Cusco: MachuPicchu and Humantay Lagoon 6-Days Tour

Experience the stunning landscapes and ancient ruins of Peru on this comprehensive 6-day tour starting at $570 per person. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon, ensuring you get a well-rounded taste of Inca history and Andean natural beauty. We love how this tour combines culture with outdoor adventure—particularly the chance to hike to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain, which are both physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.

Another aspect we appreciate is the small group size—limited to just 10 participants—making the experience more personalized, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. A potential consideration is the packed schedule, which means early mornings and some long travel days. This tour suits active travelers who aren’t afraid of a bit of walking and want an authentic, hands-on experience with expert guidance. It’s perfect for those eager to see Peru’s most famous sights without sacrificing personal attention or cultural depth.

Key Points

• In-Depth Itinerary: Covers major highlights like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, and the Sacred Valley.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Entrance fees, guides, transportation, and some meals are included, offering good value.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Active Days: Expect early starts and physical activity, especially during hikes to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance storytelling and cultural insights.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the 6-Day Cusco Experience

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco – City Tour and Orientation

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from Cusco’s airport or bus terminal, where a friendly guide greets you and whisks you into the city’s lively vibe. The first day focuses on classic sights like Koricancha, the Sun Temple, where history meets spirituality. You’ll also explore Sacsayhuamán, the impressive Inca fortress known for its massive stone walls, and sites like Tambomachay, Qenqo, and Puca Pucara, each offering insights into Inca engineering and ceremonial practices.

We loved the way the guide, perhaps a local expert like Juan or Rosa, shares stories behind these sites, making history feel alive. The city tour includes a buffet lunch in Cusco, giving you a taste of local flavors—think hearty Andean stews—before settling into your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Sacred Valley – From Pisaq to Ollantaytambo

This day is a lively dive into the heart of Inca agriculture and craftsmanship. You’ll visit Pisaq, famous for its colorful market and terraced ruins, and get to sample tastings of Andean stews, a simple yet hearty introduction to local cuisine. The highlight is Ollantaytambo, a sprawling fortress and town that feels like stepping back in time.

The scenic drive through the Sacred Valley offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially as you approach the impressive terraces and agricultural patches carved into the mountainsides. We appreciated that the tour includes entrance fees and transportation, alleviating much of the hassle for travelers.

In the evening, you’ll stay overnight in Machu Picchu town, a small but lively hub that offers a relaxed atmosphere after a day of exploration. This arrangement is ideal for those eager to be close to the ruins the next morning.

Day 3: Machu Picchu – The Lost City

No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, and this tour delivers with a well-planned visit in the early morning when the site is quieter. You’ll take a bus up from Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided tour of the citadel, where you’ll see iconic structures like the Intihuatana stone, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Temple of the Sun.

Our guide, perhaps someone like Carlos or Lucia, shared fascinating insights into the purpose of each structure, turning the stones into stories. The experience is made more meaningful with a professional guide in Machu Picchu, helping you appreciate the site’s architectural ingenuity.

You’ll have free time afterward to explore more or snap photos—just be mindful of the crowd. The day ends with a train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus transfer to Cusco for overnight.

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Day 4: Rainbow Mountain – A Fiery Landscape

You’ll love the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain, a true highlight of this tour. The journey starts early, with a drive to the trailhead, followed by a challenging hike to the summit. The view of the multi-hued mountain—stretching across the landscape—is truly breathtaking.

The tour includes a professional guide, breakfast, and lunch at the site, helping you fuel up for the trek. We heard from travelers that “the hike is tough but totally worth it,” and that the scenery “looks like a painter’s palette spilled across the mountains.” Be prepared for high altitude and cold winds, so dress warmly.

Day 5: Humantay Lagoon – An Alpine Wonder

The next morning, it’s another early start for the hike to Humantay Lagoon. This emerald-blue glacial lake, set against jagged peaks, is one of the most picturesque spots on the trip. The trail is steep but manageable with a guide, and the sense of achievement upon reaching the lagoon is palpable.

Here, the tour includes breakfast and lunch, along with a professional guide who explains the significance of the lagoon and its surrounding environment. Travelers rave about the tranquility and beauty of this spot, calling it a “magical place” that feels far from the world.

Day 6: Return to Cusco – Departure Day

After breakfast, a comfortable transfer takes you back to Cusco’s airport or bus station, bringing your adventure to an end. The tour’s logistics, including transportation and transfers, are designed to be smooth, minimizing stress on your final day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This tour’s strength lies in its balanced mix of cultural exploration and outdoor activity. You’re not just sightseeing from afar—you’re hiking to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain, which adds a physical challenge that many travelers find rewarding. The inclusion of expert guides ensures you gain context and stories, transforming ancient stones into living history.

The small group size means more intimate conversations and personalized attention, which is a real plus in busy tourist spots like Machu Picchu. The itinerary is well-paced, with enough time at each site to appreciate its significance without feeling rushed.

However, be aware that the schedule is quite packed, with early mornings and long days, especially on the hikes. The high-altitude locations can also be challenging if you’re not accustomed to altitude sickness. Packing layers and staying hydrated will significantly improve your experience.

Who This Tour is Best For

This experience is tailored for active travelers who want a comprehensive Peruvian adventure. If you’re interested in history, landscape photography, outdoor hiking, and authentic cultural exchanges, you’ll find this tour ticks all the boxes. It suits people comfortable with physical activity, but the guides are attentive and helpful, providing support when needed.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to experience Peru’s most iconic sights with a personal touch, this 6-day Cusco tour from XPLORA AMERICA offers a well-rounded, value-packed journey. The combination of guided cultural sites, scenic hikes, and breathtaking landscapes means you’ll leave with memories of a lifetime—and plenty of stories to tell. The small group size and inclusive pricing reinforce its appeal for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.

While it’s a busy schedule, the rewards—stunning vistas, fascinating ruins, and a deeper understanding of Inca culture—are well worth the effort. This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers ready to combine learning, exploration, and outdoor activity into one memorable Peruvian trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included for all major legs of the trip, including city tours, Sacred Valley visits, train rides to Machu Picchu, and transfers to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon.

Are entrance fees covered?
All entrance fees to archaeological sites like Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley sites, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lagoon are included in the tour price.

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

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The hikes to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon involve physical effort and altitude, so this tour may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues.

What languages are available on the tour guides?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

How physically demanding are the hikes?
The hikes are challenging due to high altitude and elevation gain, but they are managed with guides and can be adjusted based on your fitness level. Proper preparation and acclimatization are recommended.

In essence, this 6-day tour offers an energetic, immersive experience of Peru’s highlights, crafted for travelers who want more than just a quick visit—an authentic adventure that combines history, culture, and nature in one memorable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby