Machu Picchu Vacation Package – Machu Picchu Trip Package 5D/4N
Tour Overview
The Machu Picchu Vacation Package will guide us through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. We will explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu while enjoying high-altitude landscapes. This Machu Picchu Travel Package combines history, culture, and stunning views in one complete experience.
We will start in Cusco, visiting colonial streets, Qoricancha Temple, and Sacsayhuamán. Our guide will explain the significance of each site while we enjoy panoramic city views. The tour will show how Inca architecture blends with Spanish colonial influence throughout the city.
Next, we will explore the Sacred Valley, visiting Maras salt mines, Moray agricultural terraces, and Ollantaytambo. We will learn about Inca farming practices and local traditions while admiring breathtaking mountain landscapes. Every stop will offer cultural insights and memorable photo opportunities.
On the third and fourth days, we will travel to Machu Picchu by train and hike to Humantay Lake. We will explore the ancient citadel’s temples, palaces, and stone pathways while taking in views of the Urubamba River. The high-altitude lakes and mountains will provide an unforgettable backdrop for this adventure.
The final day will include a hike to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. We will witness colorful peaks, encounter llamas and alpacas, and learn about the Andes’ geological and cultural significance. This Machu Picchu Trip Package offers a full journey through Peru’s natural beauty, history, and vibrant traditions.
Tour Highlights
Package Highlights
- Cusco City Tour: Explore the former Inca capital, from the Plaza de Armas to the Qoricancha Sun Temple and its colonial-Inca architecture.
- Machu Picchu: Walk through the iconic 15th-century Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Reach over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) and take in the striking colored slopes and Andean panoramas.
- Sacred Valley: Discover traditional villages, local markets, and terraced landscapes that bring Inca heritage to life.
- Andean Culture: Meet local communities and experience authentic traditions, food, and textiles.
- Expert Local Guides: Learn the stories and history behind every site.
- Balanced Adventure: A mix of cultural touring and light trekking, with a rewarding challenge at altitude.
Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.
Detailed Itinerary
We will start our day with hotel pickup at 8:00 A.M. and explore the heart of Cusco. The city blends colonial architecture and Inca foundations, offering remarkable history at every corner. We will walk through vibrant streets and plazas while our guide shares stories of Cusco’s past.
Our tour will include the Plaza de Armas, home to Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Company of Jesus. We will visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, now part of the Convent of Santo Domingo. Each site will show the unique mix of Inca and colonial influences.
Later, we will explore Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. The constructions reveal Inca engineering and strategic planning. We will take in panoramic city views from Cristo Blanco. This half-day tour will help us understand Cusco’s rich heritage.
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.
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 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.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am and drive in our comfortable vans for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where you will enjoy a picnic breakfast with a stunning view of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. The pick-up for the Humantay Lake will be from your hotel in Cusco city at 4:30 in the morning, and we will drive you in our comfortable vans for 3 hours until Soraypampa Village (3,850 m/12,631 ft). Upon arrival, our expert trekking chefs will serve a delicious breakfast prepared with fresh local products while you enjoy the breathtaking view of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. After a healthy breakfast, you will set off on a hike that will take 2 hours to reach Humantay Lake, which is located at an elevation of 4,200 m (13,779 ft) at the foot of a mountain with the same name. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic views of the mountain, participate in horse riding if you like, and also see some local birds. The trail is not too difficult, but it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Once you reach Humantay Lake, you'll have some time to look around and take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. Take it easy if you like; take some time to see the stunning mountain peaks, local vegetation, and native wildlife. After enjoying Humantay Lake, we will start descending for 1.5 hours to the trailhead, where our chef will be waiting for special picnic lunch prepared with fresh local products. After lunch, we will start a 3-hour return to Cusco, returning to your hotels at approximately 6.00 pm.
We will pick you up at 4:30 in the morning from your hotel in Cusco city from any location inside the city center (Hotels, Airbnb, Apartments, or hostels) 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 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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Price Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.
- Transportation for all tours (City Tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain).
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) during all activities.
- Entrance fees to: Cusco City Tour sites, Maras salt mines, Moray terraces, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain.
- Train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Meals included: Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain (breakfasts and picnic lunches).
- One chef preparing meals during trekking days.
- Lodging for 4 nights in Cusco.
- Pre-trail briefing the night before departure.
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).
- Any additional equipment for high-altitude trekking (walking sticks, jackets, etc. if not provided by participants).
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 the Machu Picchu Vacation Package?
This 5-day adventure is made for travelers who want a journey that is accessible yet rewarding, blending history, nature, and living culture. Begin by exploring the historic streets of Cusco, then ascend to the breathtaking heights of Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), with Machu Picchu as the crowning moment of your trip. It's the perfect balance of comfort and challenge, with unforgettable landscapes at every step.
Our Team of Guides
All our guides are highly qualified, licensed professionals certified by GERCETUR and MINEDU. Every year they complete refresher courses in first aid and languages, so you are always in safe, well-informed hands.
Travel Tips & Recommendations
Important Information
Please review these recommendations to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventure.
Important Information Before Your 5-Day Machu Picchu Package
Please read these instructions from Guiding Cusco carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your trip to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
Acclimatization
No extra days in Cusco are needed. Our itinerary is designed to help you adjust gradually: you begin in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), then descend into the Sacred Valley (about 2,800 m) and Machu Picchu (2,430 m), where the air is thicker and your body can recover. By the time you reach Humantay Lake (about 4,200 m) and Rainbow Mountain (over 5,000 m), you're well adapted to the altitude.
Do I need to be careful with what I eat?
Yes, it is highly recommended—and essential—to be careful with your food; above all, maintain good personal hygiene when consuming any food or drink.
Briefing
A member of our team (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to explain the details of your trip: schedules, pickup times, weather conditions, and the size of your group. This meeting is important because it covers the final details before your adventure begins.
Where Can I Leave My Luggage?
Hotels in Cusco are used to multi-day excursions and will gladly store your belongings while you travel. If you are changing hotels, you can leave your luggage at our office, and we will keep it safe until you return. For the train and Machu Picchu, pack only a small bag for the overnight stay.
Can I Change My Trip Date?
Because Machu Picchu tickets, train seats, and hotels are reserved in advance, changes after confirmation may not be possible. Please check your dates carefully before booking.
How Do I Book My Trip?
To book the 5-day / 4-night package, we need the following details for every traveler, through our booking form:
- Full name(s) exactly as in the passport(s)
- Passport number(s)
- Date(s) of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
This information is required to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train seats, so please double-check it.
We also require a deposit of US$ 325 per person to secure your spot. The balance is paid in Cusco, usually 2–3 days before the tour. Payments can be made by interbank transfer, online payment, Openpay, or through our website. (Online payment via We Travel has an 8% additional charge, and card payment via Openpay has a 5% additional charge. Payment in Cusco has no extra fee.)
The Weather
Weather in the Andes can change quickly. Cusco and Rainbow Mountain are cold, especially in the morning and at altitude, and rain can appear at any moment, mainly from March to January. Machu Picchu is warmer and more humid, so layers are essential. A rain jacket or poncho is a must year-round.
What to Bring
Pack warm, layered clothing for changeable conditions:
- Original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu)
- Warm layers and a waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes
- Refillable water bottle and a small daypack
- Cash in Peruvian soles for snacks and small purchases
Where Will We Be Dropped Off?
Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby location). At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
What Meals Are Provided?
Breakfast is included during your hotel stay. Other meals are included and can be adapted to dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). Please let us know when you book.
How Difficult Is This Trip?
It's a moderate trip. Most days are relaxed, with city tours and visits to archaeological sites. The most demanding day is Rainbow Mountain, due to the altitude and uphill walk (about 2–3 hours). Travelers who walk regularly and are well acclimatized will enjoy it much more. Our small groups and relaxed pace let you take the time you need to appreciate the views.
Should I Bring Extra Money?
Yes. Bring some extra cash in soles for emergencies, snacks, souvenirs, and meals not included.
Is Tipping the Staff Necessary?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to show appreciation to your guide and drivers. Although our team receives fair wages, a tip is a meaningful gesture that motivates them to keep delivering great service. (Suggested amount: e.g. 10%.)
Pricing Details
Book This Tour
Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.
