Discover the best of Cusco and its surroundings with this thrilling 6-day tour. Explore the rich history of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. Complete your journey with an unforgettable hike to Rainbow Mountain, enjoying stunning landscapes throughout the trip.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco
- Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Time to acclimate.
- Guided visit to the Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit to the Taray viewpoint, Pisaq, and artisan market.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Visit to Ollantaytambo.
- Train to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Full Day
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Bus to Machu Picchu and a 2-hour guided tour.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Full Day
- Early departure to Cusipata and breakfast.
- Hike of approximately 1 hour to Rainbow Mountain.
- Time for photos and enjoying the landscape.
- Lunch in Cusipata.
- Return to Cusco and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: End of the Trip
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day for unstructured activities.
- Transfer to the airport at the agreed time.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco
- Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, the Andes Explore Peru staff will be waiting to comfortably transfer you to your hotel in the city.
- After checking in, you’ll have some hours to rest and acclimate to the altitude.
- In the afternoon, we’ll begin the City Tour in Cusco organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- We’ll take private transportation to the city center.
- Our first visit will be to the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Main Square, where you'll enjoy a guided tour to discover its rich history and architecture.
- After visiting the cathedral, we’ll walk to Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, where Inca and Spanish cultures intertwine.
- After touring Qoricancha, we’ll head outside the city.
- Our first stop will be the Archaeological Center of Sacsayhuamán, where our Andes Explore Peru guide will explain the significance of its imposing walls.
- Next, we’ll visit Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial site.
- To conclude the tour, we’ll visit Pucapucara and Tambomachay, where you’ll learn more about the Inca civilization and its history.
- After the tour, we’ll return to Cusco via Andes Explore Peru transport.
- Once in Cusco, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for a comfortable rest before the upcoming adventures.
Day 2
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- Our transport will pick you up from your hotel. If your hotel is outside the city center, we recommend coordinating an additional transfer with Andes Explore Peru.
- Our first stop will be at the Taray viewpoint, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley and take some memorable photos.
- Continuing on, we’ll visit the archaeological center of Pisaq, guided by our Andes Explore Peru expert, who will provide detailed historical insights.
- After exploring Pisaq, we’ll visit the artisan market, where you can purchase unique souvenirs from your trip.
- Next, we’ll head to Urubamba to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant selected by Andes Explore Peru.
- After lunch, we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll explore its impressive archaeological center with our guide.
- Concluding our tour in Ollantaytambo, we’ll head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, during which you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
- Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, Andes Explore Peru staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
- At the hotel, you’ll have a briefing with your Andes Explore Peru guide to go over the details of your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
- You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, with all arrangements made by Andes Explore Peru to prepare you for the exciting experience at Machu Picchu.
Day 3
Day 3: Machu Picchu Full Day
- Your day will begin with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- Next, the Andes Explore Peru team will transfer you to the bus station in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Upon arrival, you’ll enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours. During this time, a Andes Explore Peru professional guide will share the fascinating history and secrets of this iconic site.
- After exploring Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
- Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch organized by Andes Explore Peru to recharge after your visit.
- After lunch, we’ll head to the train station in Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, Andes Explore Peru’ private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
- Once in Cusco, Andes Explore Peru will transfer you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest after a day full of adventure and discoveries in Machu Picchu.
Day 4
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Full Day
- Today we will leave our hotel without breakfast, as we will be starting our tour early in the morning, all organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- We’ll board our private transport from Andes Explore Peru and head towards Cusipata, located south of the city of Cusco.
- The journey to Cusipata will take approximately 2 hours.
- Upon arrival in Cusipata, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel us for the hike ahead.
- After breakfast, we’ll board our transport again and continue for one more hour until we reach the starting point of our hike.
- We’ll begin our hike towards Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- The hike will take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the pace of the group.
- Upon reaching our final point, we’ll appreciate the breathtaking 7-color mountain, where we’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the surroundings.
- After taking in the views, we’ll start our return journey at the appropriate time.
- We’ll return to Cusipata, where a delicious lunch organized by Andes Explore Peru awaits us.
- After lunch, we’ll set off back to the city of Cusco.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, Andes Explore Peru will take you back to your hotel, where you can rest after a day filled with natural beauty and adventure.
Day 5
Day 5: End of Our Journey
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- You’ll have the day free for unstructured activities, allowing you to explore Cusco at your own pace or simply relax before your departure.
- At the previously agreed time, the Andes Explore Peru team will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport, ensuring a comfortable and punctual transfer.
- Andes Explore Peru will say goodbye, thanking you for choosing this experience and hoping to welcome you back for new adventures soon.
Includes:
- Tourist transportation for all excursions, provided by Andes Explore Peru to ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the trip.
- Professional guide for all excursions, guaranteed by Andes Explore Peru, to provide you with an enriching experience with detailed information at each visit.
- Entrance fees to all places to be visited, managed by Andes Explore Peru, ensuring smooth access to each tourist site.
- Tourist ticket in Cusco, facilitated by Andes Explore Peru, allowing you to explore the most important attractions and archaeological sites in the region.
- Tourist train tickets to Machu Picchu, reserved by Andes Explore Peru, so you can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey to this iconic destination.
- Constant and ongoing assistance from the Andes Explore Peru staff, who will be available for any questions or needs during your trip.
Excludes:
- International flights, which must be managed independently by the client.
- Domestic flights, not included in the Andes Explore Peru package unless agreed upon in advance.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, which will be the client's responsibility outside of the meals included by Andes Explore Peru.
- Tips or extra expenses, which are not part of the package and will be at the traveler's discretion.
Recommendations:
- Leave your luggage at the hotel and take a small backpack for each excursion: This will allow you to move more easily and comfortably during activities, avoiding the unnecessary weight of large suitcases.
- Bring snacks or small drinks: Having food and liquids on hand is essential to maintain your energy and hydration during excursions, especially on longer routes.
- Follow the guide's recommendations regarding clothing: Adhering to the guide's advice will help you dress appropriately for the weather conditions and type of activity, ensuring your comfort and safety.
- Bring cameras and extra batteries: Capturing the stunning landscapes and unique moments of your journey is important, so it's advisable to have a camera ready and spare batteries to not miss any photographic opportunities.
- Have some cash on hand for souvenirs or keepsakes: Many local shops and markets only accept cash, so having money readily available will allow you to purchase memories from your trip and support local artisans.
