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Luxury Cusco & Machu Picchu: Exclusive Inca Journey 5Days| 4 Nights.

5 Days
Moderate

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Cusco and the Sacred Valley on this carefully designed 5-day adventure that combines history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and Peru’s most iconic destinations. From exploring the ancient Inca capital and its impressive archaeological sites to discovering the agricultural wonders of Moray, the famous salt mines of Maras, and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, each day reveals a new chapter in Inca civilization.

The trip culminates with a guided tour of the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, where spectacular mountain scenery and fascinating history come together in one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. To round out the experience, you’ll venture into the high Andes to behold the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain and the remote beauty of the Red Valley. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations, expert local guides, seamless transportation, and unforgettable experiences that will showcase Peru’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

5 Days Adventure
Price from USD 2310 USD / per person
Places to visit Machupicchu
Trip starts in Hotel, AirBnB, or other agreed location.
Physical Level Moderate
Group Size Max 10
Departures Daily Guaranteed Departures
Check Availability

Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.

Detailed Itinerary

At the start of this tour, depending on your flight’s arrival time, we’ll begin with a pickup from the airport to your hotel (Inka Palace). The guide will be waiting with the driver at the airport to explain the full itinerary for your stay on this wonderful El Emperador Cusco tour.

Upon arriving at our hotel, we’ll receive the guide’s recommendations and set out on our city tour on our first day.

Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Quenqo, Puca-Pucara y Tambomachay:

All of these destinations boast incredible history and majestic structures—archaeological sites rich in information. Located northeast of Cusco, after this wonderful tour, we’ll head back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and to prepare for the next day.

We will leave Cusco at 7:00 A.M. and travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The drive takes us through stunning mountains and highland villages. We will explore Maras salt mines, where local families harvest salt using traditional methods. The contrast between the white ponds and surrounding hills will be spectacular.

Next, we will visit Moray, a site of circular agricultural terraces. We will learn how the Incas experimented with crops using different altitudes and climates. Each terrace shows ingenious farming techniques adapted to the Andes. Our guide will explain how these terraces supported ancient food production.

We will finish the day at Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town. We will explore its fortress, narrow streets, and stone constructions. The town shows how Inca engineering adapted to mountainous terrain. Lunch in the valley will allow us to enjoy local cuisine while observing the landscape.

Distance traveled
120 km
Highest altitude
3,500 m above sea level (Moray terraces)
Lowest altitude
2,900 m above sea level (Ollantaytambo town)
Difficulty level
Moderate, walking on terraces and uneven surfaces

We will start at 4:00 A.M. with pickup from our hotels. We will drive to Ollantaytambo station and board the train to Aguas Calientes. The train journey lasts 1.5 hours, passing through the high Andes and cloud forests. Mountains, rivers, and valleys will surround us during this scenic ride.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will take a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. Our guide will explain the citadel’s history, temples, palaces, and stone pathways. We will explore viewpoints for spectacular photos of the Urubamba River and surrounding peaks.

We will have time to walk along terraces, plazas, and staircases while learning about Inca architecture. The site sits at 2,430 m above sea level, offering breathtaking views. By the afternoon, we will return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo, then to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable full-day experience.

Distance traveled
112 km by train + 10 km by bus/walking
Highest altitude
2,430 m above sea level (Machu Picchu)
Lowest altitude
2,040 m above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
Difficulty level
Moderate, walking on uneven stairs and stone paths

We will pick you up at 7:00 am in the morning from your hotel in Cusco city, from any location inside the city center (Hotels Inka Palace), and drive you for 3 hours to the trailhead. Our chef will prepare a delicious breakfast for you with multiple options. You will have time to admire the scenery of the surrounding mountains while enjoying a cup of coffee or coca tea in preparation for the 5,000-meter mountain hike ahead of us. Following breakfast, we will set off on the 2-hour hike to the peak of Vinicunca Mountain (Also known as Rainbow Mountain).

The trail is a gradual uphill with a steep incline in the last part before you reach the summit. Hike along the snow-capped peaks of the Ausangate Mountain range, the highest mountain in the Cusco region. Along the way, you will encounter hundreds of llamas and alpacas. Every meter we ascend brings us closer to the summit, with a more breathtaking panorama than the last. You will need a warm jacket, headwear, gloves, and a great camera to record the beautiful views during this trip.

The temperature will be freezing at the summit, so you need appropriate clothing. At the peak of Rainbow Mountain, your tour guide will discuss the origin of the colorful hills, the Andes, and the significance of this mountain to the native people of the area. After taking in the fantastic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes and Vinicunca's summit, which offers a breathtaking panorama in every direction, we will continue our journey by hiking an additional 30 minutes to the Red Valley, a region that tourists rarely visit due to its remote location. Here, you will find awe-inspiring landscapes that will take your breath away. We will return to the trailhead; the hike is about 1 hour downhill, where our special picnic lunch will be waiting for us. After lunch, we will board the bus back to Cusco, arriving around 5.30 pm.

On this last day, a day of relaxation, we woke up, had breakfast at the hotel, and enjoyed more of the city of Cusco by exploring its markets, textile centers, and other places we hadn’t yet visited; we also took some time to rest after a very demanding adventure. Cusco is a true wonder, hidden beneath an incredible culture and history.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Price Includes

Information Session.
  • Information: Our professional guide will meet you at your hotel and provide information about your stay and tours in Cusco.
  • Pick-up: The tour begins with airport pick-up by our transfer and driver.
Transportation.
  • Transportation: The company's private transportation service will take you from the airport to your hotel, El Palacio del Inka (Day 1). They will also provide transportation for the various tours in Cusco and Machu Picchu (Days 2, 3, 4, and 5), and transfer you from the hotel to the airport on the last day.
  • Transfer: Staff will be waiting for you at the airport on the day of your arrival, along with the driver, to take you to your exclusive 5-star hotel in Cusco.
  • Private Transportation: the City Tour destinations in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Rainbow Mountain.
  • Train: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Vistadome).
  • Return train:  Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (vistadome).
  • Private Transport:  Ollantaytambo to Cusco (Hotel  inka palace).
  • Consetur bus (Round trip on Day 3).
Pickup from accommodations for the tour:
  1. Destination: City tour in Cusco.
  2. Time: 12:45 p.m.
  3. Destination: Sacred Valley:
  4. Time: 7:00 a.m.
  5. Destination: Machu Picchu by train.
  6. Time: 4:30 a.m.
  7. Destination: Rainbow Mountain.
  8. Time: 7:00 a.m.
Support Staf.
  • Our professional staff are certified and highly skilled in customer service, with strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly resolve any situation.
  • Professional Guides: Guides highly certified by Gercetur.
  • Bilingual Guides (English-Spanish).
  • Guides certified in customer service and first aid.
Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to the various sites in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu are managed by Guiding Cusco Expeditions.
  • City Tour Entrance: (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay).
  • Sacred Valley : (Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo).
  • Machu Picchu Entrance Fees.
  • Rainbow Mountain Entrance Fees.
Meals
  • Included: Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain (picnic-style breakfasts and lunches).
  • Day 2: Breakfast (hotel) and lunch at a luxury restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
  • Day 3: Breakfast (hotel).
  • Day 4: Breakfast (hotel) and lunch at a good restaurant in Cusipata. and Snack.
  • Day 5: Breakfast (hotel).
Accommodation:
  • Hotel in Cusco: Palacio del Inka 5 start (3 nights).
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Sumac 4 start (1 night).

Price Excludes

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks not included in meals).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and chef.
  • Optional activities or horse rides at Humantay Lake.
  • Travel insurance and emergency medical expenses.
  • Meals not listed in the inclusions (some dinners may be on your own).
  • Airline Tickets (Domestic and international flights).

Why Choose This Tour?

The Guiding Cusco Difference

Discover what makes this specific itinerary unique, authentic, and perfectly tailored for an unforgettable Andean adventure.

¿Why choose Guiding Cusco for this tour?

Supporting Our Local Community
We work closely with local guides, cooks, drivers, families, and small businesses, helping create employment and keeping the benefits of tourism within our communities. We also support people and families with limited resources, because we believe tourism can make a positive difference beyond travel.

Licensed & Trustworthy
Guiding Cusco is a formally established and authorized Peruvian tour operator, operating in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Peruvian authorities. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are an essential part of every journey we organize.

A More Meaningful Way to Travel
When you travel with Guiding Cusco, you experience Peru with a local team that genuinely cares about its people, culture, and landscapes.

Personal attention. Local connection. Meaningful experiences.

Local Passionate Experts

Our team is made up of passionate local professionals who know Peru beyond the guidebooks. With years of experience and a genuine love for our culture, history, and landscapes, we create meaningful travel experiences that connect you with the authentic spirit of Cusco and its surrounding regions while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Licensed & Secure

Travel with peace of mind knowing that Guiding Cusco is a fully licensed Cusco-based Peruvian tour operator committed to the highest standards of safety, responsibility, reliability, and personalized service. From carefully selected professional guides and transportation to well-planned itineraries and safe operations, every aspect of your trip is designed to provide you with peace of mind, confidence, and a worry-free experience.

Bespoke & 24/7 Support

Every traveler is unique, which is why we create personalized itineraries tailored to your interests, travel style, and schedule. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, luxury, or a combination of experiences, our team is available before, during, and after your trip with dedicated 24/7 support to ensure a seamless and memorable journey.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Important Information

Please review these recommendations to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventure.

  • Passport or official ID.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes and socks.
  • Warm jackets, gloves, hat, and sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen).
  • Backpack for personal items during hikes.
  • Water bottle (at least 1–2 liters).
  • Camera or smartphone with extra battery or power bank.
  • Light clothing for lower altitudes and layered clothing for high-altitude hikes.
  • Snacks for optional energy boosts.
  • Raincoat or poncho in case of unexpected weather.

Pricing Details

Standard Price
From USD 2310

Emperador Tour to Machu Picchu — At a Glance

Availability: Operates any day from March through January · Suspension: February (rainy season, route maintenance, and campsite upkeep) · Group size: Small-group adventure guaranteed to operate with just 2 people; maximum group size is 10 travelers (groups usually 2–6 people). Guiding Cusco Expeditions specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups, offering personalized service.

Standard Price 2026–2027 (per person)

Option Price
Group price 2,310 USD per person
Advance payment required 1,155 USD per person
Balance in Cusco 1,155 USD (usually paid 2 or 3 days before the trek starts)
Private – 2–4 people 2,310 USD
Private – 5–8 people 2,100 USD
Private – 9–12 people 1,899 USD

Payment Methods

Method Surcharge
Online payment (We-Travel) 8% surcharge
Credit or debit card (Openpay) 5% additional charge
Cash in Cusco or directly to staff No additional charge

Accommodation in Aguas Calientes

  • The last night is spent in a 5-star hotel in a shared room in Aguas Calientes (instead of camping).

  • The last night is spent in a 5-star hotel in Cusco (Inka Palace).

  • Upgrades to single rooms or higher-category rooms can be requested for an additional charge.

Book This Tour

Price per person USD 2310 USD
$USD 2310 x 1 Guest(s)
Total Estimate: $USD 2310
Or

Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.

EXCELLENT
Based on 31 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Carol B profile picture
Carol B
Verified
An unforgettable Salkantay Trek Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Laura C profile picture
Laura C
Verified
Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
AnoukWolfs profile picture
AnoukWolfs
Verified
Amazing trip An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek11142408297 profile picture
Trek11142408297
Verified
reliable and individual support We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marjorie Ocampos profile picture
Marjorie Ocampos
Verified
An amazing Salkantay Trek experience I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Skyle A profile picture
Skyle A
Verified
Amazing 5 day Trek. We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Arnaldo g profile picture
Arnaldo g
Verified
Five days of hiking in Cusco.! Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Cosmopolitan382563 profile picture
Cosmopolitan382563
Verified
Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide! We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
H B profile picture
H B
Verified
Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
onialias profile picture
onialias
Verified
Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.
Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

EXCELLENT
Based on 31 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Carol B profile picture
Carol B
Verified
An unforgettable Salkantay Trek Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Laura C profile picture
Laura C
Verified
Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
AnoukWolfs profile picture
AnoukWolfs
Verified
Amazing trip An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek11142408297 profile picture
Trek11142408297
Verified
reliable and individual support We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marjorie Ocampos profile picture
Marjorie Ocampos
Verified
An amazing Salkantay Trek experience I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Skyle A profile picture
Skyle A
Verified
Amazing 5 day Trek. We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Arnaldo g profile picture
Arnaldo g
Verified
Five days of hiking in Cusco.! Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Cosmopolitan382563 profile picture
Cosmopolitan382563
Verified
Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide! We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
H B profile picture
H B
Verified
Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
onialias profile picture
onialias
Verified
Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.
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