7-Day Private Tour of Cusco – Cultural and Historical

Full itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Cusco Airport and Transfer In

Upon your arrival, our professional driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name or company name Inca Town Travel for easy identification. Please look for our representative after collecting your luggage.

The transfer time from the airport to most hotels in Cusco is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Upon arrival at your hotel, our driver will assist you with your luggage and ensure you are properly checked in.

Tour Includes:

• Transfer
• Transportation
• Hotel

Day 2: Cusco City Tour (Full Day)

• Duration: 8-9 hours
• Start Time: 7:30 AM

The tour begins in your hotel at Cusco with a short drive up the hill will bring you to Sacsayhuamán, an awe-inspiring Inca fortress. This massive complex offers panoramic views of Cusco and is known for its impressive stone walls, some of which weigh over 100 tons.
Continue to Q’enqo, an ancient ceremonial site. Explore its carved stones, underground tunnels, and amphitheater, which were used for religious rituals and mummification.

Visit Puka Pukara, a military fortress with stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Its red-hued stones and strategic location made it an important defensive site for the Incas.

Head to Tambomachay, known for its intricate water channels and fountains. It is believed to have been a ceremonial site dedicated to water and used by Inca nobility for spiritual rituals.

Next, the Mirador de San Cristobal. This scenic viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic views of Cusco. You’ll be able to see the entire city spread out before you, including the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Lunch Break
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine.

After lunch, explore the vibrant San Pedro Market. This bustling marketplace is perfect for experiencing local life, tasting fresh fruits, and shopping for artisanal souvenirs.

Next, visit Qorikancha, the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God. Discover the fusion of Inca stonework and colonial Spanish architecture at this remarkable site.

Continue your journey through the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco to Hatun Rumiyoc Street, famous for the 12-Angle Stone. This massive stone, perfectly cut with twelve angles, is an iconic example of Inca stonework.

The tour concludes with a visit of the Cathedral of Cusco. Inside the Cathedral, you’ll discover beautiful altars, intricate woodwork, and paintings, including the famous Last Supper with a local twist.

Tour Includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation to all sites
• Entrance fees to attractions
• Hotel

Day 3: Sacred Valley Full-Day with overnight in Urubamba

• Start Time: 7:30 AM
• End Time: Late afternoon (Arrival at your hotel in Urubamba)

Your day begins at 7:30 AM with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, with your guide providing insights into the region’s history, culture, and landscapes.

The first stop is the Mirador of Taray, a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. This spot is perfect for photos, as it showcases the vast agricultural terraces, the winding Urubamba River, and the majestic Andean mountains. Your guide will introduce the history and significance of the valley, setting the stage for the day’s exploration.Next, head to the town of Pisac, famous for its traditional crafts. Here, you’ll visit a local jewelry workshop, where artisans create beautiful pieces using techniques passed down through generations. You’ll learn about the cultural symbolism of Andean designs and the materials used, including silver and semi-precious stones. It’s also a great opportunity to purchase a unique souvenir.

From the town, you’ll continue to the Pisac Inca site, an impressive archaeological complex that sits high on the mountainside. Explore the well-preserved terraces, ceremonial centers, and stone structures that showcase the ingenuity of Inca engineering. The site offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley and is rich with history, as it was a key agricultural and religious hub for the Incas.

After exploring Pisac, you’ll head to Urubamba for a visit to the Inkariy Museum, a cultural gem that showcases Peru’s pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Inca, Nazca, and Moche cultures. The museum offers fascinating exhibits that highlight the history, art, and traditions of ancient Peru, brought to life through detailed dioramas and artifacts. This is a perfect stop to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped the region.

After visiting the museum, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, often referred to as the heart of the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll sample traditional Andean dishes, such as lomo saltado, trout, or vegetarian options like quinotto (quinoa risotto). Take in the peaceful atmosphere of this charming town while savoring authentic Peruvian cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Museo Vivo de Yucay, an interactive museum where you’ll experience the living traditions of the Sacred Valley. This cultural center showcases traditional Andean weaving, pottery, and agricultural practices. You’ll get hands-on experience with local artisans and farmers, learning about their crafts and everyday life. The museum brings the history of the region to life, making it an engaging stop for travelers of all ages.

Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Urubamba, where you can relax and unwind after a full day of exploring the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the serene surroundings and prepare for the next leg of your adventure in this beautiful region of Peru.

Tour Includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation throughout the Sacred Valley
• Entrance fees to Pisac and museums
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba
• Hotel in Urubamba

Day 4: Sacred Valley Full-Day from Urubamba

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

Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Urubamba at 7:30 AM. You’ll head out for an exciting day of exploring some of the most remarkable Inca sites in the Sacred Valley.

Your first stop is the fascinating Moray archaeological site, known for its unique circular terraces. These terraced depressions were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, where they experimented with growing crops at different altitudes and microclimates. Your guide will explain how this innovative system helped the Inca Empire thrive, and you’ll have time to walk around the site and take in the stunning views.

Next, visit the Salineras de Maras, a network of over 3,000 salt ponds that have been used to extract salt since pre-Inca times. These dazzling white pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. You’ll learn about the ancient salt extraction process, still used by local families today, and have the opportunity to purchase natural Andean salt as a unique souvenir.

After visiting Moray and the Salineras, head back to Urubamba for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a meal featuring traditional Andean dishes such as lomo saltado, aji de gallina, or fresh trout from the nearby rivers. Take this time to rest and soak in the peaceful surroundings of the Sacred Valley.

After lunch, travel to the Ollantaytambo Inca site, one of the most significant archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley. Explore the ancient fortress, which played a crucial role during the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquest. Climb the steep terraces to reach the top, where you’ll find temples and ceremonial structures, along with panoramic views of the valley. Your guide will share the history and stories behind this iconic site, which is also one of the few places where the Incas won a battle against the Spanish.

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

Tour Includes:

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

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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