A 5-day journey through Peru’s sacred landscapes combines history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Starting in Cusco, this tour takes you through the Sacred Valley’s ancient Inca sites, into Machu Picchu, and finally to the stunning Colored Mountain. Priced at around $558 per person, it offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to connect with Peru’s past and natural wonders.

What we love most about this tour is the seamless blend of culture and scenic marvels—from the archaeological sites in Pisac and Ollantaytambo to the jaw-dropping views of Machu Picchu and the colorful landscape of the Montaña de Colores. Plus, the included delicious buffet lunches provide a satisfying break amid busy days. The only potential drawback? The need to book Machu Picchu tickets two months in advance may require some planning, but it’s a small step for such an unforgettable experience.

This tour fits best for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s ideal for those interested in history, stunning scenery, and local cuisine, and who don’t mind early mornings or well-paced days.

Key Points

Incredible sites including Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley markets, and Colored Mountain.
Well-organized logistics ensure smooth travel between sites with included transportation and guides.
Authentic local experiences with buffet lunches and scenic train rides.
Early starts and long days make for a full, immersive experience.
Advance booking for Machu Picchu is essential to secure entrance tickets.
Price reflects a comprehensive package that balances quality guides, transport, and entry fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Inca Trails Tour

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Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and City Tour

Your adventure begins with airport pickup and a transfer to your hotel—giving you a chance to settle in or explore a bit on your own. In the afternoon, the tour kicks off with a comprehensive city tour. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll visit highlights like Qoricancha, the Inca Sun Temple turned colonial church, and Sacsayhuamán, renowned for its impressive stonework.

We appreciated the detailed explanations from the guide, which made the ruins come alive. The tour also includes Q’enqo, an ancient ceremonial site, Puka Pukara, a red fortress, and Tambomachay, known for its intricate water features. The tour wraps up around 6:30 pm, leaving you free to enjoy your hotel or explore Cusco’s lively streets.

Day 2: Sacred Valley and Journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo

The next morning starts early—around 7:30 am—with a pick-up that kicks off the full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley. First stop: Pisac, famous for its vibrant market and impressive archaeological site. Here, we loved wandering through stalls full of local crafts and learning about the Inca terraces.

Next, a buffet lunch in Urubamba provides a hearty, authentic taste of Peruvian cuisine, a highlight for many travelers. Afterward, the tour visits Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress and town that still preserves its original layout. Walking through its streets, you get a real sense of how the Incas lived.

In the afternoon, you’ll board a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). The views of the valley and mountains during the train ride are breathtaking, making this a favorite part of the journey for many. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 3: Exploring Machu Picchu

The highlight of the trip, of course, is your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Starting early with breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take the bus up to the archaeological site. Your guide will point out features like the Sun Temple, Intihuatana stone, and the impressive terraces—each telling a story about Inca ingenuity.

You’ll have ample time to wander freely after the guided portion—many travelers enjoy exploring on their own or taking photos from different vantage points. Returning to Aguas Calientes for a buffet lunch helps recharge before heading back to Ollantaytambo by train.

The return trip offers more scenic views, and a private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco ensures your day ends comfortably. We found this day to be well-paced, with enough time at each site to appreciate its significance without feeling rushed.

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Day 4: The Vibrant Colored Mountain Excursion

The most unique aspect of the tour is the Colorful Mountain (Montaña de Colores). An early start at around 4:30 am gets you on the road toward Tintinco, with a drive through the Andes that’s as scenic as the destination itself. After a local breakfast in Tintinco, you’ll begin a moderate 2-hour hike to reach the vibrant landscape.

Once at the mountain, you’ll find yourself surrounded by striking, rainbow-colored mineral deposits. The guide allows ample time to explore, take photos, and truly soak in the panorama. This part of the tour offers a more personal, contemplative experience away from the crowds.

Afterward, a local lunch in Tintinco offers another chance to enjoy authentic Peruvian dishes before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 5 pm.

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Day 5: Departure

On your final day, the tour company will coordinate your transfer to Cusco Airport, making sure you leave with plenty of time for your onward flight. This smooth end to a packed itinerary gives you peace of mind and a chance to reflect on the incredible sights you’ve experienced.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers most essentials—airport pickup, transportation, expert guides, entrance fees, train tickets, and meals like buffet lunches and breakfast. We found the guides to be knowledgeable and friendly, often providing insightful stories that deepen your understanding of Inca history.

However, hotel accommodations and flights are not included**, so you’ll need to arrange those separately. The cost of Machu Picchu tickets is not included either but must be booked at least two months in advance, which requires some planning. The tour also provides walking sticks and assistance with oxygen, helpful for those concerned about altitude or endurance.

What’s the value?

Given the comprehensive nature of the package—covering transport, guides, entrance fees, and meals—the cost of $558 per person is reasonable. It’s especially good for those who appreciate organized logistics and local expertise without sacrificing authenticity.

The challenges

Some travelers mention early mornings and long days, which can be tiring. Also, the requirement to book Machu Picchu tickets well in advance might be stressful if you’re last-minute planning. Those with mobility issues should consider that some sites involve walking and moderate hikes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers craving an immersive, well-organized tour that balances history, scenery, and culture. It’s perfect if you want to see iconic sites like Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley while enjoying delicious local food. It’s also a good fit for those who don’t mind early mornings and are comfortable with walking or hiking.

If your goal is to avoid the hassle of logistics, this tour provides a straightforward way to see a lot in a short time. It’s less suited for travelers with limited mobility or those seeking a more relaxed, less scheduled visit.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day tour offers a thorough, authentic experience of some of Peru’s most treasured sights. The combination of cultural insight, scenic beauty, and great food makes it a compelling option for travelers eager to connect deeply with the landscape and history. While planning ahead for Machu Picchu tickets is essential, most travelers will find that the effort pays off when standing atop the ruins or gazing at the vibrant colors of the Montaña de Colores.

Overall, if you’re after a balanced and enriching adventure that maximizes time and engagement, this tour is a strong candidate. It’s especially suited for those who want to see the highlights without the stress of intricate planning, and who value the stories and expertise of local guides. Just be ready for early mornings and full days, because this trip hits the ground running—and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most parts involve walking and hiking, including the moderate 2-hour hike to Colored Mountain. If you’re comfortable with these activities, you’ll enjoy the experience; if not, consider your personal mobility and endurance.

Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets separately?
Yes, Machu Picchu entrance tickets are not included and must be booked at least 2 months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Are meals included?
Yes. The tour includes buffet lunches in Urubamba and Aguas Calientes, as well as breakfast on certain days. Meals not specified are not included.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, change of clothes, cash, and any personal comfort items. Walking sticks are provided.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is manageable, and guided tours are ideal for meeting like-minded travelers.

Can children participate?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate hikes and full days might be more suitable for older children or teenagers.

What about altitude?
Cusco and the Sacred Valley sit at high elevations, so take time to acclimate and stay hydrated.

What’s the best time to go?
While the tour details don’t specify seasons, visiting during the dry season (May to October) generally offers better weather for hiking and sightseeing.

In short, this tour balances adventure, culture, and comfort—a well-rounded way to discover the highlights of Peru’s sacred sites and natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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