu Picchu
Entrance slots from 6:00 a.m. to 15:00 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast at Hotel
According to your reserved entry time for Machu Picchu, you will board the bus for a 30-minute ride to the top of the mountain, where begin the guided tour of this magnificent site. You will be accompanied by your personal tour guide, who will share the fascinating history of the site as you explore spectacular viewpoints, ancient religious temples, ceremonial plazas, and original Inca pathways - all surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The guided tour lasts a little over two hours. At the end of the visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you’ll have time to rest and enjoy lunch before boarding your return train to Cusco or sacred valley.
At the scheduled time, you’ll begin the return journey by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel approximately four hours later.
Note: Return train schedules are subject to the entry time on your Machu Picchu ticket and may be at 15:20, 16:22, or 18:20
Estimated distances
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo train station: 45 km / 1 hr 45 min by train
Ollantaytambo – Cusco: 76 km / 1 hr 30 min by car
Rainbow Mountain Tour – A High-Altitude Experience
Approximate Schedule: 4:30 to 16:30
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Difficulty Level: Moderate
We will start early, picking you up from your hotel to head south of Cusco. During the nearly two-hour journey, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean landscapes and small villages along the way.
Our first stop will be in Cusipata village (3,310 m.a.s.l.), where we will have an energizing breakfast. Then, we will continue by vehicle for another hour and 30 minutes until we reach Kayra Wiri (4,711 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike.
From there, we will begin a two-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m.a.s.l.). Along the trail, you will be surrounded by majestic mountains, colorful landscapes, and impressive snow-capped peaks such as Apu Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.). You will also encounter local villagers who preserve their traditions and wear vibrant, multicolored clothing. Throughout the journey, you will have the chance to see alpacas and llamas curiously observing visitors.
Once at the summit, you will have time to take in the stunning scenery. After this unforgettable experience, we will hike back for two hours to the starting point. Then, we will continue by transport to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Cusco
Note: There are two routes to reach Rainbow Mountain: one through Pitumarca and another via Cusipata. The main difference between them is the travel time by vehicle and the hiking distance.
Cusipata Route: The total round trip travel time by vehicle is approximately 6 hours. However, the hike is longer, covering 7 km and taking around 4 hours (round trip).
Pitumarca Route: This route requires 1 additional hour of travel time compared to Pitumarca, but the hike is shorter, with a 3.5 km trail and an estimated duration of less than 3 hours in total.
Both options offer breathtaking landscapes and the chance to enjoy an unforgettable experience. On a private tour, you can choose the route that best suits your fitness level and preferences. However, for group tours, the Pitumarca route is prioritized.
Goodbye Cusco, We’ll Always Remember You!
Included meals: Breakfast
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport.
Don’t miss the chance to explore more of Cusco before you leave!
If your departure flight from Cusco is in the evening, you can make the most of your last day by choosing one of these fascinating tours that are definitely worth it:
Humantay Lake Tour: 5:00 to 18:00 hrs
Hike to 7 lakes of Ausangate: 4:00 to 17:30 hrs
Optional Hikes in Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu Mountain (Young Mountain): Located north of the citadel at 2,693 meters above sea level, its access starts from the Inca city itself. The hike is moderate, covering approximately 300 meters along a steep path with stone steps. Along the way, you’ll see agricultural terraces and ancient constructions perfectly integrated into the mountain.
From the summit, you’ll have a privileged and complete view of the entire Inca city. For this reason, it is believed to have had religious, astronomical, and strategic functions.
There are two entry times, 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, each with limited availability, requiring advance reservations. The schedule must align with your visit to Machu Picchu itself.
Machu Picchu Mountain ("Old Mountain") – 3,082 m (10,111 ft)
Located south of the Machu Picchu citadel, this mountain offers a wider but more gradual trail, making it a less steep but longer hike compared to Huayna Picchu. The hike requires good physical condition, as you will ascend 600 meters (1,970 ft) along a combination of gentle slopes and stone steps.
From the summit, you will have an impressive 360° view, not only of Machu Picchu but also of the Salkantay mountain range and sections of the Inca Trail.
• First shift: 6:00 am
• Second shift: 8:00 am
Reservations must be made well in advance to ensure availability and alignment with your Machu Picchu visit time.
Services Included in the Tour:
Transfers in Cusco (airport – hotel – airport)
3 nights of accommodation in the chosen hotel in Cusco (includes breakfast)
1 night at Aguas calientes or machupicchu town
Machu Picchu and rainbow mountain entrance fees
Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu
1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
breakfast and lunch for Rainbow mountain
Professional tour guide for all tour days
Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu (standard service)
All transport required for the tours
Services Not Included in the Tour:
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tourist ticket for the City Tour & Sacred Valley (can be purchased on the day of the tour)
Additional personal expenses (snacks, water, souvenirs, etc.)
Laundry and phone calls
Additional nights due to flight delays or cancellations
Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain 56 usd
Domestic and international flights
Horse is optional for rainbow mountain
What to Bring for Your Trip?
During these 5 days, you may encounter various weather conditions, so we recommend bringing:
General Items:
Passport or Identification Document
Comfortable walking shoes
Light backpack for daily essentials
Mobile phone/Camera
Personal snacks
Any necessary personal medications
For Cold or Rainy Weather:
Light but warm jacket
Hiking shoes (recommended for Rainbow Mountain hike)
Raincoat/Poncho
For Sunny Weather:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Hat or cap
Recommendations
Climate:
Cusco has two distinct seasons throughout the year. The rainy season runs from November to March, during which rainfall can be intense, especially in the mountains. On the other hand, the dry season is from April to October, which is the most recommended time to travel, as you'll experience clear skies and no precipitation. However, sunny days can be intensely hot, and nights can be quite cold, so it is important to pack varied clothing.
Machu Picchu:
Entry times to Machu Picchu are subject to availability, so it is important to book in advance. Train schedules will also depend on these entry times, so planning ahead is highly recommended. If you're interested in hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, we suggest reserving at least 3 months in advance since spaces are limited. Additionally, if you choose to hike, it's highly recommended to spend the night in Aguas Calientes (the village of Machu Picchu) for better rest before the hike.
Aguas Calientes:
This picturesque pedestrian village located at the base of Machu Picchu offers a wide variety of services. You'll find hotels of all categories, from budget to luxury, as well as a broad selection of restaurants for all tastes. It's a peaceful place, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration. However, due to its remote location, prices tend to be higher than in Cusco, so it's important to consider this when planning your budget.
Extra Luggage:
To spend the night in Aguas Calientes, we recommend leaving any extra luggage at your hotel in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu. This will not only make your journey easier but will also allow you to adhere to the luggage limits for the train, which are quite strict. Bring only what you need for the hike and your stay in Aguas Calientes, such as comfortable clothing, documents, and essential personal items.
Altitude Sickness:
It’s important to take precautions against altitude sickness before arriving in Cusco, especially if it’s your first time at altitudes above 3,300 meters (10,827 feet). We suggest consulting with your doctor about possible medications or recommendations for preventing or alleviating the effects of altitude sickness. To acclimatize properly, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are ideal, as their altitudes are lower than Cusco’s. Aguas Calientes is located about 2,000 meters above sea level, and the Machu Picchu citadel is at 2,400 meters, making it easier to adjust before heading higher.
Transportation:
Most of the journey will be by private tourist transport, so the walks will be short and not physically demanding. This makes the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels, meaning you don’t need to have any prior physical preparation to enjoy the trip.
High Season:
The high season in Cusco and Machu Picchu runs from April to September, including the year-end holidays (December). During these months, the number of tourists is high, which can lead to increased demand for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and hotels. We recommend booking your tours, trains, and accommodation in advance to secure your spot, especially if you are traveling during these busy months.
Extended Stay
If you choose to extend your stay to do the Humantay Lake trek or the 7 lakes of majestic Ausangate, the days prior are perfect for acclimatizing properly. The Sacred Valley and its surroundings offer the ideal environment for comfortable altitude adaptation, allowing you to enjoy a safer and more pleasant trekking experience.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the number of people, the hotel category, the type of train selected, and whether the service is group or private. We tailor the trip to your preferences to provide the best experience.
Below is an estimated cost for the package in private service, applicable for a minimum of two people in a double or matrimonial room."
| TIPO DE HOTEL | COSTO POR PERSONA | |
| Hotel a presupuesto: | ||
| Hotel 3 estrellas: | ||
| Hotel 4 estrellas: | ||
| Hotel 5 estrellas: |
Optional: Upgrade to the Vistadome Panoramic Train or the 360° Inca Rail for an additional cost of $35 per WAY.
