Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour 6 Days / 5 Nights

🧭 Description

This six-day trip is a complete experience that combines history, culture, nature, and adventure in the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. During the tour, you’ll explore the magical city of Cusco, Peru’s historic capital, walk through sacred temples and stone fortresses that defy time, tour the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas, discover the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu, admire high Andean landscapes in Moray and Maras, and marvel at the natural hues of the Rainbow Mountain.

Each day is carefully designed so you can experience the destination from the inside: you’ll learn about the Andean worldview, taste local cuisine, interact with living communities, and enjoy panoramic views that will remain etched in your memory.

🧭 Itinerary

📍Day 1 – Welcome to Cusco and Archaeological City Tour

Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in the historic center. You’ll have time to acclimatize before beginning your exploration.
You’ll begin with a visit to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, a site that in Inca times was covered in gold leaf and housed the most important solar ceremonies.
Outside the city center, you’ll discover the monumentality of Sacsayhuamán, a ceremonial fortress with walls of cyclopean stones assembled with millimeter precision.
You’ll continue to Qenqo, a ritual center carved from rock with sacred passageways and altars; Puca Pucara, a military and control complex that guarded the entrance to the city; and Tambomachay, known as the Bath of the Inca, with fountains and canals dedicated to the worship of water.
Finally, you’ll return to the heart of Cusco, where you can continue enjoying its colonial and Andean atmosphere.

📍Day 2 – Sacred Valley of the Incas and arrival in Aguas Calientes

You’ll enter the fertile Sacred Valley following the course of the Vilcanota River.
>You’ll begin by exploring the archaeological site of Pisac, famous for its agricultural terraces and ceremonial function, before touring the town’s picturesque artisan market.
>You’ll continue your journey to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean flavors.
>You’ll then arrive at Ollantaytambo, the last surviving Inca village, with cobblestone streets, original canals, and an imposing fortress that served as a ceremonial and defensive center.
From here, you’ll board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, a scenic route through mountains covered in high jungle. In this town, the gateway to Machu Picchu, you’ll rest and receive a briefing for your visit the following day.

📍Day 3 – Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Inca Empire

You will experience one of the most anticipated moments of your trip: a visit to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
You will ascend the mountain by bus to discover this architectural marvel hidden in the mist and surrounded by green peaks.
During a guided tour of approximately two hours, you will visit areas such as the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural areas, learning about their history, architecture, and spiritual significance.
After the visit, you will have time to enjoy the surroundings, take photographs, and absorb the energy of the place before returning to Aguas Calientes.
Finally, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and, from there, transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

📍Day 4 – Moray Agricultural Laboratory and Maras Salt Mines

Today, you will explore two of the most photogenic landscapes in the Sacred Valley.
In Moray, you’ll see gigantic stepped circular amphitheaters that the Incas used as an advanced agricultural laboratory to adapt crops to different microclimates.
A few kilometers away, you’ll visit the Maras Salt Mines, a group of more than 3,000 pools where, since pre-Inca times, families have extracted pink salt by hand. The contrast between the white salt and the Andean landscape is simply spectacular.
You’ll have time to purchase local products before returning to Cusco.

📍Day 5 – Rainbow Mountain Adventure

You’ll embark on a unique nature experience heading to Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain.
After a tour through Andean landscapes and rural communities, you’ll begin your high-altitude hike, surrounded by grassy mountains, grazing llamas and alpacas, and with the Ausangate snow-capped mountain as a backdrop.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll witness the chromatic spectacle of the mountain, whose bands of color have been formed by mineral deposits over millions of years. An ideal setting for photography and contemplation.
Then, you’ll begin the descent, enjoying the fresh air and the immensity of the landscape.

📍Day 6 – Farewell to Cusco

On your last day, depending on your flight schedule, you can take one last stroll through the city, buy handicrafts, or simply rest before the transfer to the airport or bus terminal.
This journey ends, but it will take you home with indelible memories of a land that combines mysticism, history, and nature with every step.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

This package has been designed so you can enjoy your experience in Cusco and Machu Picchu in complete comfort, safety, and without worries. Therefore, it includes all essential services from your arrival to your departure:

✅Private transfers and personalized assistance at all arrival and departure points, both in Cusco and at the train stations and airport.

✅Accommodation in select tourist-class or higher-class hotels, with comfortable rooms well located in the historic center of Cusco and Aguas Calientes, so you can make the most of your free time.

✅Daily breakfast at the hotel and buffet or à la carte lunches on the indicated tours, with a variety of traditional and international dishes.

✅Official entrance fees to all the aforementioned attractions: tourist ticket for archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, admission to Machu Picchu, and access to archaeological complexes such as Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Maras.

✅Professional bilingual guides (Spanish/English) with extensive historical and cultural knowledge, so that each visit becomes a journey back in time.

✅Authorized tourist transportation for all land tours, with comfortable seats and experienced drivers.

✅Tourist train tickets (Expedition or similar) for the Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo sections, with panoramic windows to enjoy the scenery.

✅Tourist buses for hop-on hop-off between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance gate.

✅Permanent support team throughout your stay to resolve any questions or needs.

❌ What’s not included?

To keep the price affordable and allow you to customize your experience, this tour does not include certain optional services or personal expenses:

❌Domestic and international flights (can be added as part of the package if you wish).

❌Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, such as additional dinners or snacks outside of the tours.

❌Admission to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (available upon advance reservation and at an additional cost).

❌Alcoholic or soft drinks during included meals.

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

❌Optional tips for guides, drivers, or hotel staff.

❌Travel insurance (highly recommended to purchase insurance that covers cancellation, accidents, and medical care).

❌Additional services not expressly specified in the itinerary.

🌟 Recommendations

To ensure your experience in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the other destinations on this tour is unforgettable, it’s important to keep in mind some practical tips:

• Documents in order: Always carry your original passport or valid ID, as well as your immigration card (TAM) if you’re coming from abroad.
• Light luggage: For the journeys to Machu Picchu, bring only a small backpack with the essentials (water, camera, sunscreen, snacks). Large luggage can be left at your hotel in Cusco or in safekeeping.
• Appropriate clothing: Cusco and the Sacred Valley have changing climates; dress in layers to easily adapt to the cold mornings, the heat of midday, and the cool nights.
• Sun protection: The sun at high altitudes is more intense, so bring a hat or cap, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen.
• Constant hydration: Drink water frequently to prevent altitude sickness and stay well-nourished with light but energizing meals.
• Comfortable footwear: Wear non-slip hiking shoes or boots for hikes and archaeological tours.
• Rain prevention: November through March is the rainy season; bring a raincoat or poncho to avoid getting wet.
• Cash: In smaller towns and artisan markets, many purchases are only possible in cash (Peruvian soles).
• Cultural respect: Remember that many of the sites visited are sacred to local communities; follow the guide’s instructions and avoid touching archaeological structures.
• Travel insurance: It is recommended to purchase insurance that covers medical assistance, accidents, and cancellations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it necessary to book this tour in advance?

Yes. Cusco and Machu Picchu are high-demand destinations, especially during peak season (June-August). Tickets and trains have limited capacity, so booking in advance guarantees availability.

• Can I add the climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, it can be included for an additional fee, but you must request it at the time of booking as tickets are limited and sell out quickly.

• Do I need to acclimatize before the tour?

It is recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco before engaging in intense activities to adapt to the altitude (3,399 m above sea level).

• Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, as long as they are in good physical condition and do not have heart or respiratory problems. More challenging hikes, such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon, may require a slower pace or the use of horses (optional).

• What type of train is included in the tour?

We include the Expedition or similar service, which offers comfortable seats and panoramic windows. Upgrades to the Vistadome category are available by paying the difference.

• Will weather affect activities?

During the rainy season (November-March), some outdoor activities may be affected, but a safe alternative is always offered.

• How long does the tour take to visit Machu Picchu?

The guided tour lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, covering the main sections of the citadel. You will then have free time to explore independently or take photos.

• What happens if I miss the return train?

It is important to follow the guide’s instructions to arrive at the station on time. In case of delay, rescheduling and costs will be the passenger’s responsibility.