Start your 5-day, 4-night journey through the heart of the Andes in the historic city of Cusco. Discover the legacy of the Inca Empire as you explore the Sacred Valley and stand in awe before the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. Your adventure continues with a hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s most colorful natural wonders. Perfect for travelers seeking a rich mix of culture, history, and unforgettable scenery.
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Minivan or minibus
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3-star hotel
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April - November
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English
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included
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1 - 10
Begin an unforgettable 5-day, 4-night journey through Peru’s most iconic destinations. Arrive in Cusco and explore the huge Archaeological Site of Saqsayhuaman, in a half-day city tour. Next day enjoy the breathtaking Sacred Valley, home to ancient Inca sites and picturesque landscapes, and travel to Machu Picchu village in the late afternoon. Then, experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, a true masterpiece of Inca engineering. In the following day you will take an easy hike to the Rainbow Mountain. Conclude your adventure in Cusco, where centuries of history and culture come to life in its vibrant streets. This tour is ideal for travelers eager to immerse themselves in Peru’s fascinating past and stunning scenery.
Highlights
- Arrive in Cusco and explore Sacsayhuaman
- Explore huge Inca temples and discover Inca architecture
- Explore the Sacred Valley and travel to Machu Picchu village.
- Discover the magic of Machu Picchu traveling by train
- Learn about the Andean Culture and religious syncretism
- Hike the colorful Rainbow Mountain
- Departures: Daily based on Machu Picchu ticket availability
- Transport: Tourist van or minibus, and train.
- Overnights: 03 nights in a 3-star hotel
Itinerary
Arrival in Cusco: Upon arrival in Cusco, our team will meet you at the airport. Look for our sign with your name and our brand logo. We will also provide you with a 24-hour mobile WhatsApp number to notify us of any last-minute changes to your flight itinerary.
From the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the Historical Center of Cusco. While lunch is not included, our assistant can recommend nearby restaurants, or you may choose to dine at the hotel’s restaurant.
Sacsayhuman tour: (3.5 hrs) At 3 pm we pick you up from your hotel and drive to the country side of Cusco.
First Stop: Sacsayhuamán
We begin with the mighty Sacsayhuamán, a masterpiece of Inca engineering. Explore its colossal stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons, and feel the incredible energy that still lingers here. Your guide will bring the site to life with stories of epic battles, spiritual ceremonies, and the deep meaning behind its cyclopean architecture.
Next: Qenqo
A short drive takes us to Qenqo, a sacred site known for its labyrinthine tunnels, ceremonial altars, and carved rock formations. Learn about the Inca rituals that once took place here, honoring the forces of nature and the underworld.
Third Stop: Puca Pucara
We continue to Puca Pucara, the “Red Fortress.” This small yet strategically placed complex served as a military checkpoint and resting place for Inca nobility. Take in its panoramic views of the surrounding valley and imagine what it must have been like centuries ago.
Final Stop: Tambomachay
Our last visit is Tambomachay, the Inca site of water worship. Marvel at the skillfully crafted aqueducts and ceremonial fountains, still flowing with crystal-clear water after more than 500 years. Discover the Inca’s deep connection to water, one of their most sacred elements.
After visiting these extraordinary sites, we’ll head back to Cusco. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a central location, with your heart full of Inca magic and unforgettable memories.
Sacred Valley tour: (About 7h) We pick you up from your hotel and start a captivating tour of the Sacred Valley, beginning with the archaeological site of Pisac. Explore its rich history and vibrant local handicraft market. Next, we’ll visit the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
A delicious lunch is included at a charming restaurant in Urubamba, another picturesque town in the Sacred Valley. The tour concludes at Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the train to Machu Picchu Village, also known as Aguas Calientes. You’ll arrive around 6 PM, and the friendly staff from your hotel will be waiting to escort you to your accommodation.
Aguas Calientes is a quaint, pedestrian-only village, perfect for a relaxing evening before your next adventure. Take time to recharge at your hotel, as the highlight of your journey awaits: the Machu Picchu tour! While dinner is not included, you’ll find plenty of delightful dining options in the village.
In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel. The pick-up time is scheduled according to your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. From there, we’ll take a short walk to the bus station and embark on a scenic 30-minute drive up the winding road to the mountain. This marks the beginning of the highly anticipated tour.
Led by a professional, English-speaking guide who is passionate about Peruvian history, you’ll be in excellent hands for an informative and engaging experience. The tour lasts approximately two and a half hours, during which you’ll explore the majestic temples, houses, Andean terraces, fountains, and more.
After the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at Tinkuy, the restaurant of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located next to Machu Picchu. Following the meal, we’ll take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes village, where you’ll have some free time to explore the area. Later, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo station, we’ll continue by road to Cusco, where we’ll pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Your hotel in located in the heart of Cusco, at the historical center.
Set off early from Cusco and enjoy a scenic drive through the breathtaking Andean highlands. As you travel, watch the landscape shift from rolling valleys to snow-dusted peaks. Upon arrival at the trailhead, begin a 2 to 3-hour hike to reach the summit of the stunning Rainbow Mountain—known locally as Vinicunca. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the region's geology and the spiritual significance this mountain holds for Andean communities. Once at the top, take in panoramic views of the striped, mineral-rich slopes and the dramatic peaks surrounding them. After soaking in the scenery and snapping unforgettable photos, descend and return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Walking tour: (3.5 hrs) We pick you up from your hotel. This half-day excursion starts with a visit to the Inca temple of Qorikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun in Quechua. Next, we will explore the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, where you can admire unique canvases from the Cusqueña Art School, which reflect the religious syncretism of the 16th century. Then we explore a museum and the 12-angled stone, a marvel of Inca engeneering.
Casa Concha Museum (Museo Casa Concha)
Located just a few steps from Cusco’s main square, the Casa Concha Museum holds an extraordinary collection of artifacts excavated by Hiram Bingham during his expeditions to Machu Picchu in the early 20th century. For nearly a century, these priceless pieces were housed at Yale University until they were finally returned to Peru.
Today, the museum showcases ceramics, tools, jewelry, and even bones, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Inca life at Machu Picchu. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, the museum itself is a historical gem, blending Cusco’s rich Inca and Spanish heritage.
Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Our walking tour also takes you to Qoricancha, the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the sun god. Though much of the original structure was dismantled during the Spanish conquest, you can still see the incredible precision of Inca stonework beneath the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. This sacred place was once covered in sheets of gold, reflecting the spiritual and political power of the Incas.
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cusco)
Finally, we’ll visit the majestic Catedral del Cusco, located on the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 over the foundations of an ancient Inca palace, the Cathedral is a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of colonial paintings, sculptures, and priceless religious treasures — including a version of the Last Supper featuring a traditional Peruvian dish: roast guinea pig.
After the tour you have time for lunch and to a final exploration of the Historical Center. In the afternoon we pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
End of the tour.
Included
- Airport transfers
- All tours mentioned
- Tourist transportation, minivan or minibus, where required.
- Entrance tickets to visit the mentioned places.
- Guided tours with a professional English-speaking guide.
- Train tickets, outbound Voyager train, inbound Vistadome train.
- Roundtrip bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- 03 nights at a 3-star hotel.
Not included
- Flight tickets
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
Booking terms
We need a deposit of $300 per person to book the tour.
The balance can be paid based on: From 1 to 8 participants, a full payment must be made 33 days before the tour start date.
From 8 to more participants, a full payment must be made 48 days before the tour start date.
Please see the full booking and cancelation policies clicking here.
More information
Ollantaytambo archaeological site:
It was once an important administrative center for the Inca Empire and played a strategic role in the Spanish conquest of Peru. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the ruins, visit the local market, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding Andes mountains. Ollantaytambo is also an important transportation hub for those traveling to Machu Picchu, as the town is a starting point for the famous Inca Trail hike and has a train station with regular service.
Machu Picchu Inca citadel:
Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city in Peru, rests high in the Andes Mountains. It was built in the 15th century, during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, and rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. It is renowned for its advanced dry-stone construction with structures seamlessly fitted together without the use of mortar. It has extensive agricultural terraces, which demonstrate sophisticated engineering techniques for water management. Machu Picchu is notable for its astronomical alignments, particularly the Intihuatana stone, which functioned as a solar clock or calendar. Today it is known as one on the seven wonders of the world.
Temple of the Ray:
An important place of worship in Sacsayhuaman’s citadel was the temple of lightning. It is thought to have been a place of worship for Illapa, the Inca god of lightning. Illapa was a strong god in Inca mythology who commanded lightning and thunder and was revered as a protector of the Incas and their empire. It was constructed from huge stone blocks. No mortar was required to join the blocks together because they were carved and placed with such accuracy. The temple of lightning is thought to have been built in the 15th century, during the reign of the Inca Pachactec.
Cusco cathedral:
It is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru. The construction of the cathedral began in 1559 and was completed in 1669. It was built on the site of the temple of the Inca Wiracocha, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors. The cathedral is a mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic. It also has an impressive collection of religious art, with many works from the Cusco School, one of the most important schools of religious art in Latin America. The cathedral is famous for its main altar, which is made of silver and features many religious artworks and sculptures.
Frequently asked questions
This tour is available year-round, but the best time to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley is during the dry season (April to October). The rainy season (November to March) can bring occasional showers, but it also means fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
Yes, since Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,152 ft), some travelers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. To minimize discomfort, we recommend acclimatizing in the Sacred Valley (lower altitude) before spending extended time in Cusco and staying well-hydrated.
Yes, the flight from Lima to Cusco is not included in the tour package. We recommend booking a morning flight to align with the scheduled Sacred Valley tour.
Absolutely! If you’d like to extend your stay, add extra excursions, or modify the itinerary, let us know, and we’ll tailor the tour to fit your preferences.
The tour includes comfortable 3-star hotels in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes. If you prefer a luxury upgrade or boutique accommodations, we can arrange that for you.
We handle all the logistics, including securing your Machu Picchu entrance ticket in advance. Just bring your passport, as it is required for entry.
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and archaeological sites
- A light rain jacket (especially during the rainy season)
- A small daypack for essentials at Machu Picchu
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the sun
- Layers of clothing to adjust to varying temperatures
Yes! While the tour includes guided activities, you’ll also have free time in Miraflores (Lima), Aguas Calientes, and Cusco to explore, shop, or dine at your leisure.
Yes, PeruRail allows only one carry-on bag (5kg/11lbs) per passenger. Larger luggage should be stored at your hotel in Cusco before heading to Aguas Calientes.
Most activities involve walking on uneven surfaces, stairs, and some mild uphill climbs, especially in Machu Picchu and Cusco. While the tour is not strenuous, a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
We provide a 24-hour WhatsApp support number to assist with any last-minute changes. Please notify us as soon as possible so we can adjust your transfers accordingly.
