Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO → HOTEL TRANSFER → CUSCO CITY EXPLORATION
Your 6-day adventure begins upon arrival in Cusco, where our team will meet you at the airport or bus terminal and provide a transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, you will have time to settle in and begin acclimatizing to the altitude. Cusco is located at approximately 3,400 meters / 11,150 feet above sea level, so we recommend taking the first hours at a relaxed pace.
Later, you can begin exploring the Historic Center of Cusco, where Inca stonework, colonial architecture, traditional streets, plazas, and local culture come together in one of Peru’s most important historical cities.
Depending on your arrival time, you may visit areas around the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Regocijo, San Blas, local markets, churches, and traditional streets, or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon before the activities of the following days.
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 1 SUMMARY
- Starting point: Cusco Airport or bus terminal
- Transfer: Airport / bus terminal → hotel
- Main activity: Arrival, acclimatization, and Cusco city exploration
- Overnight: Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy
SACRED VALLEY TOUR → PISAC → URUBAMBA → OLLANTAYTAMBO → TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, begin your journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most important cultural and archaeological regions around Cusco.
The route takes you through spectacular Andean landscapes, agricultural areas, traditional communities, and archaeological sites that demonstrate the importance of the Sacred Valley during the Inca period.
The tour includes visits to key destinations such as Pisac, where you can explore impressive agricultural terraces and archaeological remains, followed by a journey through the valley toward Urubamba, where lunch is normally enjoyed.
In the afternoon, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Here you will explore the archaeological complex, stone terraces, ceremonial structures, and the original Inca street layout that is still visible today.
After completing the Sacred Valley tour, you will transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station and board the train to Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Upon arrival, our team will assist you with your transfer or directions to your hotel.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2 SUMMARY
- Starting point: Cusco
- Main route: Cusco → Pisac → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo
- Main experience: Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Train: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR → RETURN TRAIN → CUSCO
Today is the highlight of your journey: a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the archaeological sanctuary. Your professional guide will accompany you through the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket and explain the history, architecture, engineering, and cultural importance of Machu Picchu.
The guided visit generally lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the confirmed circuit and visitor conditions.
After completing the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your train schedule, you may have free time for lunch or to explore the town before boarding the return train.
The train journey will take you back toward Ollantaytambo or the corresponding arrival station, where transportation will be waiting to continue the journey to Cusco.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 3 SUMMARY
- Starting point: Aguas Calientes
- Main attraction: Machu Picchu
- Bus: Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Guided visit: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
- Return: Train + road transfer to Cusco
- Overnight: Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
HUMANTAY LAKE FULL-DAY HIKE
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco for the journey toward the Humantay Lake trekking area.
The route passes through Andean valleys and mountain landscapes before reaching the breakfast stop and continuing toward the trailhead.
From the starting point, begin the uphill hike to Humantay Lake, a spectacular high-altitude lake known for its turquoise waters and dramatic location beneath the surrounding mountains.
The ascent is physically demanding because of the altitude, but the scenery becomes increasingly impressive as you approach the lake.
At Humantay Lake, you will have time to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the surrounding mountain landscape before beginning the descent.
After returning to the trailhead, you will continue to the restaurant area for lunch before starting the drive back to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and group pace.
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 4 SUMMARY
- Starting point: Cusco
- Main destination: Humantay Lake
- Activity: High-altitude hiking
- Main highlight: Turquoise lake and mountain landscapes
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Return: Cusco
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FULL-DAY HIKE
Your day begins early with hotel pick-up in Cusco and a journey south toward the Rainbow Mountain trekking area.
After breakfast, continue toward the trailhead and begin the hike through the high Andes.
The route offers views of mountain landscapes, local communities, grazing alpacas and llamas, and the dramatic scenery of the southern Cusco region.
The main destination is Rainbow Mountain, famous for its naturally colored mineral layers and panoramic high-altitude views.
At the principal viewpoint, you will have time to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the scenery before beginning the return hike.
After descending, the journey continues to the restaurant area for a buffet lunch before returning to Cusco.
Arrival is expected in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 5 SUMMARY
- Starting point: Cusco
- Main destination: Rainbow Mountain
- Activity: High-altitude hiking
- Main highlight: Naturally colored mountain formations
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
- Return: Cusco
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
CUSCO HOTEL → AIRPORT OR BUS TERMINAL TRANSFER
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast
The package includes 5 hotel nights with breakfast, distributed according to the itinerary:
Cusco: 4 nights
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo: 1 night
Hotel category and final property will depend on the package selected and availability at the time of booking.
Airport or Bus Terminal Pick-Up in Cusco
On Day 1, our team will meet you at Cusco Airport or the bus terminal and provide transportation to your hotel.
Cusco City Exploration
The program includes time to explore the Historic Center of Cusco, allowing you to discover the city’s main streets, plazas, Inca foundations, colonial architecture, and local atmosphere.
Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
Enjoy a full-day guided experience through the Sacred Valley, including visits to the main archaeological and cultural attractions scheduled in the itinerary, such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
The service includes tourist transportation, professional guide, entrance arrangements according to the confirmed package, and lunch during the tour.
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
A tourist-class train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is included after the Sacred Valley tour.
The train company and departure time will be confirmed according to availability.
Hotel Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
One night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo with breakfast is included, allowing you to visit Machu Picchu the following day.
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket
The package includes the official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, according to the circuit, route, and entrance time available and confirmed for your travel date.
Round-Trip Bus to Machu Picchu
The shuttle bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are included in both directions.
Professional Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
A professional guide will accompany you during your visit to Machu Picchu and provide historical, cultural, and architectural information throughout the assigned circuit.
Return Train and Transfer to Cusco
After visiting Machu Picchu, the package includes the return tourist-class train from Aguas Calientes toward Ollantaytambo or the corresponding station, followed by transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.
Humantay Lake Full-Day Tour
The package includes the full-day Humantay Lake Tour, with hotel pick-up, tourist transportation, professional bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, trekking assistance, and return to Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour
The program includes the Rainbow Mountain Tour, with early hotel pick-up, tourist transportation, professional bilingual guide, breakfast, buffet lunch, and return transportation to Cusco.
First Aid and Emergency Oxygen
For the high-altitude excursions to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, guides carry a basic first aid kit and emergency oxygen for initial assistance if required.
Final Transfer to Cusco Airport or Bus Terminal
On Day 6, transportation from your hotel to Cusco Airport or the bus terminal is included according to your confirmed departure schedule.
Travel Assistance
Machu Picchu Team provides assistance throughout the package for coordination related to hotels, trains, tours, transfers, tickets, and other included services.
Not Included
Domestic and International Flights
Flights to and from Cusco or other destinations are not included unless specifically added to your reservation.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend purchasing appropriate coverage for medical emergencies, high-altitude activities, trip interruptions, delays, and other unexpected situations.
Meals Not Specified
Any breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, or beverages not specifically listed in the confirmed itinerary are not included.
Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets
Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or other additional Machu Picchu routes are not included unless purchased separately and confirmed in advance.
Panoramic Train Upgrades
Upgrades to services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, or equivalent panoramic trains are not included in the standard package and may be added for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Horse Rental
Optional horse rental during the Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain hikes is not included and must be paid directly when available.
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs, additional drinks, snacks, laundry, telephone calls, minibar consumption, shopping, and other personal purchases are not included.
Tips
Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant personnel, or other service providers are optional and not included in the package price.
Services Not Specifically Mentioned
Any tour, entrance, transportation, upgrade, activity, or service not clearly listed under What’s Included is considered additional and is not included in the standard package.
What to Pack
Prices
Pricing
Prices 2026–2027
The Cusco & Machu Picchu 6-Day Tour is offered with tourist-class accommodation and the main services described in the confirmed itinerary.
The package price includes 5 hotel nights with breakfast, Sacred Valley Tour, train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance and guided visit, Humantay Lake Tour, Rainbow Mountain Tour, transportation, selected meals, and scheduled transfers.
Rates are calculated per person according to room occupancy.
Single Room: USD ___ per person
Double Room: USD ___ per person
Triple Room: USD ___ per person
Final prices may vary depending on the selected travel date, hotel category, Machu Picchu ticket availability, train schedules, room configuration, and optional upgrades.
Travelers who have previously booked with Machu Picchu Team may qualify for a special returning-customer rate, subject to verification and availability.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
How to Book
Booking your Cusco & Machu Picchu 6-Day Tour is simple.
Click the BOOK NOW button, select your preferred departure date, complete the required passenger information, and make the corresponding payment.
Please provide your full name exactly as shown on your passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, email address, WhatsApp number, and arrival details in Cusco.
Once your reservation is received, our team will verify the availability of Machu Picchu tickets, trains, hotels, and the other services included in the package.
After confirmation, you will receive the final itinerary, accommodation details, pick-up information, train schedules, and important travel recommendations.
Because Machu Picchu tickets and preferred train schedules are limited, we recommend booking in advance.
Faqs and Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU 6-DAY TOUR WITH SACRED VALLEY, HUMANTAY LAKE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
1. Is hotel accommodation included?
Yes. The package includes 5 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast: 4 nights in Cusco and 1 night in Aguas Calientes.
2. Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?
Yes. The official Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included according to the circuit, route, and entrance time available for your travel date.
3. Are train tickets included?
Yes. The package includes the tourist-class train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and the corresponding return train after your Machu Picchu visit.
4. How difficult are Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain?
Both are high-altitude hikes and are considered moderate to challenging. Travelers should be in reasonable physical condition and allow time to acclimatize in Cusco before completing these excursions.
5. Are meals included?
Breakfast is included at the hotels. The Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain tours also include the meals specifically stated in the itinerary. Other meals are considered personal expenses unless otherwise confirmed.
6. Can I upgrade the train or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Panoramic train upgrades and additional Machu Picchu mountain tickets may be available for an extra cost, subject to availability.
7. How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance, especially during high season, because Machu Picchu entrance tickets, preferred circuits, trains, and hotels may sell out.
Travel Guide
Weather Variations
Dry months May-October bring clear conditions, lows to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain periods November-April include downpours, mainly later days. Rainbow spots stay chilly, often sub-zero. Once, fog cleared suddenly for views; monitor updates.
| Month | Peak Temp (F) | Base Temp (F) | Precip (inches) |
| March | 66 | 41 | 5.1 |
| August | 68 | 32 | 0.5 |
| October | 69 | 40 | 2.8 |
Area Folks and Ways
Quechua roots dominate, people open but courteous. Value nods and permission for photos. Bartering light in stalls. Sharing tea with a local uncovered harvest tales.
Usual Eats
Potatoes, grains, meats from nearby. Test causa, layered potato dish. Budget meals at $2-4 in spots. Organics prevail, internationals extra; query MACHU PICCHU TEAM.
- Start: Fruits, cereals.
- Noon: Stews with veggies.
- Night: Roasts, spices.
Free Visits
Cusco square for structures. Trails near Ollantaytambo without fees outside zones. Aguas Calientes bridges for scenery.
Low-Cost Food
Stands with breads for $1. Cusco markets soups cheap. Bypass upscale; locals favor fresh economy.
Attire All Year
Layered outfits: Light bases, insulators, protectors. Sturdy bottoms, covers always. Rain gear for seasons.
Physical Demands and Health
Daily moderate steps, trek up to 2 hours steep. Height impacts air; acclimate. No extreme limits, but assess stamina. Roughly 25% note mild unease, helped by rest, fluids.
Optional Tours:
Enhance your Peruvian adventure with these additional experiences:
Buffet Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant: Located within the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel (formerly Orient Express), this is the only hotel directly facing Machu Picchu.
From US$ 50.00 per person.
Return Train Vistadome Observatory Service: Experience a journey of luxury and culture on this first-class train, with live entertainment including shows and traditional dances in the observatory car, ensuring a unique and thrilling experience.
From US$ 70.00 per person.
Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain: Hike a short trail from the Inca citadel to the Wayna Picchu lookout, a strategic and unique spot offering the most complete view of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
From US$ 65.00 per person.
Apukunaq Tianan Quad Bike: Discover “The Abode of the Gods,” a monument comprising sculptures representing Inca deities and Andean beliefs, offering a glimpse into the rich culture of this region.
From US$ 150.00 per person.
Professional Photographer: Our professional photographer will accompany you throughout all tours, capturing the most beautiful and unforgettable moments of your journey.
Price on Request.
Private Tours and Excursions: Ideal for those who desire a more personalized service where tour schedules can be adjusted, meaning there is more flexibility and tours and excursions can be tailored according to the client’s preference.
Aditional Information
Notes
- Prices effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
- Tours cap at 17 for groups.
- Guides bring vast trail expertise in languages.
- MACHU PICCHU TEAM upholds standards via own transport and personnel.
- Optional activities offered.
- Private versions for adjusted plans.
Why Book with Machu Picchu Team?
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