Tour Details:
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through the heart of the Inca Empire. Explore the ancient city of Cusco, uncover the wonders of the Sacred Valley, witness a magical sunrise at Machu Picchu, hike to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, and marvel at the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure in the Andes.
Highlights:
- Guided tour of historic Cusco: Discover Inca temples, colonial landmarks, and lively markets.
- Sacred Valley experience: Visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
- Scenic train ride to Machu Picchu: Travel through stunning Andean landscapes to the Lost City of the Incas.
- Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Explore this world wonder at dawn with fewer crowds and amazing photo opportunities.
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Witness a natural marvel at over 5,000 meters above sea level.
- Day hike to Humantay Lake: Enjoy a breathtaking trek to one of Peru’s most beautiful high-altitude lagoons.
- Cultural immersion: Learn traditional Andean weaving techniques in Chinchero.
- Comfortable accommodations: Stay in carefully selected hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast included.
- Seamless logistics: All transportation, tickets, and guided services are fully coordinated for a stress-free adventure.
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Cusco – Transfer to Your Selected Hotel
Upon your arrival at the Cusco Airport, our Sungate Peru Travel team will be waiting to greet you and provide a warm welcome to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll be transferred in private service to your selected hotel in the historic center of Cusco.
Take the rest of the day to relax and acclimate to the high altitude (3,400 m / 11,155 ft). We recommend light walking, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals. This first day is essential to ensure a comfortable start to your adventure.
DAY 2: Cusco City Tour & Four Nearby Archaeological Sites
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free morning to relax or explore the vibrant city of Cusco at your own pace. At 8:45 AM, your expert guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin a fascinating half-day guided city tour.
You’ll start at the Qoricancha Temple, also known as the Temple of the Sun, once the most sacred site in the Inca Empire. Its finely crafted stonework was later incorporated into the Santo Domingo Convent by the Spanish.
Next, you’ll explore the impressive archaeological sites located just outside the city:
- Sacsayhuamán – A massive ceremonial fortress with giant stones, some weighing over 100 tons, perfectly fitted together.
- Qenqo – A religious site featuring carved rock altars and tunnels, believed to be used for rituals.
- Puka Pukara – A small fortress offering stunning views and thought to have served as a military checkpoint.
- Tambomachay – Known for its aqueducts and waterfalls, this site is believed to have been used for ceremonial water rituals.
The tour concludes around 2:30 PM, after which you’ll be dropped off at your hotel to relax or continue exploring Cusco on your own.
DAY 3: VIP Sacred Valley Tour – Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, your Sungate Peru Travel guide will pick you up at 6:30 AM from your hotel for an unforgettable full-day VIP tour through the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Your first stop is Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village known for its traditional weaving techniques and colorful markets. Visit the archaeological complex, which was once the royal estate of the 10th Inca emperor, Túpac Yupanqui. You’ll also witness local women demonstrating how they wash, dye, and spin alpaca wool using natural techniques passed down through generations.
Next, continue to the impressive Moray archaeological site, famous for its circular terraces used by the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates at various elevations.
From there, head to the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras). With over 4,000 salt ponds still harvested by hand since Inca times, this site offers stunning photo opportunities and insight into traditional Andean salt extraction techniques.
After the visit, enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba (not included), where you can taste a variety of local Peruvian dishes.
The tour continues to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress and living town. Climb the ceremonial terraces, explore the Temple of the Sun, and admire the site’s strategic engineering and significance during the resistance against the Spanish conquest.
In the late afternoon, board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Upon arrival, a hotel representative will assist with your check-in and provide a short briefing for your Machu Picchu visit the following day.
DAY 4: Explore Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
Begin your day early with breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Depending on your entry time and circuit, your Sungate Peru Travel guide will accompany you to the bus station for the 25-minute ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, present your ticket and embark on a 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the fascinating history and hidden secrets of this ancient Inca citadel. Admire its sophisticated stonework, panoramic terraces, ceremonial temples, and breathtaking views of the Andes.
Your expert guide will share in-depth insights about Inca engineering, astronomy, and spiritual beliefs, making this journey both informative and inspiring.
After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and explore the town or its hot springs.
In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is expected in the evening, and you’ll be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas or at your accommodation.
DAY 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Excursion
Start your day very early with a 4:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, arrive at Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the hike.
Next, travel to the trailhead located at 4,626 meters (15,157 feet) above sea level. The trek to the summit takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes through breathtaking Andean landscapes. Reach the peak of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,036 meters (16,529 feet), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the multicolored mountain formations, created by the natural mineral deposits.
Spend about 30 minutes at the summit, capturing photos and taking in the scenery. Afterwards, descend back to the parking area. If you wish, you can explore the nearby Red Valley with prior coordination with your guide for an extended adventure.
Return to Cusipata for a well-deserved lunch before heading back to Cusco. You will arrive back in the city around 5:30 PM and will be dropped off just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, marking the end of this unforgettable day.
DAY 6: Humantay Lake Adventure
Begin your day early with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 AM. Travel by private vehicle for approximately 2 hours to the charming village of Mollepata, where you will enjoy both a hearty breakfast and lunch to fuel your day.
After breakfast, continue the journey to the trailhead near Soraypampa at an altitude of 3,900 meters (12,795 feet). From here, embark on a 1.5 to 2-hour hike through stunning Andean landscapes to reach the spectacular Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lake nestled beneath the majestic snow-capped peak of Humantay Mountain.
Spend time admiring the breathtaking views and capturing unforgettable photos. Your expert guide will provide insights into the local culture, history, and natural environment.
Following the hike, return to Mollepata where you will enjoy a delicious lunch (included), before heading back to Cusco. You will arrive back in Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM, concluding this unforgettable adventure.
DAY 7: Transfer Out
On your final day, you will be picked up from your hotel approximately 2 hours before your flight departure. Our team will ensure a timely and comfortable transfer to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Wonders of Cusco
Included / Excluded
- Airport and hotel pick-up and drop-off (door-to-door service)
- 6-night hotel accommodation with private bathrooms and breakfast included (Twin/Double, Single, or Triple rooms, based on your selection)
- Guided tour of city tour
- Guided tour of the Sacred Valley
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Guided tour to Humantay Lake
- Roundtrip train tickets (select your train class) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Roundtrip bus tickets for Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- All entrance and admission tickets, including Machu Picchu
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- All overland transportation for transfers during the 7-day program
- One bottle of water
- International airfare
- Domestic flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima)
- Wayna Picchu entrance ticket (US$ 65), must be requested when booking and is subject to availability
- Cusco city tour and entrance fees for four archaeological sites
- One-way Vistadome Observatory train upgrade (US$ 95)
- Meals (lunch and dinner)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Additional personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, etc.)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and staff (optional)
What to Bring:
- Original passport (required for permits and entrance tickets)
- International Student Identity Card (if applicable, for student discounts)
- Travel insurance documents
- Rain poncho or waterproof plastic cover
- Warm jacket or coat for cold weather
- Sunscreen
- Cap or hat for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Extra clothing layers for changing weather conditions
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Suitable footwear for hiking and exploring Machu Picchu
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Personal toiletries
- Small daypack for daily essentials
- Ear plugs for better sleep comfort
- Snacks and additional water
- Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
- Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Extra money for personal expenses
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
