Peru Cusco and Machu Picchu 6-Day Tour

With a relaxed and happy mood, you’ll be heading on a flight to the charming southern city of Cusco, Peru! Once you land, your friendly tour guide will be holding a sign to greet you at the airport. Guests arriving around the same time will be grouped together and taken to the hotel on the same bus. Please note, meals on your own will be at your own expense.

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Free Airport Pick-up on the First Day of Your Tour:

The pick-up times refer to when guests meet our staff after retrieving their luggage from the baggage claim area of their respective airline.

Pick-up Location: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Pick-up Times: 12:00, 16:00, and 18:00

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Hotel：Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado; Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay; or similar
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Nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is a magical destination. With its mild climate, the majestic Andes Mountains as a backdrop, and a rich history filled with ancient fortresses and vibrant villages, this is truly the heart of the Inca world.

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Pisac Market, one of the most renowned food markets in Cusco. Dating back centuries, this market was a gathering place during the colonial era, and today it offers a delightful variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade artisan goods.

Next, we’ll explore the Parque Arqueológico de Pisac, where you’ll get a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Inca civilization.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Ollantaytambo Ruins. Known as a masterpiece of Inca architecture, this site features 17 impressive terraces leading up to a fortress. At the summit, you’ll find the striking Sun Gate, a wall with 10 niches, and a magnificent Sun Temple made of six massive pink granite boulders. It’s a breathtaking glimpse into the past, set amidst stunning scenery.

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Itinerary:

Pisac Market → Parque Arqueológico de Pisac → Ollantaytambo Ruins → Hotel
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Parque Arqueológico de Pisac

The National Archaeological Park of Pisac is a vast site encompassing a wide range of ancient remains, including terraces, aqueducts, roads with walls and gates, channeled waterways, cemeteries, and bridges. Spanning an impressive area of 4 square kilometers, the ruins are spread across the hills, arranged in intricate clusters in some areas, while in others, isolated structures stand apart from the main groups. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the advanced engineering and complex urban planning of the Inca civilization.

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Ollantaytambo Ruins

Ollantaytambo was a crucial agricultural, military, and religious hub during the Inca Empire. Today, it still captivates visitors with its remarkable masonry and towering structures nestled in the Peruvian Andes. It is believed to have served as the last stronghold for the Inca nobility as they fled from the Spanish conquistadors into the jungle. Like many other Inca marvels, the site was constructed using massive, expertly carved stones, showcasing the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of the Inca civilization.

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Hotel：Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado; Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay; or similar
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After breakfast, we’ll begin our day by exploring Moray, one of the most fascinating Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. Moray consists of three groups of circular terraces (known as muyus in Quechua) that descend 490 feet (150 meters) from the highest terrace to the lowest. Each circular depression is made up of 12 levels of terraces, with the largest one spanning a remarkable 600 feet in diameter. Surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains, the sight of these man-made craters is awe-inspiring and filled with mystery.

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Next, we’ll head to the Salineras de Maras, a collection of over 3,000 natural salt ponds near the town of Maras. These terraces, carved by the Incas, create a breathtaking landscape that, from a distance, appears like a blanket of snow. The pools shimmer in a variety of white and earthy brown hues, with the prized Peruvian pink salt still harvested today. While the ponds were human-made, the water that fills them flows from a natural underground spring, quietly replenishing the pools with its valuable mineral-rich water.

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Our final stop will be Chinchero, a charming town that embodies the essence of Cusco. Known for its rich history and vibrant crafts, Chinchero offers a glimpse into traditional Andean culture. After visiting the town, we’ll return to the hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

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Hotel：Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado; Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay; or similar
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After departing from the hotel, we’ll board the bus to Ollantaytambo. Once we arrive, we’ll hop on the scenic train to Machu Picchu, a famous route that follows the winding Urubamba River. With panoramic skylights on the train, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley as we journey toward our destination.

Upon reaching the station, we’ll take a short walk to the bus stop, where, under the guidance of our guide, we’ll board a public bus that will take us up to Machu Picchu. Here, we’ll explore this incredibly well-preserved pre-Columbian Inca citadel, marveling at the architectural wonders and breathtaking views.

After our visit to Machu Picchu, we’ll return to Ollantaytambo by train, then take the bus back to Cusco, reflecting on a day filled with ancient history and stunning landscapes.

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Itinerary:

Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Include train tickets) → Machu Picchu (include ticket) → Take the train back to Ollantaytambo → Cusco

Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu Observation Train Time: 07:22-08:48

Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo Observation Train Time: 16:12-17:50

The above train times are for reference only. Due to the high availability and limited resources, the time will be adjusted according to the actual situation.
The allowed luggage for the train is 8 kilograms per person.
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Note:

Machu Picchu Ticket Availability: Due to limited ticket availability, please provide your accurate passport details as soon as possible when booking. Failure to submit this information in a timely manner may result in an unsuccessful ticket reservation. Thank you for your understanding.

Ticket Policy: Once booked, Machu Picchu tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.

Itinerary Adjustments: Depending on ticket availability, the sequence of activities and hotel arrangements may be subject to change. However, all aspects of the itinerary will remain the same.

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Hotel：Xima Exclusive Cusco; or similar
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Today you can freely travel in Cusco or choose to participate in option tours
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Cusco tour and nearby ruins (option 1)

Begin your journey with a guided exploration of Cusco’s historic main square, where you’ll visit the majestic Cusco Cathedral. Constructed between 1560 and 1664, this architectural masterpiece was built using striking red granite stones sourced from the ancient Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.

Continue to the impressive Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the Convento de Santo Domingo, a colonial-era monastery built atop what was once the most sacred Inca temple. Once adorned with walls covered in shimmering gold foil, Coricancha was dedicated to Inti, the revered Sun God of the Incas.

After delving into the heart of Cusco, your tour extends to the surrounding hills, where you’ll explore four remarkable archaeological sites:

Sacsayhuamán – Marvel at the immense, zigzagging stone walls built with astonishing precision.

Qenko – Discover this mysterious site carved into solid rock, believed to have served ceremonial purposes.

Puca Pucara – A reddish fortress offering panoramic views of the valley (optional stop).

Tambomachay – Admire the finely crafted stone aqueducts and fountains, thought to be a site of water worship.

After your enriching visit to these iconic sites, you’ll return to your hotel with a deeper understanding of Cusco’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

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Trekking to Rainbow Mountain (option 2)

Embark on a magical journey to Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Seven-Color Mountain. This breathtaking destination, once part of the ancient Quechua trade routes, is now recognized as a natural wonder.
Your day begins early in Cusco as we head south, passing through the towns of Urcos and Checacupe before arriving at the community of Pitumarca (approx. 2-hour drive). Here, we’ll stop for a delicious breakfast, which will take about 40 minutes.

After a briefing from your guide, we’ll continue by vehicle to the starting point of our trek (approx. 1-hour drive). From there, you’ll begin your hike at the base of the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain. The ascent will take about 2.5 hours, leading you to the peak where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot South American camelids and the unique flora of the region.

Once at the top, you’ll have approximately 40 minutes to take photos and marvel at the colorful landscape. After soaking in the view, we’ll begin our descent, which will take around 2 hours. At the bottom, we’ll regroup and head to a local restaurant in Pitumarca for a tasty lunch.
Afterward, we’ll return to Cusco, bringing an unforgettable experience to a close.

Included:

Boxed breakfast
Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain
Lunch

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Hotel：Xima Exclusive Cusco; or similar
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End of Your Unforgettable Journey:

Today marks the conclusion of your amazing adventure with us! You may book a flight that suits your schedule to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).

Please note that our team provides a single drop-off service from the hotel at 8:00 AM. If you have an early flight and need to leave the hotel before 8:00 AM, kindly arrange your own transportation to the airport.