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

Summary

Private Guided Tour: Sacred Valley, Maras, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

You’ll get hands-on history at Inca sites like Sacsayhuaman and Machu Picchu, taste Andean food in local towns, shop salt from Maras mines, and hike Rainbow Mountain—all with private guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the airport in Cusco was the crisp air—cooler than I expected, even with the sun out. Our guide met us right at arrivals, holding a sign with my name (a small relief after an early flight). We dropped our bags at a cozy 4-star hotel just off Plaza de Armas before heading out for the city tour. Koricancha—the Temple of the Sun—was our first stop. The walls still glint with traces of gold if you look closely in the right light. Our guide explained how Spanish churches were built on top of Inca temples; you can see both histories layered in stone.

Driving up to Sacsayhuaman, I noticed vendors selling coca leaves and tiny carved llamas near the entrance. The stones here are massive—some taller than me—and fit together so tightly you can't slip a coin between them. Qenqo felt different: dark passageways cut into rock, cool and echoey inside. Puca Pucara and Tambomachay followed; Tambomachay's water channels still run clear and cold, and locals say it's good luck to touch it. We got back to Cusco just as dusk settled over the rooftops.

The next morning started slow—coffee at a corner café while watching locals set up their stalls—before we headed into the Sacred Valley. Pisaq's terraces curve along the hillsides like green steps; our guide pointed out where farmers still plant potatoes by hand. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style: quinoa soup, roasted corn, and chicha morada (that purple corn drink is everywhere). Ollantaytambo's ruins sit above cobbled streets; climbing up to the Temple of the Sun left me breathless but happy for the view.

Catching the train to Aguas Calientes felt like entering another world—the river rushing beside us, mist hanging low over dense jungle. Our hotel here had big windows facing green hills; that night our guide stopped by to walk us through every detail for Machu Picchu day (I appreciated knowing exactly when we'd need to line up for buses).

Machu Picchu itself? Early start—still chilly enough for a jacket—but worth every minute. The site opens in soft morning light; llamas wander between terraces while clouds drift past Huayna Picchu peak. Our guide led us through circuit 1 (tickets depend on what's available), explaining how each sector worked: temples, storage houses, even an old sundial stone called Intihuatana. Afterward, we had free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch—I grabbed a tamal from a street vendor before catching the train back toward Ollantaytambo.

Day four took us out to Maras and Moray—fields dotted with wildflowers this time of year—and down winding roads to salt pools that shimmer white against red earth. The salt tastes sharp on your tongue (they let you try a pinch), and local women sell little bags tied with string if you want a souvenir.

The Rainbow Mountain hike started before sunrise—a blur of headlights and sleepy faces bundled in hats and gloves. Breakfast was simple but filling: bread rolls, eggs, hot tea in Cusipata village. The trek itself is no joke at altitude; I stopped more than once just to catch my breath and watch herds of alpacas grazing nearby. When we finally reached Winicunca's summit, colors really did stripe across the mountain like someone painted them on—reds, yellows, turquoise bands under shifting clouds.

On our last morning there was time to wander Plaza de Armas or join an optional pisco sour class (I went for coffee instead). Transfers back to the airport were smooth—they even helped with luggage check-in tips.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco City Tour

• Visit Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Travel to Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Sacsayhuaman
• Visit Qenqo Ritual Center
• Travel to PucaPucara
• Visit PucaPucara Fortress
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Travel to Pisaq
• Guided tour of Pisaq
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site
• Train to Aguas Calientes and overnight

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Free time in Aguas Calientes
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer to Cusco hotel

Day 4 — Maras and Moray Tour

• Guided tour of Moray agricultural terraces
• Travel to Maras Salt Mines
• Guided tour of Maras Salt Pools
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Rainbow Mountain Trek

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

Day 6 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Optional Peruvian gastronomy and pisco sour tour

Top questions

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets are subject to availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture; if none are available for your dates or circuits 1/2 sell out, you’ll get a full refund or can pay extra for other circuits if offered.

How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike?

The trek is moderately challenging due to high altitude—it’s about 1.5 hours each way on uneven paths. You should be reasonably fit; take it slow if needed.

Is food included during tours?

Yes! Buffet lunch is included in Urubamba during Sacred Valley day; breakfast and lunch are provided on Rainbow Mountain day as well as other meals per itinerary details.

Can I store luggage during overnight stays?

Your main hotel in Cusco will securely store extra luggage while you’re overnighting in Aguas Calientes or elsewhere during excursions.

What’s included

This tour covers all main admissions—including Machu Picchu (circuit 1 or 2), Sacred Valley sites, Maras salt mines—and private transportation throughout your stay. You’ll have professional English-speaking guides at every major stop plus comfy 4-star hotels each night (Cusco & Aguas Calientes). Train rides between Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes are included too! Walking sticks for hikes are provided if needed; all transfers from airport/bus station arranged for you as well as most meals listed in your itinerary.