Cusco 5-day Itinerary

Cusco 5-day Itinerary

Get ready for an amazing adventure! This Cusco 5-day itinerary will bring you to the city, sacred valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain. Start your adventure by exploring the city tour, where you can visit the Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral, and four ancient Inca sites located just outside of Cusco.

CUSCO 5 DAY OVERVIEW

Exploring the Inca City of Cusco, the 4 important attractions sites we will head the next day to the sacred valley, home to the Incas, where you can explore a textile center featuring cute alpacas and llamas, ancient ruins, and even salt pools.

Machu Picchu is the highlight of our Cusco 5-day tour, and it’s definitely an experience not to miss. You’ll enjoy a personalized tour guide familiar with Machu Picchu’s secrets, guiding you through its hidden wonders. We will take you to the best spots for photography, allowing you to capture the stunning views of Machu Picchu and then explore the nearby areas.

In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to hike to Humantay Lake, from which you can admire the vast array of glaciers in the background. Get prepared for an exciting journey lasting about one and a half to two hours. You´ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the picturesque lake and its surrounding valley during your hike. By arriving early for our tours in Cusco, we can avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter visit to the sites.

Lastly, you may choose whether to tackle the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain known as Vinicunca or the strenuous Palcoyo Mountain. Palccoyo Mountain is a short hike that typically takes around an hour. It’s not too crowded, and you’ll get to see multiple colorful mountains, including those with stunning rainbows. The classic rainbow mountain serves as the preferred destination for hikers, providing an adventurous yet fulfilling trek with panoramic views of the vibrant red valley.

Why should you choose our Cusco 5-day itinerary?

• You journey towards the renowned rainbow mountain and Humantay lake ahead of the gathering crowd.
• Visit the Sacred Valley’s must-visit sites in one day without being rushed.
• We are a practical, reliable travel agency welcoming both solo travelers and small groups. Read Our Trip Advisor Reviews
• Our tour guides are constantly updating their knowledge and abilities to provide you with the most up-to-date experiences. Were super excited to share the wonders of Machu Picchu with you!

OUR CUSCO 5 DAY ITINERARY.

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR.

Our Cusco 5-day itinerary begins with a city tour, allowing us to experience the lively streets and delve into the rich local culture. We´ll meet you at your hotel at 12:30 pm. Our first stop will be the heart of Cusco, (cathedral), where we´ll have a knowledgeable guide who speaks English to help us navigate. First, he will present the cathedral, built in a Baroque style with paintings from the Cusqueña School, and the Temple of Coricancha, also known as the Golden Palace. It’s an enchanting place where we can admire temples like the one of Thunder, Moon, Lightning, Rainbow, Stars, and Santo Domingo. After that, well head to Sacsay Huamán, a majestic mountain that overlooks the breathtaking landscape Cusco:

We will embark on a journey to Qenqo, also known as the Labyrinth, to explore its mysteries and hidden treasures. This temple is a special gathering spot for people who come together to honor celestial bodies and share knowledge. Later on, well delve into Pucarac, an architectural marvel known for its numerous chambers, expansive courtyards, intricate waterways, elevated viewpoints, and winding pathways to uncover. Before we depart, let us confirm our visit to the archaeological site of Tambomachay. Well return to the hotel by 6:30 PM.

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Sacred Valley is a vast valley brimming with awe-inspiring sites that draw visitors from all over. We cannot fit all the wonderful destinations within a single day; hence we have split it into two segments to ensure we explore them all thoroughly. You may begin your morning at 7:00 AM at your hotel in Cusco, with various choices available for your stay. Please review the options provided and let us know which one appeals to you.

Option 01: By Pisac(Alpaca farm, Pisac ruins, Pisac Market, and Ollantaytambo).

We’ll be waiting for you at your hotel lobby at 7:00 am to take you on a special tour of the Sacred Valley. Then we will embark on a journey that leads us to the enchanting land of Pisac.

We will visit the 4 main sites, including Awaná Cancha, where you can observe alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and huanacos, Pisac Archeological Site, Pisac Market, and Ollantaytambo Archeological Site. After lunch, we can explore the brewery and then proceed to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Once we finish our exploration of Ollantaytambo, well board the train and head to Aguas Calientes at 3:37 PM. After reaching the hot springs, we check into our hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and stay overnight there.

Option 02: By Maras(Chinchero, Moray, Salt Ponds, and Ollantaytambo).

By exploring the mesmerizing landscapes of the Sacred Valley, including the grandeur of Chinchero, the enigmatic Moray, the tranquil salt flats, and the breathtaking Ollantaytambo.

We´ll arrive promptly at 07:00 AM to collect you from your hotel. The tour begins with an exploration of the textile center of Chinchero, then continues with a visit to the picturesque colonial town of Maras. From Maras, we continue towards the nearby Inca site of Moray, a magnificent series of terraces carved into the ground. These were once used by the Incas for crop experimentation before becoming prominent as salt mines utilized since pre-Inca times.

Beneath the earth’s surface, an unassuming stream meanders among pools, gradually dissipating into the air as it evaporates, leaving behind shimmering salt deposits. The valley is scattered with numerous pristine white pools, showcasing stunning vistas that leave one awestruck. Our final destination is the Ollantaytambo ruins, which we will spend one hour exploring and enjoying panoramic views. Once we finish exploring Ollantaytambo, well board the train and head to Aguas Calientes at 3:37 PM. After reaching the hot springs, we check into our hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and stay overnight there.

DAY 03: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today is the most magical day: Machu Picchu. We’ll start the day early, board the earliest bus available, and journey to Machu Picchu to marvel at its stunning sunrise over the historic site.

Your guide will lead you through a journey lasting approximately 2 hours, during which they’ll showcase the most breathtaking sights of Machu Picchu. If you have the time and funds, you may also choose to hike Huayna Picchu, an additional ticket costing $65 per person. After a day of exploring, you’ll head back to the hot springs and board a train for Ollantaytambo. Then, you’ll take a bus back to cusco. When were in Cusco, well bring you back to your hotel around 7 PM

DAY 04: HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR ITINERARY

After picking you up from your hotel at 03:00 AM, well embark on an adventure to the Humanta Lake Tour. Our journey begins with a 4-hour drive in our vehicle to Soraypampa, which stands at 3850 meters above sea level. Soraypampa serves as our base camp for the initial day of the Salkantay trek.In Soraypampa, well enjoy a delicious breakfast to energize our bodies and prepare ourselves for the thrilling trek ahead. In Soraypampa, well begin our trek towards Humantay Lake (at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level) with stunning vistas. Should the weather permit, we may even glimpse the majestic Salkantay and Humantay peaks.

The trek to the lake is an unhurried 1. 5-hour stroll, and the stunning vista is undoubtedly worthwhile. It’s also feasible to rent a horse instead. We will have enough time to take pictures, bring an offer to the Apus, and for those daring souls, enjoy a swim at the lake during sunny hours. Once we have some free time, we’ll head down to Soraypampa, which is a much smoother and less challenging route than the way up.

DAY 05: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TREK

You will be picked up from your hotel around 03:00 am. We proceed to drive nearly 3 hours in a private van to the trailhead where we will provide you with a box breakfast upon arrival to fuel up for the trek ahead of you. After enjoying our breakfast, we begin our journey. We’re planning to hike for approximately two hours until we reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain. Throughout our journey, well allocate time for exploration and capturing stunning photos. It typically requires about 30 to 60 minutes to finish the hike, based on your pace and weather conditions.

We spent approximately one hour admiring the picturesque rainbow mountains before embarking on our tour to the red valley, which lasted for another thirty minutes. Then we return to the trailhead (approximately 1 hour), where we board the van, followed by an additional hour of driving to our lunch destination, Cusipata (at approximately 3, 250 meters / 11, 000 feet). Our culinary team will prepare a delightful meal there before we arrive back at our hotel around 3: 50 PM.

And that’s it! We’ve completed our Cusco 5-day adventure.

DAY 01: CUSCO CITY TOUR

What s included

• Tourist transport (bus).
• Pick up from the airport.
• English-speaking tour guide.
• Tourist Ticket for Archaeological Sites.
• Cathedral Ticket
• Qoricancha ticket.

What s not Included

• Meals:
• Accommodations in Cusco.

DAY 02: PISAQ – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

What s Included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• Hotel of 3 stars in Aguas Calientes
• Tourist transportation for Sacred Valley tour.
• All entrance fees to the archeological sites visited.
• Trail ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

What’s not Included

• Meals:

DAY 03: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

What s included

• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Round trip Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour for 2 hours in Machu Picchu.

What’s not Included

• Meals
• Additional things to upgrade
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $65USD
• Machu Picchu Mountain: $65 USD
• One-way Vistadome Ticket: $35 USD
• Round trip Vistadome ticket: $70 USD.
• Accommodations in Cusco.

DAY 04: HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR ITINERARY

What s included

• English speaking guide.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Breakfast and lunch prepared by our chef.
• Snacks for the trek.
• Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
• Entrance fees to Humantay Lake.
• Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

What’s not Included

• Gratitude’s for the staff.
• Personal horse for riding.
• Accommodations in Cusco.

DAY 05: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TREK

What s included

• English speaking guide.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Breakfast and lunch prepared by our chef.
• Snacks for the trek.
• Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
• Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain.
• pick up and drop off from the hotel.
• Transfer to the airport.

What’s not Included

• Gratitude’s
• Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented according to the needs of the individual and group.

What you need to bring

• Original passport
• Tennis shoes or trainers
• Long and comfortable pants and wind jacket
• Sweater and light shirt
• Jacket or poncho for rain: in any season it can rain
• Camera with a full battery and lots of memory!
• Insect repellent (for sand flies)
• Sunblock and sunglasses
• Personal first aid kit (personal medicines)
• Water bottle with 1-2 liters of water
• Lightweight backpack
• Appetizers (everything is more expensive in Aguas Calientes!)
• Flashlight if you plan to walk to MP early in the morning

How Much is The Tour Package Cusco Sacred Valle Machu Picchu for 5 Days?

The price depends on the options taken by each passenger, please contact us to send you an updated price based on your specific request. Please send us the following information and we will respond within 24 hours with the updated price.

• Number of people in your group
• Accommodation level. Please, check the options.
• Choice of a train. Please, check the options
• Add options: if you want to add one day tours, additional days, meals, etc.