Cusco Destinations – classic tours 6D/5N
Duration
6D/5N
Difficulty
Moderate
Language
Español / Ingles
Max. Altitude
4,200 msnm
Very welcome to our company Machulas Journey Peru tour operator based in Cusco Región we are 100% locals originally all of us from the communities!! This is will be plesure to assist you all your trips in Peru. Where we will be able to show you all our culture, traditions and local life. This, amazing option is the most tourist attraction in the Cusco region near Machupicchu.
Our main point would be splore Cusco destinations, where we will be visited the most famous and impressive places, attractions such like archeological sites, local markets, weaving demostrations and much more!
Prices
The amazing Chinchero and Ollantaytambo Incan sites, the salt mines of Maras and the agricultural terraces of moray is a great complement to the sacred valley and Machu Picchu Journey. You will be able to enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountains, green fields, traditional village and you will learn more about the local culture, the salt mines of Maras and much more.
Itinerary:
Today we will continue our second journey; you will be directly connected to our sacred valley tour with our professional license tour guide. First you will take the early domestic fly from Lima to Cusco airport and them we will drive toward to amazing town of Chinchero. Start the weaving lesson in one of the organizations of traditional textiles where the ladies will show you the process of elaborating it. If you are interested to obtain hand, make textiles this is the recommended point to get it. Then we will explore the archaeological site and the colonial church full of mural paintings. After will be continuing, to the picturesque town of Maras is located at an altitude of 3,380 meters above sea level. This is a small community famous for its salt mines which consist of about 3000 small Wells with an average are of about 5m2 from which salt is extracted after a drying process.
This salt mines, better known as “salineras de Maras”, have been exploited since Incas times as a means of economic Exchange 7 km from Maras, we will visit the archeological of moray. Here in moray, we will see the greatness of the circular terraces of Inca agriculture.
Moray is a group of circular terraces which was used as an agricultural experimental, and adaptation center for wild crops. The Incas used it to study the adaptation of the plants to new ecosystems. The overlapping circular Stone rings widen as they rise and it has a total depth of 150 m. after a guide tour on the way back, we will stop for lunch in Urubamba in one of the tourist restaurants. Once finished the lunch we will have to continue to Ollantaytambo in order to visit the important archeological site, considered as living town by specialist and also of the evidences of original Incan basement. Once finished our tour in Ollantaytambo our guide will take you to train stations where you will take the 7pm train to Aguas calientes where the train will take for a 1 hour 50 minutes all the way to Machupicchu pueblo or known as Aguas Calientes town. Once arrive to Aguas calientes the guide will take you to your hotel organize by the company.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Sacred Valley, Peru
- Tour Type: Day tour – Cusco Peru
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 6.30 am from your hotel and you should be back around 4 PM
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary things or follow our guide recommendations
However many hikers are just a short time in Cusco, they would love to arrive to Machu Picchu on foot. Do not worry in Cusco we have the 2 days Inca trail with just one day of hiking and another day for visiting Machu Picchu. This is the perfect hike for all nature lovers who want to reach the Inca citadel in a short time. On the way you will get to know the beauty of the Andes and see different kind of orchids and birds. One more reason to do this trek is that you can enjoy the amazing sunset on the first afternoon and the next day’s sunrise above Machu Picchu.
Itinerary:
Pick up time is at 4:00 am at your hotel. Then we will drive you in our private minivan all the way to Ollantaytambo train station. There we will take the 6 o’ clock train, following the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we will start our trek. Along the way you will have spectacular views on snowcapped mountains and the Urubamba river. Once arrived at Km 104 we will provide your entrance feet tiket to this restricted area and provide you a box lunch with some snacks and energetic drinks. Then we will visit the first archaeological site called Chachabamba, where our tour guide provides you interesting information about the site and the Incas. After that we start hiking along original Inca trails enjoying the unique landscape.
The first 3 hours we will hike uphill until we reach the beautiful Inca remains of Wiñaywayna. After a guided tour through this site we will have lunch at the same place and then continue hiking for an hour until we reach the sun gate. Here we will have a 10 minutes break to enjoy a fantastic view on Machu Picchu. We continue walking for one more hour all the way to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where you can take the classic post card picture. Then we will go to Machu Picchu town, where we stay in a 3 stars hotel overnight. In the evening we will have dinner together in a restaurant and our tour guide will explain us about our visit to Machu Picchu on the next day.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Inca Trail, Peru
- Tour Type: Hiking / 6 hours
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you will be finishing at 3.30 pm
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary hiking cloths, boots all the company recommendations
- Starting Altitude – 2100m / 6900ft
- Total, Walking Distance – 10km / 6.3 miles
- Highest Altitude – 2730m / 8,792ft
- Overall Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
Machu Picchu was an Inca citadel built around 1450 by order of Emperor Pachacuti as one of his royal residences. It was abandoned approximately a century later, probably during the Spanish conquest. It was rediscovered for the modern world by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and became a major tourist destination, as well as being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Now days very famous and considere one of the seven new wonder of the world.
Itinerary:
Today we will visit our day 5 trip one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. We have to wake up early because it is a tradition to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning in order to enjoy the sunrise. We will start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and then head towards the bus station to catch up our bus that will take us (25 minutes) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. At 6:00.a.m Machu Picchu opens its doors and we will go straight to the view point, where you will be able to take the classical postcard photos of Machu Picchu. After that the guide will start a guided, 2 hours tour and teach you all the information you will need about Machu Picchu, visiting the most important areas of the citadel. Then you will have free time to explore the site by yourself.
If you have a ticket to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you will do that after the guided tour. In the afternoon we will go back to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Machupicchu , Peru
- Tour Type: Day tour / guide tour 4 hours
- Start/End Time: Pick up is at 5.30 am from your hotel and you should be back to Cusco at 7.00 PM
- Consideration: Please remember to take the necessary things or follow the company recommendations
Humantay Lake Hike offers you the chance to enjoy Peru’s dramatic Andean mountains and glaciers in just one day. Feel the power of nature and beautiful views of Lake Humantay and its glacier with our day tour from Cusco. Humantay’s sparkling turquoise waters shimmer in front of the pure-white Humantay glacier under the watch of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. This is a perfect acclimatization walk and day tour out of the bustle of Cusco.
Itineray:
The call of the mountain is an early one. We’ll pick you up at 4 am from your hotel for the start of our Lake Humantay tour. Don’t worry about breakfast; we drive for a couple of hours to Mollepata then Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft), where we enjoy a delicious meal.
The Lake Humantay hike begins after we’ve sated our appetites. The views are wonderful from start to finish. We’ll see offerings made to the mountain gods as we walk along and can make our own at some stone buildings known as Apachetas.
Our path involves climbing for around 90 minutes to Humantay Lake, which nestles under the sheltering gaze of Humantay Mountain. The lake sits at an elevation of 4,200m / 13,780ft, making it perfect as an acclimatization walk.
Humantay’s picture-perfect turquoise waters are framed by Humantay glacier. Humantay Lake can also be the starting point for a Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.
We’ll enjoy this stunning slice of Andean beauty then return to our vehicle in Soraypampa and retrace our steps to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco Mollepata , Peru
- Tour Type: Full Day tour / van – hiking
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you should be back around 5 pm
- Consideration: Please provide comfortable clothes, camara, phone, others etc. follow the company recommendations
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in Peru is a geological and natural wonder that remained hidden by snow until the thaw around 2015, revealing its layers of 14 minerals formed by marine sediments and tectonics, exhibiting bands of colors (red, yellow, green, etc.) due to erosion and oxidation, and connected to pre-Incan routes, now a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors for its natural beauty and Andean mysticism.
Itinerary:
We’ll pick you up at 4:am and take you in our private van for 3 and a half hours through the Vilcanota Valley and passing small towns and communities until we reach chillca (3750m), the starting point for our hike. There, your guide will take you to a local house to teach you about the local traditions, and you’ll enjoy a healthy breakfast.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll start your journey. We’ll hike for approximately 3 hours until we get to the famous Rainbow Mountain. On the way up, you’ll appreciate beautiful landscapes and alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, the national animal of Peru. Once we summit Rainbow Mountain, we’ll stay at the top for a 15 to 20 minutes in order to enjoy the beautiful view and learn cool information about this colored mountain once that, We will then make our descent for approximately 2 hours until we reach our rest spot, where our driver will wait for us and our tour guide will take you to the local restaurants for lunch where you will enjoy delicious, organic buffet lunch. After lunch, we will catch up our private van back to Cusco and leave you at your hotel.
Overview:
- Tour Location: Cusco – Cusipata, Peru
- Tour Type: Full Day tour / van – Hiking
- Start/End Time: Pickup is at 4.00 am from your hotel and you should be back around 4 pm
- Consideration: Please provide comfortable clothes, camara, phone, others etc. follow the company recommendations
Cusco was considered the capital of the Inca Empire and is filled with important historical and cultural sites that tell an intriguing story. On our half-day Cusco city tour, you’ll gain a critical understanding of the Inca Empire and the story of how Cusco became the cultural center it is today.
Who better to host you, Cusco is the Archaeological capital of America, the city where colonial houses, churches, and convents were built on top of Inca foundations and walls.
Itinerary:
Our English-speaking guide will show you the rich culture and traditions of historic Cusco, one of South America’s oldest cities. This Cusco city tour includes the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and its incredible stonework and magnificent mountain views.
Moreover, our walking tours of Cusco include hidden parts of Cusco, so you can see how locals proudly live in traditional and time-honored fashion.
Cusco sits at around 3,300m/10,826feet, and our highest point is at 3,600m/11,811 feet. Therefore, our Cusco city tour is ideal after acclimatization preparation for visiting this amazing Cusco attraction.
Today you will be able to visit this amazing city and the 4 Incan ruins and enjoy these impressive views from upper part of Cusco.
1- Sacsayhuaman
2- Qenqo
3- Tambomachay
4- Puka pukara
5- Plaza de Armas
Included
- Professional English & Spanish-speaking tour guide
- Professional licensed guides for all activities
- Full transportation with professional driver
- Private transportation where indicated
- Entrance tickets and permits to:
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Salt Mines
- Ollantaytambo
- Inca Trail (KM 104)
- Machu Picchu
- Humantay Lake
- Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
- Cusco City Tour attractions
- Inca Trail permit to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets:
- Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (Inca Trail)
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus transportation:
- Down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Hotel accommodation:
- Basic 3-star hotels (***) in Cusco
- Basic 3-star hotel (***) in Aguas Calientes
- Meals included as specified in the itinerary:
- Box lunch, water and energy drinks (Inca Trail)
- Dinner in tourist restaurant (Aguas Calientes)
- Breakfast organized by professional chef (Humantay Lake & Rainbow Mountain)
- Organic buffet lunches (Humantay Lake & Rainbow Mountain)
- Hotel transfers (hotel–train station–hotel)
- Cusco City Tour & San Pedro Market (half-day tour)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for city tour
Not Included
- Lunch (unless specifically stated in the itinerary)
- Breakfast and dinner (unless specifically stated)
- Dinner on Days 4 and 5
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Trekking poles
- Optional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (must be requested in advance)
- Personal expenses and snacks
- Tips for guides and drivers (optional, not mandatory)
- Arrive in Cusco at least one day before high-altitude activities to allow proper acclimatization.
- Stay well hydrated throughout the tour and avoid alcohol during the first days at altitude.
- Pack layered clothing, as temperatures can change quickly between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Andes.
- Wear comfortable, waterproof walking or trekking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as UV radiation is strong at high altitude.
- Carry a small backpack for day tours with essentials such as water, snacks, camera, and personal items.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times for safety and to protect archaeological sites.
- Carry some cash in small bills for personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional services.
- Inform your guide in advance about any medical conditions or dietary restrictions.
- Be punctual for all pick-ups and activities to ensure the itinerary runs smoothly.
No previous trekking experience is required. The Short Inca Trail is moderate and suitable for most travelers with a basic level of fitness.
The tour includes comfortable basic 3-star hotels (***) in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, selected for cleanliness, safety, and convenient location.
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Some lunches and dinners are not included to allow flexibility and personal choice, especially in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, the Huayna Picchu hike is optional and must be requested in advance, as permits are limited and subject to availability.
Some travelers may feel mild effects of altitude. The itinerary allows time for acclimatization, and our guides will assist you with recommendations throughout the trip.
Prices
Payment Methods
Book your trip now, spots sell out fast!
All Included:
Tours with hotel pick-up, transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets.
24/7 Communication:
We’re here for you before, during, and after your journey.
Flexible Cancellation:
Cancel up to 30 days before your tour in case of emergency. (For Machu Picchu and Inca Trail tours, please check specific conditions.)
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Testimonials
OUR CUSTOMERS RECOMMEND US
Posted on Tripadvisor MelanieVerified Spectacular Inca Trail Experience The Inca Trail has been on my bucket list for 20 years, and to say I am grateful for this experience is a massive understatement. The Peruvian people are incredibly kind and selfless, and this team truly made the journey unforgettable. Our crew was nothing short of spectacular, and they deserve every bit of recognition: Our Guide, Sara (aka Sarita): Words cannot do justice to how incredible Sara is. She is knowledgeable, encouraging, and a beautiful soul: she is officially my Peruvian soul sister! Her passion and leadership kept us inspired every step of the way. Chefs Nicolas & Enrique: They performed actual culinary magic at every single camp. We are still dreaming about the food, and Nicolas - we still need that quinoa soup recipe! :) Rosalio, Maxwell (& so many others!): You attentiveness, warmth, and impeccable service elevated the entire "luxury" aspect of this trek. We loved seeing you peak over the corner of the tent to bring our next treat. The entire crew was incredible and the porters are absolute trail superheroes. Cannot thank our Sarita for such an experience of a lifetime. This will be a trip that we will never forget. Sulpayki!!!!Posted on Tripadvisor Hunter WVerified The Best Guide and Tour This tour was more than I could’ve hoped for. My guide David was incredible. So knowledgeable and kind. He truly made the experience unforgettable. When researching tours, I felt overwhelmed with options. I booked with Machulas, about two months in advance of my trip, not realizing how far in advance people usually look into planning trips to Machu Picchu. The Team reached out to me on What’s App, explained all my options and worked with me to not only get me a last minute ticket to Machu Picchu, but suggested a route that was in line with my experience as a hiker. In short, there is no way I could’ve done this without Machulas and David. If you’re like me and looking for a supportive, knowledgeable, kind Team to help you plan an unforgettable adventure, I could not recommend them more.Posted on Tripadvisor Patrick RVerified Je reviendrai Pays magnifique accompagné par un guide aux petits soins, je recommandePosted on Tripadvisor alwaysmoreoceanVerified Aaamazing We spent two days in late April with Sara, hiking the Short Inca Trail, visiting Machu Picchu, and climbing Machu Picchu mountain. I can't imagine how it could have been better. Sara is everything you would want in a guide... knowledgable, supportive, encouraging, responsive. She kept an eye on how we were doing during the strenuous parts and stopped for breaks when needed. But she also kept us going so we got to the various trail points at a reasonable time. Sara is insightful, listens well, and has a good sense of humor. She's been a guide on the trail many, many times, so she knows her stuff and can communicate it well at the right moment. We learned so much about the history, language, culture, plants, and animals of the area. In addition to being a great guide, we felt like we were in good hands throughout the trip and during out overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. For example, we left one of our phones on the bus, which can be a bit of a panic situation when you're far from home and so much of your life is stored on your phone, but Sara jumped through hoops to help track down the phone. All in all, Sara is a great trek leader and a pleasure to be around. It was an exceptional experience for us, and we would highly recommend Sara to anyone.Posted on Tripadvisor Tourist25487439531Verified Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour David, our staff, gives us wonderful experiences. He knows and explains the story so well and interesting. Inca civilization is the story I fall in love now. David also knows good restaurants and gave me best experiences with Peruvian foodPosted on Tripadvisor korkijVerified Peru trip with Machula’s journey Very good experience. My tour guide David, not only very attentive and informative. He also arranged everything from foods and and stay so I just traveled with breeze. Now next time in Peru I know who I want to contact and be having tour guide service. 5 stars.Posted on Tripadvisor Manya KVerified Excellent trip with Machulas team! Traveler from the USA here! Sarita, Cesar, Victor and Juan made an excellent team and gave me a memorable, once in a lifetime experience in Peru. The tour was easy to organize with WhatsApp and the communication was excellent. Although this trek was hard, I felt comfortable going at the pace I needed and Sara was able to adjust the plan if we needed. The team was prepared for any scenarios and the scenery was really breathtaking! The food was ALWAYS excellent and Victor even carried my bag when the summit got too hard. Thank you Machulas journey, I will never forget this experience and the exceptions you made for me!! Don’t be afraid to communicate with the team when you book. Thank you my friends!Posted on Tripadvisor alejo cVerified Camino inca 4 días 3 noches Junto con 5 amigos hicimos la experiencia del camino del inca. La misma fue excelente, la comida estuvo muy bien admistrada y el guía 10 puntosPosted on Tripadvisor Valentin GVerified Increible experiencia! Realizamos el camino del Inca con David y fue una experiencia excelente! Mostró gran predisposición hacia nosotros e hizo que el recorrido sea muy placentero.Posted on Tripadvisor Matheo SVerified Excelente experiencia! Excelente la experiencia a lo largo de todo el viaje! David es un guía super atento, informado y empático
Posted on Google Michael STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a pleasure having David as our guide through Machu Picchu. He was very attentive and funny. There was a lot we learned from this once and a life time trip, and we were very fortunate to have David lead us.Posted on Google Logan HartrumTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The tour guide made this trip. I would say that Aydee is the best guide in all of Peru. Truly an incredible experience because of her and the poters. Machu Picchu would not have been the same. Ayden really gave us the energy to wake up everyday exited for the new journeys .Posted on Google Kainoa HartrumTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Aydee was the best!! Best tour guide EVER! I not only had a great time on the hike, but I learned a lot as well. Aydee was kind, helpful, and externally knowledgeable about everything along the trail. 1000% recommend.Posted on Google Aaron SpringerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beste tour wij ooit hebben gedaan dankzij Aydee!Posted on Google Jessica CalvanoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for a custom trip then look no further! We went with Machulas Journey for a truly customized trip and it was Epic! I will return soon to enjoy so much more of Peru!Posted on Google Diana PervanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David and his staff were AMAZING!!!Posted on Google Matt MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. AMAZING. Thank you David for the best trip of my life. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to see this great place.Posted on Google Joey DeeganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was an amazing guide! We had a great time.