7-Day Adventure: Cusco, Humantay Lake, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Welcome & Free Day

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the historic center. Enjoy a traditional coca tea to help you acclimate to the altitude. The day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. We recommend a gentle stroll through the San Blas neighborhood or the Plaza de Armas to begin soaking in the Andean charm.

Day 2: Cusco City Tour – Half-Day Cultural Discovery

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast, then join a guided half-day tour of Cusco’s most iconic sites. Visit the majestic Cathedral, the spiritual Q’oricancha Temple of the Sun, and several impressive Inca ruins on the outskirts: Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Return to your hotel by early afternoon with the rest of the day free for lunch, shopping, or additional sightseeing.

Day 3: Full-Day Tour to Humantay Lake

Get ready for an unforgettable day in the Andes. You’ll depart early morning (around 4:30 am) for a scenic 3-hour drive through mountain valleys and villages. After a hearty breakfast in Mollepata, begin your moderate hike to Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 m.a.s.l. The reward? Stunning turquoise waters framed by snowcapped peaks.

Spend time enjoying the views, meditating, or snapping breathtaking photos before hiking back down and enjoying a freshly prepared lunch. Return to Cusco by early evening.

Day 4: Super Sacred Valley Tour + Train to Aguas Calientes

This full-day adventure covers the best of the Sacred Valley. Depart from Cusco around 7:00 am and head to Chinchero, where you’ll visit an Andean textile center and learn about traditional weaving techniques.

Continue to the circular terraces of Moray, followed by a visit to the Maras Salt Mines, a marvel of pre-Inca engineering. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, then explore the Ollantaytambo fortress, a living Inca town with remarkable architecture.

In the late afternoon, board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Overnight at your hotel and prepare for the big day.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco

Wake up early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu, entering the citadel in the quiet morning hours. Your expert guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour through the main temples, agricultural terraces, and sacred altars.

Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available (book in advance).

After your visit, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your Cusco hotel, arriving in the evening.

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Trek – A Colorful Finale

Another early morning adventure begins with a drive to the trailhead near Chillca. After breakfast, begin the gradual ascent toward the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a naturally colored geological wonder at 5,020 m.a.s.l.

Along the way, you’ll see herds of llamas and alpacas, red valleys, and glacier views. Reach the summit for panoramic views of the rainbow-striped mountain and the towering Ausangate Glacier. Return to Cusco by late afternoon.

Day 7: Transfer to Cusco Airport – Departure

After breakfast, we’ll provide your private transfer to the airport in time for your flight. Your adventure ends here, but the memories of Peru’s magic will stay with you forever.