5-Day Private Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package

Summary

Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Private Experience

You’ll experience ancient Inca sites like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain with expert guides who know every shortcut and story. This private tour covers all logistics—hotels, tickets, meals—so you can focus on exploring Peru’s best sights without stress or guesswork.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the airport in Cusco was the thin air—cool and dry, even though the sun felt strong on my face. Our local guide met us right at arrivals, holding a small sign with my name. The drive into town was quick; cobblestone streets and bursts of color from woven shawls everywhere. I had a few hours to rest (trust me, you’ll want it for acclimatization). At 2pm sharp, we started our city tour: Koricancha’s golden walls shimmered in the afternoon light while our guide shared stories about the Temple of the Sun. Sacsayhuaman’s massive stones were even more impressive up close—hard to believe they’ve stood here for centuries. Qenqo felt mysterious; inside, it was cool and smelled faintly of earth. Puca Pucara’s red stones glowed as the sun dipped lower, and Tambomachay’s trickling water made everything feel peaceful before heading back to Cusco around 7pm.

The next morning started with fresh coca tea at breakfast—locals swear by it for altitude. We set off through rolling hills toward Pisac’s terraces; market stalls nearby sold everything from roasted corn to alpaca scarves. Urubamba came next for lunch: buffet-style Andean dishes like quinoa soup and roasted chicken (the ají sauce is spicy but worth trying). Ollantaytambo’s ruins were a maze of steps and views over the valley—the Princess Baths are tucked away if you look for them. Later, we caught the train to Aguas Calientes as dusk settled in; windows open just enough to catch hints of eucalyptus along the tracks. Our guide stopped by that night at our hotel to go over every detail for Machu Picchu day.

Waking up early in Aguas Calientes is easy—the whole town buzzes with excitement before sunrise. The bus ride up winds through misty forest; you’ll hear birds calling as you climb higher. Walking into Machu Picchu itself is surreal: llamas graze quietly on terraces while clouds drift across stone temples. Our guide explained how each circuit works (we did Circuit 1), pointing out hidden corners I’d have missed alone. Afterward, we grabbed lunch back in town—try the trout if you’re hungry—and wandered until it was time for our train back to Ollantaytambo and then bus to Cusco.

Day four means an early start—4am pickup isn’t easy but totally worth it for Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca). Breakfast in Cusipata was simple but filling: eggs, bread, hot coffee. The trek itself is no joke; thin air makes every step count but there are horses available if you need them (I saw a few folks take this option). When we reached the top, colors really did streak across the mountain—reds, yellows, even turquoise bands underfoot. It gets windy fast so bring layers! After snapping photos and catching my breath, we hiked down for a hot lunch before heading back to Cusco by late afternoon.

On our last day I had some free time—perfect for picking up souvenirs near Plaza de Armas or just sitting with a coffee watching life go by on Huacaypata square. If your flight leaves later, there’s an optional food tour where you can learn how to make pisco sour (I wish I’d had more time). Transfers back to the airport or bus station are smooth—you don’t have to worry about a thing.

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 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Travel to Pisaq
• Guided tour of Pisaq
• Travel to Urubamba
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Guided tour of Ollantaytambo
• Train to Aguas Calientes

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit

• Bus to Machu Picchu ruins
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Bus to Cusco

Day 4 — Rainbow Mountain Trek

• Breakfast in Cusipata
• Trek to Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Visit Rainbow Mountain
• Return trek to vehicle
• Buffet lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning or optional gastronomy tour

Top questions

Is this Machu Picchu tour suitable for people who aren’t used to high altitudes?

This trip includes time to acclimatize in Cusco before any major activity starts. However, some parts like Rainbow Mountain require moderate fitness due to altitude and hiking distance.

Are entrance tickets for Machu Picchu included?

Yes—all entry tickets are included (subject to availability per Ministry of Culture rules). Circuits 1 or 2 are standard; other options may cost extra if available.

What kind of hotels do we stay in?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels throughout Cusco and Aguas Calientes—clean rooms with breakfast included each morning.

How do we get from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco?

Your return journey includes both train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then private bus transfer straight back to your hotel in Cusco.

Is food provided during the tour?

Breakfasts are covered daily plus lunches during Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain days; local Andean dishes are featured at each stop.

What’s included

This package covers airport pickup/drop-off in Cusco, all ground transport between sites (bus/train), professional guides at each main attraction (including Machu Picchu), entry tickets for tours listed (like Pisac/Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu), walking sticks for Rainbow Mountain trek if needed, oxygen balloon support on mountain day, all breakfasts plus select lunches (Urubamba/Tintinco/Aguas Calientes), accommodation in quality 3-star hotels throughout your stay—and plenty of insider tips along the way!