4-Day Cusco, Humantay Lake & Machu Picchu Group Tour Package

Summary

Guided Group Adventure: Sacred Valley, Humantay Lagoon & Machu Picchu

You’ll get to see Cusco’s best sights, hike to Humantay Lake’s blue waters, and explore Machu Picchu—all with guides who know every shortcut and story along the way. This trip covers your tickets, hotels, transport and more so you can just enjoy Peru without worrying about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the airport was the crisp mountain air—cooler than I expected, with a faint scent of eucalyptus drifting from the hills. Our guide met us right outside arrivals, holding a small sign and grinning like he’d been waiting all morning. After a quick drive through narrow streets lined with old stone walls, we checked into a cozy hotel just off Plaza de Armas. I spent the morning sipping coca tea in the lobby—locals swear by it for altitude—and watching street vendors set up their stalls as the city slowly woke up.

By afternoon, we were off exploring. Koricancha—the Temple of the Sun—was our first stop. The golden light inside made everything glow, and our guide explained how Inca stonework still holds up after centuries. Outside, you could hear distant church bells mixing with city sounds. Sacsayhuaman came next; huge stones stacked so tight you can’t slip a coin between them. The wind picked up here—bring a jacket! Qenqo felt different: quiet and shadowy, with carved tunnels that echo when you walk through. We ended at Tambomachay where water trickled down ancient channels; some folks tossed coins in for luck.

The next day started early—really early. At 4am we piled into a van headed for Mollepata. Breakfast was simple but filling: bread rolls and strong coffee at a roadside café where everyone seemed half-asleep but cheerful. The hike to Humantay Lake was tough (don’t rush it), but seeing that turquoise water ringed by snowy peaks made every step worth it. I remember my boots squelching in muddy patches from last night’s rain and spotting tiny wildflowers poking through the grass near the trail’s edge.

Machu Picchu day is long but unforgettable. We left before sunrise for Ollantaytambo station—train snacks are basic so pack something if you’re picky—and watched mist swirl over the river as we rode toward Aguas Calientes. Our guide met us at the station with tickets ready (they check passports at the gate). Walking into Machu Picchu itself felt surreal; llamas grazed near ancient terraces while clouds drifted low over green mountainsides. The guided tour covered all the main spots on circuits 1 and 2—plenty of time for photos and questions about Inca history or local legends.

On our last morning, I wandered back to Plaza de Armas for one last look at Cusco Cathedral before heading to the airport. If you’ve got extra time, there’s an option to join a pisco sour class or try local dishes—a fun way to wrap things up if your flight’s later in the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco City Tour

• Visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Qenqo Ritual Center
• Travel to PucaPucara
• Visit PucaPucara Fortress
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)
• Return to Cusco

Day 2 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Pick up from hotel
• Travel to Mollepata and breakfast
• Hike to Humantay Lagoon
• Descend to Soraypampa
• Travel to Mollepata for lunch
• Return to Cusco

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit

• Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Bus back to Aguas Calientes
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Return to Cusco by train and bus

Day 4 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Optional Peruvian gastronomy and pisco sour tour

Top questions

Are Machu Picchu tickets included? What if they're sold out?

Yes, tickets for circuits 1 and 2 are included (subject to availability). If no tickets are available during your dates, you'll get a full refund for your package.

How tough is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The trek is moderately challenging due to altitude (over 4,200m). Take it slow—most people manage fine with breaks and water.

What kind of hotels are provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels close to main attractions in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

This trip isn’t recommended if you have heart issues or limited mobility due to high altitude hikes and uneven terrain.

What’s included

Your package includes Machu Picchu entry (circuits 1 & 2), all entrance fees along the route, round-trip train tickets to Aguas Calientes, air-conditioned transport throughout, three nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast, airport transfers both ways, plus guided tours at every major site.