- Itinerary
Full 6-Day Itinerary: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail 2D, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
*Modifications can be made to all tours, contact us for more info.
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, where our friendly team will greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Situated at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level, Cusco’s high altitude makes acclimatization essential, so your first day is dedicated entirely to adjusting to the elevation.
We recommend taking it easy during your first day. Walk at a relaxed pace, stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol, and try a traditional coca tea, a local herbal infusion widely enjoyed by visitors to help ease the effects of altitude. Spend the afternoon exploring Cusco’s charming historic center, stroll through the Plaza de Armas, admire the impressive colonial buildings constructed on ancient Inca foundations, and browse the artisan markets for high-quality alpaca clothing and handcrafted souvenirs—perfect keepsakes and great additions to your travel photos.
In the evening, experience Cusco’s renowned culinary scene at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
- Overnight in Cusco
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour – Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo
On the second day, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
Your first stop is Moray, an extraordinary Inca agricultural laboratory featuring a series of concentric circular terraces that descend like a natural amphitheater. The Incas used these terraces to experiment with different microclimates, allowing them to cultivate crops from various ecological zones in a single location. The temperature difference between the highest and lowest terraces can exceed 15°C (27°F), demonstrating the remarkable agricultural engineering and scientific knowledge of the Inca civilization.
Just a short drive away are the Maras Salt Mines, a breathtaking complex of more than 3,000 terraced salt pools carved into the mountainside. These salt ponds have been continuously harvested since pre-Inca times, with mineral-rich spring water naturally flowing into each pool. The striking contrast of white salt terraces against the green valley creates one of the most photographed landscapes in the Cusco region.
The journey continues to Ollantaytambo, the only living Inca town in Peru where the original urban layout remains inhabited much as it was centuries ago. Here, you’ll explore the impressive Inca fortress and ceremonial complex, home to massive agricultural terraces and the famous Temple of the Sun, built with enormous pink granite blocks precisely fitted together without mortar. Ollantaytambo was also the site of one of the few battles in which the Incas successfully defeated the Spanish conquistadors.
After the tour, you’ll spend the night at your hotel in the Sacred Valley (or return to Cusco, depending on the tour option you choose), resting and preparing for the exciting 2-Day Short Inca Trail adventure that begins the following morning.
- Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 3: Short Inca Trail – From Kilometer 104 to the Sun Gate
Today is the highlight of the journey for many travelers—the beginning of the legendary Inca Trail trek. After breakfast, you’ll board the train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, the starting point of the 2-Day Short Inca Trail.
After crossing the Urubamba River via a suspension bridge, your hike begins with a gradual ascent toward the magnificent archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. Perched high above the Urubamba Canyon, this remarkable Inca complex features impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, and finely crafted stone structures. Throughout the 6 to 7-hour hike, you’ll walk along original Inca stone paths through lush cloud forests filled with native orchids and extraordinary biodiversity, while your expert guide shares fascinating insights into Inca history, engineering, and the Andean worldview.
The most unforgettable moment of the day comes in the late afternoon as you reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate)—the historic ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu used by Inca pilgrims centuries ago. From this privileged viewpoint, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable reward after your hike. From there, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you’ll savor a delicious Peruvian dinner and spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel, preparing for your guided visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.
Hiking Difficulty: The Short Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It requires a reasonable level of fitness but is suitable for most travelers who have properly acclimatized to the altitude during their stay in Cusco.
- Box lunch and dinner included
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour
Wake up early for one of the most unforgettable moments of your journey. After breakfast, you’ll take one of the first shuttle buses to Machu Picchu, arriving before the larger crowds to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watching the morning light illuminate the surrounding mountains and the Lost City of the Incas is an experience you’ll never forget.
Once inside the citadel, your expert bilingual guide will lead you on a 2-hour guided tour through Machu Picchu’s most important sectors. Discover the remarkable achievements of Inca engineering as you visit highlights such as the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock, the Intihuatana (the famous ceremonial sundial), the agricultural terraces, and the residential sector. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history, architecture, and purpose of this extraordinary site, exploring the different theories about whether Machu Picchu served as a royal estate, a sacred religious sanctuary, or an important administrative center. You’ll also hear the fascinating story of its international rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Optional Upgrade: For an even more spectacular experience, you can add a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These optional climbs reward hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding Andes. Advance reservations are required, as permits are limited and often sell out months in advance.
After your guided tour, you’ll return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain
Day five is dedicated to one of southern Peru’s most spectacular natural wonders: Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Your adventure begins with an early morning departure at 3:00 AM from Cusco in private transportation, heading toward the community of Cusipata, where your hike begins.
The trail gradually ascends to an altitude of approximately 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes. The hike to the summit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through high-altitude landscapes, grazing alpacas and llamas, and traditional Andean communities.
Your effort is rewarded upon reaching the summit, where you’ll witness the vibrant, multicolored slopes of Rainbow Mountain. The mountain’s striking bands of pink, red, gold, turquoise, green, and lavender are the result of millions of years of geological activity and the presence of various minerals, including iron oxide, sulfur, copper, and calcium carbonate.
Take time to admire the incredible scenery, capture unforgettable photos, and soak in one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes before descending back to the trailhead.
After the hike, you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch (included in the tour) before returning to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.
Your final evening in Cusco is the perfect opportunity to relax after several days of adventure. You may choose to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, stroll through its charming colonial streets one last time, or celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at one of Cusco’s outstanding local restaurants.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
- Overnight in Cusco
Day 6: Outbound Flight
On your final day, you’ll have free time to explore Cusco at your own pace. Take the opportunity to stroll through the historic streets, shop for souvenirs, relax at a local café, or, if you wish, join an optional Cusco City Tour to discover more of the city’s rich Inca and colonial heritage.
When you’re ready, our local team will pick you up from your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure for your return flight or your onward journey to your next destination.
- Included
- Transfers: Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you.
- Professional guides: Fluent English speaking licensed local guide.
- Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.
- Train tickets: The train tickets are in regular expeditions tourist class round trip, if you are interested in upgranding to the vistadome train, it will be $75 one way and $125 round trip.
- Meals: Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegetarian and vegan options available).
- Entrance tickets for the all tours
- First aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: Trekking pole, first aid kit and oxygen for the hikes.
- Not Included
- Hiking sticks ($15)
- Domestic and international flights
- Hotels: Contact us if you’d like us to include them for you.
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek.
- Prices
The 6-day Peru Tour is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.
Based on double/triple occupancy and the hotels mentioned below or similar ones in the same category.
Small Group Tours
USD 1169
Only Tours
USD 1549
3 Star
USD 1789
4 Star
USD 3279
5 Star
Private Tours
USD 1309
Only Tours
USD 1689
3 Star
USD 1929
4 Star
USD 00
5 Star
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing.
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that We travel charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Student Discount:
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@altitudexperience.com.
$25 off per person
Additional Items:
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Overview section for more details
- Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person
- Vistadome Train (round trip):Â $125 per person
- Hotels
Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection
Novotel
Rumi Punku
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba
Tierra Viva Ollantaytambo
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
El MaPi Hotel byInkaterra
Inti Punku
- Packing List
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Clothes in layers
- Passport
- Personal medication
- Plastic bags for rain situations
- Pocket money in Soles or USD dolars
- Sun glases
- Sun hat
- Sun scream
- Swimsuit
- Toilet paper
- Warm clothes for overnights
- Water purifier
- Waterproof clothes
- Waterproof hiking shoes
