Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco
You'll arrive in Cusco and get transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and let your body adjust to the altitude at 3,400 meters/11,000 feet. This first day is important for acclimatization before everything gets going.
- Day 2
Maras - Chinchero
After breakfast, you'll drive through the Andes to see Moray's impressive Inca agricultural terraces. From there, head to the ancient salt mines of Maras with its 3,000 cascading pools. Later in the afternoon, you'll reach Chinchero where there are well-preserved Inca walls, a colonial church, and you can learn about how locals still practice traditional Andean textile weaving.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to Inca agricultural terraces of Moray (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cusco)
- Explore Moray's amphitheater-like terraces
- Visit ancient salt mines of Maras
- Visit Chinchero town with Inca walls and colonial church
- Learn about Andean weaving techniques and view intricate artistry
Landmarks/POIs Moray Maras Salt Mines Chinchero - Day 3
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
You'll get a private transfer to Ollantaytambo, then board a train to kilometer 104 where your Short Inca Trail trek starts. The trail takes you through lush cloud forests along the Urubamba River, and you'll visit Inca ruins at Wiñay Wayna and pass through the Sun Gate for your first look at Machu Picchu. By evening, you'll descend to Aguas Calientes.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Ollantaytambo
- Train ride to kilometer 104 (starting point of Short Inca Trail)
- Trek along Urubamba River through cloud forests
- Visit Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 meters / 8,694 feet)
- Reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) with panoramic views of Machu Picchu
- Descend to Aguas Calientes
Landmarks/POIs Ollantaytambo Wiñay Wayna Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Machu Picchu - Day 4
Machu Picchu Exploration
Start early with breakfast before taking a bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the Inca citadel. Your guide explains the history and shows you temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures. After exploring, you'll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and rest, with an optional visit to the town's hot springs in the afternoon if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (at one of the town's cozy restaurants), Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided in-depth tour of Machu Picchu Inca citadel
- Explore temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures
- Bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
Optional Activities
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu (subject to availability and prior reservation)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability and prior reservation)
- Entrance ticket to Huchuy Picchu (subject to availability and prior reservation)
- Visit Aguas Calientes hot springs in afternoon or evening
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes - Day 5
Pisaq
You'll take the train back to Ollantaytambo and spend time exploring its archaeological site with terraced ruins and original Inca urban layout. After that, continue to Pisaq, a mountain Inca city with intricate agricultural terraces and temples. You'll have free time to walk through Pisaq's vibrant handicraft market and talk with local artisans about their work.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Explore Ollantaytambo archaeological site with terraced ruins and Inca urban layout
- Visit Pisaq Inca metropolis with agricultural terraces and temples
- Free time to visit Pisaq handicraft market
Optional Activities
- Purchase handicrafts from local artisans at Pisaq market
Landmarks/POIs Ollantaytambo Pisaq - Day 6
Rainbow Mountain
You'll depart very early between 4:00 and 5:00 AM heading south to Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 meters. On the drive through Cusipata village, you'll see Ausangate Mountain and herds of llamas and alpacas. From Phuluwasipata, the hike to Rainbow Mountain takes about 2 hours, and you'll spend roughly 30 minutes at the summit to take in the vibrant natural stripes. After descending, you'll have lunch in a nearby village before returning to Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (at nearby village)
Included Activities
- Early morning drive south to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Pass through Cusipata village
- Views of Ausangate Mountain (6,384 meters / 20,945 feet)
- Hike from Phuluwasipata (approximately 2 hours) to Rainbow Mountain summit
- Explore Rainbow Mountain's vibrant natural stripes
- Descend and enjoy lunch at nearby village
- Return to hotel in Cusco
Landmarks/POIs Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Ausangate Mountain Cusipata - Day 7
Departure from Cusco
You'll have a free morning to relax or explore Cusco on your own if you'd like. Then you'll transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima or wherever your next stop is, depending on your flight schedule.
Optional Activities
- Explore Cusco at own pace during free morning
