Magic Cusco in 5 days / 4 nights

Physical Level:
Easy
Max group size:
2 - 12 people
Max. Altitude:
5,065 m / 16,617 ft

Trip Details

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Activities: guided tours, hiking to the Rainbow Mountain
Average Group Size: 12 to 16 people
Tour service: group tour (ask for our private confort options)
Departures: daily
Difficulty: easy and moderate in the Rainbow Mountain
Meals: in some tours, check the detailed itinerary, please.
Accommodation: 03 nights hotel in Cusco and 01 night in Machupiicchu Town. Included upon request
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)
Entrance permits: Machupicchu Circuit 2, Temple of the Sun “Qoricancha, Qenqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, Chinchero, Salt Mines of Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Rainbow Mountain.
Starting Elevation: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft Cusco
Minimum Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft Machupicchu town
Highest Elevation: 5,065 m / 16,617 ft in the Rainbow Mountain
Machupicchu Inka Site elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

OVERVIEW

Welcome to an extraordinary adventure that will take you through Peru’s most prominent attractions: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, and the spectacular Vinicunca Mountain over five days and four nights. Immerse yourself in the region’s cultural and historical riches while exploring the magic of this city.
In Cusco, ancient city exhibits its historical magnificence in prominent structures like the Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman. The Sacred Valley is fascinating, with Pisaq and Ollantaytambo serving as witnesses to the ancient Inca Empire.

Machupicchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, captivates visitors with its fortress and breathtaking scenery. Finally, Rainbow Mountain captivates with its unique color palette and spectacular panoramic views. Get ready to have a completely unique experience with us!

TRIP ITINERARY

Once you arrive in the city of Cusco, you will be picked up from the Cusco airport Alejandro Velasco Astete and be trasfered to your hotel do the check in. You will have free time to explore the city center and acclimatize for the following excursions.

Afternon Cusco City tour
At 2:00pm, we will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to begin your trip. From here, go to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and then continue on foot via a historic Inca-built street to the Q’oricancha, or Temple of the Sun. The Q’oricancha allows you to compare and contrast Incan and Catholic building systems. This was the Incas’ main spiritual hub, connecting all four parts of the Inka Empire. There is also a bronze high altar to see.
From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol to board the bus, which is 25 minutes outside of town. You will be taken to the magnificent Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, with its enigmatic 200-ton monoliths. You will have the opportunity to listen to your guide before venturing out on your own.
From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a five-minute bus ride to the Inca site of Q’enqo to see the amazing Inca altars. Afterward, you will drive another five minutes to Puca Pucara, a small circular Inca site. Our trip concludes at Tambomachay, a water temple with spectacular water fountains that the Incas are supposed to have used for bathing. We will then drive back to Cusco, where the tour ends in the main square, unless you are on a private tour, in which case we will return you to your hotel at 6:30 pm.

Overnight in Cusco

Our tour starts early in the morning, around 6:00 to 6:30 am, before coordinating with our guide for pick-up. We will then travel to Chinchero, where we will visit the Chinchero Archaeological Complex and the Textile Centers, which are characterized by Andean weaving and workshops with alpaca and llama fibers.

We will then head to the Maras district to explore the Maras Salt Mines, where we will have a guided tour and time to enjoy and take pictures.
After we have finished touring the salt mines of Maras, we will proceed to the Agricultural Laboratory of Moray, where the guide will guide and explain the site, which refers to the practices and experiences that enabled the Inca Empire to cultivate the products it had. We will conclude the tour in Moray by traveling to Urubamba, where we will spend some time in the village to enjoy lunch.

After the delicious lunch buffet, we will travel for about 25 minutes to the Archaeological Site of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important archaeological centers of the Inca Empire, which is also known for the Temple of the Sun and the statue of the God Tunupa in front of the archaeological site. We will also have time to explore the town.

Once the tour is over, we will drop you off at the train station in Ollantaytambo, from where you will take the train at 03:30pm or 04:36pm to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town). You will travel by train approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes where our transfer will await you to transfer to your hotel.
Meals included: buffet lunch included (Vegetarian and vegan options available)

Overnight in Machupicchu Town

Visit the “Lost City of the Incas”
You’ve been anticipating this day since you first set foot on the route. You’ll visit Machupicchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! We’ll wake up in the dark after a nice night’s sleep at our hostel. We like to start our final day in Machupicchu early to escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful morning light on the massive rocks. The doors open at 6:00 a.m., and we want to be among the first inside. We’ll take a bus from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel before entering and admiring its incredible architecture.

The ancient culture lacked advanced tools such as iron and steel. Those who created the city were geniuses in constructing this town sustainably and attractively on the side of a mountain, even transporting water through its streets via canals and aqueducts for residents to use. When a Peruvian guide showed Hiram Bingham this area, it was almost unrecognizable, buried in thick jungle and in ruins. It has now been cleaned and restored, and it is now protected and treasured across the world. Following your magnificent guided tour of the citadel, you will have the option of climbing Huaynapicchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machupicchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tickets must be reserved in advance. Following your magnificent guided tour of the citadel, you will have the opportunity to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machupicchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tickets must be ordered in advance. You’ll be able to take in a stunning view of Machu Picchu’s citadel, which is one of the best in the world.

Make sure to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your train time will be selected based on availability. Our private transportation will meet you in Ollantaytambo and take you back to your Cusco accommodations. You can now take a well-deserved break, but your heart will continue to soar through the Andes like a condor for many years.

Overnight in Cusco

Our trip begins very early in the morning, at 4:30 a.m., with our guide picking us up from the hotel and driving us about 1 hour and 30 minutes south of Cusco to Cusipata, specifically to the community of Tintinco, where a great breakfast awaits. We will have around 30 minutes at this first stop to taste breakfast. We can also use this time to buy last-minute purchases such as gloves, caps, chocolates, and sweets, all of which are required for this tour.

After breakfast, we will be taken for about an hour to the starting site for the ascent to the Colored Mountain, Phulawasipata (4600 m / 18,190 ft). Before we begin the hike, our guide will provide some advice. During the 2-hour (4-kilometer) hike, we will be able to see spectacular views such as massive mountains, glaciers, and colorful valleys with llamas and alpacas nearby. We will also interact with the people who live of the communities and learn about their lifestyles and cultures.

Around 10:00 am we will be arriving at the majestic Rainbow Mountain also called Vinicunca (5065 m / 16,617 ft), where we will take a break of about 15 minutes while our guide gives us an explanation of the place at the same time we can enjoy the breathtaking views around, we will also have the opportunity to observe from very close the highest mountain in Cusco called Ausangate (6380 m / 20,931 ft).
After that, we will have around 30 minutes of free time to explore on our own and snap as many photos as we want of the magnificent Rainbow Mountain.
After exploring this spectacular location, we shall descend for around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once we get at the parking lot, we will return to Tintinco for about 45 minutes, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch for about an hour.

After lunch we will return to Cusco for 2 hours, arriving at the Plaza Regocijo where the tour ends around 04:30pm.

Note: It is possible to add a visit to the Red Valley as an additional walk. This is a place that feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet, yet it receives relatively few visitors. You’ll be surprised not just by its breathtaking beauty, but also by the profound peace that will surround you. It just takes 30 minutes to walk to the lookout, which offers the best views of the valley all around. The additional cost for this climb is US$ 25.00 per person, which includes the tour guide and permit.

Meals included: breakfast and buffet lunch included (Vegetarian and vegan options available)

Overnight in Cusco

We will have the day at leisure to explore the city, visit the colonial streets and shop for gifts. We will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport according to your departure flight.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note: You can reserve these services even if you are only one person, since these services are shared and all prices are in dollars. For any questions please send us an email
Upgrade your experience and optionally climb up to the following mountains below:

Huayna Picchu Mountain
Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)

You can climb the renowned mountain that appears in images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb, and the descent might be frightening if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this trip after your guided tour of Machu Picchu ends. Due to the high demand, permits must be provided at least one month in advance. Consider that there may be adjustments to maintain your integrity, primarily due to weather conditions.

The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain
Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3 – 4 hours)
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the mountains that surrounds the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The pathways are less steep, wider, and visually less intimidating than those at Huayna Picchu, with a 1.5 hour climb to the peak. This trek requires an entrance ticket, which we may obtain for you if we have enough time in advance.

The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

  • Transfer IN and OUT: Our properly uniformed staff will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. At the end of the excursions, he will also pick you up and take you to the airport.
    You’ll meet your tour guide and group for an orientation before the trip.
  • Cusco City tour: shared service in small groups 12 to 16 people with all the entrance fees (Temple of the Sun Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Pukapukara).
  • Super Sacred Valley Tour: shared service in small groups 12 to 16 people with all the entrance fees (, Chinchero, Salt Mines of Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo).
  • Rainbow Mountain Tour: shared service in small groups 12 to 16 people with all the entrance fees (Vinicunca Mountain).
  • Meals: 01 buffet breakfast and 02 buffet lunch included (Vegetarian and vegan options available). Breakfast included in our options with hotels included.
  • Walking sticks: in the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay lake treks.
  • Transportation to the train station: Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the train station (located in Cusco’s Historic Center). After the tour, we will return you to your accommodation in Cusco.
  • Touristics Train service: Train tickets Expedition or Voyager Service (both offer high quality service). It is possible to upgrade to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory train service for an additional fee of US$ 75.00 per way; alternatively, you can upgrade only one way.
  • Entry to Machu Picchu Inka Site (Circuit 2): As soon as we get your complete information and the payment required to book your reservation, we will purchase all necessary permits. These permits are granted on a certain date and will be in your name. They cannot be altered under any circumstances. Changes to passport numbers are only permitted for renewal reasons. In that scenario, bring both your old and new passports.
  • Experienced and profesional tour guides: The tour guides speaks both English and Spanish. All of our guides have completed a professional tourism program. We chose them because of their expertise, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbounded enthusiasm for exploration, and genuine desire to proudly convey our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable throughout your journey, allowing you to enjoy your time without concern!
  • Hotel: included upon your request, we work we all the kind of hotel and hostal, ask to our any travel expert for the different options.
  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit
    Our guides have all undertaken specialist first-aid training. We undertake obligatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen on hand in case of a basic emergency (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, scratches, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we will promptly evacuate you from the path and transport you to a clinic for treatment.
  • 24/7 Customer Service: Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip

What is not included?

  • Vistadome Observatory train
    It is posible to upgrade to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory train service, the extra per way is US$ 75.00, it is posible to upgrade only one way if your prefer.
  • Not mentioned meals/ optional
    Buffet lunch at El Mapi By Inkaterra restaurant: US$ 20.00
    Buffet lunch at Santuary Lodge Machupicchu Restaurant US$ 40.00
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 75.00 extra
    You can climb the renowned mountain that appears in images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb, and the descent might be frightening if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this trip after your guided tour of Machu Picchu ends. Due to the high demand, permits must be provided at least one month in advance. Consider that there may be adjustments to maintain your integrity, primarily due to weather conditions.
    The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain US$ 75.00 extra
    Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the mountains that surrounds the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The pathways are less steep, wider, and visually less intimidating than those at Huayna Picchu, with a 1.5 hour climb to the peak. This trek requires an entrance ticket, which we may obtain for you if we have enough time in advance.
  • Tips for our staff: are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control
    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

What to Pack?

  • Updated Passport and necessary documents at least with 6 months of valid according to the Peruvian government.
  • Original student card if you apply for the student price
  • Comfortable shoes/boots
  • Quick-drying pants
  • Lightweight t-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Fleece jacket or sweater
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Hat or cap
  • Gloves
  • Backpack day of 30 to 40 liters
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water
  • Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
  • Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
  • Portable charger for electronic devices

What our customers say on Tripadvisor

star rating  Bonita experiencia para los recuerdos el valle sagrado de los incas bellos lugares  - Vistas increíbles, bonitos lugares llenos de energía también excelente paisajes para tomar fotos con amigos y familiares

avatar thumb Joshua valentin V
July 17, 2025

star rating  Muy bueno - Muy bonito todo, muy amables todos. La guía espectacular nos explicaba cada detalle. Muy recomendado. Gracia a todos por su servicio

avatar thumb Jeison U
January 1, 1970

star rating  Excelentes planificando vacaciones, todo super genial  - Excelente para poder planear nuestras vacaciones en familia, los lugares muy mágicos y bonitos. Sin duda alguna super recomendado

avatar thumb Karen C
January 1, 1970

star rating  Todos fueron amables, fue divertido y la pasé bien.  - Fueron muy amables, la pase muy bien, todo fue tranquilo y divertido, recomiendo mucho a los que desean viajar con esta agencia.

avatar thumb ANGIE GUADALUPE C
January 1, 1970