5-Day Private Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour

Summary

Cusco to Machu Picchu: Sacred Valley & Rainbow Mountain Journey

You’ll experience ancient Inca sites, colorful markets, mountain hikes—even sunrise over Machu Picchu—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story worth hearing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of Cusco airport was the crisp air—thin and cool, even with the sun out. Our driver was already waiting with a small sign, and honestly, I was grateful for the smooth transfer straight to the hotel. The morning was free; I just lay on the bed listening to distant traffic and church bells while my body got used to the altitude. By early afternoon, we met our guide in the main square—he had this easy way of mixing history with little jokes about Inca times. We wandered through Qorikancha’s stone walls (the sunlight bouncing off polished rock is something you don’t forget), then up winding roads to Sacsayhuaman. The stones there are massive—no exaggeration—and you can actually see falcons circling overhead if you look up long enough. Q’enqo felt almost secretive; it’s quieter than other sites, and inside the carved rock you can smell damp earth and old incense. Tambomachay’s water channels still run clear and cold; locals say it’s good luck to splash your face here before heading back into town.

Day two started with a drive through sleepy villages toward Pisaq—the market wasn’t too busy yet, so we got to try fresh empanadas from a street vendor before climbing up to the ruins. The Sacred Valley really opens up after that: green fields, sheep everywhere, and mountains that seem to change color as clouds move across them. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style—lots of quinoa dishes and roasted corn—and there’s always someone playing guitar in the background. Ollantaytambo’s terraces are steep but worth every step; our guide pointed out where the Temple of the Sun lines up perfectly at solstice (he even showed us a photo on his phone). Later that evening, we caught the train to Aguas Calientes; it rattles along beside the river, windows open just enough for a breeze and occasional whiff of eucalyptus trees.

Visiting Machu Picchu itself is surreal—you wake up early, grab a quick breakfast (coffee’s strong here), then catch one of those winding buses up through misty forest. Showing your ticket at the gate feels like a big moment; our group followed Circuit 1 which loops past all those classic viewpoints you see in photos but also some quieter corners where llamas graze near old stone steps. Our guide explained how each area had its own purpose—temples here, storage rooms there—and shared stories he’d heard from his grandfather who worked as a porter years ago. Afterward we headed back down for lunch in Aguas Calientes (try trout if it’s on special), then took the train back toward Ollantaytambo where another driver met us for the last stretch into Cusco.

The Rainbow Mountain day starts painfully early—pick-up is around 4am—but watching dawn break over empty roads makes up for it. Breakfast in Cusipata is simple but filling: eggs, bread rolls still warm from someone’s oven nearby. The hike itself is no joke; thin air slows everyone down but there are horses available if you need them (I caved halfway up). When you finally reach Vinicunca, those colors really do look painted on—the wind bites at your cheeks but locals sell hot coca tea right at the top if you need warming up. Coming down feels easier; by lunchtime back in Cusipata everyone’s swapping photos and stories about how tough or beautiful they found it.

Last morning is yours—some folks sleep in but I wandered through San Pedro Market instead. There’s this mix of fruit smells and fresh bread baking somewhere close by. Plaza de Armas buzzes with school kids feeding pigeons while San Blas feels quieter, almost hidden behind blue-painted doors and narrow cobbled streets. Before heading to the airport later that day, our driver made sure we had all our bags sorted and even gave tips on what snacks to buy for the flight home (chocotejas are addictive). Five days flew by faster than I expected—but each one felt packed with real moments I’ll remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport Pickup and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Visit Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Q'enqo (Ritual Center)
• Visit PucaPucara (Red Fortress)
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Travel to Aguas Calientes

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

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit and Return to Cusco

• Bus to Machu Picchu and guided tour
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco

Day 4 — Rainbow Mountain Excursion

• Travel and breakfast in Cusipata
• Hike and visit Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Return to Cusco and buffet lunch

Day 5 — Free Morning and Airport Transfer

• Free morning walking tour of Cusco highlights
• Afternoon transfer to airport

Top questions

Is entry to Machu Picchu guaranteed?

Machu Picchu entry depends on ticket availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture. If tickets aren’t available for your dates, you'll get a full refund.

How hard is Rainbow Mountain?

The hike is challenging due to altitude but doable for most people with moderate fitness; horses are available if needed.

Are meals included?

Yes! Breakfasts and lunches are included most days—think Andean dishes like quinoa soup or grilled trout.

What should I pack?

Layers for changing weather, good walking shoes, sunscreen—evenings get chilly in Cusco!

What’s included

This tour covers airport transfers in Cusco, all guided visits (including Machu Picchu), entrance tickets for major sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, round-trip train rides between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, bus tickets up to Machu Picchu itself, walking sticks for hikes if needed, plus daily breakfasts and lunches featuring local flavors along your route.