Discover the ancient treasures of the Inca Empire in a complete experience.
Do you dream of exploring the archaeological wonders of Machu Picchu, contemplating the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, and admiring the vibrant colors of Vinicunca in a single trip?
Our 6-day Cusco itinerary perfectly combines history, nature, and adventure to offer you a transformative experience in the heart of the Andes.
What you will experience on this tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu:
- Explore the most important archaeological remains of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire
- Discover the majesty of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
- Admire the crystal-clear waters of the Humantay Lagoon surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains
- Be amazed by the natural colors of Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain
- Explore the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas and its traditional villages
Detailed Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon, and Rainbow Mountain
Overview
DAY 01: CUSCO CITY TOUR
- Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel of your choice
- Afternoon: Cusco City Tour to Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay
- Time Schedule: 13:20 – 18:30 hrs. approx.
- Overnight in a Hotel in Cusco
DAY 02: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour: visits to Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero
- Time Schedule: 08:00 – 19:00 hrs.
- Overnight in a Hotel in Cusco or in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
DAY 03: MACHU PICCHU
- Transfer from Hotel to Train station
- Time Schedule: depending on previous coordination during the reservation
- Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Overnight in a Hotel in Cusco
DAY 04: HUAMANTAY LAKE
- Visit Huamantay Lake
- Time Schedule: 9:00 – 14:00 hrs. approx.
- Overnight in a Hotel in Cusco
DAY 05: VINICUNCA RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
- Overnight in a Hotel in
DAY 06: CUSCO – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
- Transfer from your Hotel to the Airport or Bus station depending on your travel arrangements
Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco – Discovering the Imperial Capital
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and current cultural center of Andean Peru. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel around 1:00 PM to begin a fascinating tour of the most emblematic sites:
- Cusco Cathedral: Admire this imposing colonial building that houses more than 300 paintings from the famous Cusco School and magnificent works carved in wood and silver.
- Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): Visit the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, a stunning example of the fusion of Inca and Spanish architecture.
- Sacsayhuamán: Explore this monumental ceremonial fortress with its three 390-meter platforms built with enormous stone blocks perfectly assembled.
- Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay: Discover these Inca ceremonial and military centers that complement the archaeological tour around Cusco.
Total tour time: approximately 4 hours.
Accommodation in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of The Incas And Transfer to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will pick you up at 8:30 am to embark on a journey through the
mythical Sacred Valley of the Incas, considered one of the most impressive cultural landscapes in South America:
- Pisaq: We will visit both the picturesque colonial town and its impressive archaeological complex located on the mountaintop, with its magnificent agricultural terraces and ceremonial buildings.
- We will visit the charming towns of Ccoya, Lamay, Calca, and Urubamba, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with the best local cuisine.
- Ollantaytambo: In the afternoon, you will explore this fascinating Inca military, religious, and cultural center, considered one of the finest examples of urban planning in the empire.
From Ollantaytambo, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village), where we will spend the night preparing for the most anticipated day of the adventure.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu – The Lost City of The Incas
Breakfast at your hotel.
Early in the morning, we will take the bus up to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
During the guided tour, you will explore the main structures of this magnificent archaeological complex:
- The Main Lookout with its panoramic views
- The enigmatic Temple of the Three Windows
- The precise Intihuatana sundial
- The majestic Main Plaza
- The ceremonial and residential areas.
After marveling at Inca engineering and wisdom, we will descend to Aguas Calientes village to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will be transferred to Cusco.
Additional option: After the guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, you have the option to ascend Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, two spectacular viewpoints with unparalleled panoramic views of the sanctuary.
Additional cost: $65 USD (subject to availability and prior reservation).
Accommodation in Cusco.
Day 4: Humantay Lake Excursion
Get ready for an early departure, with pickup from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. We will travel approximately 2 hours to the town of Mollepata (2,900 meters above sea level), where we will have time for breakfast and acclimatization.
We will continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike and a privileged spot to contemplate the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain. From here, we will begin a hike of approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach the dazzling Humantay Lagoon.
The turquoise waters of the lagoon, contrasting with the snow-capped mountains and Andean vegetation, create one of the most photogenic landscapes in all of Peru. After enjoying this natural paradise, we will descend for lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco around 6:30 p.m.
Accommodation in Cusco.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
The adventure begins very early, with pickup from your hotel between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. We will travel approximately two hours south to the district of Cusipata, where we will have breakfast to recharge our batteries.
We will continue for another hour to Llaqto, the starting point of our hike to the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The hike lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes through Andean landscapes where you can observe llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
Upon reaching the mountain, located at 5,080 meters above sea level, you will be amazed by the geological spectacle: bands of various mineral colors that create a visual effect similar to a rainbow on the ground. Our guide will explain the geological formation while you enjoy plenty of time to photograph this unique natural phenomenon.
We will return to Cusipata for lunch before embarking on the return trip to Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 6: Farewell to Cusco
After breakfast, and at the agreed-upon time, we will transfer you to the airport or bus terminal, thus concluding this unforgettable adventure through the natural and archaeological treasures of Andean Peru.
Why choose our Machu Picchu and Vinicunca tour?
This 6-day experience has been meticulously planned to combine the most iconic destinations in the Cusco region in a single trip, allowing you to maximize your time and experience the essence of the Peruvian Andes. Our tour includes:
- Expert, bilingual local guides
- Entrance fees to all archaeological and natural sites
- Transfers and transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Accommodation in selected hotels
- Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu
- Bus tickets to ascend to the citadel
- Daily breakfasts and lunches as per itinerary
There’s no better way to experience the magic of Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the most impressive landscapes of the Andes than with this comprehensive tour of the land of the Incas.
Included
TOUR INCLUDES
- Transfer in / out / Cusco.
- 4 Nights of basic accommodation in Cusco with breakfast.
- 01 nights of basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
- Routed through the mixed city of Cusco (cathedral, Qorikancha, Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay).
- Sacred Valley of the Incas with lunch.
- Machu Picchu: by Expedición Perú Rail or Inca Rail Executive (subject to availability).
- Humantay Tour.
- 7 color mountain tour.
- Services with bilingual professional guide (Spanish or English).
- Entrances to tourist attractions included.
NOT INCLUDED
- National or international airline tickets.
- Services not detailed in the program.
CONTACT US
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- All rates are expressed in US dollars (optional for currency exchange) and are programmed per person.
- Rates valid for Peruvians only include IGV.
- All our rates are subject to availability and changes.
- Children under 02 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies), they do not pay for any service and do not have a right to food, bed or seat on the tours.
- DCC (child) is considered a child from 03 to 10 years and 11 months, has a special rate and shares a room with parents.
- Children older than 11 years old are considered adults.
- Minors must travel with an identity document.
- Rates do not apply to festive days, Easter, long weekends, national festivals, Christmas or New Year.
More Information
DID YOU KNOW THAT CUSCO IS CONSIDERED THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CAPITAL OF AMERICA?
Yes, the ancient capital of the Incas is a place full of archaeological sites, museums, temples and more. Magical places like the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the temple of Coricancha, the archaeological centres of Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Cusco, visit all these places with the City Tours.
THE CATHEDRAL OF CUSCO OR THE BASILICA CATHEDRAL OF CUSCO
It is the first site that we will visit, it is located in the Plaza de Armas of the city of Cusco or Cuzco; it was built with enormous blocks of stone in 1560, over the Inca palace of Wiracocha in the Sunturwasi, in this wonderful religious construction you can appreciate beautiful wood carvings, works of embossed silver and approximately 300 paintings of the Cusco School.
The Cathedral of Cusco has a Renaissance style façade that contrasts with the Baroque and Plateresque of its lavish interiors where the most significant religious samples of colonial art are preserved.
QORICANCHA OR TEMPLE OF THE SUN
It is one of the most important religious centres of the Inca empire, and it is definitely one of the best examples of the fusion of the Inca and Spanish cultures. It is located 2 blocks from the Main Square of Cusco; it houses paintings of the Cusco School and Inca structures that are true works of art.
Qoricancha was considered as the Royal House of the Sun of the Urin Qosqo for the Incas where they paid the highest obeisance to the God Inti (Sun). It also housed different temples dedicated to their Gods such as: Pachamama (Mother Earth), the Ray (Illapa), Rainbow (Kuychi), Chaska (Venus and the Stars), Quilla (Moon), the Solar Drum where the God Punchao (Golden Child) was located.
Nowadays, it is there where part of the Inti Raymi, also known as the festival of the sun, takes place.
SACSAYHUAMAN OR REAL CASA DEL SOL (ROYAL HOUSE OF THE SUN)
Located 2 Km. from the city of Cusco, it is one of the most enigmatic places on the planet, its 3 superimposed platforms of 390 mt. long, were built with “enormous carved stones” and fitted together with incredible precision; you can appreciate stones up to nine meters high and more than 120 tons of weight. This place is the head of the puma formed by the original layout of the imperial city of Cusco.
In the time of the Incas it was considered the Royal House of the Sun of the Hanan Qosqo for being a religious, administrative and political centre for the Incas. Nowadays, the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun is celebrated here on the 24th of June every year.
QENQO
It is located 1 km. from Sacsayhuaman and 4 km. from the city of Cusco and will be your next stop.
Qenqo was a centre of astronomical and ceremonial Inca cult; it was dedicated to the mother earth. In this place stands out the underground cavern where the mummification of the dead was carried out, an amphitheatre where there was a monolith carved in stone with figures of toads and monkeys of a great size and around it there are trapezoidal niches where the Incas placed their dead; nowadays, only half of the original structure remains.
PUCA PUCARA CUSCO
This will be the next place you will visit, it is located 10 minutes from Qenqo and is known as the red fortress, thanks to the amount of iron present in its stones. It is deduced that this place was used as a military post and resting place, and it is possible that its function was that of a military space. It was the main control point for the entrance to the city of Cusco.
TAMBOMACHAY
It is the last site of the Cusco City Tour, it is located only 100 meters from Pucapucara and 8 km. to the northeast of the city of Cusco; it was used as a centre of worship and water cult. The enclosure is formed by a set of finely carved rocks, waterfalls, canals and aqueducts fed by nearby springs that come from the Ojos de Agua de los Nevados (waterfalls of the snow-capped mountains).
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Hidden beneath the tawny foothills of formidable hills, the beautiful Urubamba River Valley, known as the Sacred Valley.
It lies about 15 km north of Cuzco.
It is well worth exploring this tranquil and attractive corner of the Andes with attractive colonial towns and isolated woven villages. The star attractions are the markets and towering Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, but they are also packed with other Inca sites.
Its countless hiking trails are deservedly gaining in popularity. Adrenaline activities range from rafting to rock climbing.
If you wish to visit the Sacred Valley, the first thing you should do is buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket, with which you will have access to various attractions in the city and the Sacred Valley.
HISTORY OF THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
The Sacred Valley was inhabited by small Andean communities until the conquest of the Incas (mainly under the rule of the emperor Pachacutec from 1438 to 1471), then began a period of important constructions of terraces, temples and cities such as: Ollantaytambo, Moray and even Machu Picchu.
With the arrival of the Spaniards, the rebel Inca Manco Inca fled through the Sacred Valley, setting fire to Chinchero and settling in Ollantaytambo where he fought fiercely against the invaders. Faced with his imminent fall, he settled in the inaccessible jungle and established his reign in Vilcabamba.
With the conquest, the fertile territories of the valley were divided up by the Spaniards. The main temples were destroyed and Christian churches were built in their place.
Despite this, today the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a popular tourist destination. The inhabitants preserve many of the ancestral traditions, even from Inca times.
WHERE IS THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS LOCATED?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the province of Urubamba in Cusco – Peru. It is located 15 kilometres northeast of the city of Cusco.
It is reached by paved road from the city of Cusco. A drive through one of the nearest villages will take you about 40 minutes approximately.
From there you can move around the other villages in the valley. It is even possible to get there by train. And your trip will end in the village of Machu Picchu.
MAIN CITADELS IN THE SACRED VALLEY TO VISIT:
- Pisac
- Urubamba
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Maras
- Moray
HISTORY OF MACHU PICCHU
The history of Machu Picchu says that mountain populations from the Vilcabamba and Sacred Valley regions inhabited the Picchu ravine.
In the Middle Horizon period there is a demographic explosion by groups not historically documented but possibly linked to the TAMPU ethnic group of Urubamba and it is believed that these people could be part of the Federation that were rivals of the first Inca of Cusco.
ATTRACTIONS OF MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu is simply spectacular, every space within it is fascinating, and no matter where you look, you will be amazed. But within the Inca city there are attractions that stand out from the rest, either for their architectural beauty, their natural beauty, or the intense desire that is generated by wanting to be in them. Here is the list of the most spectacular attractions of Machu Picchu. You will see all these attractions during the Machu Picchu 1 day tour from Cusco.
TERRACES
The terraces or terraces are representative structures of the Inca Empire, they were a very significant advance for the agriculture practiced by the Incas, with which they managed to generate microclimates at different levels of the slopes of the mountains where they used to be built. Machu Picchu had to be a self-sustainable city, so an agricultural sector was assigned in the Inca city, this is where you can see the beautiful platforms next to some Colcas (deposits).
FOUNTAIN STAIRWAY
Water is fundamental to the functioning of any city. Machu Picchu has a whole system of fountains that supplied fresh water to the city and are still in operation to this day. Among them all, the Escalera de Fuentes (Fountain Staircase) stands out, an astonishing work of hydraulic engineering, composed of 16 carefully carved and carved artificial waterfalls, located between the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Palace.
Price
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.
Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected], you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:
- Name and surname:
- Passport number:
- Nationality:
- Date of Birth:
- Phone:
- Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Cusco, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts
To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.
PAYMENT METHODS
- IZIPAY
- PAYPAL
- WESTER UNION
- MONEYGRAM
- TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU
