Explore Cusco, Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain in 5 Days

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Explore Cusco, Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain in 5 Days

Starting from $ 699.00

Per person in group Service

Duration:

5 Days / 4 Nights

Max. Altitude:

5200 m /17060.3 ft.

Team:

Driver Team + Local Guides

Style:

Hotel/Hiking

Physical Level:

Moderate

Group Size:

Maximum 12 people

The Ultimate 5 Day Tour in Cusco: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain

Have you ever dreamed of conquering Peru’s greatest icons in one epic journey? This is your chance. We have crafted the ultimate adventure for those who want it all. This is not just another trip. It is the definitive 5 day tour cusco has to offer. It perfectly blends ancient history, physical challenge, and breathtaking landscapes. You will hike a part of the legendary Inca Trail. You will watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. You will explore the historic Sacred Valley. And you will stand in awe before the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain. This expedition is meticulously designed for adventurers in moderate shape. We handle all the logistics, from permits to panoramic trains. This allows you to immerse yourself fully in the magic of the Andes. Let us guide you on an unforgettable journey.

Highlights of Your 5 Day Tour in Cusco

Expert Local Guides: Explore Cusco’s historic sites with our passionate local guides.
Iconic Landmarks: Witness the awe inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
Small Group Travel: Enjoy an intimate and authentic experience. You will meet friendly locals along the way.
Cultural Immersion: Discover the Sacred Valley, Inca ruins, and ancient traditions.
Seamless Adventure: We manage all permits, tickets, and transportation for a stress free journey.

Your 5 Day Cusco Tour: Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Cusco City Tour & Ancient Inca Ruins.
Day 2: Full Sacred Valley Exploration & Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Day 3: Hike the Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate & Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Citadel & Vistadome Train Return.
Day 5: Trek to the incredible Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley.

Day 1: Cusco City – Inca Ruins

Your adventure begins at 1 p.m. We will meet you in your hotel lobby to start the tour. We first head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas to visit the famous and historic cathedral. Next, we walk along an ancient Inca built street to reach Q’oricancha, the revered Temple of the Sun. You can compare the Inca and Catholic construction methods here. This was the spiritual center of the entire Inca Empire. From Qoricancha, a 25 minute bus ride takes us just outside the city to the stunning Inca site, Sacsayhuaman. Your guide will show you around this massive fortress. Afterward, a short bus ride takes us to the Qenqo Inca site. We then drive to Puca Pucara before finishing the day with a visit to Tambomachay, the temple of water. We will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco after the tour.

Key Sites: Cusco Cathedral, Q’oricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay.
Meals: Not included.
Overview: A deep dive into the Inca and colonial history of Cusco.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour (Small group)

Your exploration of the Sacred Valley starts at 8 a.m. Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby. Our first stop is an Alpaca Farm where you will feed and interact with these gentle animals. Next, we proceed to El Mirador for breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. We will then drive towards the ruins of Pisac, where you will witness amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. Then, we head to the lower town of Pisac to visit a bustling handicraft market. For lunch, we dine at a local Andean restaurant. We continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, where we will visit the magnificent ruins. We will drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo town for the night.
- Key Sites: Alpaca Farm, Taray Viewpoint, Pisac Ruins & Market, Ollantaytambo Ruins.
- Meals: Lunch included.
- Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel (or similar).
- Overview: A full day exploring the lush landscapes and rich culture of the Sacred Valley.
Valley.

Day 3: Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

We meet you at your hotel at 5:40 a.m. for your Short Inca Trail hike. We take the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. We disembark at Km 104, the trail’s starting point. Please bring your original passport for the checkpoint. After exploring the Chachabamba Inca site, a three-hour climb begins towards Wiñay Wayna. The trail offers amazing views. Once at the Wiñay Wayna Inca site, you’ll have time for a guided tour. We will enjoy a packed lunch before a one hour hike to the Sun Gate. From here, you will get your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu. We then hike one more hour down to the citadel. We will take some classic photos before catching a bus to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Key Sites: Km 104, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Meals: Packed Lunch & Dinner included.
Overview: A challenging and rewarding hike on a historic part of the Inca Trail to your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) & Return to Cusco

Today is the day you have been waiting for. We will rise very early to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. This allows us to arrive as the morning sun illuminates the ancient stones. You will enjoy a comprehensive 3 hour guided tour of the citadel. Your expert guide will lead you through its most important areas. After the tour, you will have free time to explore independently. Later, we will descend back to Aguas Calientes. From there, you will board the panoramic Vistadome train for your return journey. Upon arrival at the station, our team will meet you. We will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.

Key Sites: Machu Picchu Citadel.
Meals: Breakfast included.
Overview: An early morning guided tour of the world wonder, followed by a scenic Vistadome train journey back.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Full Day

The grand finale of your adventure begins with an early start. We will collect you from your hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. We drive for about 3 hours to the trailhead. Our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes about 2 hours uphill. Once at the top, you will have about an hour to enjoy the stunning views. After taking photos, we descend via a different route. This path leads to a viewpoint of the spectacular Red Valley. The downhill hike takes about 2.5 hours. We will then drive to a local spot for a freshly prepared lunch. We will return you to your Cusco hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Key Sites: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Red Valley.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included.
Overview: A high altitude trek to witness the stunning, multi colored landscapes of the famous Rainbow Mountain.

What's Included

We believe in transparency. This all inclusive 5 day tour cusco package is designed so you can focus on the adventure, not the logistics.

Professional, Bilingual Guides: University-educated, local experts passionate about their heritage.
All Entrance Tickets:Full access to all sites mentioned: Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG), Qoricancha, Cathedral, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
Comprehensive Transportation: We handle all logistics with a door to door service, including private transport for all tours and transfers from the train station.
Train Tickets: Round trip train tickets, featuring the panoramic Vistadome train for your scenic return journey.
Hotel Accommodations: 3 nights in comfortable, selected hotels (Cusco, Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes) . Please note that this only applies if you select the rate with accommodation.
Meals as Specified:Your meals are included from day 2 to day 5, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.As detailed in the itinerary.
Safety Equipment: Our guides are trained in First Aid and carry an emergency oxygen tank at all times.

What's Not Included

To help you plan your budget, here are the items not included in this package:

Huayna Picchu Mountain: This optional climb requires a separate ticket ($75) and must be booked well in advance.
Flights: To avoid issues with common flight delays, we strongly advise arriving in Cusco at least two days before your tour begins. For your departure, please book your flight for the day after the tour concludes, as you will return to Cusco late in the evening (around 8 p.m.).
Gratuities Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service. While optional, if you feel your guide, drivers, and staff have done an exceptional job, a tip is greatly valued. It is a personal decision and should reflect your satisfaction.
Travel Insurance We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for any trip. It provides peace of mind and protection against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage, which is especially important for adventure travel in a high-altitude environment.
Some Meals: All meals on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5 are not included.

Price per person:

$ 1450 USD

Private tour from 2 travelers with 3*** hotels(3 nights 1 Cusco, 1 Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Calientes)

Price per person:

$ 1250 USD

Group service with Hotel 4**** hotels 3 nights(1 night 4* Cusco, 1 night Ollantaytambo 3* and at Aguas Callientes 4*)

Price per person:

$ 810 USD

Group service with 3*** hotels 3 nights(1 night Cusco 1 night Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Callientes)

Price per person:

$ 699 USD

Group service without hotels(booked by yourself)

Price per person:

$ 1450 USD

Private tour from 2 travelers with 3*** hotels(3 nights 1 Cusco, 1 Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Calientes)

$ 1250 USD

Group service with Hotel 4**** hotels 3 nights(1 night 4* Cusco, 1 night Ollantaytambo 3* and at Aguas Callientes 4*)

$ 810 USD

Group service with 3*** hotels 3 nights(1 night Cusco 1 night Ollantaytambo and 1 at Aguas Callientes)

$ 699 USD

Group service without hotels(booked by yourself)

Optional Services

Huayna Picchu: Did you know that Huayna Picchu is the mountain located adjacent to Machu Picchu? It takes about 45 minutes to hike to the top, and although you’ll be going solo, your guide will show you where to start. If you’d like to explore this area, we can arrange for an extra entrance ticket with prior notice.
Price: $75 Per Person
Additional Items : Please find below a brief overview of the prices. For further information, kindly refer to our Additional Options section.
Machu Picchu Mountain : There is another mountain, Machu Picchu, which towers above the ruins and provides breathtaking views that surpass even those of Huayna Picchu. However, reaching the top takes about an hour and a half. It is possible for us to obtain an additional entrance ticket for you, which must be used between 9-10 AM. Since this is within the time of your Machu Picchu tour, we can help secure it for you.
$75 Per Person
Vistadome Train : Our tours come with the Expeditions (Tourist) Train. This train usually departs from Aguas Calientes at 4:22 p.m. If you opt for an upgrade, the Vistadome train is available. It offers bigger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. The Vistadome train is usually booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station that is closer to Cusco. Although there is an extra fee for the upgrade, we will still provide transportation back to your hotel.
$75 Per Student

What to Take

Original Passport
Walking/Hiking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
4-5 T-shirts
Comfortable trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film with extra batteries
Extra money for souvenirs
25L Daypack recommended

1. What is the difficulty level of this 5 day tour in Cusco?

This tour is moderately challenging. The hikes are not technical, but the high altitude can affect some individuals. We recommend being in good physical condition.

2. Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail portion?

Yes, the 2 day Short Inca Trail requires a government-issued permit. We handle the entire booking process for you once you book with us.

3. When is the best time for a 5 day tour in Cusco?

The dry season, from April to October, is ideal. You will experience sunny days perfect for hiking. The tour is available from March through January

4. What happens if I suffer from altitude sickness?

Our guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude sickness. We carry emergency oxygen on all treks. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco 2 days early to acclimatize.

5. Is this 5 day tour in Cusco suitable for families?

Yes, this tour is great for active families with teenagers who are used to hiking and are in good physical condition.

6. What kind of hotels do you use?

We use comfortable and clean 3-star hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star hotels are available upon request.

7. Can I book my own hotels?

Yes, we can arrange the tour without accommodations. Please contact our team for a customized quote that excludes hotels.

8. What is the Vistadome train like?

The Vistadome train has panoramic windows on the ceiling and sides, offering spectacular views of the Andes and the Urubamba River on your return journey.

9.How large are the tour groups?

We specialize in small group travel to ensure a personal and high-quality experience. Groups are typically between 2 to 8 people.

10.Do I need to bring my original passport?

Yes, your original passport is mandatory. It is required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Photocopies are not accepted.

11.Is there a vegetarian/vegan food option?

Yes, we can cater to any dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Please let us know your needs at the time of booking.

12. How far in advance should I book this 5 day tour in Cusco?

We recommend booking at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for the high season (May-September), as Inca Trail permits can sell out quickly.

13. What currency should I bring?

It is best to bring both US Dollars (for larger payments) and Peruvian Soles (for small purchases, snacks, and some tips).

14.Is clean drinking water provided?

We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water. You can buy water easily in towns. To reduce plastic waste, we suggest bringing a reusable water bottle.

15.What is the Red Valley?

The Red Valley is a stunning landscape of red colored earth near Rainbow Mountain. We include a visit to this unique spot, which many travelers on standard tours miss.

16.Will I have time to climb Huayna Picchu?

Climbing Huayna Picchu is an option but requires a separate ticket that must be booked far in advance. The climb is done on your own after the Machu Picchu guided tour.

17.What happens if my flight to Cusco is delayed?

This is why we strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the tour starts. It provides a buffer for potential flight delays and helps with acclimatization.

18.Is tipping mandatory?

Tipping is not mandatory but is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service. It is highly valued by our guides, drivers, and staff.

19.What kind of power plugs are used in Peru?

Peru uses Type A and C plugs. The standard voltage is 220V. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter to charge your devices.

20. Why choose this 5 day tour in Cusco?

This is the most comprehensive and seamless way to experience Cusco’s top attractions. We combine adventure, culture, and iconic sites into one perfectly planned expedition.

Explore Cusco, Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain in 5 Days