GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights.
Departure Point: Lima.
Return Point: Lima.
Group Size: Shared tours (minimum 2 travelers), with a private guide at Machu Picchu.
Tour Style: Cultural, archaeological, and adventure travel.
Tour Highlights: Experience Cusco’s most popular destinations in one week: the city, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the South Valley, with flights, trains, and transfers included.
Difficulty Level: Moderate (due to the Rainbow Mountain hike above 16,400 feet / 5,000 meters).
Places to Visit: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Rainbow Mountain – South Valley.
Departure Dates: Daily departures.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Seven days are enough to experience the highlights of Cusco without rushing from place to place. This package brings together the former capital of the Inca Empire, the villages and agricultural terraces of the Sacred Valley, the citadel of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the South Valley a less-traveled route that reveals the region’s history before and after the Inca Empire.
Your trip begins with a free day to adjust to the altitude. Then you’ll explore the temples surrounding Cusco, travel through the Sacred Valley to meet the weavers of Chinchero and visit the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, and take the train to Aguas Calientes. The next morning, you’ll explore Machu Picchu with a private guide. On day five, you’ll hike to Vinicunca, at over 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) above sea level, and wrap up your trip at the Inca water channels of Tipón, the Wari city of Pikillaqta, and the murals of the church in Andahuaylillas.
At Incredible Peru Tours, we arrange your flights, trains, transfers, admission tickets, and guides throughout the seven days, so you can focus on exploring and enjoying every destination. Contact our team to check availability, especially for Machu Picchu tickets, which can sell out weeks in advance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Book your package as early as possible to secure Machu Picchu admission tickets and train seats.
Bring your original passport. You will need it to enter Machu Picchu and board the train.
For Rainbow Mountain, bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, and water.
Rest on your first day and avoid heavy meals to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases, tips, and lunch on day four.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this package, please contact us: Phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047, or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
ITINERARY
Day 1: Lima – Cusco: Arrival and Acclimatization
- Flight from Lima to Cusco.
- Welcome at Cusco Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel.
- Free time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (11,152 feet / 3,399 meters).
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Not included.
Day 2: Cusco City Tour and Archaeological Sites
- Free morning.
- Meet at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at 12:45 p.m.
- Visit Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun.
- Visit Sacsayhuamán.
- Visit Q’enqo.
- Explore Puka Pukara.
- Visit Tambomachay.
- Return to Cusco.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3: Cusco – VIP Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m.
- Visit the Chinchero textile center.
- Visit the circular agricultural terraces of Moray.
- Visit the Maras Salt Mines.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Visit the Ollantaytambo fortress.
- Train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m.
- Take the bus up to the citadel.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours).
- Free time for photos.
- Take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
- Free time for lunch at your own expense.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo at 4:30 p.m.
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco (estimated arrival at 8:00 p.m.).
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Hotel pickup between 4:30 and 4:40 a.m.
- Breakfast in Cusipata.
- Transfer to Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike.
- A 1-hour, 30-minute hike to the summit, at over 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) above sea level.
- Views of snowcapped Ausangate Mountain, llamas, and alpacas.
- Return to the trailhead.
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata.
- Arrive in Cusco around 5:00 p.m.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 6: Cusco South Valley
- Hotel pickup at 8:30 a.m.
- Visit the Tipón archaeological site.
- Visit Pikillaqta, a city built by the Wari culture.
- Visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas.
- Return to Cusco around 2:30 p.m.
- Free afternoon.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: Cusco – Lima
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Cusco Airport.
- Flight to Lima.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- End of our services.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Lima – Cusco: Arrival and Acclimatization
At the scheduled time, you’ll board your flight from Lima to Cusco, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, our team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Cusco sits at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level, so this first day is designed for you to rest, walk slowly, and enjoy some coca tea while your body adjusts to the altitude. If you feel up to it in the afternoon, you can take a short stroll around the Plaza de Armas and its surrounding cobblestone streets.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Not included.
Day 2: Cusco City Tour and Archaeological Sites
Enjoy a free morning to explore on your own. At 12:45 p.m., you’ll meet your guide at the Plaza de Armas and begin your tour at Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, the Incas’ main religious center. Here, you can still see its finely polished stone walls beneath the Santo Domingo Convent, which the Spanish built over the original Inca temple. Next, you’ll take a bus to the hills above the city to visit Sacsayhuamán, famous for its zigzag walls made of massive stone blocks, and the Q’enqo ceremonial site, a carved rock featuring channels and an underground chamber used for rituals. Continue to Puka Pukara, a former checkpoint along an Inca road, and finish at Tambomachay, a site dedicated to water worship whose fountains still flow today. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3: Cusco to the VIP Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 a.m. to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is Chinchero, a village of traditional weavers, where you’ll see how local artisans wash, spin, and dye wool using native plants and minerals. Continue to Moray, a series of circular agricultural terraces where the Incas experimented with growing crops at different temperatures, and to the Maras Salt Mines, where local families still harvest salt by hand from thousands of pools set into the hillside. At midday, enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian dishes in Urubamba. In the afternoon, visit the Ollantaytambo fortress, built during the reign of Pachacútec and the site of one of Manco Inca’s few victories against the Spanish. At the end of the tour, around 3:00 p.m., board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 4: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Today is the highlight of your trip. After breakfast, your private guide will pick you up at your hotel at 7:00 a.m. for the approximately 25-minute bus ride along a winding road up to Machu Picchu, at 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. For about two hours, you’ll explore its plazas, temples, terraces, and residential areas while your guide explains how they were built and how each area was used. After the tour, you’ll have free time for photos before returning to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at your own expense. At 4:30 p.m., board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will take you to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 8:00 p.m.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
We’ll pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 4:40 a.m. for an approximately two-hour drive to Cusipata, where you’ll have breakfast. Then continue to Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike. You’ll hike uphill for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through grasslands where llamas and alpacas graze, with snowcapped Ausangate Mountain in the background, until you reach the summit of Vinicunca, at over 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) above sea level. There you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and learn from your guide how minerals in the ground created the mountain’s red, yellow, and green bands. Afterward, hike back to the trailhead and enjoy a buffet lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco around 5:00 p.m.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 6: Cusco South Valley
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. for an approximately 40-minute drive southeast of the city. Your first stop is Tipón, an archaeological site featuring Inca terraces and stone canals where water still flows through the original system. Next, explore Pikillaqta, a city built by the Wari culture centuries before the Incas, with hundreds of buildings arranged in blocks along straight streets. The tour ends in the town of Andahuaylillas at its Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas for the murals and painted ceilings covering its interior. Return to your hotel in Cusco around 2:30 p.m., with the afternoon free for shopping or one last look around the city.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: Departure from Cusco to Lima
After breakfast, at the scheduled time, we’ll transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima.
Meals: Breakfast.
End of services.
Included Services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
Flights
- Lima–Cusco flight.
- Cusco–Lima flight.
Cusco
- Arrival and departure transfers (airport/hotel/airport).
- 5 nights of accommodation in Cusco (4 breakfasts).
- Cusco city tour with admission to Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
- VIP Sacred Valley tour: Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo (1 buffet lunch included).
- Expedition-class train: Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo.
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 breakfast).
- Machu Picchu admission ticket and private licensed guide.
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain
- Tourist transportation Cusco/Cusipata/Cusco.
- Tour guide.
- Admission to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch in Cusipata.
South Valley
- Tourist transportation.
- Tour guide.
- Admission to Tipón, Pikillaqta, and the church in Andahuaylillas.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (day 4).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Horse rental at Rainbow Mountain.
- Tips.
- Hotel accommodations and breakfasts (only with the no-hotel option).
What to Bring
PACKING LIST
Many people assume Peru is always warm, but in Cusco, at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) above sea level, mornings and nights are cold. At Rainbow Mountain, above 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), temperatures can drop below 32°F (0°C) at sunrise. In contrast, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu have a mild, humid climate, with more mosquitoes and frequent rain from November through March. We’ve put together this list to help you pack. If you forget anything, don’t worry: you’ll find stores in Cusco where you can buy what you need.
Review this packing list before your Magical Peru Tour. Each item will help you travel comfortably.
Documents
- Original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu and board the train).
- Student ID, if applicable.
- Copy of your travel insurance.
Essentials
- Small daypack.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Snacks, such as cookies, chocolate, or energy bars.
- Some cash in Peruvian soles for purchases, tips, and lunch in Aguas Calientes.
Clothing and Footwear
- Hiking shoes with good traction.
- Warm clothes for mornings and nights: insulated jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and wool socks.
- Lightweight clothing that you can layer during the day.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Sun hat or cap.
- Swimsuit (optional, for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
Medications and Health Items
- Personal medications.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Lip balm with SPF.
Personal Hygiene Items
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Deodorant.
- Small towel.
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Other Items
- Sunglasses.
- Camera or phone with a portable charger.
- Hiking poles (optional, for Rainbow Mountain).
If you have any questions about what to bring, contact us on WhatsApp at +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or email: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Magical Peru Tour Package. We encourage you to read them before contacting us, as most questions about altitude, hiking, reservations, and payments are answered here.
1. How many days do I need to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Seven days give you enough time to see Cusco’s highlights without rushing: one day to acclimatize, one for the city, two for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and two more for Rainbow Mountain and the South Valley. With fewer than four days, you’d need to skip some of these attractions or visit them without enough time to adjust to the altitude.
2. How can I prevent altitude sickness in Cusco?
Altitude sickness, also known locally as soroche, can cause headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath during the first few days. That’s why the first day of the package is free for rest, and Rainbow Mountain the highest point of the trip is scheduled for day five, after you’ve had time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and consult your doctor before taking any medication.
3. How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike?
This is a moderately challenging hike: you’ll ascend for about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a trail without technical sections, but at an altitude above 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), where there is less oxygen. If you walk at your own pace and take short breaks, you don’t need previous trekking experience. If you become tired along the way, horses are available to rent for an additional fee.
4. How far in advance should I book this package?
We recommend booking at least two months in advance, and even earlier if you plan to travel between May and October. Machu Picchu admission is limited each day, and tickets can sell out quickly during peak season, as can train seats to Aguas Calientes.
5. What is the best time of year to take this tour?
You can take this tour year-round. April through October is the dry season, with sunny days, clear skies, and colder nights ideal conditions for seeing the colors of Vinicunca. November through March brings more frequent rainfall, especially in the afternoons, but the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are greener and there are fewer visitors.
6. Can I book this package if I am traveling alone?
Yes. Published rates are per person, based on a minimum of two travelers. If you’re traveling alone, a $300 USD surcharge applies to any option, with or without hotels. Excursions are shared with other travelers, while your Machu Picchu tour includes a private guide.
7. Can I book this package without hotels?
Yes. If you’ve already arranged accommodation in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, you can choose the no-hotel option for $960 USD per person. Flights, transfers, trains, admission tickets, guides, and meals included with the excursions remain part of the package. We only need your hotels’ addresses to coordinate pickups.
8. How do I book this tour?
Booking with us is safe and easy. Payment is divided into two parts:
- First payment: Pay 50% of the total when booking, online from home, using a credit or debit card issued by any bank through our secure payment system (click the Book Now link).
- Second payment: Pay the remaining balance in person at our office in the Historic Center of Cusco upon arrival.
⇒ To book your 7-day / 6-night Magical Peru Tour Package, follow these 3 steps:
1. Complete the booking form: Find it through the Book Now link.
2. Pay 50%: We accept credit and debit cards issued by any bank: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, and UNIONPAY.
3. Receive your travel voucher: We’ll send it as soon as your payment is confirmed.
⇒ Other payment methods: If you prefer to pay via PayPal, Western Union, bank deposit or bank transfer, let us know and we’ll send you all the information needed to complete your payment.
9. Can I contact Incredible Peru Tours if I have more questions?
Availability and Prices
Machu Picchu Availability
Machu Picchu Availability
Check Machu Picchu Availability
IMPORTANT:
- Machu Picchu admission tickets and train seats are limited each day. We will confirm availability for your preferred date when you book.
- We recommend booking your package as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel between May and October.
Prices per Person
| Accommodation Category | Price per Person | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Without Hotel | US$ 960 | 2 travelers |
| 2-Star Hotel | US$ 1,155 | 2 travelers |
| 3-Star Hotel | US$ 1,290 | 2 travelers |
| 4-Star Hotel | US$ 1,392 | 2 travelers |
Room Type: Double (DBL) or Twin (TWN) occupancy.
Solo Traveler Rate: An additional $ 300 USD applies to any of the four options.
Payment Terms
- 50% due at the time of booking.
- The remaining 50% is payable directly at our office.
- All prices are per person and quoted in US dollars (USD).
- Listed rates are based on a minimum of 2 travelers.
IMPORTANT:
- The package price depends on your chosen accommodation category: no hotel, 2-star, 3-star, or 4-star.
- Prices are per person, in US dollars, excluding Peruvian sales tax (IGV).
- Accommodations are based on double or twin occupancy.
- Minimum 2 travelers. Solo travelers pay an additional $300 USD for any option.
- Groups of 5 or more travelers receive a 5% discount.
PLEASE NOTE:
- We love organizing family trips. If you are traveling with children, contact us to learn about our special offers.
- We also offer discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Contact us to receive our offers.
- At Incredible Peru Tours, there are no hidden fees or charges: the price you see is the price you pay.
- For more information, contact us at (+51) 984 525 006 / (+51) 984 683 047.
