Peru · Archaeology

5-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour with Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain

5 Days Round trip from Cusco Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Cusco's historic center, including Plaza de Armas, the Twelve Angles Stone, and Qoricancha
  • 02 Visit four important archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, Quenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay
  • 03 Discover Chinchero's traditional natural dyeing methods and the circular terraces of Moray
  • 04 Travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and continue by train to Aguas Calientes
  • 05 Tour Machu Picchu with a knowledgeable guide and learn the history of this incredible wonder
  • 06 Hike to Rainbow Mountain for striking high-altitude scenery and memorable photographs

Discover Cusco through its historic center, important Inca and colonial landmarks, the Sacred Valley, and the unforgettable citadel of Machu Picchu. This 5-day tour combines city history, archaeology, living traditions in Chinchero, and the dramatic landscapes of Rainbow Mountain. Explore sites such as Plaza de Armas, the Twelve Angles Stone, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Moray, and Ollantaytambo while learning about the region's rich heritage. With transportation, train travel, guided visits, and accommodation included, it offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Peru's most iconic places.

Discover Cusco through its historic center, important Inca and colonial landmarks, the Sacred Valley, and the unforgettable citadel of Machu Picchu.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cusco City Tour and Four Archaeological Sites

  • We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Afterwards, we will explore downtown Cusco, starting with a visit to the main square, Plaza de Armas. Next, we will see the Twelve Angles Stone and Qoricancha Church, offering insight into the Inca royal houses and the Spanish constructions built upon Inca walls. We will then continue to four archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, Quenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.

Included: Round-trip transportation from the airport to your hotel, guide, entrance fees, and hostel in the center of the city.

2
Day 02

Sacred Valley Tour and Overnight in Aguas Calientes

  • Our day will begin with a visit to Chinchero, where we will learn about the traditional methods used by native people to extract natural dyes from llamas and alpacas. Then, we will explore the circular terraces of Moray and visit the nearby Ollantaytambo archaeological site. From there, we will head to the train station to board a train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town, where we will spend the night.

Included: Transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the Sacred Valley, train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and hostel accommodation.

3
Day 03

Machu Picchu Guided Visit and Return to Cusco

  • After breakfast, we will take a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. Our knowledgeable guide will provide a detailed explanation of the history and significance of this incredible wonder. We will then take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a van will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco.

Included: Round-trip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, English-speaking guide, train ticket to Ollantaytambo, van transportation to Cusco, and hostel accommodation in the center of the city.

4
Day 04

Rainbow Mountain Hike

  • We will depart at 4:30 am for Cusipata town to have breakfast. From there, we will embark on a 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain, capturing stunning photographs. Afterwards, we will descend to our van and head to a restaurant for lunch. Finally, we will return to Cusco.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, entrance fee, transportation, and guide.

5
Day 05

Departure Transfer

  • We will arrange your transfer to the airport for your departure.
Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, circular terraces of Moray

Where this trip takes you

Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, circular terraces of Moray

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cusco 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Entrance tickets
  • Four nights of hotels
  • Professional guides: our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and are passionate about teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
  • Transportation
  • All your transportation is included on this tour. We will pick you up from your hotel on the first morning and ensure you are escorted until you are returned to your hotel.
  • Train tickets: train tickets are from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in the Expeditions tourist class.
  • Transfers: no matter which train you take from Machu Picchu to Cusco, the transfer back from the train station to your hotel is included.

What's Not Included

  • Meals
  • Drinks
  • Personal stuff

What to bring

  • Hats
  • Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Bottle of water
  • Camera
  • Small money
  • Personal belongings

Know before you go

  • You must arrive one day before, or early in the morning, to start the city tour.
  • Please make sure to pay for the tour one week before you arrive.
  • Let us know if you have any food restrictions.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Airport or hotel
Tour start
Cusco, Perú
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Cusco.

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Starting from

USD 750 /person
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