7-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package

Summary

Peru Multi-Day Adventure: Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake & Q'eswachaka Bridge

You’ll explore ancient ruins, hike rainbow-colored mountains, cross living Inca bridges, and soak up local culture—all with expert guides handling every detail so you can just enjoy Peru’s magic.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember landing in Cusco—thin air, a bit chilly even though the sun was out. Someone from the team was waiting with my name on a little sign. The drive to the hotel was short but I could already feel that mix of excitement and nerves (altitude hits quick). That first morning’s free time was a lifesaver for acclimatizing. Around 2pm, we met up at the Plaza de Armas—locals chatting on benches, pigeons everywhere—and kicked off our city tour. Koricancha’s stone walls glowed gold in the afternoon light while our guide explained how it used to be covered in real gold sheets. Sacsayhuaman came next—massive stones you can’t believe were moved by hand—and then Qenqo, which honestly felt a bit mysterious inside those carved rocks. Puca Pucara looked reddish against the sky; Tambomachay had water trickling through ancient channels. We got back to Cusco just as street vendors started setting up for the evening.

The next day started early with a drive into the Sacred Valley. Pisaq’s terraces zigzagged down the hillsides and we wandered through market stalls selling everything from woven hats to purple corn snacks. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style—lots of quinoa and roasted veggies (try the chicha morada if you get a chance). Ollantaytambo’s ruins were steep but worth it for the view over town; our guide pointed out where the Incas hid from Spanish troops. Afterward, we caught a train to Aguas Calientes—the windows fogged up as we got closer to the jungle. That night, our guide stopped by our hotel with all the details for Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu day is an early one—expect misty air and sleepy faces at breakfast. The bus ride winds up through clouds until suddenly you’re there: stone walls poking out of green mountainsides. Our guide led us through circuit 1 (there are different routes depending on your ticket), stopping at spots like the Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana stone. It’s busy but there are quiet corners if you hang back a bit. Afterward, we had lunch back in Aguas Calientes before catching trains and buses all the way back to Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain meant another pre-dawn start—4am pickup isn’t for everyone but watching sunrise over empty roads is something else. Breakfast was simple but filling (lots of coca tea for altitude). The trek itself is tough if you’re not used to high altitudes; I took it slow and stopped often just to catch my breath and watch alpacas grazing nearby. When you finally reach Vinicunca’s colorful stripes, it feels like stepping into another world—even if it’s windy and cold at the top.

Humantay Lake is another early morning but totally different vibe—more green valleys and snow-capped peaks along the way to Mollepata for breakfast (the bread here is so fresh). The hike up is steep but doable with walking sticks (included), and when you see that turquoise water ringed by mountains… well, photos don’t do it justice. Lunch afterward tasted extra good after all that effort.

The Inca bridge at Q’eswachaka surprised me—it’s rebuilt every year by locals using traditional grass braiding techniques (our guide told us about Pachamama offerings before they start). Crossing it feels wobbly but safe enough; below you can hear the Apurímac River rushing past. On our way back we stopped at Checacupe to see how old Inca bridges compare with colonial ones—totally different styles side by side.

The last morning was relaxed—a chance to wander Cusco or join an optional cooking class (I went for coffee instead). Transfers were smooth right up until airport drop-off; no stress about timing or luggage.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PucaPucara, Tambomachay

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

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

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Bus to Machu Picchu ruins
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu and lunch
• Return by train to Ollantaytambo and 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 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Pickup and travel to Mollepata
• Breakfast in Mollepata
• Walk to Humantay Lake
• Return to Soraypampa and lunch in Mollepata
• Return to Cusco

Day 6 — Inca Bridge Q'eswachaka Visit

• Travel to four lagoons and visit
• Visit Pabellones volcano
• Visit and cross Inca bridge Q'eswachaka
• Visit Inca colonial bridge of Checacupe
• Return to Cusco

Day 7 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning or optional gastronomy tour

Top questions

Is entrance to Machu Picchu included?

Yes, entrance tickets are included (circuit 1 or 2 based on availability). If tickets aren’t available for your dates, you’ll get a full refund for your package.

How difficult are the hikes?

The hikes to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are challenging due to altitude but manageable with moderate fitness and walking sticks provided.

Are meals provided during tours?

Breakfasts and lunches are included on most activity days—like buffet lunch in Urubamba or local meals near Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.

What happens if my flight arrives late?

Your airport pickup will be adjusted according to your arrival time so you won’t miss any part of your tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This trip isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, heart problems, or during pregnancy due to altitude and hiking demands.

What’s included

You’ll get airport transfers in Cusco; guided city tour; entry fees for Sacred Valley sites; train tickets between Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu entry (circuit 1 or 2); guided visits at each site including Machu Picchu and Q’eswachaka bridge; walking sticks for hikes; breakfasts and lunches as listed (like Urubamba buffet & local meals near Humantay Lake); roundtrip bus between Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu; all group transport between sites; plus support from local guides throughout your journey.