Cusco & Machu Picchu + Andes Hike Experience 5 days

ITINERARY 

DAY 1:  ARRIVE TO CUSCO AND CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by a representative from our agency who will take you to your hotel. There, you will receive a brief orientation, after which you will have the morning free to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel to explore the city of Cusco, including its charming streets, the Plaza de Armas, and a glimpse of the well-preserved Inca architecture, alongside the fascinating blend of Spanish and Andean culture.

Next, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the Inca temple of Qoricancha, the main temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Afterward, we will continue to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive site where you can admire remarkable Inca architecture and engineering, as well as panoramic views of Cusco and its surroundings.

Finally, we will explore other sacred sites, including Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambo Machay, Head back to the hotel in Cusco by early evening.

• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Salineras and Ollantaytambo) – AGUAS CALIENTES

Today, we will begin by picking you up from your hotel at 7:30 a.m. From there, we’ll drive for approximately 50 minutes to the town of Chinchero, where we’ll visit the renowned textile center. During this visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe traditional weaving techniques and see local animals such as llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs. We’ll also explore the Inca archaeological site of Chinchero, a place full of mystery and impressive Inca architecture.

After our visit, we’ll continue our journey to the Maras Salt Mines, which have been of great importance since pre-Inca times. Today, they are still used to extract salt from a natural spring with salty water. The water flows through a system of channels into small pools, where it evaporates under the sun, leaving crystallized salt behind. This ancient technique remains in use today, and the Maras salt is recognized for its purity and traditional value.

Next, we’ll travel 25 minutes to Moray, an important Inca site known for its circular agricultural terraces. Here, we’ll learn about its historical and agricultural significance.

After visiting Moray, we’ll drive about 40 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll stop at a restaurant to enjoy a pleasant lunch (not included).

Following lunch, we’ll continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. We’ll spend about one hour exploring its highlights, including the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, water fountains, and other remarkable Inca structures.

After the tour, we’ll head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes at 3:37 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 5:00 p.m., we’ll check into our hotel and later enjoy a delicious dinner.

• Meals included: Breakfast, & Dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel Tara Machu Picchu,
• 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva (superior room)
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for!

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It’s a truly extraordinary spectacle you won’t want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour lasting approximately two hours. During the visit, you’ll explore most of the important areas of the Machu Picchu Citadel and learn how it is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.

Once you’ve enjoyed the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you may also have time to do some shopping, stroll around town, or visit the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition Train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m., following the spectacular Urubamba River. Near Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river offers beautiful stretches of white water. You might even spot Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look high up the steep canyon wall!

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting for you outside the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private transport. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels

DAY 4: HUMANTAY LAKE – CUSCO

We begin our adventure bright and early with a 4:00 a.m. pick up from your accommodation in Cusco. From there, we’ll set off on a scenic three-hour drive through the breathtaking Andes until we reach Soraypampa.

Upon arrival, we’ll gear up for our hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) at the foot of the majestic Humantay Mountain. The trek takes about two hours and winds through beautiful mountain trails, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and if you’re lucky local birdlife along the way.

At the lake, we’ll pause to soak in the beauty of its turquoise waters framed by dramatic Andean landscapes. You’ll have time to explore, relax, and capture memorable photos. For those who prefer a more relaxed journey, horse rentals are available from the local community for an additional cost.

After enjoying this magical spot, we’ll begin our descent, hiking for about an hour back to Soraypampa. From there, we’ll continue by private transport to Mollepata, where a delicious lunch made from fresh, local ingredients will be waiting to replenish our energy.

Our adventure concludes with a comfortable three-hour drive back to Cusco. We expect to arrive at your accommodation around 4:30 p.m., wrapping up an unforgettable day immersed in the natural beauty and spirit of the Andes.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Trekking distance: 7 km / 4,34 miles
•  Walking time: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

Following breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your remaining time in the city of Cusco, perhaps by visiting a few museums or traditional markets. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

• Meals: Breakfast