If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, gazing upon the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, or trekking through colorful mountain landscapes, then Cusco is your gateway to adventure. This 5-day itinerary is designed to give you the perfect balance of history, nature, and culture, taking you through some of Peru’s most iconic destinations.
From the lively streets of Cusco to the awe-inspiring beauty of Rainbow Mountain and the serene turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, each day of this journey is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid trekker, or a cultural explorer, this trip will leave you in awe of the Andean world.
Overview Of Explore Cusco
1 Day: Arrival In Cusco – Walking Tour
2 Day : Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Town
3 Day : Machupicchu Tour – Cusco
4 Day : Humantay Lake
5 Day : Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
Additional Days And Activities In Cusco, City Tour, 4 Ruin Or Any Other Destination Can Be Added To This Tour Package If Needed – Just Ask And Agent!
Tour Gallery
Trip Itinerary
First Day: Arrival In Cusco
Assistance at your arrival at Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel. There, you will receive a briefing on your tour and recommendations on the organization of your trip “Explore Cusco 5 days”.
Optional afternoon Cusco walking tour
In the afternoon, you will have a free, optional walking tour to get acclimated to the altitude, or you can just rest. The tour guide will lead you through the most important touristic areas of Cusco, like the main square, San Francisco Plaza, and the traditional San Pedro market, for around 2 hours.
Meals Included: None
Second Day: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu Town
Early morning Today our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco City at 7 . a.m. on an excursion to Chinchero, a small town with beautiful views of the high parts of the Sacred Valley, where you will see the Andean Catholic
Then, we will head to Moray (3,500 masl / 11,482 ft.), an archaeological site with agricultural terraces in the form of concentric rings, believed to have been used for agricultural experiments.
The next destination will be the Salineras de Maras (3,000 masl / 9,842 ft), an ancient salt production center with more than 3,000 salt wells dating back to pre-Inca times.
Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo and its impressive temple above the village, home to some of the finest stonework in the Sacred Valley. After a guided tour that will immerse us in its fascinating history, we will head to the train station to board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
The train ride, full of spectacular views, will take approximately 2 hours. Once in Aguas Calientes Town, you will check into your hotel and have free time to explore the town and, if you wish, visit the thermal baths.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Third Day: Machupicchu Tour
Early in the morning, after a good breakfast, we take the bus to Machu Picchu by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 8 km of winding road to the incredible Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, explore a detailed guided tour of this wonderful Inca citadel. For the most adventurous people, we suggest going up Huayna Picchu after the tour (book in advance).
Then you will ride the bus back to Aguas Calientes town and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you take the train back to Ollantaytambo station, where we transfer you in our private van back to Cusco City and drop you off at your hotel.
The whole journey from Aguas Calientes town to Cusco city takes around 4 hours.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Fourth Day: Humantay Lake
In the morning (4:00 am), your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive for 3 hours to the starting point of the hike. On the way, we stop at the beautiful village of Mollepata to have a local breakfast, then continue the drive with a scenic view full of valleys and Andean mountains. Once we arrive at the start of the hike, we will feel the presence of the imposing snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, which are still considered the gods of the local people.
Once you get ready, you will walk 2 hours uphill. Although you may still struggle with the altitude, you will have the option to hire a horseback to ride, and you will be dropped off near your destination to finally arrive at the turquoise glacier lake and enjoy its attractions. Then back on the same trail to ride our private van to the village and have lunch. Then back to Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Fifth Day: Classic Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
Admire the colorful mountain loom!
We leave very early from Cusco, picking you up from your hotel at 4:30 am, and drive to the south until the head of the trail for 3 hours, although we stop in a local restaurant to have a testy breakfast. Then we will continue driving to the beginning of the hike through a winding road with sweeping views for an extra hour to Llacto (4,630 meters to 15,190 feet), the starting point of the walk.
Once we are there, we will start hiking up throughout the untouched nature with multiple herds of Andean camels like llamas and alpacas scattered in the meadows, and with good luck, you can appreciate the wild vicuñas that have the finest fiber wool.
After an exhausted walk of 1:30 hours, we will reach the summit (5,020 m). That offers a dazzling natural view of the striped Rainbow Mountain and a great view of the holiest sow-capped mountain of Cusco Ausangate (6,320 m); they will blow your mind!
After an inspired view of the lived nature of the Andes and capturing the best pictures, we will return by the same trail to the beginning of the trek and ride our private transportation to have a delicious lunch and then back to Cusco Airport. If you prefer, stay at your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
End Of Services Package Explore Cusco
Tour inclusion
Included
All taxes and fees
04 nights in Cusco at Hotel 3*(based on Double room).
In Cusco city: Casa Andina Standard Koricancha or similar
In Machu Picchu town: Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu or similar
04 breakfasts and 02 lunch
All transfers from and to the airport.
Private Touristic bus for all tours.
All entrances.
Train to Machu Picchu on Expedition Perurail service (round trip).
Bus to Machu Picchu (Round trip).
Walking stick (4, 5th day)
Excursions as detailed in the program
Professional private Tour Guide for the whole tours.
Not Included
Flights
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Huayna Picchu entrance
Train upgrade to Vista Dome service
Travel insurance
Gratitude.
Packing List
Essential items you need for Explore cusco tours
We recommend that you bring the necessary and lightweight in a small day backpack to carry your day things and the boxed lunch.
Original passport (the same one that you used to make the reservation)
Backpack (must be very comfortable for all belongings and the lunch box)
Water
Mosquito repellent
Sunblock, sunglasses and cap.
Rainwear or rain poncho
Comfortable hiking shoes
Light clothing
Hiking pants
Shirts or t-shirts (we recommend long sleeved)
Sun cap
Walking sticks with rubber bands on the tip
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Personal medication
Extra money
Tour Price
Group Service
Daily Departures with a minimum of at least 2 participants
$ 750.00 USD per person
Students: $ 700.00 US
Applied for people who have valid University Student Card.
Best travel experience ever to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley
Elistan is a thoughtful, caring, and knowledgeable tour guide who provided me with the best experience I could ever ask for in Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley. His deep understanding of Inca history truly brought each site to life — he explained the significance of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with such clarity and passion that it made the experience even more meaningful.If you ever travel to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Machu Picchu and visit the Inca sites, it would be a real pity to miss out on understanding the incredible history, the brilliant rationale, and the cleverness behind how the Inca people built their structures. That’s why I believe finding a knowledgeable and well-prepared tour guide is the top priority for a trip like this — and Elistan is exactly that.What impressed me most was how well he prepared us even before the tour began. A few days in advance, he checked in with us and shared detailed information about what to expect, what to pack, and how to get mentally and physically ready. Thanks to his thoughtfulness, we felt confident and fully able to enjoy every moment of the journey without stress.Plus, when it comes to iconic spots like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain — where every traveler is hoping to capture that once-in-a-lifetime photo — Elistan is an expert. He knows exactly where the best angles and hidden gems are to take stunning pictures that you'll treasure forever.If you're planning a trip to this region, I can't recommend Elistan enough. He made our adventure unforgettable.
Joseph
2025-03-31
Verified
An unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience with an amazing guided
I had an incredible 4-day tour in Peru, visiting the Sacred Valley, hiking 12 km to Juchuy Coscco, exploring Machu Picchu, and trekking to Rainbow Mountain. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, made even more special by our amazing guide, Elistan.From start to finish, he planned everything seamlessly, ensuring we had a smooth and enjoyable trip. He is highly responsible, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history, culture, and landscapes of Peru. His kindness and patience made the journey even more memorable, and he always went the extra mile to make sure everyone in the group felt comfortable and well taken care of. What he did for us already far exceeded what we paid—his dedication and effort truly made a difference.If you’re looking for a guide who truly cares about his travelers and brings Peru’s beauty and history to life, Eli is the guide you’re looking for. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!
WaltNYC
2025-02-10
Verified
Machu Picchu with Allyn Pacha Tours
My family had the pleasure of a hike up the Inca Trail (1 day hike) from Km 104 to Machu Picchu. Elistan was a tremendous guide. Friendly and funny he was engaging from the first moment he met us at our hotel in the Sacred Valley.On the hike he shared his knowledge of the local flora and fauna, animals, and pointed out many things we would have not noticed on the route.When we toured Machu Picchu the next day Elistan shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the history which we fascinating. The site speaks for itself but understanding it in a somewhat deeper way made for a much more fulfilling visit.We could not have asked for a better experience! Thank you Elistan and Allyn Pacha Tours!
brooke w
2024-11-20
Verified
Incredible!
We booked the day trip to rainbow mountain and Elistan took care of everything. The trip was well planned, the sites were beautiful and the lunch was amazing. Some of the best food we had the entire trip. We also booked the Inca trail 4 days and 3 nights. The entire trip was amazing. It was the most incredible adventure I have ever been on. Elistan and his crew are the best on the entire trail. We had the best service, best camp sites and best food. The crew always had our campsite ready for us when we arrived. If you are looking to book this trip you have to go through Allyn Pacha. They will help you from the moment you land in Cusco! Message them with any questions and they are very responsive.
Abby O
2024-11-15
Verified
Incredible tour and experience!
My friend and I had the best time on the 2-day Inca trail tour! Eli was an incredible guide and was so friendly and knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend booking a tour with Allyn pacha!
Romina P
2024-10-03
Verified
Inca trail + Machu Picchu
With ALLYN PACHA you’re given what you were promised (which is not always obvious with other companies). Elistan knows everything about the Inka culture and the Inka trail. There’s no question he couldn’t answer and would be sincere if something wasn’t dating back to XV century (e.g fountain inside Machu Picchu). Very professional and funny at the same time. He knew the best spots for pictures, and rest. He also advised the best time to take the bus in order to avoid the immense queue. I had a lot of fun and discovered a lot about Machu Picchu history. Thanks Elistan!
Preston B
2024-09-25
Verified
Best 4 day Inca Trail Experience!
We completed the (4) day Inca trail Machu Picchu expedition with Allyn Pacha in September 2024. Allyn Pacha, Elistan, & the entire crews attention to detail, help, knowledge, rides, food, and planning were perfectly setup, making our experience one to remember forever. If anyone is thinking about using a company to complete this trek, please contact Allyn Pacha. I promise, it will be worth it!!
Jaime J
2024-09-24
Verified
Rainbow mountain Extravaganza!🌈
We used Allyn Pacha for our Rainbow mountain tour adventure, was a great and private experience. Had an amazing breakfast and lunch spot as well.
Jaime J
2024-09-23
Verified
ClassIc Inca trail 4 day. Our best trip adventure ever!
Allyn Pacha went above and beyond expectations. The moment we were picked up at the airport we were put at ease that everything was being taken care of. Allyn Pacha took great care of us and we will use them again for other trips and tours to do in Peru.
Dan P
2024-09-23
Verified
Fantastic once in a lifetime adventure
The tour was amazing though the hike was very challenging. Allyn our guide explained the history in detail and was very patient during our hike. He made sure we were well prepared. Allyn also came with us to Puerto Maldonado.
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