Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain - 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Difficulty
- Easy- Moderate
- Altitude
- 4,300 m / 14,107 ft
- Group Size
- 10 people
Discover the best of Cusco and the Inca world on this 5-day journey through Peru's most iconic destinations.
Walk through the historic streets of Cusco, explore the remarkable ruins surrounding the city, and visit the Sacred Valley's most important sites, including Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. Travel by train to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Inca citadel before completing your adventure with a visit to the colorful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain.
Combining history, culture, stunning mountain scenery, and unforgettable experiences, this itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to experience the essential highlights of Cusco in a comfortable and well-organized trip.
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and City Tour Hotel: San Agustin International or similar |
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo Hotel: Hotel Ferre or similar |
Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu — Return to Cusco Hotel: San Agustin International or similar |
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Hotel: San Agustin International or similar |
Day 5: Transfer Out |
- Reply within 24 hours
- Flexible cancellation
- Locally operated in cusco, Peru
Inclusions of Your Package
Included: The following services are included in your package based on our group tour option.
- Private airport transfers in a comfortable tourist vehicle.
- Entrance tickets to all attractions included in the itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Tourist transportation during all scheduled tours.
- Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Meals specified in the itinerary.
- Hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar.
Hotels Included
| Hotel | Room | Nights | Check-in / Check-out |
| San Agustin Internacional | Double | 3 | 1:00 pm / 10:00 am |
| Hotel Ferre | Double | 1 | 12:00 pm / 10:00 am |
The hotels listed are subject to availability. If necessary, we will provide accommodations of a similar category and standard.
What's Not Included
- International or domestic flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities.
Flights: We are happy to recommend the best flight schedule for your itinerary. We suggest checking airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, or JetSMART.
Day 1 / Welcome to Cusco and city tour in the afternoon
Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Cusco.
At 1:00 pm, your city tour begins at Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. Continue on a walking tour through the city's most important attractions, including the famous 12-Angled Stone, the artistic neighborhood of San Blas, and Loreto Street, where you'll experience Cusco's rich history and culture.
Next, visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important temple of the Inca Empire, renowned for its walls once covered in gold. The tour then continues to the impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Finally, stop at Cristo Blanco to enjoy panoramic views of Cusco and the Andes before returning to your hotel.
Included: Tourist transportation, professional English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to the Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the Cusco Tourist Ticket (including Sacsayhuaman and the archaeological sites).
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: San Agustin International or similar
Day 2 / Tour Sacred Valley and stay in Aguas Calientes
Explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley on this full-day tour, beginning with the ancient Inca citadel of Pisac, renowned for its impressive terraces, panoramic mountain views, and vibrant artisan market. Continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns, where you'll admire its remarkable stone architecture and ceremonial temples.
Next, visit Moray, a fascinating complex of circular terraces believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory, before exploring the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds have been harvested since pre-Inca times. Enjoy lunch in the village of Urubamba before boarding your evening train to Aguas Calientes.
Included: Tourist transportation, professional English-speaking guide, Cusco Tourist Ticket, and train ticket to Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hotel: Hotel Ferre or similar
Day 3 / Machu Picchu guided visit and return to Cusco
Take a scenic 40-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel lasting approximately two and a half hours. Explore the site's most important temples, ceremonial areas, sacred fountains, agricultural terraces, and remarkable stone architecture while learning about the history, engineering, and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.
After the guided tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time for lunch before boarding the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.
Included: Professional English-speaking guide, entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, Vistadome train ticket to Ollantaytambo, and private transportation from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: San Agustin International or similar
Day 4 / Rainbow Mountain tour
Your adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, you'll travel approximately three hours through the scenic South Valley to the trailhead near Rainbow Mountain. Before starting the hike, enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast while taking in spectacular views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
After breakfast, begin the hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of Peru's most breathtaking natural attractions. The ascent takes about two hours and is considered moderately challenging due to the high altitude of approximately 5,036 m (16,522 ft). Once at the summit, you'll have plenty of time to admire the colorful mineral-striped landscape, take photographs, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Andes.
After soaking in the scenery, descend back to the trailhead, where a delicious lunch awaits. Finally, relax on the return drive to Cusco, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.
Included: Tourist transportation, professional English-speaking guide, entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain, breakfast, and lunch.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hotel: San Agustin International or similar
Day 5 / Transfer out
At the scheduled time, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Cusco Airport for your departing flight.
Included: Private transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Packing List
Traveling through Cusco and Machu Picchu doesn't require heavy equipment, but packing smart will help you enjoy every moment of your journey. Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so it's best to be prepared for sunny mornings, cool evenings, and occasional rain.
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu)
- Travel insurance information
- Student ID (if applicable for discounted tickets)
- Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses and small purchases
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes
- Comfortable pants for sightseeing
- T-shirts or breathable shirts
- Warm fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothes for the evenings
- Undergarments and socks for four days
Daypack Essentials
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Lip balm
- Personal medications
- Camera or smartphone
- Portable power bank
- Snacks for travel days
- Insect repellent (especially for Machu Picchu)
Optional Items
- Travel pillow
- Lightweight umbrella (during the rainy season)
- Extra camera batteries or memory cards
- Small notebook or travel journal
Our Best of Cusco 5 Days / 4 Nights Tour is a small-group experience that lets you discover Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the region's most iconic attractions with expert local guides.
The package includes accommodation, transportation, entrance tickets, guided tours, daily breakfast, and all the services listed in the itinerary.
The tour price is based on the number of travelers in your booking.
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 1398 |
| 2 | US$ 874 |
| 3 | US$ 769 |
| 4 | US$ 710 |
| 5 | US$ 703 |
| 6 | US$ 664 |
| 7 | US$ 649 |
| 8 | US$ 636 |
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level, so some travelers may experience mild altitude symptoms. We recommend arriving hydrated, taking it easy on your first day, and drinking coca tea if needed.
Is Machu Picchu entrance included?
Yes. Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included according to availability and the official government circuits available at the time of booking.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes. These hikes require separate permits with limited daily availability. We recommend requesting them when booking your tour.
Which train is included?
The package includes a tourist-class train. If you'd like a more comfortable experience, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional cost.
What type of hotels are included?
The itinerary includes comfortable 3-star hotels such as Casa Andina Standard and Hotel Ferre, or similar accommodations with private rooms and breakfast included.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included every day, and lunch is included during the Sacred Valley Tour. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy local restaurants at your own pace.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. We can upgrade hotels, arrange private tours, add extra nights in Cusco, include Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, or combine this package with other destinations in Peru.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from April through October generally offers the best weather for sightseeing. However, Machu Picchu is open year-round, and each season has its own charm.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least two to three months in advance, especially if you're traveling during the high season or wish to secure specific Machu Picchu circuits or Huayna Picchu permits.
