Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco
You'll arrive in Cusco and check into your hotel. The main focus today is taking it easy and getting used to the altitude, since you're at about 3,400 meters above sea level. Stay hydrated throughout the day, maybe take a gentle walk around town if you're feeling up to it, or just relax at your hotel. Sipping some traditional coca tea can help your body adjust to the elevation.
Optional Activities
- Gentle walk around local area
- Sip traditional coca tea
- Day 2
Moray - Maras - Aguas Calientes
An early pickup gets you headed toward Chinchero to see Inca walls and a colonial church. From there, you'll watch local artisans demonstrate traditional Andean weaving techniques. Next, you head to Moray to check out the circular agricultural terraces, then down to the Maras Salt Mines where over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds are carved into the mountainside. Later in the day, you'll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes and settle into your hotel for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Full-day tour to Chinchero with Inca walls and colonial church
- Live demonstration of traditional Andean weaving
- Visit to Moray circular agricultural terraces
- Tour of Maras Salt Mines
- Scenic train to Aguas Calientes (Executive Service - Inca Rail or Expedition Service - Peru Rail)
Landmarks/POIs Chinchero Moray Maras Salt Mines - Day 3
Machu Picchu
Wake up early for a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu's entrance. Your guide will lead you through a 2-hour tour of the Inca citadel, explaining its history, architecture, and spiritual significance. After exploring, you'll head back down to Aguas Calientes where you have free time for lunch and to wander around. In the afternoon, you'll take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then travel back to Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with professional guide
- Official entrance to Machu Picchu
- Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu entrance (round trip)
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Voyager - Inca Rail or Expedition - Peru Rail)
Optional Activities
- Lunch at local restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (45 minutes up, 45 minutes down, steep and narrow in places)
- Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain (less steep and wider trails than Huayna Picchu)
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu Mountain Machu Picchu Mountain - Day 4
Rainbow Mountain
Very early pickup takes you south toward Cusipata for breakfast. After driving another 45 minutes or so, you'll start a 2-hour hike through landscapes where alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas roam with local shepherds watching over them. You'll reach Rainbow Mountain, which has striking mineral-colored stripes and views of Ausangate, the region's highest peak. After hiking back down, you'll have a buffet lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast in Cusipata), Lunch (Buffet lunch in Cusipata)
Included Activities
- Full-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain
- Views of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in Cusco
Optional Activities
- Horse rental from local residents to reduce hiking time
Landmarks/POIs Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Ausangate Mountain - Day 5
Humantay Lake
Very early pickup heads northwest to Mollepata for breakfast. From there, you'll continue to Soraypampa at the base of the Andes and begin a moderate uphill hike lasting about 2 hours. Along the way, you'll see varied plants and wildlife with views of snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains. You'll reach Humantay Lake, which has vibrant turquoise waters, and spend 30 to 40 minutes there taking photos and resting. The hike back down follows the same route, then you'll enjoy a hearty buffet lunch in Mollepata before heading back to Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Delicious breakfast in Mollepata), Lunch (Hearty buffet lunch in Mollepata)
Included Activities
- Day trip to Humantay Lake
- Moderate uphill hike of approximately 2 hours to Humantay Lake
- Views of snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains
- 30 to 40 minutes rest time at Humantay Lake
Landmarks/POIs Humantay Lake Salkantay Mountain - Day 6
Cusco to Airport
Your morning is free, so you can relax, explore Cusco on your own, do some shopping, or rest at your hotel. In the afternoon, your transfer to Cusco Airport is scheduled based on your flight time, making sure you get there without any issues.
Optional Activities
- Explore Cusco's historic charm
- Last-minute shopping
