Cusco, Sacred Valley & Short Inca Trail – Private Tour Package (4 Days / 5 Days)

4 Days
5 Stars

Tour Overview

Overview

Discover the best of the Inca Empire with an exclusive private tour of Cusco (City Tour), the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the legendary Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 days/3 nights.

Explore Cusco on a wonderful city tour, where you’ll discover ancient archaeological sites; in the Sacred Valley, traditional Andean villages and breathtaking mountain landscapes; and conclude your journey with a visit to Wiñaywayna on the Inca Trail and the majestic archaeological citadel of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

This carefully designed itinerary combines history, culture, nature, and adventure, and also allows you to enjoy personalized service throughout the trip.

4 Days
PRICE FROM $990,00 per person
Places to visit: Cusco, Machu Picchu
Trip starts in: Hotel, AirBnB, or other agreed location.
Physical Level: Moderate
Travel Style: Mixed
Group Size: 4 to 8 People
Total Distance: 25 km
Meals Included: 2 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Departures: Daily Departures

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1

Day 1:Arrival in Cusco and City Tour.

The tour begins upon your arrival in Cusco. Our team from Guiding Cusco Expeditions will be waiting for you at the airport to pick you up and transfer you in the company’s private vehicle to your hotel (a 3-star hotel). We’ll take a short break to drop off our belongings, and then we’ll set out on a tour of the city of Cusco.

Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, 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.

Day 2
Day 2

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo.

On this wonderful day, we’ll enjoy an incredible tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We’ll continue with more stories and great adventures. In the morning, our guide and driver from Guiding Cusco Expeditions will pick you up at your hotel to begin the tour of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be the beautiful archaeological site of Chincheros—a destination rich in history—and we’ll also visit one of the largest textile centers in Cusco. We’ll finish the tour in Cusco and head to Moray: an archaeological site featuring circular structures. Historically, it’s said that this site was used to determine which crops to grow in different seasons and on each terrace, as well as to maintain soil moisture during cultivation.

Next, we’ll head to the Maras Salt Pools—one of the largest salt production centers in Cusco. This organic salt is very rich in minerals due to its traditional and organic production methods. At this destination, we’ll sample some of the products prepared using the exquisite Maras salt.

We’ll head to Urubamba, where we’ll have lunch at a very good and, above all, exquisite restaurant. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, the magical city of Cusco, with a rich history and, above all, incredible archaeological sites. Finally, we’ll check into a hotel in Ollantaytambo to rest and prepare for the next adventure awaiting us on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu.

Day 3
Day 3

Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Aguas calientes.

We’ll pick you up at your hotel in Ollantaytambo or another location around 5:30 AM and head to the Ollantaytambo train station. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley or in Ollantaytambo, pickup may be around 5:30 in the morning.

From the pickup point to the Ollantaytambo train station, we’ll catch the 7:30 AM train, traveling along the Urubamba River until we reach km 104—Chachabamba (located in the cloud forest). We’ll head directly to the Chachabamba checkpoint to begin your short hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Please note that you’ll need your original passport to pass through security, and you’ll have time to prepare for the hike, use the restroom, and warm up.

Our first stop is the beautiful Inca ruins of Chachabamba, where your tour guide will tell you about the history of the Incas and Machu Picchu. After exploring the ruins, we’ll hike along an ancient section of the Short Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu.

The first section of the Short Inca Trail is a 4-hour hike with a gradual incline leading to Wiñaywayna (the place that never ages); this is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Classic Inca Trail. We’ll take some time to explore this impressive archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. A packed lunch and drinks will be provided; once we’ve eaten and recharged our energy, we’ll continue our hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to catch our first glimpse of the citadel of Machu Picchu—a truly unforgettable sight.

Day 4
Day 4

Day 4: Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco.

On our final day of the Short Inca Trail tour, we will get up very early to prepare for the highlight of the trek, visiting Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, and we will board the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving as the sky brightens, we will visit the city’s incredible views. You can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu on a clear day.

Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore or climb either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible and not Included).

Explore the most remarkable places of Machu Picchu with a private tour guide, visit the temples, palaces, and farming terraces, and learn the history of Machu Picchu.

Optional: After the Machu Picchu tour, you can hike down to Aguas Calientes using the Hiram Bingham original trail; on the way, you can visit the Machu Picchu Museum and the butterfly station and enjoy the fantastic views.

Your tour guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You will have time to explore the town, choose the restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market; later in the afternoon, you will board the Expedition trains and bus back to Cusco. GUIDING CUSCO Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel. The arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Includes

  • Information Session: The staff in charge of your trip to this destination will provide you with information about the tour the night before departure at your hotel at 5 p.m.
  • Transfers: The company’s private transportation service will handle transfers to the various destinations on the tour.
  • Professional Guide: Our guides are highly qualified and undergo ongoing training in guest service; in fact, they are all from Cusco and have extensive knowledge of all the destinations you will visit.
  • Entrances to the City Tour (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay). This tour is essential for a great start to your adventures in Cusco and on the Inca Trail.
  • Entrances to the Sacred Valley: (Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo).
  • Entrance fees for the Inca Trail: We will obtain an exclusive permit for the Inca Trail.
  • Entrance fees for Machu Picchu: one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
  • Transportation: City tour, Sacred Valley, and return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (the tour begins in Cusco and ends in Cusco).
  • Train Ollantaytambo to km 104 (Expeditions service). Train departs at 6:10 a.m.
  • Return train (Expeditions service). Depending on the season, this may change to the Vistadome. 1:37 p.m.
  • Bus: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Day 3).
  • Bus: Round trip Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu (Day 4).
  • Meals: 1 lunch in the Sacred Valley, 1 packed lunch (Day 3), 1 dinner (Day 3), 1 breakfast at your hotel.
  • Safety: First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder.

 

Not Included

Not included

  • Lunch and dinner on Day 4 (Machu Picchu and return to Cusco).
  • Extras: Hiking trail on Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires an additional ticket of 70.00 USD).
  • Travel insurance: It is not mandatory, but it is very important in case you suffer from any physical condition or illness.
  • Tips: Tips are optional but greatly appreciated by the company’s staff, who were always there to take care of you. 10%.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose Guiding Cusco?

Discover what makes this experience unique and why travelers love it.

Why Choose Guiding Cusco?

Travel With Confidence. Experience Peru Differently.

At Guiding Cusco, we believe the best journeys are personal, meaningful, and thoughtfully designed.

Personalized Small Groups
We keep our groups small so you receive genuine, attentive service throughout your journey. Every experience is designed with your comfort, interests, and pace in mind.

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.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Essential Travel Info

Please read these recommendations carefully to prepare for your trip.

Recommendations

  • On the Cusco Tour, acclimatization is essential, since Cusco has varying weather conditions across the different tours we’ll be taking during this Inca Trail trip.
  •  The acclimatization you’ll undergo in Cusco will not only help you during your stay in Cusco but also on other tours to the various high-altitude destinations you plan to visit (Puno, Arequipa, Huaraz, and other high-altitude destinations in Peru). The Cusco city tour will be a great start to your adventures and challenges.
  • Sacred Valley: You don’t need to be in top physical condition to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, since you’ll be traveling by vehicle for most of the trip.
  • Inca Trail: For the Inca Trail tour, you do need to be in moderate physical condition. The trek to this destination requires a lot of energy, as it’s a major challenge due to the high altitude and weather conditions.
  • The general recommendations are to be in optimal physical condition, be willing to challenge your limits, and be able to push past them without fear.

Book This Tour

Price per person $990.00
$990.00 x 1 Guest(s)
Total: $990.00
EXCELLENT
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Based on 28 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek11142408297 profile picture
Trek11142408297
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
zuverlässige und individuelle Betreuung Wir hatten von Anfang an direkten Kontakt mit unserem Guide und waren mit seiner Betreuung rundum sehr zufrieden. Er war ausgesprochen zuvorkommend, flexibel und ist jederzeit auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Besonders hilfreich war seine Beratung bei der Auswahl der Tour: Aufgrund seiner Erfahrung hat er uns eine Route empfohlen, auf der deutlich weniger Menschen unterwegs waren und die sehr gut zu uns gepasst hat. Auch während der Tour selbst haben wir uns bei ihm bestens aufgehoben gefühlt. Er hat uns mit viel Erfahrung und Umsicht den Berg hinauf und wieder sicher hinunter begleitet. Insgesamt war die gesamte Dienstleistung – von der Planung über die persönliche Betreuung bis zur Durchführung – mehr als zufriedenstellend.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marjorie Ocampos profile picture
Marjorie Ocampos
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ali profile picture
ali
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Rainbow mountain and Machu-Picchu experience was great. Amazing experience. Lisbet and Edwin were great.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
travelover100000 profile picture
travelover100000
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Macchu Picchu and rainbow mountain I can’t recommend our guides Lisbet and Edwin from the Cusco team highly enough! Despite our last-minute planning and Machu Picchu’s popular circuits being fully booked, they came up with an out-of-the-box solution that let us explore two circuits anyway. We squeezed in both Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu in just two days—Lisbet and Edwin even met us at 7:30 PM to brief us on the tours, so we could hit the ground running without any stress. The logistics were seamless: pickup at 4:30 AM for Rainbow Mountain, then a smooth handoff to Olantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, with another team member waiting right at the train station. Their care, responsibility, and attention to every detail made the whole experience mind-blowing. Thank you, Lisbet, Edwin, and the entire team—you’re absolute stars!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kane S profile picture
Kane S
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Experience of lifetime We did the four-day Salkantay trek with this company and were extremely pleased with the overall experience. Everything was very well organized, from transportation and accommodations to meals and daily logistics, which made the hike feel smooth and stress-free. Our guide, Edwin, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, calm, attentive, and clearly very experienced. He kept a close eye on everyone, shared insight into the landscape and local culture, and struck a great balance between professionalism and warmth. His steady presence made a challenging trek feel both safe and enjoyable. We would happily recommend this company to anyone considering the Salkantay hike.
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How difficult is the Short Inca Trail? Do I need prior experience?

The Short Inca Trail is a moderately difficult hike and does not require prior trekking experience. However, it is important to be reasonably fit, as there are sections with ascents and descents. We recommend arriving in Cusco a few days in advance to acclimatize to the altitude.

2. Do I need to book the Short Inca Trail in advance?

Yes. Permits and tickets for the Inca Trail are limited, so we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season. Booking in advance also allows us to properly arrange transportation, entrance fees, and other trip services.

3. Can I book this tour privately?

Yes. The 4-day tour can be booked privately, allowing you to enjoy the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu with greater flexibility and personalized attention. It's an excellent option for couples, families, or travelers who prefer small groups.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

EXCELLENT
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Based on 28 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trek11142408297 profile picture
Trek11142408297
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
zuverlässige und individuelle Betreuung Wir hatten von Anfang an direkten Kontakt mit unserem Guide und waren mit seiner Betreuung rundum sehr zufrieden. Er war ausgesprochen zuvorkommend, flexibel und ist jederzeit auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Besonders hilfreich war seine Beratung bei der Auswahl der Tour: Aufgrund seiner Erfahrung hat er uns eine Route empfohlen, auf der deutlich weniger Menschen unterwegs waren und die sehr gut zu uns gepasst hat. Auch während der Tour selbst haben wir uns bei ihm bestens aufgehoben gefühlt. Er hat uns mit viel Erfahrung und Umsicht den Berg hinauf und wieder sicher hinunter begleitet. Insgesamt war die gesamte Dienstleistung – von der Planung über die persönliche Betreuung bis zur Durchführung – mehr als zufriedenstellend.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Marjorie Ocampos profile picture
Marjorie Ocampos
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ali profile picture
ali
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Rainbow mountain and Machu-Picchu experience was great. Amazing experience. Lisbet and Edwin were great.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
travelover100000 profile picture
travelover100000
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Macchu Picchu and rainbow mountain I can’t recommend our guides Lisbet and Edwin from the Cusco team highly enough! Despite our last-minute planning and Machu Picchu’s popular circuits being fully booked, they came up with an out-of-the-box solution that let us explore two circuits anyway. We squeezed in both Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu in just two days—Lisbet and Edwin even met us at 7:30 PM to brief us on the tours, so we could hit the ground running without any stress. The logistics were seamless: pickup at 4:30 AM for Rainbow Mountain, then a smooth handoff to Olantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, with another team member waiting right at the train station. Their care, responsibility, and attention to every detail made the whole experience mind-blowing. Thank you, Lisbet, Edwin, and the entire team—you’re absolute stars!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kane S profile picture
Kane S
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Experience of lifetime We did the four-day Salkantay trek with this company and were extremely pleased with the overall experience. Everything was very well organized, from transportation and accommodations to meals and daily logistics, which made the hike feel smooth and stress-free. Our guide, Edwin, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, calm, attentive, and clearly very experienced. He kept a close eye on everyone, shared insight into the landscape and local culture, and struck a great balance between professionalism and warmth. His steady presence made a challenging trek feel both safe and enjoyable. We would happily recommend this company to anyone considering the Salkantay hike.












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