5-Day Private Cusco, Machu Picchu & Humantay Lake Tour

Summary

Private Guided Adventure: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Humantay Lake

You’ll explore ancient temples, lively markets, mountain lakes and one of the world’s wonders—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way. This private tour covers hotels, tickets, transport and meals so you can focus on soaking up every moment in Cusco and beyond.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning in Cusco hit me with that thin mountain air—felt it right away walking out of the airport. Someone from the team was already waiting for us, holding a little sign with my name. The drive into town was short but lively; I caught glimpses of locals setting up fruit stalls and school kids in bright sweaters. We had a few hours to rest and get used to the altitude (trust me, you’ll want that). By 2pm, our guide picked us up at the hotel for a city tour. Koricancha—the Temple of the Sun—was our first stop. Gold once covered those walls, or so they say. After about 45 minutes there, we drove up winding roads to Sacsayhuaman. The stones are massive—no idea how they moved them back then. There’s always a breeze up there and sometimes you can hear distant drums from a festival or just dogs barking below. Qenqo came next—a rocky maze that felt almost secretive inside. Then PucaPucara and Tambomachay rounded out the day; both quieter spots but full of stories if you listen to your guide. We got back to Cusco just as the sky turned pink over the Plaza de Armas.

Day two started early with a drive through patchwork valleys toward Pisac. Our guide explained how each terrace was used for different crops—potatoes everywhere! The market outside Pisac ruins smelled like fresh bread and eucalyptus leaves from nearby stands. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style—lots of quinoa dishes and roasted corn (choclo). Ollantaytambo’s ruins were my favorite: climbing those steep steps while hearing about Inca astronomy felt surreal. Later we caught the train to Aguas Calientes; windows wide open, you could hear the river rushing alongside us most of the way.

Machu Picchu day means an early wake-up call—still dark when we boarded the bus uphill. Mist hung low over everything at first; then suddenly it cleared and there it was: Machu Picchu spread out below us like something from another world. Our guide walked us through circuit 1 (or 2 depending on ticket), pointing out hidden corners I’d have missed alone—the Temple of the Sun, terraces where llamas grazed quietly, even a shy vizcacha darting between stones. Afterward we had time for lunch back in Aguas Calientes before catching our train and bus combo back to Cusco.

The hike to Humantay Lake is no joke—up before dawn again for breakfast in Mollepata (try their coca tea). The walk from Soraypampa takes about 90 minutes if you’re steady; it’s steep but worth every step when you see that turquoise water ringed by snowy peaks at 4,250 meters up. On the way down I noticed wildflowers everywhere and heard nothing but wind and distant cowbells. Lunch back in Mollepata tasted extra good after all that effort.

Last day’s flexible—you can wander around Cusco’s old streets or just relax at a café near Plaza de Armas until your flight or bus out. If you’re curious about Peruvian food or pisco sour making, there’s an optional add-on too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Qenqo Ritual Center
• Travel to PucaPucara
• Visit PucaPucara (Red Fortress)
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)
• Return to Cusco

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Travel to Pisaq archaeological site
• Guided tour of Pisaq
• Travel to Urubamba for buffet lunch
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Guided tour of Ollantaytambo
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Evening guide briefing for Machu Picchu visit

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Early bus to Machu Picchu ruins
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Return train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco

Day 4 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Early pickup and travel to Mollepata
• Breakfast in Mollepata
• Hike to Humantay Lagoon
• Return hike to Soraypampa
• Travel to Mollepata for lunch
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Optional Peruvian gastronomy and pisco sour tour
• Transfer to airport or bus station

Top questions

Is entry to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, your entry ticket for Machu Picchu is included (circuit 1 or 2), subject to availability as per official regulations.

How difficult is the Humantay Lake hike?

The hike is moderately challenging due to altitude (4,250m) and incline; walking sticks are provided for support.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfasts and lunches are included on key days—like Urubamba buffet lunch and meals in Mollepata during the lake trek.

What kind of hotels are provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in both Cusco city and Aguas Calientes.

If Machu Picchu tickets aren’t available, what happens?

If no tickets are available for any circuit during your dates, you'll receive a full refund for your tour package.

What’s included

Your package covers airport pick-up/drop-off in Cusco, all ground transportation (including trains), guided tours with professional local guides at each site, entrance fees (including Machu Picchu circuit 1 or 2), four nights’ accommodation in quality 3-star hotels (Cusco & Aguas Calientes), breakfasts daily plus select lunches (Urubamba buffet & Mollepata), walking sticks for mountain hikes, oxygen balloon access if needed—and plenty of insider tips along the way!