5-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu | Exclusive Tours with Hotel

🧭 Description

This exclusive 5-day trip combines the best of the Inca’s historical legacy with stunning natural landscapes, first-class accommodations, and personalized service designed for those seeking a unique and worry-free experience. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient temples, imposing stone fortresses, turquoise glacial lagoons, vibrantly colored sacred mountains, and, as a highlight, the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu. Everything is carefully designed so you can enjoy every moment in maximum comfort, accompanied by expert guides and safe transfers that guarantee a hassle-free trip.

🧭 Itinerary

📍Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco and Cultural City Tour

Upon landing in Cusco, you’ll be greeted by a representative who will give you a warm welcome and take you directly to your hotel, located in the historic center. You’ll have the morning free to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the first Andean landscapes.
In the afternoon, you’ll begin a guided tour of Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, where perfectly assembled Inca walls blend with colonial buildings, highlighting the cultural fusion of the era. Afterward, you’ll head to Sacsayhuamán, a majestic ceremonial fortress famous for its enormous stone blocks fitted together with millimeter precision.The tour continues to Qenqo, a ceremonial center carved into the rock with labyrinthine passages that hold an aura of mystery. Next, you’ll visit Puca Pucara, a military fortification that served as a strategic control point and stands out for its characteristic reddish color.

• RETURN

Finally, you’ll visit Tambomachay, a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of water, where crystal-clear springs still flow. The day concludes with a return to the city, with the sunset turning the Cusco rooftops golden.

📍Day 2 – Machu Picchu: The Jewel of the Inca Empire

The adventure begins with a trip to the Sacred Valley, where you’ll board a panoramic train that will take you to Aguas Calientes. During the journey, you’ll admire the landscapes of the Urubamba River winding through vegetation-covered mountains.
In the town, a bus will take you along a mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. There, a specialized guide will accompany you to discover every corner of this wonder of the world. You’ll visit ceremonial temples, agricultural platforms, dwellings, and strategic viewpoints from where the views are simply breathtaking. You’ll learn about the construction techniques, the spiritual significance of the site, and the mysteries that still surround its history.

After the guided tour, you’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy an included lunch. Before returning, you’ll have free time to explore the picturesque town, visit its artisan market, or relax by the river. In the afternoon, you’ll take the train back, and upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a private transfer will take you back to Cusco.

📍Day 3 – Humantay Lagoon: The Turquoise Mirror of the Andes

This day will take you to the foothills of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains. After a drive along Andean roads, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa, the starting point of an upward hike that crosses high-altitude grasslands, small streams, and rock formations. With each step, the view becomes more impressive until, finally, Humantay Lagoon appears before you, its intense turquoise waters reflecting the eternal snows that feed it.
Here, you’ll have time to contemplate the tranquility of the surroundings, take photographs, and connect with the mountain’s energy. The return hike offers new perspectives of the landscape before continuing to a local restaurant for a traditional lunch.

📍Day 4 – Rainbow Mountain: Vinicunca

The trek to Vinicunca begins with a journey through rural landscapes where llamas and alpacas graze, while the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate rise on the horizon. The access trail presents a gradual ascent that allows you to appreciate the high Andean biodiversity and unique geological formations.
Upon reaching the summit, Rainbow Mountain displays its natural palette of reddish, ochre, gold, and green tones, formed by mineral sedimentation over millions of years. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views that include deep valleys and snow-capped peaks. The descent follows the same route, concluding with a well-deserved buffet lunch before returning to Cusco.

📍Day 5 – Farewell and Transfer

Depending on your flight or bus departure time, a private shuttle will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport or bus terminal. You’ll conclude your experience with the satisfaction of having explored Cusco’s most iconic sites and experienced unforgettable moments in the Peruvian Andes.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

✅ Private and comfortable transfers from your arrival in Cusco until your departure, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip.

✅ Accommodation in 4-star hotels, carefully selected for their strategic location, comfort, and high-quality service.

✅ Daily breakfasts and lunches on tours to Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon, and Rainbow Mountain, with local and international cuisine options.

✅ Panoramic tourist train tickets (Voyager or Expedition category) for the round trip to Machu Picchu.

✅ Official entrance fees to all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary: Machu Picchu, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Humantay Lagoon, and Rainbow Mountain.

✅Professional bilingual guides with extensive historical, cultural, and natural knowledge will make each visit an enriching experience.

✅Private or shared tourist transportation, depending on the route, in modern, safe, air-conditioned vehicles.

✅Personalized assistance throughout the tour, so you can focus solely on enjoying yourself.

❌ What’s not included?

❌ International or domestic flights to/from Cusco.

❌ Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary, as well as additional drinks.

❌ Optional or additional activities outside the program.

❌ Travel or health insurance (recommended to purchase before traveling).

❌ Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, market shopping, or souvenirs.

❌ Tips for guides, drivers, or service staff (optional, at your discretion).

🌟 Recommendations

• Pre-acclimatization: If you haven’t been to high-altitude cities before, dedicate at least one day before the start of the package to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco and avoid altitude sickness.
• Appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Mornings and evenings are cool, but midday can get hot. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket for possible rain.
• Trekking footwear: Essential for hikes to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain, as the trails can be uneven and slippery.
• Sun protection and accessories: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. Radiation at altitude is more intense.
• Stay hydrated: Always carry a water bottle and take small sips frequently to avoid dehydration.
• Cash: Some places don’t accept cards, especially in small towns or artisan markets.
• Cultural and environmental respect: Ask permission before photographing people, respect local traditions, and don’t leave trash on trails or at archaeological sites.
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended to cover any medical or transportation incidents.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be in good physical condition for this package?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be in moderate physical condition. The hikes to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain require some effort due to the altitude, but are done at a pace adapted to the group.

2. What trains are used to Machu Picchu?

We work with tourist trains such as Voyager or Expedition, which offer comfortable seats and spectacular panoramic views throughout the tour.

3. What is the best time to take this trip?

The dry season (April to October) offers clear skies and less rain, ideal for hiking and photography. However, the rest of the year also has its charm, with greener landscapes.

4. Can I bring large luggage to Machu Picchu?

No, only small backpacks are allowed. Your main luggage will be left safe at your hotel in Cusco.

5. Is it possible to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in the tour?

Yes, but these tickets are limited and must be booked well in advance. Check availability before confirming your trip.

6. What should I do if the altitude affects me?

We recommend staying well hydrated, avoiding heavy meals on the first day, and, if desired, taking coca leaf infusions or preventive medication.

7. Do the included meals have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, with prior notice we can adapt the menus to your dietary needs.