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.
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.
Erin
2024-09-13
Verified
Bucket List Classic Inca Trail Hike
Wow! If you want an unforgettable bucket list trip then book a trip with Allyn Pacha Peru Tours. I promise you won’t regret it. We did the Classic Inca Trail 4 day hike. The hike was challenging, but Elistan does such a phenomenal job of balancing hiking and break time. Now, let me tell you about the food. I was blown away with the gourmet meals they were able to prepare for us atop a mountain! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between were all SUCH a treat! I’m a shower loving girl and I was worried how I was going to make it 3 nights without a shower. The warm water and washcloths made me feel refreshed each day. That was a nice surprise! The views and beauty you experience at every turn on this hike cannot be captured by a photo! You truly must come to experience with your own eyes. Also, you MUST book with the best guide out there… Elistan at Allyn Pacha. We have made a lifelong friend in him. He and his family are world class. Book the trip! You won’t regret it!
Jonathan C B
2024-08-17
Verified
Adventure of a Lifetime
If you’re planning to go to Peru then stop looking for a tour guide and book your trip with Elistan at Allyn Pacha. My wife and I have traveled quite a bit throughout the US and several other countries. I don’t think we’ve ever come across anyone as kind and hospitable as Elistan. From the moment we met him it was very clear that his main goal was to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. We booked the four day Incan Trail with Elistan. The day before we departed for our hike on the Incan Trail we visited Rainbow Mountain, which was beautiful. It was a fairly long and bumpy drive to and from Rainbow Mountain but we thought it was worth it. Hiking the trail was pretty demanding physically for our group (3 couples in our late 30s to early 40s). Make sure you are in decent shape before you come. Elistan did a wonderful job of making sure we pushed ourselves, but kept us from pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion. Each day of the hike was a bit different and the views we were rewarded with were amazing. Finishing the 4 day journey at Machu Pichu was the perfect way to end a once in a lifetime adventure. Elistan and his team of porters did a wonderful job keeping us comfortable at our campsites and kept our bellies full with delicious meals every day—it was really amazing the meals that they were able to prepare for us considering they had to haul all of our food and the camp kitchen on their backs every night. Elistan was already doing an amazing job of taking care of us but went even further above and beyond when my wife and I learned on the last night that our son, who was staying with grandparents back home in the USA, had developed appendicitis and needed emergency surgery. Elistan worked tirelessly that evening to help us find a way to get home faster and held our hands as we prayed for our son that night while he was in surgery thousands of miles away. Thankfully, our son did very well with surgery. With 4 wonderful grandparents and a team of friends back home watching over him we decided to go ahead and finish the hike. We spent our last day enjoying Machu Pichu, a wonderful lunch in Aguas Calientes and then a train and bus ride back to the beautiful city of Cuscos to rest and enjoy a hot shower (feels amazing after 4 days hiking on the trail) before heading home to the states. I would definitely rate Elistan and his team a 10/10 and would strongly encourage you to book your trip with him today before someone else does. It’s an experience few will be fortunate enough to have and one you will never forget.
Taylor M
2024-07-01
Verified
An experience of a lifetime!
We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Eli from Allyn Pacha tours for our 9 day trip in Cusco Peru. Eli is extremely knowledgeable and so accommodating! He truly goes above and beyond for his travelers and assures you have a wonderful experience! He is excited to show you around and share his knowledge and secretes in order to miss the crowds and see incredible views. I cannot say enough how impressed I was with his hospitality. Our decision to book our tours with Eli through Allyn Pacha was the best choice we have ever made while traveling. This decision made our entire experience in Peru absolutely unforgettable. From the beginning research phase, Eli was extremely responsive, answering any and all questions and offering suggestions to make the most of our itinerary and time in Peru. During our trip my fiancé came down with altitude sickness and with no hesitation, Eli rushed over and nursed my fiancé back to health with his natural herb remedies. From start to finish Eli went above and beyond to continue to amaze us. Whether it be him nursing us back to health, surprising us with pillows and blankets for the car rides, making sure we were ok every step of our journey, and or being a phenomenal photographer, the list could go on and on. We are so thankful to have met Eli and to be in such great hands. Eli is extremely knowledgable, funny, kind-hearted, and genuinely cares about offering amazing experiences. He has worked 20+ years in the industry and knows the ins and outs of not just history and site-seeing’s, but how to make experiences the most enjoyable for his guests. I would 1000% recommend booking your Peru trip with Eli from Allyn Pacha. It’s never a goodbye, it’s see you later. Thank you Eli, until next time!
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