6-Day Private Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain Tour

Summary

Cusco to Machu Picchu: Sacred Valley & Andean Wonders Tour

You’ll experience Peru’s real heart on this private 6-day tour: ancient ruins above Cusco, sunrise at Machu Picchu, hikes past turquoise lakes and rainbow-striped mountains—and plenty of local flavors along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the airport in Cusco was the cool, thin air—nothing like home. Our driver was waiting with a sign and a big smile, which made finding him easy even with the morning rush. I remember just wanting to sit down for a bit and let my head catch up to the altitude. The hotel was close by, so we had time to rest before heading out for the city tour at 2pm.

Koricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was our first stop. The old stones felt warm under my hand as our guide explained how Inca walls once shimmered with sheets of gold. From there, we drove up winding roads to Sacsayhuaman—locals say it means “where the hawk is satisfied.” The place is massive; you can see all of Cusco below if you stand in just the right spot. We wandered through Q’enqo’s carved tunnels and stopped at Puca Pucara’s red stone walls before ending at Tambomachay, where water still trickles through ancient channels. By 7pm, I was ready for bed—jet lag and altitude are no joke.

The next morning started early with a drive into the Sacred Valley. Pisac ruins came alive as our guide pointed out terraces clinging to steep hillsides. Down in Urubamba, we tried quinoa soup and roast chicken at a buffet—simple but filling after all that walking. Ollantaytambo’s stone steps were tough but worth it for views over the valley and those mysterious Princess Baths tucked away behind thick walls. Later that evening, we caught a train from Ollantaytambo station—the ride along the river is something I’ll never forget—and rolled into Aguas Calientes just as dusk settled over the tracks.

Waking up before sunrise in Aguas Calientes felt easier than expected; maybe it was nerves or excitement about finally seeing Machu Picchu. The bus ride zigzagged up misty switchbacks until suddenly there it was—the Lost City itself. Our guide led us through quiet corners away from bigger groups and pointed out details I’d have missed on my own: orchids peeking from cracks, llamas munching grass near ancient steps. After two hours exploring temples and terraces, we headed back down for lunch (the trout at one café near the market was surprisingly good). That afternoon we caught the train back toward Ollantaytambo—a rep met us right on time—and then drove back to Cusco.

Day four started painfully early again (4am!), but breakfast in Mollepata helped wake me up—a strong coffee and fresh bread did wonders. The hike up to Humantay Lake is steep; honestly, I had to stop more than once just to catch my breath and take in snowy peaks glowing pink in morning light. When we reached the lake itself—icy blue against white mountains—it felt like another planet. Locals offered coca tea near Soraypampa on our way down; I took some for warmth before lunch back in Mollepata.

Rainbow Mountain day meant another pre-dawn start—my phone said it was barely above freezing when we set off for Cusipata. Breakfast there was quick (eggs, fruit), then off to Wasipata where our walk began. The climb is slow going because of altitude; you’ll see locals herding alpacas along muddy trails while dogs nap in patches of sun. At Winicunca’s summit, colors really do streak across the rock—reds and yellows mixed with green moss—but what stuck with me most were gusts of cold wind and how quiet everything got for a moment at the top.

The last day gave us time to wander around Cusco’s old streets on our own—Plaza de Armas buzzed with life even early in the morning, while San Pedro Market smelled like fresh bread and fruit juice stands opened one by one. Before heading to the airport, I squeezed in a walk through San Blas neighborhood—blue doors everywhere—and found that famous twelve-angled stone tucked into an unassuming wall on Hatun Rumiyoc street.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport Pickup and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Rest and acclimatize
• City tour pickup
• Visit Qorikancha temple
• Tour Sacsayhuaman ruins
• Visit Q'enqo ritual center
• Visit PucaPucara red fort
• Visit Tambomachay water cult site

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

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

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit

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

Day 4 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Early pickup and travel to Mollepata
• Breakfast in Mollepata
• Hike to Humantay Lagoon
• Return to Mollepata and lunch
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Rainbow Mountain Excursion

• Early pickup from lodgings
• Buffet breakfast in Cusipata
• Travel to Wasipata area
• Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Visit Rainbow Mountain
• Return hike to highway
• Buffet lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco

Day 6 — Relax and Cusco Walking Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Walking tour: Plaza de Armas, Nazarenas Square, San Blas, Twelve Angle Stone, San Pedro Market

Top questions

Is this tour suitable if I’m not used to high altitudes?

This trip includes several high-altitude spots (up to 5,000m). It helps if you’re moderately fit; guides give tips for acclimatization and there’s time built in to rest when needed.

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Machu Picchu entry depends on ticket availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture—we buy them as soon as possible (usually Circuit 1 or 2). If none are available for your dates, you’ll get a full refund.

What kind of food is included?

You’ll get breakfasts and lunches most days—think Andean dishes like quinoa soup or grilled trout plus buffets in Urubamba or Mollepata. There are options for different diets if you let us know ahead of time.

How much walking or hiking should I expect?

Some days involve long walks or hikes (Humantay Lake & Rainbow Mountain especially), often at high elevation. Walking sticks are provided—you can go at your own pace.

What’s included

Your package covers hotel stays (double or matrimonial rooms) in both Cusco city and Aguas Calientes; all main entrance fees (including Machu Picchu); round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes; professional English-speaking guides throughout; daily breakfasts and lunches as noted; pick-up/drop-off at your hotel or airport; walking sticks for mountain treks; oxygen support during high-altitude hikes; bus transfers between sites; plus all transportation during tours.