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

Summary

Private Multi-Day Adventure: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & More

You’ll cover ancient ruins, high-altitude lakes, rainbow-colored mountains, and living Inca traditions—all with local guides who know their stuff and smooth private transport between each spot. If you want seven days packed with real Peruvian adventure (and plenty of good food), this trip covers it all.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the airport in Cusco was the crisp mountain air—cooler than I expected, even with the sun out. Our driver was waiting right where he said he'd be, holding up a little sign and waving us over. The city’s streets buzzed with taxis and locals selling coca leaves for altitude. We had the morning to ourselves to rest and get used to the altitude (trust me, you’ll want this). By 2pm we met our guide in the Plaza de Armas—he knew every shortcut through those old cobblestone alleys. Koricancha was our first stop; sunlight bounced off those ancient stones inside the Temple of the Sun. Sacsayhuaman came next—massive stones stacked like a puzzle on a hill overlooking Cusco. At Qenqo, I remember ducking into a chilly cave where rituals once happened. Puca Pucara and Tambomachay rounded out the day—one a reddish fortress, the other echoing with running water from Inca times. We got back around 7pm, just as street vendors started setting up for dinner.

The next morning started early with a drive through winding roads to Pisaq’s terraces—mist still clinging to the hillsides. Our guide explained how locals still farm these plots today. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style; I piled my plate with quinoa soup and roasted corn (choclo). Ollantaytambo’s ruins were steep but worth it—the view over the valley is something else. Afterward we caught a train to Aguas Calientes; it rumbled along beside the river as dusk settled in. That night our guide dropped by our hotel lobby to go over all the details for Machu Picchu—it helped calm my nerves about tickets and timing.

Waking up before sunrise is rough but seeing Machu Picchu appear through morning mist? Unreal. Our guide led us along circuit 1 (the classic route), pointing out spots most folks miss—like tiny orchids growing between stones or llamas grazing near the Guardhouse. After exploring, we grabbed lunch back in town and had some free time before catching our train back toward Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain day started at 4am—no joke—but breakfast in Cusipata made up for it (fresh bread and hot tea). The trek up Winicunca is tough if you’re not used to altitude; I took it slow behind a group of local women herding alpacas. The colors really do look painted on when you finally reach the top—even if your fingers are numb from wind chill! Back down for lunch and then straight back to Cusco by evening.

Humantay Lake meant another early start but this hike felt different—more peaceful somehow. The trail winds past tiny farms and wildflowers until suddenly there’s this turquoise lake surrounded by snowy peaks at Soraypampa. We lingered longer than planned just watching clouds drift across the water before heading back down for lunch in Mollepata.

The Q’eswachaka Bridge day gave us something totally unique—a drive south past four quiet lagoons (locals fishing with hand lines) and then onto a real Inca rope bridge swaying above the Apurímac River. Crossing it is both nerve-wracking and kind of thrilling; you can smell fresh grass from all that woven ichu fiber underfoot. On our way back we stopped at Checacupe to see how colonial bridges compare—spoiler: very different vibe!

The last morning was ours to wander or just relax before our ride back to the airport showed up right on time.

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

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

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Tour

• Bus to Machu Picchu and guided tour
• Free time and lunch in Aguas Calientes
• 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 transport
• Buffet lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Pickup and travel to Mollepata
• Walk to Humantay Lagoon
• Return to Mollepata
• Lunch in Mollepata
• Return to Cusco

Day 6 — Q'eswachaca Bridge Visit

• Pickup and travel south of Cusco
• Visit four lagoons and Pabellones volcano
• Visit and cross Inca hanging bridge
• Visit Inca colonial bridge of Checacupe
• Return to Cusco

Day 7 — Departure Day

• Free morning and transport to airport

Top questions

Is entrance to Machu Picchu guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets depend on availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture; your ticket will be secured for circuits 1 or 2 if available—or you’ll get a full refund if none remain.

How difficult are the hikes?

Some hikes (like Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake) are challenging due to altitude but manageable at a steady pace; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are meals included?

Yes—breakfasts and lunches are included most days, featuring local Andean dishes especially during Sacred Valley and trekking days.

What kind of hotels are provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in Cusco city and Aguas Calientes; all centrally located so you can explore easily after tours.

Can I bring service animals?

Service animals are allowed on this tour; let us know ahead so we can help arrange logistics where needed.

What’s included

Your package covers airport pickup/drop-off, all private transport between sites, guided tours at every major stop (including Machu Picchu), entrance fees for Sacred Valley attractions plus Q’eswachaka Bridge, round-trip train rides between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Voyager or Expedition class), walking sticks for treks, breakfasts/lunches as listed, nights in comfortable 3-star hotels throughout—and plenty of local insight from experienced guides along each route.