5-Day Cusco Tour: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

Start Your 5-Day Cusco Tour with the Historic City Center

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you from the Cusco Airport to your hotel in Cusco. After lunch, the adventure begins with a guided Cusco City Tour. You will explore:

• Qoricancha – the Temple of the Sun and the most important religious site of the Inkas.
• Sacsayhuamán – an enormous stone fortress overlooking the city.
• Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay – sacred ceremonial sites and aqueducts of the Inka elite.

Return to your hotel for a restful night before traveling to Aguas Calientes the next day.

Journey to Aguas Calientes and Explore Local Attractions

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The trip includes a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the charming town and its nearby attractions at your own pace. Optional activities include:

• Waterfalls of Mandor – a short jungle hike with peaceful views.
• Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón).
• Handicraft Market – perfect for souvenirs and local crafts.
• Butterfly Sanctuary – a relaxing and educational visit.

Get a good night’s rest in Aguas Calientes in preparation for the highlight of your trip.

Highlight of the 5-Day Cusco Tour: Explore Machu Picchu

Today is the highlight of your 5-day Cusco tour. After an early breakfast, start the 2-hour hike to Machu Picchu or board the shuttle bus (at an additional cost) to the gates of Machu Picchu.

Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour tour through the main areas of the lost Inka citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Intihuatana, and agricultural terraces. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore or hike to the Sun Gate.

Return by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving by evening. Optional: stay one more night in Aguas Calientes to hike Huayna Picchu the next morning (advance booking required). If you just want the Machu Picchu tour click here.

Explore the Sacred Valley on Day Four of the 5-Day Cusco Tour

Around 6:30 am, we’ll depart for a full-day tour through the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Our stops include:

• Chinchero – it is a mix of inkas and colonial styles.
• Moray – An Inka laboratory designed to adapt crops to various ecological environments.
• Salt Mines -An ingenious method for extracting salt.
• Urubamba – savor a delicious buffet lunch surrounded by Andean views.
• Ollantaytambo – climb the iconic terraces of this ancient fortress and admire the precision of Inka engineering.
• Pisac – enjoy both the impressive archaeological site and the traditional artisan market.

After the tour, return to Cusco for a good night’s sleep before your Rainbow Mountain hike.

Final Day of Your 5-Day Cusco Tour: Hike Rainbow Mountain

Your final adventure begins before sunrise. After a hotel pickup at 4:30 am and 3-hour drive to the trailhead, you’ll start the trek to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), located at over 5,000 meters (16,500 feet).

Hike through high Andean landscapes, alpaca herds, and snowcapped peaks. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the colorful, mineral-striped mountain.

After the descent, enjoy a buffet lunch before returning to Cusco in the afternoon, ending your unforgettable 5-day Cusco tour. After that we will take you to the airport.