Cusco Machu Picchu 6 Days | Sacred Valley & Rainbow Mountain

Q: Is this Cusco Machu Picchu 6 day tour good for first-time visitors?

Yes. This Cusco Machu Picchu 6 day tour is ideal for first-time travelers because it includes the main highlights of the Cusco region in one well-organized itinerary: Cusco City, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

Q: Can this tour be customized?

Yes. This Cusco and Machu Picchu package can be adjusted according to your travel style, preferred hotel category, train service and whether you want a shared or private experience.

Discover the Magic of the Inca Empire

Travel through the heart of the Peruvian Andes with this Cusco Machu Picchu 6 day tour, created for travelers who want to experience history, culture, breathtaking landscapes and the most iconic places of the ancient Inca world.

This journey takes you from the charming streets of Cusco to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, with unforgettable visits to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the famous Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco. Each day has been carefully planned to offer a smooth, inspiring and well-organized travel experience, with professional guidance and time to enjoy every destination with comfort.

If you are looking for a complete Machu Picchu package that combines culture, scenery and authentic Andean experiences, this 6-day itinerary is one of the best ways to discover Cusco and its most remarkable treasures.

During this Cusco and Machu Picchu package, you will explore the historic city of Cusco, visit impressive Inca sites, travel through the Sacred Valley, enjoy the scenic train journey to Machu Picchu and finish the adventure with the colorful landscapes of Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain.

The itinerary is organized day by day so you can travel at a pleasant pace, with time to acclimatize, explore and enjoy each destination with local assistance throughout the trip.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and Acclimatization

Upon arrival in Cusco, located at 3,400 meters above sea level, our team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

This first day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization. You will have free time to relax, walk through the colonial streets of Cusco and begin to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic Andean city.

We recommend taking the day slowly, enjoying a traditional coca tea and visiting the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by churches, restaurants and cafés with beautiful city views.

Experience

Arrival, rest and gentle introduction to Cusco.

Day Information

Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
Activity: Arrival and acclimatization
Weather: Mild during the day and cool at night
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel, Airport pickup

Day 2: Cusco City Tour, Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman

After a free morning to continue adapting to the altitude, you will begin a guided Cusco City Tour through the most important historical sites in and around the city.

The experience starts at Qoricancha, one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire. You will then visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive archaeological site known for its massive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco.

The tour also includes Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, places that reveal the history, beliefs and architectural skill of the ancient Incas.

This day is the perfect introduction to the region before visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Experience

Inca history, colonial architecture and archaeological sites near Cusco.

Highlights

Qoricancha Temple
Sacsayhuaman archaeological site
Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
Panoramic views of Cusco
Professional guided visit

Day Information

Duration: Half day
Activity level: Easy
Maximum altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Professional guide, Cusco City Tour, Tourist transportation

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo

Today you will explore one of the most beautiful areas in the Andes: the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The day begins in Chinchero, a traditional Andean town known for its ancestral textile techniques and mountain views. You will continue to Moray, an impressive Inca site formed by circular terraces, and then visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds create one of the most unique landscapes in the region.

After lunch, the journey continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Its stone streets, terraces and archaeological site make it one of the most important stops in the valley.

This Sacred Valley tour combines culture, landscapes, history and local traditions before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

Experience

Andean villages, Inca sites, scenic landscapes and train journey to Machu Picchu.

Highlights

Chinchero
Moray terraces
Maras Salt Mines
Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Tourist train to Aguas Calientes

Day Information

Duration: Full day
Maximum altitude: 3,762 m / 12,342 ft
Weather: Mild and usually dry
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Aguas Calientes

Included: Professional guide, Breakfast, Buffet lunch, Sacred Valley tour, Tourist train to Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour and Return to Cusco

The most anticipated day of your journey has arrived.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Accompanied by a professional guide, you will explore the main areas of this extraordinary Inca citadel and learn about its history, architecture and mysteries.

During the Machu Picchu guided tour, you may visit different sectors depending on the assigned circuit and ticket availability. These areas may include temples, terraces, plazas and ceremonial spaces.

After the guided visit, you will have time to enjoy the views, take memorable photos and experience the special atmosphere that surrounds this world-famous Inca sanctuary.

In the afternoon, you will return by tourist train to Ollantaytambo and continue by transport back to Cusco.

Experience

Guided visit to Machu Picchu, scenic train ride and return to Cusco.

Main Areas You May Visit

Temple of the Sun
Intihuatana
Sacred Plaza
Temple of the Condor
Agricultural terraces
Ceremonial and urban areas

Highlights

Official entrance to Machu Picchu
Guided tour with a professional guide
Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Scenic train journey
Return transport to Cusco

Day Information

Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Duration: Full day
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Professional guide, Breakfast, Official entrance to Machu Picchu, Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, Tourist train

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco

Very early in the morning, you will begin an unforgettable adventure to Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain.

The route crosses impressive Andean landscapes where it is common to see alpacas, llamas and traditional communities dedicated to local farming and herding.

Once you reach the main viewpoint, you will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in Peru: a natural mountain with colorful stripes that has become one of the most photographed destinations in South America.

This Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco is ideal for travelers who want to experience high-altitude landscapes, open mountain views and one of the most unique natural attractions in the Andes.

Experience

High-altitude landscapes, Andean scenery and guided hike to Rainbow Mountain.

Highlights

Full-day Rainbow Mountain tour
Guided hike to the main viewpoint
Views of Vinicunca
Alpacas, llamas and local communities along the route
Breakfast and lunch included

Day Information

Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Maximum altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft
Activity level: Moderate
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Professional guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Tourist transportation, Rainbow Mountain tour

Day 6: Departure from Cusco

Enjoy your final hours in Cusco at your own pace. You may visit local shops, buy alpaca textiles, walk around the historic center or take home a special memory from your journey through Peru.

At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

You will leave with much more than photographs: a journey filled with history, culture, landscapes and unforgettable moments in the Andes.

Experience

Free time in Cusco and transfer to the airport.

Included: End of services, Transfer from your hotel to Cusco airport

What Is Included

Pre-trip briefing and personalized assistance before, during and after your stay in Peru.
Airport pickup and airport drop-off in tourist service.
5 nights of accommodation in selected hotels, in a private room with private bathroom.
Tourist transportation for all excursions described in the itinerary.
Professional bilingual guide, Spanish and English, during all scheduled activities and excursions.
Cusco City Tour.
Sacred Valley tour.
Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant during the Sacred Valley tour.
Transfers between hotel, train station and hotel according to the itinerary.
Expedition or Voyager tourist train ticket for the trip to Machu Picchu, round trip.
Consettur bus ticket for the ascent and descent between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Official entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu with a certified professional guide.
Full-day Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco with breakfast and lunch.
Cusco Tourist Ticket required for the visits included in the program.
Entrance tickets to all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
First aid kit and oxygen tank for emergencies during excursions.
Permanent monitoring and assistance from our operations team.
24-hour traveler support throughout your experience.

What Is Not Included

Domestic or international flights.
Travel insurance.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Drinks during meals.
Personal expenses and shopping.
Tips for guides, drivers or service staff.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, subject to availability and additional cost.
Services not clearly mentioned in the “Included” section.

Travel Recommendations

Bring your original passport.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Pack warm clothing for early mornings and high-altitude tours.
Bring a rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season.
Use sunscreen.
Carry sunglasses and a hat.
Bring a reusable water bottle.
Keep some cash for small purchases or personal expenses.
Take the first day slowly to adapt to the altitude.
Charge your phone or camera before each tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

We'll answer all your questions before you book your trip.

1 Is this Cusco Machu Picchu 6 day tour good for first-time visitors?

Yes. This Cusco Machu Picchu 6 day tour is ideal for first-time travelers because it includes the main highlights of the Cusco region in one well-organized itinerary: Cusco City, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

2 Is the itinerary too rushed?

No. The tour is designed to balance sightseeing, travel time and acclimatization. The first day is planned at a slower pace so you can adjust to the altitude before visiting the main attractions.

3 Do I need to be in good physical condition?

A basic physical condition is recommended. Most tours are easy to moderate, but the Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco takes place at high altitude, so it is important to walk calmly and follow your guide’s recommendations.

4 Can this tour be customized?

Yes. This Cusco and Machu Picchu package can be adjusted according to your travel style, preferred hotel category, train service and whether you want a shared or private experience.

5 Is Machu Picchu entrance guaranteed?

Machu Picchu tickets are subject to availability, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Once your reservation is confirmed, the entrance ticket will be arranged according to the best available circuit for your travel date.

6 What happens if I want a better train or hotel category?

Train and hotel upgrades can be requested before booking. You may choose a more comfortable train service or a higher hotel category depending on availability and your travel preferences.

7 Is Rainbow Mountain suitable for everyone?

Rainbow Mountain is a beautiful experience, but it is also the most demanding day of the itinerary due to the altitude. Travelers with altitude sensitivity or health concerns should tell the team in advance so the route can be planned carefully.

8 When should I book this Machu Picchu package?

It is best to book as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel between May and October. Machu Picchu entrances, train schedules and good hotel options can sell out quickly during busy months.