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

Summary

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

If you want real adventure mixed with local flavor, this 7-day private tour covers everything: ancient ruins, high-altitude hikes, colorful markets—and plenty of moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me in Cusco was the crisp air—thin and cool, even at midday. Our guide met us right at the airport with a big smile and a sign (easy to spot). We had the morning to settle in and get used to the altitude. By afternoon, we were off exploring Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. The sunlight bounced off those ancient stones, and you could almost feel the history humming under your feet. Sacsayhuaman came next—massive stones stacked in ways that still baffle people today. I remember a faint scent of eucalyptus as we walked between sites like Qenqo and Tambomachay; locals say it’s good for headaches from the altitude.

The Sacred Valley day started with a drive through winding roads lined with cornfields and tiny villages. Pisaq’s terraces looked like green steps carved into the mountain. We stopped for lunch in Urubamba—buffet style, lots of quinoa dishes and roasted potatoes (the kind you only find here). Ollantaytambo’s ruins felt alive; our guide pointed out where Inca royalty once bathed. That evening train ride to Aguas Calientes was quiet except for the sound of rushing water outside the window. At night, our guide popped by our hotel to go over every detail for Machu Picchu—no surprises there.

Waking up before sunrise for Machu Picchu was worth it. The mist clung to everything as we rode up in the bus; by the time we entered, it had cleared just enough to see those famous stone walls peeking through clouds. Our guide spent two hours walking us around—sharing stories about lost cities and hidden temples. Afterward, lunch back in Aguas Calientes tasted extra good after all that walking. The train back to Ollantaytambo was mellow—I dozed off listening to other travelers swapping stories.

Rainbow Mountain meant another early start—4am pickup isn’t easy but watching dawn break over empty roads is something else. Breakfast in Cusipata was simple but filling (lots of coca tea). The hike up Winicunca is no joke; I felt my lungs working overtime but seeing those wild stripes of color at the top made every step count. There were local women selling hot drinks near the summit—best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.

Humantay Lake surprised me with its color—a blue so bright it almost looked fake against snowy peaks. The walk up from Soraypampa took about an hour and a half; along the way we spotted llamas grazing quietly beside us. Lunch back in Mollepata was hearty—chicken stew and fresh bread straight from someone’s oven.

The last big adventure was Q’eswachaka Bridge—a woven grass bridge that swings gently over the Apurímac River. Crossing it felt shaky at first but safe enough (locals rebuild it every year). On our way back, we stopped at Checacupe to see how old meets new—the Inca bridge right next to a colonial one built much later.

On departure day, there was time for one last stroll around Plaza de Armas or even a quick pisco sour lesson if you wanted it. Leaving wasn’t easy—I’d gotten used to waking up with mountains outside my window.

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 hotel

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Travel to Pisaq archaeological site
• Guided tour of Pisaq
• Travel to Urubamba for lunch
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site
• 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 hotel

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 Lagoon
• Explore fauna and flora
• Return to Mollepata
• Lunch in Mollepata
• Return to Cusco

Day 6 — Inca Bridge and Surroundings

• Pickup from hotel
• Visit four lagoons
• Visit Pabellones volcano
• Visit Inca Bridge of Q'eswachaka
• Cross Inca Bridge
• Visit colonial bridge of Checacupe
• Return to Cusco

Day 7 — Departure or Optional Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Optional Peruvian gastronomy and pisco sour tour
• Transfer to airport or bus station

Top questions

How physically demanding is this tour?

You’ll need moderate fitness—there are hikes at high altitude (like Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake), plus some uphill walks at archaeological sites.

Are Machu Picchu tickets guaranteed?

Tickets are subject to availability from Peru’s Ministry of Culture—we’ll secure them for circuits 1 or 2 when possible; if not available, you’ll get a full refund for your package.

What meals are included?

You’ll get breakfast and lunch on most days—think buffet lunches in Urubamba or Mollepata and simple breakfasts before early starts.

Is there free time during the tour?

Yes! You’ll have downtime most mornings or evenings to relax or explore on your own—especially on arrival and departure days.

What’s included

Your package includes airport pickup/drop-off, all ground transport between sites, professional guides throughout (especially at Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley), entrance tickets (subject to availability), train rides between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, walking sticks for mountain treks, oxygen support if needed for high altitudes, plus daily breakfasts and lunches as listed above.