Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake 6D/5N
Visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake
A Cusco and Machu Picchu package with the essential services included. This itinerary is designed to discover Inca history while experiencing high-altitude hikes and breathtaking landscapes: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake, located near the Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
The route begins in the Imperial City of Cusco and continues through the Sacred Valley, with visits to Chinchero, the Moray archaeological site, and the Maras Salt Mines, before reaching Ollantaytambo. The following day, you will visit Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Afterwards, the program continues with the hike to Rainbow Mountain and concludes with the ascent to Humantay Lake.
Route Highlights
- Best price guaranteed
- Secure Booking
- No hidden fees
- Customizable Packages
Travelers' Choice 2025
Overview
- DAY 1: Arrival in Cusco and Cusco City Tour.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
- DAY 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- DAY 3: Visit to the Machu Picchu Citadel and return to Cusco.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
- DAY 4: Full-day Rainbow Mountain Tour (Vinicunca).
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
- DAY 5: Full-day Humantay Lake Tour.
- Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
- DAY 6: Transfer to Cusco Airport and return flight to Lima.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO – CITY TOUR
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be offered a cup of coca tea. At 1:30 p.m., the city tour begins with visits to Qoricancha, Qenqo, Sacsayhuamán, Cristo Blanco, San Pedro Market, and Cusco’s Main Square. The tour ends at approximately 6:00 p.m., followed by a transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 02: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS – AGUAS CALIENTES
Departure is at approximately 7:30 a.m. The route includes Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. This itinerary is typically used when travelers have an afternoon train.
In Chinchero, you will visit the archaeological site and a traditional textile workshop, where you can learn about spinning, natural dyes, and weaving techniques. The main local market is especially active on Sundays.
The tour then continues to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. In Urubamba, an optional buffet lunch is available for approximately USD 20 per person if it is not included in your package.
In the afternoon, you will visit Ollantaytambo. The visit is kept relatively short to allow enough time to arrive at the train station in advance. A commonly scheduled PeruRail train departs at 3:37 p.m. and arrives at 5:02 p.m. The exact departure time will depend on your confirmed train ticket. Passengers should be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure and must carry the same identification document used to purchase the train ticket.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
DAY 03: MACHU PICCHU CITADEL TOUR – CUSCO
The day begins very early. Depending on your scheduled entrance time, you will take the bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the entrance of the Machu Picchu sanctuary, a ride of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. During peak season, it is recommended to line up before 5:30 a.m.
The guided tour follows the circuit indicated on your entrance ticket. The visit usually lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. Travelers must carry the same identification document used to issue the entrance ticket.
If you wish to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, an additional entrance ticket is required. Tickets are subject to daily availability and must be booked in advance. The additional fee is USD 75.
At the scheduled time, you will take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo is at the traveler’s own expense.
In the afternoon, you will take the return train to Ollantaytambo. Passengers should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure; the exact schedule is indicated on the train ticket. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, transportation will be waiting to take you by road to your hotel in Cusco, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 04: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
Hotel pickup is between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The drive to Cusipata takes approximately two hours, passing through small towns south of Cusco. Breakfast will be served upon arrival.
After breakfast, the journey continues for approximately 40 minutes by road to the starting point of the hike, located at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level. The uphill hike to the viewpoint, located at 5,036 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes or slightly longer, depending on each traveler’s pace and acclimatization. At the top, there will be time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. On cloudy days, the mountain’s colors may be less visible. The descent takes approximately one hour.
After the hike, a buffet lunch will be served, followed by the return trip to Cusco. Arrival is expected in the mid-afternoon, at around 4:00 p.m., although it may be later if the group experiences delays.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 05: HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR
Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and travel by tourist transportation to Mollepata. The drive takes approximately 2 hours and passes through scenic landscapes and small towns along the route.
In Mollepata, we will stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. We will then continue to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft above sea level), the starting point of the hike.
From there, we will begin the uphill hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft above sea level). The ascent takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on each traveler’s pace. Along the way, you will enjoy views of valleys, mountains, and the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay peaks. Travelers who prefer a less strenuous ascent may rent a horse from local residents for an additional fee.
At the lake, there will be time to admire its turquoise waters, listen to the guide’s explanation, explore the surrounding area, and take photographs.
The descent back to Soraypampa takes approximately 1 hour. We will then board our transportation and return to the restaurant for a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian cuisine.
After lunch, we will return to Cusco. Arrival is expected in the afternoon, depending on the group’s pace, road conditions, and traffic. Transportation will drop you off at your hotel.
DAY 06: CUSCO – RETURN TO LIMA
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight to Lima (airfare not included).
End of services.
What’s Included?
Included
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers.
- Cusco City Tour (transportation and guide).
- Sacred Valley Tour (transportation and guide).
- Entrance tickets to the attractions visited during the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley Tour.
- Entrance ticket to Qorikancha and Maras Salt Mines.
- Machu Picchu Tour with official guide and entrance tickets.
- Round-trip train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Round-trip bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Return transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Accommodation: 4 nights in Cusco and 1 night in Aguas Calientes.
- Rainbow Mountain Tour (transportation, guide, entrance ticket, meals, and trekking poles).
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners, except those mentioned in the excursions.
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley (optional, USD 20 per person, upon request).
- Lunch in Machu Picchu (optional, upon request).
- Flights Lima – Cusco – Lima (optional, additional cost of USD 230).
- Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional, USD 75 per person).
Recommendations
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Lightweight and comfortable shoes.
- Water bottle or reusable water container.
- Stay well hydrated during the tours.
- Rain jacket or long poncho during the rainy season.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Sunglasses and plastic bags.
- Personal medication and personal-use items.
- Light backpack or small bag.
- Camera.
- Cash, preferably in small bills and coins (Peruvian soles or USD).
Packing List
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
As flights and trains have luggage limits per person, we recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Cusco.
- 6 breathable t-shirts
- 5 long sleeve shirts
- 3 trousers
- 6 sets of underwear
- 6 pairs of socks
- 3 fleece
- 1 waterproof coat and pants “only for rainy seasons”
- 1 sun hat
- Sandals and swimsuit – for hot springs in Machu Picchu town (optional)
- Small quick-drying towel
- Portable battery charger for phone and cameras
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturiser
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:
Small backpacks are recommended, as bags larger than 25 liters are not permitted inside Machu Picchu. If your bag exceeds this size, you will need to store it outside the entrance to the citadel.
- Water bottle/canteen
- Sun hat
- Rain clothes
- Camera or phone camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper & small plastic bag for waste
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
Additional Information
VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $40 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.
VISTADOME TRAIN
EXPEDITION TRAIN
HOTEL CATEGORY 4****: For an additional payment of $150 USD per person, you can upgrade your hotel stay in Cusco city and Aguas Calientes town, the hotels can be one of the following options.
CUSCO HOTELS:
* Hotel XIMA.
* Hotel Sonesta.
* Hotel Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco.
* Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Cusco.
AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN HOTELS:
* Hotel Tierra Viva Machu Picchu.
* Hotel Taypikala Machu Picchu.
PRIVATE SINGLE ROOM:
* Hotel 3***: For an extra payment of $200 USD, you can get 01 private single room in hotels of category 3***.
* Hotel 4****: For an extra payment of $300 USD, you can get 01 private single room in hotels of category 4****.
DISCOUNTS:
* Peruvian Tourists with their valid DNI, Tourists with a passport from the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia), get a discount. «Does not apply to the Inca Trail tour»
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount.
For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803
- Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
- Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
- The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 75 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
- Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 75 USD
- IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
- The hotel reservation is subject to space availability.
- The cost of the tour packages is based on a double or matrimonial room. For an individual room, an additional payment must be made.
- We can also organize a travel itinerary according to your requirements and the places you want to visit. These can be with category 3, * 4 *, and 5 * hotels.
- For more queries and information write to us by email:​machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com
WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?
- We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
- We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
- We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
- Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
- No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
- We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
- We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
- We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
- Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
- We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
- Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
- The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
- The best Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks (spacious tents 4 season aluminum poles tents, Eating & Cooking tents, Portable table & chairs, comfortable mattresses, and more…)
- Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in Tripadvisor
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
What are customers saying about Us
At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.
Our rating on TripAdvisor
Our rating on Google
4.9/5 Reviews
Over 10,000 travelers servedMore than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru
We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.
Proven Experience
Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.
Specialized Local Team
Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.
Safe and Official Operations
Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.
Commitment to the Community
We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.
National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.
Certificates and Authorizations
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
Related Tours
Cusco, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 6D/5N
Travel Associations & Cetifications
Our awards and recommendations reflect our commitment to excellence and quality at every step.
