WhyYou’ll Love This Tour
Culture, History & Adventure
Visit ancient Inca ruins, connect with local communities, and experience breathtaking Andean landscapes.
Beat the Crowds
With early starts and an optimized itinerary, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and immersive experience by avoiding the usual tourist rush.
Seamless & Hassle-Free Travel
Enjoy expert-guided tours, handpicked accommodations, and well-planned logistics for a stress-free experience.
Overview
Experience the heart of the Incan Empire with our signature peru 5 day itinerary. This journey is meticulously crafted to showcase the historical grandeur of the Andes, from the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the towering peaks of the Sacred Valley. Built on our core philosophy of “German precision, Peruvian passion,” we manage every logistical detail with total reliability. Backed by over 1,500+ 5-star reviews, this machu picchu 5 day tour ensures you discover the region’s most iconic wonders with professional safety standards and an authentic local heart.
Exploring the Capital of the Incas: Your 5-Day Cusco Guide
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the historic “Navel of the World.” This Cusco 5 day guide starts with a focus on proper acclimatization, allowing you to explore the city’s colonial plazas and Incan foundations at a comfortable pace. We apply “German precision” to your airport arrivals and private transfers, ensuring a smooth start to your 5 days in Cusco. As you wander through the San Blas neighborhood, our guides share their “Peruvian passion” for the city’s unique blend of cultures, providing an essential foundation for the archaeological wonders to follow.
Sacred Valley Heritage: Avoiding the Crowds in the Highlands
The second part of your Cusco 5 day itinerary takes you deep into the Sacred Valley. In all of our short Peru itineraries, we use optimized itineraries to visit the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras when they are at their most serene. Our strategy to avoid the crowds ensures you can appreciate the architectural genius of the Incas without the typical tourist rush. Because our journeys are 100% customizable tours, we can include private visits to artisanal workshops in Chinchero or the living Incan town of Ollantaytambo, making your 5 days in Cusco peru deeply personal and authentic.
The Spiritual Zenith: A Dedicated Machu Picchu Express Tour
The highlight of your journey is a visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. On this machu picchu express tour, we coordinate all train and entry logistics with total precision, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of the ruins. Our expert guides provide a deep dive into the history of the “Lost City,” ensuring your visit is a profound cultural connection rather than just a photo opportunity. This segment of the best of Cusco in 5 days is designed to provide maximum impact and clarity, capturing the true essence of the Incan civilization.
Adventure and Reflection: Concluding Your 5-Day Peru Journey
To round out your Cusco itinerary for 5 days, we offer optional high-altitude adventures, such as a visit to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake. Every aspect of our planning reflects a commitment to safety and quality, ensuring your 5 day Cusco tour package is as reliable as it is moving, making it a one of our top-rated tours to Machu Picchu. Trust in our proven track record to deliver a flawlessly executed adventure that balances the logistical perfection of “German precision” with the warm, welcoming heart of “Peruvian passion.” By the end of your trip, you will have experienced the very best of Cusco and Machu Picchu with total peace of mind.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 : Arrival in Cusco
- Day 2 : Sacred Valley
- Day 3 : Machu Picchu
- Day 4 : Cusco & Optional Activities
- Day 5 : Rainbow Mountain
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Cusco
Today’s Highlight: Explore Cusco’s top cultural sights, from Qoricancha to the artistic streets of San Blas.
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be picked up from the airport by our staff and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will embark on a cultural journey and explore the main sights of Cusco, such as Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman and much more. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can do this tour on day 4.
Lunch or dinner included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 2 : Sacred Valley
Today’s Highlight: Visit Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo while enjoying Andean culture and landscapes.
Embark on a captivating journey to the Sacred Valley’s most important destinations: Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the Andean landscape, visit a lively local textile center, and also explore a local chicheria on our small group/private tours.
After the tour, you can either continue to Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco to prepare for your upcoming Machu Picchu tour the next day.
Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
Day 3 : Machu Picchu
Today’s Highlight: Discover Machu Picchu’s iconic temples and terraces on a private guided tour.
Enjoy a 2-hour private tour with our expert guide to the most significant sites of the Machu Picchu ruins. Discover the fascinating history and culture of the Incas as you fall in love with the unique story of Machu Picchu and gain a deeper understanding of this ancient wonder.
After the tour you will be transferred back to Cusco.
Lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 4 : Cusco City & Optional Activities
Today’s Highlight: Enjoy a free day in Cusco with optional authentic experiences.
Take the day at your own pace and explore Cusco the way you prefer. Choose from unique optional activities, such as an alpaca and llama walk, a visit to a local Andean community, or a hands-on cooking class that introduces you to Peru’s rich culinary traditions.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 5 : Rainbow Mountain
Today’s Highlight: Reach Rainbow Mountain early and take in its colorful slopes and Andean scenery.
Be an early explorer and savor the tranquility atop the Andes! Witness the colorful wonders of Vinicunca rainbow mountain, stunning red landscapes and encounter llamas and alpacas. Our small group and private tours ensure you’re among the first to reach the summit, escaping the crowds for an exclusive experience.
After the tour, we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.
Breakfast and lunch included
- Included
- Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you (for small-group and private tours)
- All tours stated in the itinerary with fluent English speaking licensed local guides
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegetarian and vegan options available)
- Hotels if you choose to include them
- All entrance, train- and shuttle bus tickets for Machu Picchu
- Trekking poles, first-aid kit and oxygen for the hikes
- Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip
- Not Included
- Domestic and international flights (will be added in the quote if desired)
Prices
Note: rates depend on the child’s age – under 5, the room is charged for 2 instead of 3.
- Service
- Comfortable 3-start hotels
- Standard train to Machu Picchu
- Shared/private transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Service
- Upgraded 4-start hotels
- Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- More comfortable transport
- Restaurant upgrades
- Service
- Luxury 5-start hotels
- Hiram Bingham train (optional)
- VIP private transfers
- Exclusive experiences
Hotels
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- 200 m from train station
Inkaterra El Pueblo sits at the foot of Machu Picchu near the train station, offering upscale comfort, lush nature, and an immersive stay for your visit.
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
- Next to train station
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu is a luxury retreat near the train station, with elegant rooms, modern comforts, private bathrooms, mini-bars, satellite TV, luggage storage, and attentive concierge service.
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
- 5 min from the bus station
Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu offers peaceful rooms with cable TV, mini-bars, and private bathrooms, some with hillside views, plus a panoramic sun terrace and free WiFi, just a short walk from Machu Picchu.
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection
- 500 m from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Palacio del Inka, beside the Koricancha Temple, is a luxury hotel built on original Inca foundations, featuring stunning colonial architecture and guided historical tours.
Novotel
- 350 m from Plaza de Armas (main Square)
Novotel Cusco, set in a restored 16th-century building just three blocks from the main square, offers modern comfort, local charm, and a heated courtyard for relaxing.
Rumi Punku
- 300 m away from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Hotel Rumi Punku is a charming 3-star stay just 300m from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, offering cozy rooms with private bathrooms and cable TV, free WiFi, and a traditional courtyard garden.
Love these hotels?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days in Cusco enough to see Machu Picchu?
Yes! Our Peru 5 day itinerary is specifically designed for a high-impact experience. It provides enough time for acclimatization in Cusco, a full day in the Sacred Valley, and a dedicated visit to Machu Picchu without feeling rushed.
How do we handle the altitude during our 5 days in Cusco?
We prioritize your health by including acclimatization days and recommending lower-altitude sites early in the Cusco 5 day itinerary. We also provide coca tea and advice on mindful breathing to help your body adjust to the Andes safely.
Can I customize my 5 day Cusco tour?
Absolutely. We offer 100% customizable tours. You can choose to add a cooking class in Cusco, upgrade your train to Machu Picchu, or extend your stay to include a short trek, tailored specifically to your interests.
What is the best way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The most efficient and scenic way is taking a private transfer to the Sacred Valley followed by a comfortable train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. We manage all these transitions with “German precision” for a seamless experience.
What should I pack for a 5-day trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu?
You will need layers! The weather in Cusco can change from warm sun to chilly rain quickly. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen, and a small daypack for your visit to the ruins.
