6-Day Private Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour with Sacred Valley

Summary

Private Multi-Day Adventure: Machu Picchu, Maras, Humantay & More

If you're looking for more than just snapshots of Machu Picchu, this private 6-day tour lets you really feel Cusco's rhythm—from ancient temples to mountain lakes and bustling markets. You'll get local guides who know their stuff, comfortable hotels each night, plus all your tickets sorted out so there's no stress about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Cusco hits you right away—the air feels thinner and the city buzzes with a mix of old stone walls and honking taxis. Someone was waiting for us at the airport, holding a little sign with my name. The drive to the hotel was quick but I noticed how the light shifted as clouds rolled over the mountains. We had a free morning to just breathe and get used to the altitude (honestly, you’ll want that). Later in the afternoon, our guide picked us up for a city tour. Koricancha—Temple of the Sun—was first. You can still see where Inca stonework meets Spanish colonial walls. Sacsayhuaman came next; those giant stones fit together so tightly you can’t even slip a coin between them. The wind up there is sharp and smells faintly of eucalyptus. Qenqo felt mysterious—dark passageways carved into rock—and PucaPucara’s red stones glowed as the sun dropped lower. Tambomachay was last; water trickles everywhere, and it’s easy to imagine why Incas thought this place was sacred.

The next day started early with a drive through patchwork fields toward Pisac. The market wasn’t crowded yet—just a few locals setting up stalls with woven blankets and fruit that smelled sweet even from a distance. Pisac’s ruins sit high above terraces that look like green steps down the mountain. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style: quinoa soup, roasted corn, something called “ají” that left my lips tingling. Ollantaytambo’s fortress is steep; climbing those terraces with our guide explaining stories about the Princess Baths made me forget how out of breath I was getting. We caught an evening train to Aguas Calientes—windows open to jungle air and river sounds below.

Machu Picchu day means waking up before sunrise (it’s worth it). The bus ride winds up through misty forest; sometimes you spot llamas grazing on the slopes below. Our guide led us through Circuit 1—lots of classic views—and pointed out hidden corners I’d never have found alone: tiny orchids growing from cracks in stone, faded carvings on doorways. Afterward we had time for lunch back in town (the trout is good), then caught the train and bus back to Cusco as dusk settled over the valley.

Maras and Moray surprised me—the salt pools shimmered white under bright sun, and you could actually taste little flakes of salt if you wanted (I did). Moray’s circular terraces are strange and beautiful; our guide explained how they were used as an agricultural lab by the Incas because each level has its own microclimate. There’s a quiet hum from bees here if you listen closely.

The hike to Humantay Lake starts before dawn—blankets of fog cover everything until you reach Mollepata for breakfast (strong coffee helps). The trail is steep but not impossible; wildflowers line parts of it, and horses sometimes pass by carrying supplies for other trekkers. When we reached Humantay Lagoon at 4,250 meters, I just stood there catching my breath—the water really does shift colors depending on where you stand and how the clouds move overhead.

On our last morning we had some time to wander around Plaza de Armas or just relax at a café near San Blas before heading to the airport. If you’re curious about Peruvian food or want one last adventure, there’s an option for a cooking class or learning how to make pisco sour before leaving.

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
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit

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

Day 4 — Maras and Moray Tour

• Hotel pickup
• Travel to Maras
• Guided tour of Moray
• Travel to Maras Salt Mines
• Guided tour of Maras Salt Mines
• Shopping at Maras Salt Mines
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Early hotel pickup
• Travel to Mollepata
• Breakfast in Mollepata
• Hike to Humantay Lagoon
• Enjoy fauna and flora
• Descend to Soraypampa
• Travel to Mollepata
• Lunch in Mollepata
• Return to Cusco

Day 6 — 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 guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets depend on availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture—we'll secure Circuit 1 or 2 if possible or refund your package if none are available.

How difficult is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The trek is moderately challenging due to altitude but walking sticks are provided and there's plenty of time for breaks along the way.

Are meals included?

Yes! Breakfasts are included daily plus lunches in Urubamba, Aguas Calientes, and Mollepata during key excursions.

What kind of hotels will we stay in?

You'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes—all centrally located so it's easy to explore on foot.

What’s included

Your tour covers airport transfers, all ground transport between sites, entry tickets (including Machu Picchu circuits 1 or 2), professional local guides throughout each destination, hotel stays every night (3-star standard), breakfasts daily plus select lunches (Urubamba buffet, Aguas Calientes lunch after Machu Picchu visit, Mollepata breakfast/lunch), walking sticks for hikes like Humantay Lake, oxygen support if needed for altitude adjustment—and plenty of insider tips from guides who grew up here!