Imperial Cusco & Machu Picchu 5D/4N
Tour Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and City Tour
09:00 AM: Greeting at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and transfer to your selected hotel.
01:00 PM: Pickup from hotel to start the city circuit.
01:30 PM - 06:30 PM: Visit to Qorikancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán Fortress, and the archaeological complexes of Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Train to Aguas Calientes
07:30 AM: Pickup from hotel heading toward the Sacred Valley.
08:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Tour of the Pisac archaeological site and artisan market.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM: Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant in Urubamba.
02:30 PM - 04:00 PM: Guided tour of the Ollantaytambo fortress and ceremonial center.
04:36 PM: Board the tourist train (Inca Rail or PeruRail) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
06:10 PM: Arrival in Aguas Calientes, reception, and transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary and Return to Cusco
06:00 AM: Consettur shuttle bus ride from Aguas Calientes up to the Machu Picchu entrance gate.
07:00 AM - 09:30 AM: Guided tour along the designated circuit inside the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
10:00 AM: Shuttle bus ride back down to Aguas Calientes with free time for lunch.
02:30 PM: Board the return train to Ollantaytambo Station.
04:15 PM: Ground transportation transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Excursion (Vinicunca)
04:00 AM: Hotel pickup and tourist transportation transfer to Cusipata.
07:00 AM: Hearty breakfast in the town of Cusipata.
08:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Uphill hike to the main Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (16,470 ft / 5,020 m.a.s.l.) and time for photos.
12:30 PM: Buffet lunch in Cusipata.
04:30 PM: Return to downtown Cusco.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 5: Airport Transfer
According to flight schedule: Breakfast at hotel and private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. End of services.
Services
Included
Full Admission Tickets and Entries: General Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG), entrance ticket to Qorikancha Temple, entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel, and entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
Transfers: Airport - Hotel - Airport in Cusco.
Tourist Transportation: Climate-controlled buses for all scheduled land excursions.
Train: Round-trip tickets on Expedition / Voyager service (Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo).
Bus at Machu Picchu: Round-trip Consettur shuttle bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes).
Accommodations: 3 nights of hotel stay in Cusco and 1 night of hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: 4 breakfasts at hotels, 1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley, 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch on the route to Vinicunca.
Guide: Official bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish) during all excursions.
Not Included
Domestic or international airfare.
Meals not specified in the program (dinners and lunch on the day visiting Machu Picchu).
Tips for service staff, guides, and drivers.
Personal expenses or souvenirs.
Entrance tickets to optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Recommendations
Original valid physical passport or national ID card.
Small 20 to 30-liter daypack for daily excursions.
Warm clothing, thermal jacket, and gloves for early mornings and nights.
Lightweight and waterproof clothing or rain poncho.
Hiking boots or trail sneakers with high-traction soles.
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
UV-protection sunglasses and hat or cap.
Reusable water bottle.
Altitude sickness pills or coca candies.
Cash for local purchases and tips.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book the package?
It is recommended to book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel and train passes have daily capacity limits and usually sell out quickly, especially during peak season (May through October).
How is altitude sickness (soroche) managed?
The itinerary is progressively designed to facilitate acclimation. We recommend resting for the first few hours after arriving in Cusco, drinking plenty of water or coca tea, eating light meals on your first day, and considering preventative medication (such as Sorojchi Pills) after consulting with a doctor.
What type of luggage should I bring to Machu Picchu?
On trains heading to Aguas Calientes, passengers are only allowed to board with a small daypack or hand luggage weighing up to 11 lbs (5 kg) per person. The rest of your primary luggage (large suitcase) will remain securely stored in the luggage storage area at your hotel in Cusco at no extra charge.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The dry season, from May through October, offers sunny days and a lower chance of rain, making it ideal for hikes like Rainbow Mountain. However, the package is available year-round (the rainy season runs from November through April).
Is the hike to Rainbow Mountain suitable for everyone?
It requires a decent level of physical fitness due to the high altitude (16,470 ft / 5,020 m.a.s.l.). For those who experience physical exhaustion along the trail, local residents offer horse rental services for the ascent (paid directly on site).