6-Day Cusco Andean Private Tour with Hotel Included

A 6-day private tour in Cusco and the Andes offers a well-rounded journey through Peru’s most iconic sites, from the vibrant city of Cusco to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, along with visits to the Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray, and more. For $940 per person, you get hotel stays, all transportation, guided tours, and entrance tickets—delivering both value and convenience. The tour includes personalized service, with pickup offered from the airport and private transportation throughout, making it ideal for those who appreciate an intimate, stress-free experience.

What we love most about this tour is the expert guidance—the reviews frequently mention knowledgeable guides like Raul and Aidette who make the sites come alive with stories and insights. Also, the carefully planned itinerary balances major highlights with enough free time to soak in the atmosphere, such as at Machu Picchu or wandering Cusco’s cobbled streets.

A potential consideration is the pace. With lots of sites packed into six days, travelers should be prepared for busy days with some walking and sightseeing. While the tour is suited for those with moderate physical fitness, it’s not overly strenuous and offers a lot of value for the price.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized experience that covers the highlights but also offers authentic moments—like exploring Inca ruins, tasting local cuisine, and learning from passionate guides.

Key Points

• Expert guides bring history and culture to life, making the sites more meaningful.
• Seamless logistics with private transport, train, and bus tickets ensure comfort and ease.
• Balanced itinerary offers a mix of major highlights and free time for personal exploration.
• Authentic cultural experiences through visits to local markets, archaeological sites, and stunning landscapes.
• Quality accommodations included in Cusco and Aguas Calientes for comfort and convenience.
• Value for price given the comprehensive nature of the itinerary, guided tours, and all included tickets.

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Cusco Andean Private Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Peru’s archaeological marvels and vibrant culture, this 6-day private tour hits all the main attractions with a personal touch. For about $940, you get a carefully curated experience with hotel stays, private transportation, and expert guides, making it a convenient way to see it all without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Why Choose This Tour?

Two standout features make this experience appealing. First, the personalized guidance. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Raul and Aidette, who are described as attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing Peru’s stories. Their expertise transforms ordinary ruins into captivating tales that stick in your memory longer than any travel brochure.

Second, the smooth organization. From airport pickups to train tickets and entrance fees, the tour takes care of logistics. This means you can focus on soaking in the sights and capturing photos rather than worrying about tickets, timings, or directions.

One thing to keep in mind is the packed schedule—some days involve long hours of sightseeing, walking, and transportation. If you prefer a slower pace or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering how this itinerary matches your style. That said, for most travelers, the balance of guided tours and free time offers enough flexibility.

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors or those who want a comprehensive experience in a short period. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value quality guides, good accommodations, and seamless transport, as reflected in glowing reviews from past guests.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival and Rest in Cusco

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Cusco, where the team will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This first day is all about settling in, so you get a chance to adjust to the altitude (Cusco sits at over 3,300 meters), and perhaps enjoy a leisurely walk around the city’s charming streets.

Day 2: Cusco’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage

We loved the way the tour combines history, architecture, and culture here. The Cusco Cathedral stands as a stunning example of colonial architecture, built on the Inca palace of Viracocha. With its blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Plateresque styles, it’s a feast for the eyes, and the collection of religious art inside offers a glimpse into the fusion of cultures.

Qorikancha, once the most sacred Inca temple dedicated to the Sun, now hosts a colonial church that overlays Inca foundations. Walking through its walls covered in gold leaf, you’ll understand why the Incas held water, gold, and the Sun so sacred.

Next, the tour visits Sacsayhuaman, where massive stones—some weighing up to 300 tons—fit together perfectly without mortar. The zigzag walls and panoramic views of Cusco are just as impressive as the engineering feat they represent. According to reviews, guides like Raul help visitors appreciate the precision and purpose behind these structures.

Other sites like Q’uenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay deepen your understanding of Inca religious practices, military strategies, and hydraulic engineering. For example, Tambomachay’s aqueducts and waterfalls reveal the Incas’ mastery of water management—an engineering feat that still impresses today.

Day 3: Sacred Valley, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo

The Sacred Valley feels like stepping into a postcard. The drive itself offers stunning views, but it’s the archaeological sites that steal the show. Pisac’s terraces and ruins are a highlight for their blend of agricultural ingenuity and spiritual sites. The artisan market here is a great chance to pick up handcrafted souvenirs.

Ollantaytambo is another favorite, showcasing the Inca’s urban planning skills. The terraces, water channels, and temples sit within a living town that’s mostly unchanged since Inca times. The scale and precision of the stones are awe-inspiring, and reviews mention this as a “perfect example of Inca engineering.”

After touring Ollantaytambo, you’ll board a train bound for Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The train journey itself offers incredible scenery, and many guests say it’s a special way to begin the adventure.

Day 4: The Mystique of Machu Picchu

The highlight for most travelers—Machu Picchu—is best experienced early when crowds are smaller and the atmosphere more profound. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes takes about 30 minutes, leading you into the cloud-kissed ruins.

Your guided tour lasts about 2-3 hours, during which your guide will share stories about the site’s purpose, construction techniques, and the stories behind its stones. You’ll learn about Inca architecture, the fascinating way the stones fit together, and the purpose of different structures.

After the tour, you have free time to explore on your own, perhaps climbing Huayna Picchu or relaxing in the serene surroundings. Reviewers cherish the flexibility here, noting they appreciated the chance to linger or revisit favorite spots.

Day 5: Salinas de Maras and Moray

Returning to the Sacred Valley after Machu Picchu, your next stops are Maras and Moray. Maras’ salt evaporation ponds create an almost otherworldly landscape—thousands of small terraces shimmering in the sunlight. The town itself offers colonial charm, with narrow streets and traditional buildings.

Moray’s circular terraces are both beautiful and functional. They are thought to have been used as experimental agricultural labs, allowing Incas to study different crops at varying climatic conditions. Visitors find Moray fascinating because of its scientific purpose and stunning design.

Many reviews highlight these sites as “hidden gems,” offering a glimpse into Inca ingenuity beyond the more famous ruins. The tour includes a leisurely lunch in the Sacred Valley, giving you time to savor local dishes and reflect on your journey.

Day 6: Farewell and Transfer

Your adventure ends with a transfer to Cusco airport. While departure can be bittersweet, the feeling of having experienced so much in just six days leaves most travelers with a sense of accomplishment and awe.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Considering the included hotel stays, transportation, guides, entrance fees, and tickets to Machu Picchu, the $940 price tag is quite reasonable. Private transport and expert guides mean you’ll avoid the crowds and confusion often associated with public tours. Guests consistently praise the organization, punctuality, and personalized attention, making the overall experience stress-free and deeply enriching.

Many travelers note that guides like Raul and Aidette make a difference, turning historical sites into stories and helping visitors connect with Peru’s past. The hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes are comfortable, providing a good night’s rest after busy days of exploration.

The flexibility of some free time, especially at Machu Picchu and in Cusco, allows you to pursue personal interests, whether it’s more photography, souvenir shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for first-time visitors who want a thorough overview of Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. It’s also ideal for travelers who value having all logistics handled—from hotel stays to train tickets—so they can focus on exploring and enjoying. If you’re looking for authentic encounters, expert guides, and a well-organized schedule, this tour delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While the tour involves some walking and exploring at sites like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman, the itinerary is designed for those with moderate fitness. It might be challenging for travelers with mobility issues, so consider your comfort level with walking on uneven surfaces.

Are meals included in the tour?
Breakfast is included every day, plus three lunches. Additional meals are not covered, so you might want to budget for extra dining options.

How much free time do I get at Machu Picchu?
After the guided tour of 2-3 hours, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, whether to take photos, revisit favorite spots, or hike further.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all major entrance tickets—including Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley sites, and other archaeological ruins—are included in the package.

What’s the best way to prepare for this trip?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, some snacks, and a camera. Given the high altitude, it’s wise to stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day.

Will I have a local guide throughout the trip?
Yes, an official guide accompanies you during all site visits, providing insights and answering questions to enrich your understanding.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Cusco and Andean adventure offers a comprehensive, well-organized, and authentic glimpse into Peru’s most captivating sights. The combination of expert guides, seamless logistics, and immersive sites makes it a fantastic choice for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The experience balances iconic landmarks with culture, all wrapped in comfort and convenience.

If you’re eager to see Machu Picchu, walk through Inca ruins, and explore traditional markets—all without the fuss of planning every detail—this tour provides excellent value. The passionate guides and carefully curated itinerary ensure you’ll leave with stories to tell and memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re after history, scenery, or cultural insights, this tour manages to deliver it all—making your trip to Peru truly unforgettable.