Imperial Cusco & Machu Picchu 6D/5N
Imperial Cusco & Machu Picchu 6D/5N - Photo Gallery
Tour Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and Archaeological City Tour
Morning: Greeting at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Free time to acclimate to the high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,399 m.a.s.l.).
Afternoon: Guided tour of the Qorikancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the four surrounding ruins: Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Night: Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Train to Aguas Calientes
Morning: Departure for the Sacred Valley. Visit to the Pisac archaeological site and artisan market.
Lunch: Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba.
Afternoon: Tour of the Ollantaytambo military fortress. Board the Expedition / Voyager train to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
Night: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Citadel and Return to Cusco
Morning: Ride the eco-friendly bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. 2.5-hour guided tour along the main circuit.
Afternoon: Bus ride down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Train return to Ollantaytambo station, followed by tourist bus transfer back to Cusco.
Night: Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 4: Humantay Lake Day Trip
Early Morning / Morning: Departure at 4:00 AM for Mollepata for breakfast. Continue to Soraypampa and begin the 1.5-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m.a.s.l.).
Afternoon: Free time for photos and insights from the guide in front of the snow-capped peak. Buffet lunch in Mollepata and return to Cusco by 5:00 PM.
Night: Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Early Morning / Morning: Departure at 4:30 AM for Cusipata for breakfast. Continue to Phulawasipata and start the hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (16,470 ft / 5,020 m.a.s.l.).
Afternoon: Guided explanation of the surrounding minerals, hike down to the checkpoint, buffet lunch in Cusipata, and return to Cusco by 4:30 PM.
Night: Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 6: Cusco Airport Transfer
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel and free time for last-minute shopping in the historic center.
Afternoon: Private transfer from the hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to board your departure flight.
Services
Included
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General admission ticket to the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel.
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General Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) covering Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo.
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Entrance tickets to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.
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Entrance ticket to Qorikancha Temple.
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Round-trip train tickets on Expedition / Voyager service (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).
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Round-trip Consettur shuttle bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
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Private airport transfers (Airport – Hotel – Airport).
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Tourist ground transportation via minibus for all excursions.
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5 nights of hotel accommodation at your selected hotel with breakfast included.
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3 Andean buffet lunches (Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain).
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Professional bilingual tour guide (English / Spanish) on all tours.
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First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
Not Included
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International or domestic airfare.
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Optional entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain ($75 USD extra per person).
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Upgrade to Vistadome or Observatory train ($35 USD to $60 USD extra per segment).
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Unspecified lunches and dinners.
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Tips for guides and drivers.
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Personal travel, health, and cancellation insurance.
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Personal expenses or trekking pole rentals.
Recommendations
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Original valid passport.
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Small 20 to 30-liter daypack for daily hikes.
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Warm layered clothing, thermal jacket, and gloves.
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Waterproof clothing, rain poncho, or windbreaker.
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Trekking shoes or boots with high-traction soles.
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Comfortable, quick-drying pants.
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UV-protection sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
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Sunscreen and lip balm.
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Insect repellent.
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Reusable water bottle.
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Altitude sickness (soroche) pills and personal medications.
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Trekking poles with rubber tips.
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Cash in Peruvian Soles.
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External battery pack (power bank) and power adapters.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I manage high-altitude acclimation?
Cusco sits at an elevation of 11,150 ft (3,399 m.a.s.l.). The itinerary is designed progressively: the first few days feature low-impact tours (City Tour and Sacred Valley) before tackling higher-altitude hikes like Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m) and Rainbow Mountain (16,470 ft / 5,020 m). We recommend resting on your first day, drinking plenty of water, and sipping on coca tea.
How far in advance should I book this package?
We recommend booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Entrance tickets to the Machu Picchu citadel and train passes have strict daily capacity limits set by Peruvian authorities.
What documents do I need to enter the attractions?
You must bring your original, valid passport on all excursions. Your document details must match the information on your Machu Picchu entrance passes and train tickets exactly.
What happens if I can't complete the hikes to Humantay Lake or Vinicunca?
For high-mountain excursions, horse rentals are available directly through local residents at the start of the trail (additional cost not included). Additionally, our team always carries a first-aid kit and an emergency oxygen tank.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (May through October), which features clear, sunny days ideal for photography and hiking. The rainy season runs from November through April, during which waterproof gear is essential.
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