Machu Picchu, Mountain of 7 Colors and Humantay Lagoon /7Days

🧭 Description

This 7-day tour combines the best of Cusco and its surroundings: imposing Inca fortresses, high mountain landscapes, colorful glacial lagoons, the mystical Sacred Valley, and the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. It’s a journey that envelops you in the magic of Andean culture, merging history, nature, and living traditions. From the moment you set foot in the imperial city, you’ll be surrounded by a unique atmosphere: the aroma of Cusco coffee, the murmur of the cobblestone streets, and the mountains jealously guarding every corner. 7-Day Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon Itinerary

During the tour, you’ll experience unforgettable experiences: walk along ancient Inca trails, explore markets filled with handicrafts, watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, admire the hypnotic color palette of Vinicunca, and be captivated by the intense turquoise of Humantay Lagoon. All accompanied by expert guides, comfortable tourist transportation, and carefully selected accommodations for your relaxation.

🧭 Itinerary

📍Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco and Historical City Tour

Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the historic center, where you’ll have time to acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, your first cultural experience begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, an ancient center of worship for the god Inti, famous for its perfectly assembled walls, formerly covered in gold.
You’ll continue to Sacsayhuamán, an imposing ceremonial fortress built with colossal stone blocks. You’ll then explore Qenqo, a ritual center with passages carved into the rock; Puca Pucara, an ancient military post and resting place for Inca nobility; and Tambomachay, known as the “Bath of the Inca” for its crystal-clear water fountains used in rituals. This first day is a perfect introduction to the grandeur of Cusco and its legacy.

📍Day 2 – Sacred Valley and Connection to Aguas Calientes

You will begin a scenic tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile territory crossed by the Vilcanota River and guarded by snow-capped mountains. The first stop will be the archaeological site of Pisac, where you will tour its agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and natural viewpoints. You will then descend to the town to explore its colorful artisan market, filled with textiles and silver jewelry.
You will continue to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch in a country restaurant surrounded by nature. The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting Ollantaytambo, a living fortress with original Inca streets and ceremonial structures that reveal advanced Inca engineering. From here, you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, a fascinating journey through mountains and high jungle. Upon arrival, you will settle into your hotel and have a briefing with your guide about your visit to Machu Picchu.

📍Day 3 – Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

You’ll begin the day by taking a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Once inside, you’ll begin a guided tour that will take you through the main sections of the citadel: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, the ceremonial fountains, and the agricultural terraces that seem to float in the air. As you explore, you’ll discover the history and mysteries surrounding this sanctuary, as well as its connection to astronomy and the Andean worldview.
After the visit, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a tourist shuttle will take you back to Cusco to rest after one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

📍Day 4 – Moray and Maras Salt Mines

You will travel to the high plateau of the Sacred Valley to discover Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory made up of circular terraces that recreated different microclimates. This site reveals the Inca’s ingenuity in experimenting with crops and adapting them to different conditions.
A few kilometers away, you will visit the Maras Salt Mines, a group of more than 3,000 salt pits dating back to pre-Inca times and still exploited by local families today. The contrast between the white salt and the mountainous surroundings creates a picture-postcard setting. Before returning to Cusco, you will have time to purchase pink salt, artisanal chocolates, and locally made natural products.

📍Day 5 – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

You will experience a unique experience ascending to Vinicunca, known as the Rainbow Mountain, a geological phenomenon that seems hand-painted by nature. The hike takes you through high Andean landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas, and views of the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
Upon reaching the viewpoint, the mountain will unfold before you in bands of red, green, yellow, and violet, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle. After admiring the landscape and taking photographs, you will descend to enjoy an Andean lunch before returning to Cusco.

📍Day 6 – Humantay Lagoon

You will depart for Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike to Humantay Lagoon. The ascent will take you along trails surrounded by mountains, with the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain as a backdrop.
Upon arrival, you will be rewarded with the sight of a glacier-fed turquoise lagoon, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and an utterly peaceful atmosphere. You will have time to rest, take photographs, or simply enjoy the silence of the mountains. After the descent, you will have lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco.

📍Day 7 – Farewell to Cusco

Depending on your flight schedule, you can take a last stroll through the historic center, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy one last view of the Plaza de Armas. You’ll then be transferred to the airport or bus terminal, bringing to a close a trip filled with history, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Peru.

✅ What’s included in the tour?

This package has been designed so you can enjoy your trip worry-free, taking care of every logistical and experiential detail:

✅Airport-hotel-airport pick-up and transfer in all cities.

✅Safe and comfortable tourist transportation for all included tours.

✅Selected accommodations

✅Stay in carefully selected hotels with private rooms and private bathrooms in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes.

✅Breakfast included in all accommodations.

✅Complete guided tours

✅City tour in Cusco: guided visits to Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

✅Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac, Urubamba (Andean buffet lunch), Ollantaytambo, and a tourist train to Aguas Calientes.

✅Entrance fees and tourist tickets

✅Admission to all archaeological sites mentioned in the itinerary.

✅Partial tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley and City Tour.

✅Official entrance fee to Machu Picchu.

✅Bilingual guides (Spanish/English) on each excursion.

✅Assistance at the airport and hotels throughout the itinerary.

❌ What’s not included?

To maintain the flexibility of the trip and adapt it to your needs, some services are not included:

❌Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (dinners and lunches outside of the tours).

❌Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and subject to availability).

❌Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, or phone calls.

❌Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (optional and voluntary).

❌Activities not specified in the itinerary or additional excursions.

❌Travel insurance or medical assistance (highly recommended to purchase before the trip).

🌟 Recommendations

• Proper documentation: Always carry your original passport and, if necessary, your immigration card (TAM).
• Appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and light clothing for the day, but include a windproof or waterproof jacket for cold afternoons and possible rain.
• Sun protection: The sun is stronger at altitude, so don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses with UV filter.
• Stay hydrated: Bring a canteen or reusable water bottle. Avoid sugary drinks during the hikes.
• Altitude adaptation: Walk slowly during the first few days in Cusco, avoid heavy meals, and consider coca tea or coca candies to prevent altitude sickness.
• Pack light: For Aguas Calientes, pack only the essentials in a small backpack. The rest of your luggage will be kept safe at your hotel in Cusco.
• Camera ready: the beauty of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon are worth capturing. Bring plenty of memory and extra battery.
• Cash: Although cards are accepted in larger cities, in towns and rural areas it’s best to carry cash in Peruvian soles.
• Cultural and natural respect: Do not touch or climb on archaeological structures, and follow the guides’ instructions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but access is limited and must be booked in advance. Check availability before your trip.

• What is the best time to take this tour?

The dry season, between April and October, offers clearer skies and a lower chance of rain. However, the tour operates year-round.

• What fitness level do I need?

This itinerary includes moderate-intensity hikes, such as those to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon. It is recommended that you be in good physical condition and acclimatize in Cusco before these excursions.

• Can this trip be done with children?

Yes, as long as they are used to hiking and the itinerary suits their pace. For activities like Rainbow Mountain, it is recommended that they have good physical endurance.

• Is lunch in Machu Picchu included?

Yes, lunch is included in the town of Aguas Calientes after the guided tour.

• What happens if I miss the return train?

It’s important to arrive at the station with enough time. If, for reasons beyond the tour’s control, you miss the train, you’ll be responsible for the cost of a new ticket.

• Can I bring large suitcases on the train to Machu Picchu?

No. The train only allows carry-on luggage or small backpacks.

• How high is Machu Picchu and how does it affect my experience?

Machu Picchu is at 2,430 m above sea level, a moderate altitude. However, Cusco and other tour destinations are above 3,300 m, so it’s important to acclimatize.