5-Day Private Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Humantay Lake Tour

Summary

Cusco City Tour, Sacred Sites & Andean Treks: Complete 5-Day Itinerary

You’ll get five packed days exploring Cusco’s ancient sites, hiking high-altitude lakes and mountains, plus a guided visit to Machu Picchu—all with local guides who know their stuff. If you want real Andean adventure without worrying about logistics or tickets selling out, this trip covers it all.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of Cusco airport was the crisp mountain air—thin and a little sweet, almost like you could taste the altitude. Someone from the team met me right at arrivals, holding a sign with my name. The drive into town was short but lively; vendors already setting up along Avenida El Sol, and the city’s Plaza de Armas buzzing even before noon. I had the morning to rest (which honestly helped with the altitude), then at 2pm we started our city tour. Koricancha—Temple of the Sun—was our first stop. Our guide, Maribel, shared stories about how gold once covered these walls. Sacsayhuaman came next; those giant stones fit together so tight you can’t slip a coin between them. There’s something wild about standing where falcons still circle overhead. Qenqo felt different—darker, almost echoey inside that carved rock chamber. We wrapped up at Tambomachay, where water still runs through ancient Inca channels. Back in Cusco by 7pm, I grabbed a quick bite at a tiny spot near San Blas (the caldo de gallina hit the spot).

The second day started before sunrise—4am pickup isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth it for Humantay Lake. We drove out to Mollepata for breakfast (fresh bread and coca tea), then on to Soraypampa where the hike began. It’s uphill most of the way; I took it slow and watched hummingbirds dart around low shrubs. The lake itself? Unreal shades of blue-green with snowy peaks behind it—though honestly what stuck with me was how quiet it got when the wind died down for a minute or two. Lunch back in Mollepata tasted better after that walk.

Day three was all about Machu Picchu—the big one. We left between 3 and 4am (yeah, another early start), heading to Ollantaytambo station for the train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is its own experience: windows open to jungle views and misty cliffs sliding past. Our guide handled all the tickets (they explained only Peru’s Ministry of Culture sells them). At Machu Picchu itself, we followed circuit 1—saw those classic terraces and temples up close while Maribel pointed out details I’d have missed on my own (like how llamas keep the grass trimmed). After two hours exploring, we had lunch in Aguas Calientes before retracing our steps back to Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain came next—another pre-dawn start but this time to Cusipata for breakfast (buffet style). The trek up Winicunca is no joke; thin air makes every step count but there are horses if you need them (I walked). Colors really do stripe across the mountain—reds, yellows, even some turquoise bands if you catch them in sunlight just right. Locals sell hot drinks at the top; I tried a cup of mate de coca while watching clouds roll over neighboring peaks.

The last day was slower paced—a free morning to wander or just relax depending on your flight time. If you’re curious about Peruvian food or want to learn how to make pisco sour, there’s an optional cooking class 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
• Travel to PucaPucara
• Visit PucaPucara
• Visit Tambomachay
• Return to Cusco

Day 2 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Early hotel pickup
• Travel to Mollepata and breakfast
• Hike to Humantay Lake
• Return to Soraypampa
• Travel to Mollepata for lunch
• Return to Cusco

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Early hotel pickup and transfer to Ollantaytambo
• Train to Aguas Calientes
• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Return train to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer back to Cusco hotel

Day 4 — Rainbow Mountain Trek

• Early hotel pickup
• Travel to Cusipata and breakfast
• Travel to Wasipata
• Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Visit Rainbow Mountain
• Return trek to vehicle
• Return to Cusipata 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

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Tickets are subject to availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture; if none are available for your dates/circuit options, you'll get a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This trip isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, heart conditions, or during pregnancy due to high altitude and trekking involved.

What kind of hotels will we stay in?

You’ll stay in comfortable three-star hotels in Cusco city throughout the tour.

How difficult are the hikes?

The hikes require moderate fitness due to altitude and terrain; walking sticks are provided and horses are available for Rainbow Mountain if needed.

Is food included?

Breakfasts and lunches are included on excursion days—expect local dishes like fresh bread in Mollepata or buffet meals near Rainbow Mountain.

What’s included

Your package includes airport pickup/drop-off in Cusco; all transport between sites; entry tickets for city tour attractions and Machu Picchu (circuit 1 or 2); professional local guides throughout; walking sticks for treks; oxygen support if needed; round-trip train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; bus transfers within itinerary; breakfasts and lunches during excursions; accommodation in three-star hotels in Cusco city.