Overview
Begin your five-day Andean expedition with a guided walking tour of Cusco’s historic downtown, designed to help you gently acclimatize to the altitude. The following day, journey into the Sacred Valley to visit the bustling Pisac Market, the impressive Pisac ruins, and the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, before taking a scenic train to Aguas Calientes. This sets the stage for a comprehensive guided exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel, with an option to hike the towering Huayna Picchu for panoramic views. The adventure culminates on day four with an early-morning, high-altitude trek to the 5,020-meter summit of Rainbow Mountain, offering unparalleled vistas of the Ausangate peak. Fully organized with airport transfers, comfortable three-star accommodations, necessary entrance tickets, and professional bilingual guides, this tour provides a seamless balance of cultural discovery and exhilarating high-mountain hiking.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from the Cusco airport and a private transfer to your comfortable hotel. To help you gently acclimatize to the high Andean altitude, you will embark on a relaxed walking tour through Cusco’s historic downtown. You will explore the vibrant Main Square (Plaza de Armas) and wander through picturesque cobblestone streets, taking in the city’s unique blend of ancient Inca foundations and beautiful colonial architecture.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
Start your morning with a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley Lookout Point for breathtaking panoramic photos. You will then visit the lively Pisac Market, where locals from surrounding villages gather to sell vibrant textiles and fresh produce, followed by an exploration of the impressive Pisac Inca ruins perched high on the mountain. After a lunch stop in Urubamba, wander the ancient, water-lined streets of the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo before catching a late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU
Today features the ultimate highlight of your trip: a comprehensive guided tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel. Your expert guide will walk you through the site’s most important sectors, revealing the fascinating history, architecture, and daily customs of the Inca civilization. After your tour—and an optional, challenging hike up Huayna Picchu for those who pre-booked—you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch a scenic train back to Cusco for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 4: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
An early 4:00 a.m. departure kicks off your thrilling high-altitude adventure to the famous Mountain of Seven Colors. After a three-hour drive and a nourishing breakfast at the trailhead, you will hike for approximately two and a half hours, accompanied by stunning views of the imposing Ausangate snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching the 5,020-meter summit, you will have time to marvel at the vibrant mineral stripes and take iconic photos before descending for a local lunch and returning to Cusco by late afternoon.
Approximate arrival time is between 4:00 pm.
DAY 5: FAREWELL TO THE ANDES
Enjoy a final, relaxed breakfast at your hotel to wrap up your incredible Andean expedition. According to your specific flight schedule, our team will coordinate a timely and comfortable transfer to the Cusco airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey back home.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Route Map
Contact Us
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