Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain – 6 Day Tour

Full itinerary

Day 1: Transfer In & Cusco City Tour

• Duration: Full day
• Start Time: Depends on arrival time

Morning: Airport Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representative will greet you at the airport and assist you with your luggage. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. On the way, the guide will give you a brief introduction to Cusco, offering tips for adjusting to the altitude and giving you insight into the city’s rich history.

After checking in, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude of Cusco (11,152 feet / 3,400 meters). This will help ensure you’re ready for the exciting day ahead.

Afternoon: Cusco City Tour Start Time: 1:30 PM

Your tour begins at Cusco’s bustling Plaza de Armas. Explore the historical heart of the city, surrounded by colonial-era churches like the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Inside, you’ll explore stunning altars, historic paintings, and beautiful carvings, while learning about the blend of Andean and Christian traditions.

A short walk from the Plaza de Armas brings you to Qorikancha, the Inca Empire’s most important temple dedicated to the Sun God. This temple showcases a beautiful blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.
After visiting the city center, we’ll head just outside Cusco to the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán. Famous for its immense stone walls, this temple or fortress offers a stunning view of Cusco below and is one of the most impressive Inca constructions.

Continue to Q’enqo, a mysterious Inca site used for religious rituals, with winding tunnels and carved stone altars.
Our next stop is Puka Pukara, a small fortress strategically located to protect the entrance to the Sacred Valley. It’s known for its reddish hues and commanding views of the surrounding landscapes.
The final stop is Tambomachay, a site associated with the worship of water. Its well-preserved water channels and fountains are a testament to the Inca’s architectural and engineering skills.

After the tour, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Cusco, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Tour Includes:

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation to all sites
• Entrance fees to attractions

Day 2: traditional Sacred Valley Full-Day

• Start Time: 7:30 AM
• End Time: Evening (Arrival in Aguas Calientes)

Your adventure begins with a 7:30 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll embark on a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, enjoying breathtaking landscapes and learning about the region’s rich history from your guide.

Your first stop is the Mirador of Taray, a spectacular viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. You’ll have time to take in the beauty of the Andean mountains, the Urubamba River, and the ancient agricultural terraces that stretch across the valley.

Next, you’ll visit the charming town of Pisac, known for its traditional crafts. Here, you’ll stop by a local jewelry workshop, where artisans create beautiful pieces using ancient Inca techniques and Andean symbolism. Learn about the history and cultural importance of the jewelry, with the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs.

From the town, head up to the Pisac Incan Ruins, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced mountainside, Inca temples, and ceremonial structures while your guide explains the historical significance of Pisac during the Inca Empire. Enjoy stunning views of the valley from this ancient site.

After exploring Pisac, continue to Urubamba for lunch at a local restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring traditional Andean dishes, such as lomo saltado, trucha a la parrilla (grilled trout), or vegetarian options like quinotto (quinoa risotto). Relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Sacred Valley.

After lunch, journey to Ollantaytambo, an important archaeological site and one of the few remaining Inca towns still inhabited today. Explore the ancient fortress with its impressive terraces and towering stone walls, which served both as a military stronghold and a religious site. Your guide will share stories of its role in the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquistadors.

In the late afternoon, board the train at Ollantaytambo Station for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. During the train ride, enjoy stunning views of the Urubamba River, the lush cloud forest, and the towering peaks of the Andes. Arrive in Aguas Calientes in the evening, where you’ll transfer to your hotel and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Tour Includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation throughout the Sacred Valley
• Entrance fees to Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Hotel

Day 3: Visit Machu Picchu – Cusco Full-Day

• Start Time: Early Morning in Aguas Calientes
• End Time: Evening (Arrival in Cusco)

Begin your day early in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. After breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the bus station to catch the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes, winding up through lush green mountains with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Meet your guide for a comprehensive tour of the ancient Inca citadel, which will last approximately two to three hours. Explore the most iconic spots of the site, according the circuit.

Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and significance of Machu Picchu, offering context on how it served as a royal estate and religious site.

After the guided tour, you can do an extra hike to the Waynapicchu peak at your own pace. If you booked in advance the admission.

later, take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (not included) or spend time browsing the markets for souvenirs.

In the afternoon, board the train at Aguas Calientes Station for a scenic ride back to Ollantaytambo. The train ride, which takes about 1.50 hours, offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding Andean mountains. You’ll travel through lush valleys and picturesque landscapes, perfect for relaxing after your morning at Machu Picchu.
Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, you will board a private vehicle for the final leg of your journey to Cusco. The drive takes approximately two hours, winding through the beautiful Sacred Valley. By early evening, you’ll arrive in Cusco, where you can be dropped off at your hotel.

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Round-trip train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Hotel in Cusco.

Day 4: Chinchero Textile Center, Moray, and Salineras of Maras

• Start Time: 7:30 AM
• End Time: Late Afternoon (Arrival in Cusco)

Start your cultural adventure with a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. The first stop is the Chinchero Textile Center, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant Andean culture. Watch local artisans demonstrate traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. Learn how they use natural dyes and intricate patterns to create beautiful textiles that are central to their culture.

Next, head to the fascinating Moray Archaeological Site, a unique set of circular terraces once used for agricultural experimentation by the Incas. Explore the site and discover how the Incas mastered the art of farming in different microclimates.

Your final destination is the Salineras of Maras, a stunning salt mine made up of thousands of salt pools carved into the hillside. Learn about the ancient method of salt extraction that dates back to Incan times and marvel at the brilliant white salt terraces gleaming under the sun.

After exploring the salt flats, return to Cusco in the early afternoon.

What’s Included:

• Round-trip transportation from Cusco
• English- Spanish -speaking guide
• Entrance fees Moray, and the Salineras of Maras
• Hotel

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Tour

• Start Time: 4:30 AM
• End Time: Late Afternoon (Arrival in Cusco)

Start your day early with a pre-dawn pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll embark on a scenic drive through the Peruvian highlands, passing by quaint villages and rolling landscapes as the sun rises over the Andes.

After a few hours, arrive at the trailhead for Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the hike. The trek to Rainbow Mountain takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, ascending gradually through beautiful valleys filled with grazing alpacas and stunning mountain views.

As you approach the summit, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of Rainbow Mountain, with its vibrant bands of red, yellow, green, and turquoise created by natural mineral deposits. Take your time to soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding Andes, including Ausangate Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Peru. Your guide will explain the significance of the area to the local Quechua culture.

After plenty of time for photos and exploring, start your descent back to the base. A delicious, traditional lunch will be provided before you begin your return journey to Cusco. Arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon, filled with memories of one of the most colorful and scenic spots in the world.

What’s Included:

• Round-trip transportation from Cusco
• English- Spanish speaking guide
• Breakfast and lunch
• Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain
• Walking sticks (if needed)
• First aid kit with oxygen in case of altitude sickness

Day 6: Transfer Out – Cusco to Airport

Your seamless journey begins with a timely pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Whether you’re staying in the historic center or in the surrounding areas, our professional driver will arrive at your designated time to ensure a stress-free transfer.

Relax in the comfort of a private vehicle as you enjoy the scenic drive through the city. Depending on your schedule, you’ll have the opportunity to see some final views of Cusco’s charming streets, Inca ruins, and colonial architecture on your way to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.

Our friendly driver will assist with your luggage and ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check-in and go through security without rushing.

What’s Included:

• Private vehicle transportation from your hotel to Cusco Airport
• Assistance with luggage
• Flexible pickup time based on your flight schedule