Cusco Highlights Tour - 6 Days with Machu Picchu

Our representative will greet you at Cusco Airport upon arrival. Cusco is located at 3,350 meters, so you may notice the effects of the altitude. To ease any discomfort, we recommend having a cup of Coca tea at your hotel. Hotel check-in typically begins at 12 pm. If you arrive before this time, you may leave your luggage at the hotel, which offers complimentary storage.

After settling in, you can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants near Cusco’s main Plaza.

The city tour begins at 1 pm and includes visits to historical sites in Cusco and Inca sites in the upper city. We start at the Main Plaza, then continue to Qoricancha, a site central to Inca history and culture.

After Qoricancha, we travel by comfortable transport to Sacsahuayman, one of the region’s most impressive Inca sites. You will have time to explore its unique features and enjoy the views.

The tour continues to Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay. Though smaller, these sites provide valuable insights into Inca civilization, and you will have the chance to appreciate each one.

Our expert guide will share detailed information at each site and help you capture memorable photos. The tour concludes around 6 pm with a return to your hotel. This day offers an engaging introduction to Cusco’s history and culture.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or Similar
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: NA.

Experience the Sacred Valley, a region that provides valuable insight into Inca agricultural practices. The Incas were skilled farmers who cultivated potatoes, corn, and quinoa.

The day begins with a hotel pickup at 8 am, followed by a scenic drive from Cusco to Chinchero. Once the center of potato farming, Chinchero offers seasonal views of active agricultural areas. We will also visit a weaving center to learn about textile production and shop for reasonably priced souvenirs.

Next, we visit Moray to explore its impressive circular agricultural terraces. Moray served as a farming laboratory for the Incas, who adapted crops to various elevations. This site offers a unique connection to Pachamama and highlights Inca agricultural innovation.

After visiting Moray, we continue to Urubamba for lunch. We then drive 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city. Here, our expert guide will lead you through a significant Inca archaeological site and share its historical importance.

At the end of the day, our guide will escort you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo for an overnight stay. This experience offers a deeper appreciation of the Sacred Valley’s agricultural heritage and cultural richness.

• Accommodation: Sol Natura or Similar
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: Breakfast - Lunch.

Your day begins with a 5:45 am pickup from your hotel, followed by a short walk to the train station. The train will take you to km 104, the starting point of the short Inca Trail. At the official checkpoint, please present your original passport. You may also request a stamp if you wish.

After preparing for the hike, our first stop is the Chacabamba Inca site at the trail’s beginning. You will receive a guided tour highlighting its historical importance. The trail then ascends gradually for about 3.5 hours, with stops to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and have snacks. The route passes through a cloud forest featuring orchids and hummingbirds.

The next stop is the Wiñayhuayna Inca site, often called ‘Little Machu Picchu.’ You will have a guided tour and time to explore before we break for lunch.

We continue with an additional hour of walking to reach the Sun Gate, an exclusive viewpoint for Inca Trail hikers. Arrival is typically by 2 pm, allowing time to enjoy afternoon views and, if conditions permit, a sunset.

From the Sun Gate, there is another hour of gradual downhill walking to reach Machu Picchu. The trail leads directly to the upper section, where you can enjoy panoramic views, take photographs and videos, and experience the site’s atmosphere.

Afterward, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Upon arrival at your hotel, you can freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant. This day provides a comprehensive and memorable experience at Machu Picchu.

• Accommodation: Inti Punko Machu Picchu *** or similar
• Tickets: Included
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today is the highlight of our journey, beginning with an early breakfast. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through Circuit N 3, where you may witness the sunrise, depending on the season. This is an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs of Machu Picchu. Take time to appreciate the beauty and significance of this New Wonder of the World.

After sunrise, your guided walking tour will begin. You will explore the most important sectors and palaces of the Machu Picchu complex. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and offers valuable insights into the site's history and architecture.

If you have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you may choose to hike the renowned Huayna Picchu trail. This challenging trek takes about 2 hours and provides exceptional views and a unique perspective of Machu Picchu. Please note that tickets must be booked in advance and cost $75 each.

If you do not have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you will conclude your visit to Machu Picchu and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. There, you may enjoy your final group lunch (not included) before boarding the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will meet you in Ollantaytambo and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, with an expected arrival around 8 pm. This day marks the culmination of your memorable journey.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or Similar.
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: only breakfast

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 4:30 am. The day begins with a 3-hour drive to the trailhead, featuring scenic views. We will stop halfway for a nourishing breakfast.

At the trailhead, located at 4,350 meters, we will prepare for the trek. Please dress warmly and be ready for cold, dry conditions. The hike covers 4 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours, leading to Rainbow Mountain (Winikunqa) at 5,150 meters. You will have time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.

We will continue to the Red Valley, located beyond Rainbow Mountain. From the elevated viewpoint, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the valley’s distinctive red landscape.

After visiting Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, we will return to the trailhead. Our driver will take us on a 50-minute drive to a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. Expect to arrive around 5:50 pm. This day offers a memorable experience in the landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or Similar.
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

Your adventure begins with an early 4:00 am pick-up from your hotel. After a 2-hour drive through the Andean countryside, we’ll arrive in Mollepata, a charming village where we’ll have breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. We then continue on a 1-hour drive along a dusty road to Soraypampa (3,850 meters), where we’ll start our hike. At this altitude, the weather can be chilly, so be sure to bring warm layers, including gloves and a hat.

During the dry season (May to October), expect clear skies, but don’t forget your sunhat and sunscreen for protection against the high-altitude sun. After preparing, we begin our 2-hour ascent to Humantay Lake, with the final portion being steeper but offering rewarding views. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, with Salkantay Glacier towering above the lake.

Reaching Humantay Lake is a moment to pause and take in the breathtaking beauty of its turquoise waters, set against a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks. You’ll have time to enjoy the tranquility of this incredible place before we begin the return hike. The descent to Soraypampa takes approximately 1.5 hours, where our vehicle will be waiting for the next leg of the journey.

After the hike, we’ll drive back to Mollepata for a delicious lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving by 6:00 pm. This unforgettable day promises stunning landscapes, the peace of the mountains, and memories you’ll cherish.

• Accommodation: Rumi Punko or Similar.
• Ticket: Included
• Meals: B-L