EN
ES
PT6-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Expedition
Six days in the Peruvian Andes changes everything. While shorter itineraries offer a brilliant snapshot of the Inca Empire, a six-day expedition allows you to weave together the complete tapestry of Andean history, culture, and extreme natural beauty. This timeframe grants your body the exact days it needs to acclimatize perfectly before tackling higher-elevation peaks.
At Via Inca Travel, we organize small-group experiences led by university-licensed local guides. You will explore the megalithic stones of Cusco, traverse the agricultural marvels of the Sacred Valley, and stand in awe before Machu Picchu. On Day 5, tailor your journey by choosing between Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or Maras & Moray.
Tour Details
Tour Summary: 6-Day Itinerary Overview
This 6-day itinerary builds your altitude tolerance gradually, ensuring you are in optimal physical condition for your chosen Day 5 expedition.
- Day 01: Arrival & Acclimatization in Cusco. Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Rest day to adapt to Cusco’s 11,152 ft (3,400 m) elevation.
- Day 02: Archaeological City Tour. Guided half-day small-group tour of Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman. Free afternoon.
- Day 03: Sacred Valley of the Incas & Train to Aguas Calientes. Small-group tour of Pisac ruins, market, and Ollantaytambo fortress. Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (schedules subject to availability).
- Day 04: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Tour. Guided citadel tour (circuit entry subject to government availability upon booking). Afternoon return train to Cusco.
- Day 05: Signature Expedition (Your Choice). Choose one full-day option upon booking: Rainbow Mountain Trek, Humantay Lake Trek, or a half-day tour of Maras Salt Mines & Moray.
- Day 06: Farewell to Cusco & Departure. Airport transfer for your onward flight.
Inclusions Highlight: Ground transportation, standard rooms at selected partner hotels (subject to availability), university-licensed English-speaking guides in small groups, official entrance tickets, and scenic train passes.
Detailed 6-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Choice Tour Itinerary
Our native guides do not simply recite dates from guidebooks. They share ancient Andean legends, architectural secrets, and cultural depth that bring every stone site to life.
Your expedition begins the second you land at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (Cusco). Our team will meet you at the arrivals gate to escort you to your hotel in the historic center.
Because proper acclimatization is essential, we strongly advise treating today strictly as a rest day. Altitude sickness (Soroche) is real, so hydrate constantly, drink traditional Coca tea, and avoid heavy meals. In the late afternoon, enjoy a slow walk around the majestic Plaza de Armas to observe colonial cathedrals built over original Inca walls.
After breakfast, join your small group for a half-day Cusco City Tour. We start in the city center at Qoricancha, the spiritual epicenter of the Inca Empire where walls were historically covered in gold leaf.
We then drive to the nearby hills to explore Sacsayhuaman, standing next to its massive 100-ton fitted limestone boulders. We will also visit Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and the water temple of Tambomachay before returning to your hotel by midday. The afternoon is yours to relax, explore Cusco’s culinary scene, or shop for alpaca textiles.
We depart Cusco at 7:30 AM toward the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Pisac, exploring its extensive agricultural terraces and artisan market.
We continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring local gastronomy (included). In the afternoon, we explore the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, we board our scenic train to Aguas Calientes (departure times depend on availability at the time of booking), descending into the cloud forest for your overnight hotel stay.
We wake up early to take the Consettur bus up to the main sanctuary gates. Your licensed guide will lead a tour of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours through the citadel, uncovering the engineering behind the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and urban sectors.
Note: Official circuit permits (Circuit 1, 2, or 3) and entry time slots are assigned strictly according to government availability based on how far in advance your booking is confirmed. After the visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your return train to the Sacred Valley, where transport will transfer you back to your Cusco hotel.
By Day 5, your body is acclimatized and ready for your chosen adventure. When booking, select one of the following three options:
Option A: Rainbow Mountain Trek (Vinicunca). High-altitude trek departing Cusco at 4:30 AM. Ascend to 16,522 ft (5,036 m) to witness mineral-striped ridges facing the Ausangate Glacier. Includes breakfast, lunch, oxygen tanks, and hiking poles. Return to Cusco around 4:30 PM.
Option B: Humantay Lake Trek. Glacier hike departing at 4:30 AM to Soraypampa. Hike up to 13,779 ft (4,200 m) to reach the turquoise glacial lake beneath Mount Salkantay. Includes breakfast, lunch, oxygen tanks, and hiking poles. Return to Cusco around 5:00 PM.
Option C: Maras & Moray (Half-Day). A lower-impact option departing at 8:00 AM. Explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt evaporating pans of Maras. Return to Cusco by 2:00 PM for a free afternoon.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight departure time, take a final walk through the historic streets or pick up artisan gifts. At the coordinated time, our transport will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight home.
What’s Included in the 6-Day Tour?
Total transparency is our rule. We deliver top-tier logistical services with zero hidden fees or surprise costs.
Included:
- Transfers: Airport pickup and drop-off, plus all hotel and train station connections.
- Accommodation: Standard rooms for 4 nights in Cusco and 1 night in Aguas Calientes at selected partner hotels (subject to availability upon booking; if full, an equivalent category hotel will be assigned). Daily breakfast included.
- Official Entry Permits: Machu Picchu entry ticket (best available circuit assigned based on booking date), Boleto Turístico for Sacred Valley and Cusco sites, plus entry ticket for your chosen Day 5 tour (Rainbow Mountain, Humantay, or Maras & Moray).
- Train & Bus Tickets: Round-trip scenic train passes (Expedition or Voyager class, times confirmed upon booking) and round-trip Consettur bus tickets up to Machu Picchu.
- Certified Local Guides: University-licensed English-speaking guides for planned small-group tours.
- Meals: 1 Buffet Lunch in Urubamba (Sacred Valley), plus breakfast and lunch on Day 5 if choosing Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit and oxygen tanks for high-altitude Day 5 treks.
- 24/7 Logistics Support: Real-time assistance from our local team throughout your stay.
Not Included:
- Airfare: Domestic or international flights.
- Unspecified Meals: Dinners and lunches not explicitly listed in the itinerary.
- Permit Upgrades: Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hiking permits (subject to advance availability).
- Gratuities: Optional tips for local drivers and guides.
Tour Prices & Package Options
Personalize Your Experience: Select your preferred hotel tier from the options below. Rates are per person in US Dollars (USD) for standard room occupancy.
Classic Experience 3*
- For Cusco: Royal Inca / Hacienda Plaza or similar.
- For Aguas Calientes: Retama hotel / Tara Hotel or similar.
Premium Experience 4*
- For Cusco: Novotel / Wyndham / Casa Andina Premium or similar.
- For Aguas Calientes: El Mapi Hotel / Hatun Inti Boutique o similar.
Popular Upgrades (one way): Vistadome Train upgrade (+$50 per person), Vistadome Observatory Train upgrade (+$75 per person), Huayna Picchu Hike permit (+$75 per person).
Essential Trip Planning Information
Machu Picchu Circuits & Availability: Per Peruvian Ministry of Culture regulations, specific entry circuits (Circuit 1, 2, or 3) and time slots depend entirely on official government availability at the time of reservation. We strongly recommend booking as far in advance as possible (ideally 3 to 4 months) to secure the best available route.
Train Schedules & Hotel Availability: Train departure times (PeruRail or IncaRail) and hotel reservations are subject to availability upon booking confirmation. If any listed partner hotel is fully booked, an equivalent hotel within the same category will be assigned.
Day 5 Selection Protocol: Please specify your chosen Day 5 activity (Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or Maras & Moray) at the time of booking so we can reserve permits and transportation accordingly.
Altitude Acclimatization Strategy: Cusco sits at 11,152 ft (3,400 m) and Day 5 treks reach up to 16,522 ft (5,036 m). Having early days dedicated to rest and moderate activity is a major advantage. Keep physical exertion low upon arrival, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals or alcohol.
Mountain Microclimates & Packing: Andean weather changes rapidly. Cusco nights are cold, while day treks require thermal layers. Always pack a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and DEET insect repellent.
Train Luggage Rules: Trains restrict carry-on luggage to a maximum of 5kg / 11 lbs per passenger. Your main luggage will be stored safely and free of charge at your hotel in Cusco during your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
