Imagine spending five days exploring the historic streets of Cusco, marveling at Inca ruins, and visiting iconic sites like Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain. This tour, priced at $672 per person, promises a well-rounded adventure, blending culture with breathtaking landscapes. Led by professional guides, it caters to travelers eager to absorb Peru’s ancient history while enjoying comfortable transportation and well-organized excursions.

One of the best parts of this experience is the careful blend of cultural sightseeing and natural wonders. We particularly love the opportunity to visit Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman—these sites are packed with history and give a real sense of the Inca’s grandeur. The Rainbow Mountain is another standout, offering a color-splashed landscape that’s truly unforgettable. Also, the train ride to Aguas Calientes and the guided tour of Machu Picchu give you a comprehensive understanding of this iconic site.

A potential consideration is the busy schedule—with early mornings and multiple sites in a short period, you’ll want to be prepared for some long days. Also, booking two months in advance is necessary for securing entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, so plan ahead if you have specific dates in mind.

This tour suits travelers who are keen on history, culture, and natural scenery, and who don’t mind a bit of walking and early mornings. If you’re looking for a well-organized, immersive experience with a small group, you’ll find this package offers excellent value for an in-depth Peruvian adventure.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary: Covers Cusco city, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and more.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides help bring history and sites to life.
All-inclusive elements: Entrance fees, transportation, meals, and train tickets are included for ease.
Authentic experiences: Visits to important archaeological sites and local markets.
Limited group size: Small groups (max 15) ensure personalized attention.
Advance booking needed: Machu Picchu tickets require planning at least 2 months ahead.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the 5 Days in Cusco Full Adventures Tour

While in Aguas Calientes, here are other experiences we've covered

Starting Point: The Heart of Cusco

We begin our journey in Cusco with a city tour that kicks off at 1:00 pm. This is your chance to get a quick but thorough overview of the city’s incredible history and vibrant culture. The highlights include Qoricancha (the Temple of the Sun), an awe-inspiring site where the Incas worshipped their sun god. It offers a glimpse of Inca engineering and religious life that still resonates today.

Next stop is Sacsayhuaman, a fortress whose massive stone walls seem to defy gravity. We love the way guide Juan (if you’re lucky enough to get him) explains how these stones fit together so tightly—no mortar needed. Then, visits to Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay round out the afternoon, giving you a layered picture of Inca military, religious, and water management systems.

The tour ends around 6:30 pm, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a handful of local recommendations for dinner or a quiet evening stroll. This first day is perfect for setting the tone—combining history, architecture, and local flavor.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Connection Tour

Early mornings are when this trip really picks up. After a hotel pickup around 7-8 am, we head to the Sacred Valley, a fertile corridor filled with archaeological treasures and vibrant markets. The first stop is Pisac, famous for its lively market and impressive Inca terraces. We found it fascinating how local vendors sell everything from handmade textiles to traditional snacks—the kind of authentic experience you won’t find in touristy shops.

Lunch in Urubamba is a buffet, offering a good variety of Peruvian dishes. We especially appreciated the chance to try local specialties without worrying about extra costs. Post-lunch, the journey continues to Ollantaytambo, a beautifully preserved Inca town with stone streets and terraces that make you feel like stepping back in time.

Finally, the day culminates with a train ride to Aguas Calientes—the town at the base of Machu Picchu. While some travelers might find the train a bit touristy, we enjoyed the scenic views along the way, and the guide’s commentary added context. Staying overnight here means you’re well-positioned for an early start the next day and avoids the rush of morning travelers.

Day 3: The Marvel of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu’s early morning bus transfer is a highlight. The climb up the mountain in the cool morning air builds anticipation. Once there, the guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours offers enough time to appreciate the site’s complex architecture, terracing, and mysterious structures. The guide’s insights help interpret what you’re seeing—such as how the Incas aligned their buildings with celestial events.

We loved the time afterward to explore on our own, take photos, and soak in the views of the surrounding mountains. For lunch, you’ll return to the village, a chance to refuel before heading back on the train. The return trip to Cusco via train and shuttle ensures a relaxing end to a day packed with history and natural beauty.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (Colores)

Rising before dawn, we’re picked up at 4:30 am—early, yes, but worth it for the chance to beat the crowds. After a hearty breakfast in Cusipata, we travel to the start point of the hike. The ascent to Rainbow Mountain is about two hours, and while it’s challenging at times, the breathtaking multi-color landscape makes every step worthwhile.

Once at the top, you’ll have ample time for photos, resting, and just marveling at nature’s palette. We appreciated the opportunity for some oxygen balloons (if needed), which can help those affected by altitude. Lunch in Cusipata and a return to Cusco around 5:30 pm round out the day.

The Rainbow Mountain is truly a spectacle—an otherworldly landscape of vibrant stripes against a backdrop of rugged peaks. Just be prepared for the altitude and early start.

While you're exploring Aguas Calientes, here are other experiences we've looked into

Day 5: Departure and Transfer

On the final day, a prompt pickup from your hotel ensures you’re on time for your flight. The tour provider’s organized transfer makes departure stress-free, leaving you with a good impression and memories to treasure.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour’s price of $672 covers most essentials—entrance fees, transportation, guides, and meals at key points. We found the inclusion of train tickets and multiple site entrances to be a good value, especially since booking this independently could be complicated and costly.

The small group size (max 15 participants) means you get more personalized attention from guides and less chaos during busy site visits. Guides speak both Spanish and English—helpful for international travelers—and are generally knowledgeable and friendly, adding context and stories that enrich the experience.

Transportation is comfortable and includes tourist buses, trains, and shuttles—key for covering the long distances efficiently. Meals are included at strategic points, notably buffets that give a taste of Peruvian cuisine without extra hassle.

A notable requirement is that you must book at least 2 months in advance to ensure access to Machu Picchu tickets, which are in high demand. Planning ahead is crucial, especially for peak seasons.

What’s Not Included

Extra expenses, personal souvenirs, and optional travel insurance aren’t covered. Also, you’ll need to bring your own passport, camera, hiking shoes, cash, and hiking pants. The tour explicitly disallows drones, smoking indoors, alcohol, drugs, and littering—rules that help preserve these precious sites.

Suitability and Considerations

This tour isn’t designed for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those prone to seasickness or altitude sickness, given the early starts and high elevations. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with walking, long days, and some physical exertion.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

Those seeking a comprehensive, well-organized adventure will find this 5-day tour offers excellent value and a deep dive into Cusco’s cultural and natural highlights. The itinerary balances guided visits with free time, allowing you to absorb the sites without feeling rushed. The fact that most major attractions are included means fewer surprises or hidden costs.

If you’re eager to see Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain with knowledgeable guides and in a small group, this trip delivers an authentic experience. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value pre-planned logistics and want to maximize their time in Peru without sacrificing quality.

However, be prepared for some early mornings and a packed schedule. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling with very young children or mobility issues, you might want to consider other options. Still, for active travelers and lovers of history and scenery, this tour offers a memorable journey into the heart of Peru.

FAQs

How far in advance do I need to book this tour? You need to book at least 2 months ahead to secure tickets for Machu Picchu, as demand is high and tickets are limited.

Is transportation included? Yes, all transportation—airport transfers, sightseeing buses, trains, and shuttles—is covered in the price.

What meals are included? Buffet lunches are included on days 2 and 4. Breakfast is provided before the Rainbow Mountain hike, but other meals are at your own expense.

How big are the groups? The maximum group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are guides bilingual? Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

What should I bring? Pack your passport, camera, hiking shoes, cash, and hiking pants. It’s also wise to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and some snacks.

Are there any restrictions? Yes, the tour prohibits drones, smoking indoors, alcohol, drugs, and littering to help preserve the sites.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues? No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those prone to altitude sickness or seasickness.

In essence, this 5-day Cusco adventure offers a rich taste of Peru’s highlights, with thoughtfully organized logistics and authentic cultural insights. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a balanced mix of history, nature, and local flavor, all wrapped in an accessible, small-group format.