5-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour with Rainbow Mountain

Summary

Explore Inca Ruins & Rainbow Mountain: 5-Day Peru Adventure

You’ll walk ancient Inca paths, ride trains through mountain valleys, taste real Andean food, and stand where rainbows meet rock—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the airport in Cusco was the cool air—crisp, almost sweet. Someone from the team was already waiting for us, holding a sign with my name. The drive into town felt like a slow reveal; cobbled streets, old stone walls, and women in bright skirts selling coca leaves at the corner. I spent the morning just breathing and sipping mate de coca in the hotel lobby—acclimatizing is no joke at this altitude.

By afternoon, we were off to our first stop: Qorikancha. The guide explained how it used to be covered in gold—hard to picture now with the sunlight bouncing off those smooth stones. Sacsayhuaman came next; huge rocks stacked so tight you can’t even slide a postcard between them. There’s something about standing there as dusk creeps in and hearing kids laughing nearby that makes it feel alive. We wandered through Qenqo’s carved tunnels (it really does get chilly inside), then stopped briefly at Puca Pucara before ending at Tambomachay where water still trickles down ancient channels. Back in Cusco by evening, I could hear distant music from Plaza de Armas as we walked to dinner.

The next day started early—Sacred Valley day. Pisac’s terraces looked unreal from above; you can actually smell fresh bread from vendors near the entrance if you go mid-morning. Lunch was in Urubamba—a buffet of quinoa soup and roasted corn that tasted better than anything I’d tried before. Ollantaytambo’s ruins are steep but worth every step; our guide pointed out the Princess Baths and showed us how the stones align with the sun during solstice. Afterward, we caught a train to Aguas Calientes—the ride is all misty mountains and glimpses of river below. That night, our guide popped by the hotel to run through everything for Machu Picchu day (super helpful if you’re anxious about timings).

Machu Picchu morning is an early one—the bus up winds through clouds until suddenly you’re there: green peaks everywhere and llamas grazing right by your feet. Our guide led us through hidden corners for over two hours; I learned more about Inca astronomy than I ever expected. Afterward, lunch back in Aguas Calientes felt like a reward (try the trout if it’s on special). The train back to Ollantaytambo was sleepy—someone played Andean music quietly on their phone—and by nightfall we were back in Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain day starts before sunrise—honestly, it’s tough but worth it if you’re up for a challenge. Breakfast is simple but filling in Cusipata (the coffee’s strong). The hike itself is no joke: thin air, dusty boots, but when you finally see those colors ripple across Winicunca… well, everyone just stops talking for a minute. There are locals offering hot chocolate at the top—don’t skip it even if your hands are shaking from the cold.

The last morning is yours—I wandered through San Blas’ narrow lanes and watched artists setting up their stalls near Nazarenas Square. The twelve-angled stone is easy to miss unless you know what you’re looking for (our guide pointed it out on a side street). San Pedro market smells like fruit and fresh cheese; I grabbed some snacks for my flight home. Airport transfer was smooth—they even helped with my bags.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Q'enqo (ritual center)
• Visit PucaPucara (red fort)
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca water cult site)

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Tour Pisaq ruins
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site
• Train to Aguas Calientes and overnight stay

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco hotel

Day 4 — Rainbow Mountain Excursion

• Hike and visit Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Buffet breakfast and lunch included

Day 5 — Cusco Walking Tour and Departure

• Walking tour: Plaza de Armas, Nazarenas Square, San Blas, Twelve Angle Stone, San Pedro Market
• Transfer to airport for departure

Top questions

Is Machu Picchu entry guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets depend on availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture; if not available for your dates, you'll get a full refund.

How hard is Rainbow Mountain?

The hike is challenging due to high altitude and uneven terrain; moderate fitness is recommended but guides carry oxygen just in case.

Are meals included?

Yes! Lunches in Urubamba and Aguas Calientes are included along with breakfast/lunch on Rainbow Mountain day.

What should I pack?

Layers for changing weather, sturdy walking shoes or boots, sunscreen, water bottle—you’ll want both warm clothes and lighter layers.

What’s included

Your tour covers all main tickets (city tour sites, Sacred Valley ruins including Pisac & Ollantaytambo), Machu Picchu entry (Circuit 1 or 2), round-trip train rides between Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes, guided tours throughout (including professional guides at each site), bus transfers to/from Machu Picchu plus airport pickup/drop-off in Cusco. Breakfasts and lunches as listed are included too—you won’t go hungry! Walking sticks provided for hiking days; oxygen available during Rainbow Mountain trek for extra peace of mind.