Overview
Embark on a comprehensive six-day expedition that seamlessly weaves together the cultural heartbeat and natural wonders of the Peruvian Andes. Your journey begins with a private walking tour through the historic streets of Cusco, exploring iconic landmarks like the Plaza de Armas, the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun, and the picturesque artisan neighborhood of San Blas. Next, you will venture into the Sacred Valley to marvel at the ancient terraces of Pisac, connect with local artisans, and discover the impressive structures of Ollantaytambo before taking a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. This perfectly sets the stage for an unforgettable guided exploration of the legendary Machu Picchu citadel.
The adventure deepens as you travel off the beaten path to cross the Qeswachaka Bridge—the last handwoven Inca grass bridge over the Apurimac River—and explore the subterranean galleries of the Qarañahui cave. After a restful night in Cusipata, you will hike alongside grazing alpacas through spectacular high-altitude landscapes to reach the summit of Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain. Standing at 5,020 meters, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the vibrant mineral slopes and the imposing Ausangate peak. With all private airport transfers seamlessly arranged from your arrival to your departure, this carefully paced itinerary offers a perfect balance of ancient history, thrilling exploration, and awe-inspiring scenery.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
Begin your journey in comfort with a private pickup from Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll have time to settle in before exploring the Imperial City with your private guide.
This half-day walking tour invites you to discover the charm and history of Cusco at your own pace. We start in the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful colonial arcades and the majestic Cathedral of Cusco.
Continue to the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), once the most revered Inca temple dedicated to the Sun God, later transformed into the Santo Domingo Convent.
Then, wander through the picturesque San Blas neighborhood, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and panoramic views. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about Inca civilization, colonial heritage, and modern Cusqueñan life.
The tour ends with time to relax at a local café or explore charming boutiques before returning comfortably to your hotel.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
Our adventure begins at 7:30 a.m. with pickup from our hotel, and we head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, we’ll visit several archaeological sites, including the Mirador de Taray, which welcomes us to the valley.
Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Pisac, where we’ll admire its semicircular terraces and ancient cemeteries. Next, we’ll visit local artisans to explore their handicrafts.
Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive in Urubamba, where we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local products.
Next, we’ll visit Ollantaytambo, the most impressive town on our route, where we’ll explore the Temple of the Sun and its impressive structures. Afterward, we’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night at our hotel.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU
Depending on our arrival time at Machu Picchu, we’ll board the bus half an hour early to reach the most spectacular point of the entire tour. There, we’ll visit the archaeological sites. Our tour will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After the tour, we’ll return to the town for lunch and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. We’ll be waiting for you there to take you to your hotel in Cusco.
DAY 4: CARAÑAHUI CAVE – HANGING BRIDGE
We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in a private vehicle. We will drive for 4 hours south from Cusco, crossing Pomacanchis Lake (3,600m). Then we will reach the Qeswachaka Bridge. This is the last used Inca bridge over the Apurimac River, and the grass fibers of the bridge are renewed each year in an “annual construction of the bridge fiesta”.
After that, we will move forward close to the entrance of the Qarañahui cave. After some viewing stops, we will set up the equipment to explore the cave for about an hour, finding stalagmites and some stalactites in the galleries we visit.
Later in the afternoon, we will go to our overnight in Cusipata Town.
DAY 5: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
This tour begins after breakfast at your hotel in Cusipata, where you spent the previous night. From there, we will drive for about 1 hour to the starting point of our hike to Vinicunca – Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). Our trek begins with a gentle uphill walk surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas, and the imposing presence of Apu Ausangate, the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru. The ascent takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your pace.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Rainbow Mountain, famous for its natural mineral colors that form a unique and vibrant landscape. Here, your guide will explain the geological and cultural significance of this sacred place, and you’ll have free time to take photos and enjoy the stunning scenery. Afterward, we will descend back to the trailhead, return to Cusipata for a well-deserved lunch, and then continue our journey back to Cusco, where the tour concludes at your hotel.
DAY 6: TUPANANCHISKAMAN
This day, according to your flight schedule, we will be passing by your hotel to transfer you to the airport so you can take your flights to your country of origin.
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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