8-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Adventure Tour

Summary

Complete Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Sacred Valley

You’ll cover ancient temples, lively markets, high-altitude lakes, rainbow-colored mountains, and iconic Machu Picchu—all with local guides who know their stuff. If you want real Peru beyond postcards (plus good food along the way), this trip packs it all in without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning in Cusco hit me with that crisp mountain air—thin and cool, even with the sun out. Our guide met us right at the airport, which made things easy after a long flight. I remember the coca tea at the hotel lobby; locals swear by it for altitude. We had a few hours to settle in before heading out for our first taste of the city’s history. Koricancha was our starting point—a temple where sunlight still seems to bounce off every stone. The guide shared stories about Inca gold and Spanish conquest as we wandered through shadowy halls.

Later that afternoon, we drove up winding roads to Sacsayhuaman. The stones there are massive—honestly, you can’t help but wonder how they got them stacked so tight. Kids were flying kites nearby and you could hear dogs barking somewhere down the hill. Qenqo felt different: darker, almost mysterious inside those carved rocks. By sunset we’d seen Puca Pucara and Tambomachay too—the water channels there still flow clear and cold.

The next day started early with a drive through patchwork valleys towards Pisac’s ruins and its busy market. Vendors called out in Quechua and Spanish; I picked up some roasted corn from an old woman near the church steps—crunchy and salty, perfect snack for wandering around terraces above the river. Lunch in Urubamba was buffet-style—lots of quinoa soup and grilled trout (try it if you get the chance). Ollantaytambo’s ruins came next; climbing those steep terraces left my legs burning but the view over red rooftops was worth it.

That evening we caught the train to Aguas Calientes—windows open just enough to let in cool jungle air mixed with engine oil smell. Our guide stopped by later at our hotel to go over details for Machu Picchu (they’re strict about ticket circuits; ours was Circuit 1). Next morning was all nerves and excitement—first bus up leaves before sunrise, so bring a jacket! Walking into Machu Picchu as clouds lifted off Huayna Picchu is something I’ll never forget. The stonework is unreal up close; llamas wander around like they own the place.

After lunch back in town (I grabbed empanadas from a street stall), we took the train then bus back to Cusco—long day but totally worth it. Day four brought us out to Maras and Moray: salt pans sparkling white under bright sun, and those deep circular terraces at Moray that look like something from another planet. Local women sell pink salt here—makes a good souvenir if you’ve got room in your bag.

Day five meant another early start for Humantay Lake. Breakfast was simple—bread rolls and strong coffee—in Mollepata before we set off hiking from Soraypampa. The climb is tough (don’t rush!), but reaching that turquoise lake surrounded by snowy peaks feels like stepping into a postcard. You’ll want gloves; wind bites hard up there.

Rainbow Mountain day starts even earlier—4am wake-up call! There’s hot soup waiting at Cusipata before you start walking toward Vinicunca’s colored slopes. The trail gets busy but everyone cheers each other on near the top; thin air makes every step count but seeing those stripes of red and yellow earth is wild.

The seventh day took us south past quiet lagoons to Q’eswachaka—the last handwoven Inca bridge still standing over the Apurimac River. Crossing it is both thrilling and nerve-wracking (it sways more than you’d think). Locals rebuild it every year using grass ropes—a tradition older than any road here.

Our final morning was slow-paced: wandering Cusco’s Plaza de Armas while street musicians played panpipes nearby, ducking into San Pedro Market for fresh juice, snapping photos of that famous twelve-angled stone tucked away on Hatun Rumiyoc street. By midday we were packed up for airport transfer—tired but honestly wishing we had one more day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport Pickup and City Tour

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
• Tour Sacsayhuaman ruins
• Visit Q'enqo ritual center
• Visit PucaPucara (Red Fort)
• Visit Tambomachay (Inca Bath)

Day 2 — Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Tour Pisaq ruins
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Tour Ollantaytambo ruins
• Train to Aguas Calientes for overnight

Day 3 — Machu Picchu Visit

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins
• Lunch and free time in Aguas Calientes
• Return train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco

Day 4 — Moray and Maras Salt Mines

• Tour Agricultural Terraces of Moray
• Visit Maras Salt Mines and shopping
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Humantay Lake Trek

• Pickup and travel to Mollepata for breakfast
• Hike to Humantay Lagoon
• Descend to Soraypampa and return to Mollepata
• Lunch and return to Cusco

Day 6 — Rainbow Mountain Excursion

• Pickup and travel to Cusipata
• Buffet breakfast in Cusipata
• Travel to Wasipata area
• Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Winicunca)
• Visit Rainbow Mountain
• Return hike to highway
• Return to Cusipata and buffet lunch
• Return to Cusco

Day 7 — Inca Bridge Q’eswachaka

• Pickup and travel south of Cusco
• Visit four lagoons and Pabellones volcano
• Visit and cross Inca Bridge Q’eswachaka
• Visit colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe
• Return to Cusco

Day 8 — Relax and Walking Tour

• Free morning to relax
• Walking tour: Plaza de Armas, Nazarenas Square, San Blas, Twelve Angle Stone, San Pedro Market

Top questions

Is entry to Machu Picchu guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets depend on availability from Peru's Ministry of Culture—they're included if available on Circuits 1 or 2; otherwise you'll get a full refund for your package.

How tough are the hikes to Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain?

Both hikes are challenging due to altitude (over 4,000m) but guides go at a steady pace—you'll need moderate fitness and warm layers for early mornings.

Are meals included during tours?

Yes! Most days include breakfast and lunch at local spots or buffets—expect Andean dishes like quinoa soup or trout plus plenty of coca tea for altitude.

What should I pack for this tour?

Packing layers is key: mornings are chilly even when sunny; bring rain gear just in case plus sturdy shoes for uneven trails.

What’s included

This tour covers airport transfers, all ground transport between sites, professional English-speaking guides throughout (including Machu Picchu), entrance tickets for main attractions (subject to availability), train rides between Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes/Cusco, walking sticks for mountain days, oxygen support if needed on high-altitude hikes, plus daily breakfasts and lunches at local restaurants or buffets as listed in your itinerary.