Cusco 6D 5N Laguna Humantay and Raimbow Mountain

Cusco 6D 5N Laguna Humantay and Rainbow Mountain Tour Review

Traveling through Peru’s highlands with a seasoned guide, visiting Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake is a bucket-list experience for many. This 6-day tour, priced at $885 per person, is perfect if you’re after a mix of Incan history, spectacular landscapes, and authentic local culture. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance busy days of sightseeing with moments of tranquility amid nature’s grandeur.

What we like most about this experience is how meticulously everything is handled—hotels, transfers, entrance fees, and guides—so you can focus on soaking in the scenery and history. The guides, like Joseth and Erika, receive high praise for their knowledgeability and charismatic personalities, making even long travel days enjoyable. The tour’s comprehensive approach, covering city highlights, Sacred Valley, and iconic high-altitude hikes, offers excellent value for the price.

One potential consideration is the physical demand; with high-altitude hikes like Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, travelers should have decent fitness levels and be prepared for early mornings and some strenuous walking. Also, booking well in advance is advised since this tour is popular and has a limited group size of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided experiences, detailed itineraries, and the chance to see iconic sites with knowledgeable locals.

Key Points

• Well-organized itinerary combines cultural sites with breathtaking landscapes.
• Expert guides offer insightful commentary, making history come alive.
• Includes all major entrance fees and transportation, providing good value.
• Early mornings and high-altitude hikes require physical fitness and preparation.
• Personalized attention in small groups enhances the experience.
• Authentic local experiences blend history, nature, and cuisine.

A Deep Dive into the Cusco 6D 5N Tour

If you’re craving a balanced adventure that combines Inca archaeology, stunning mountain vistas, and rich local culture, this tour ticks many boxes. Let’s walk through each part to see what makes it appealing—and what to keep in mind.

Day 1: Arrival and Cusco City Tour

The journey begins with a brief one-hour transfer through the Andean mountain range into Cusco. The moment you step out of the plane, you’re already surrounded by rugged peaks and a city teeming with history. The tour kicks off with a visit to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was once the most significant Inca structure, showcasing impressive stonework that still resists the test of time. The guide’s commentary brings to life the spiritual and cultural importance of the site.

Next up is Sacsayhuamán, famous for its massive, intricately fitted stones—some as large as a small car. The experience of walking through these ancient remains makes history feel tangible. The tour continues with visits to Q’enqo, a ceremonial site with underground passages, and the archaeological complexes of Pukapukara and Tambomachay, where water worship took place.

Travelers often mention how smoothly the first day’s logistics go, with all entrance fees included and a knowledgeable guide who really enriches the experience. The one-hour visits give enough time to appreciate each site without feeling rushed.

Day 2: Sacred Valley – Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes

The second day is a full immersion into the Sacred Valley, often considered the heart of the Inca Empire. Starting early, you’ll visit Pisac’s vibrant craft market and Inca Cemetery, where locals still practice traditional crafts. The market is lively and authentic, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

Afterward, a buffet lunch in Urubamba sets the stage for exploring the ancient Ollantaytambo Fortress. This well-preserved Inca town feels like stepping back in time, with narrow cobblestone streets and terraced hillsides. The guide’s insights help you appreciate the strategic and spiritual significance of each structure.

In the late afternoon, you’ll transfer to the train station for the journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town for Machu Picchu. The train ride offers scenic views of lush valleys and mountains—an enjoyable way to transition from Inca ruins to the wonder of Machu Picchu. The hotel stay allows some free time to explore or relax before the big day ahead.

Day 3: Machu Picchu – The Lost City

The highlight for many is visiting Machu Picchu itself. You’ll ascend early by bus (a 30-minute ride) and enjoy a private guided tour of the main sectors, temples, and terraces. The guide’s expertise makes it easier to understand the site’s purpose and marvel at its construction, which seems almost impossible given the terrain.

After the tour, you can opt to explore on your own or relax in Aguas Calientes. The afternoon train takes you back to Cusco, with the guide waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This day is a perfect blend of awe-inspiring history and scenic travel, with enough time to process the experience.

Day 4: Humantay Lake – High-Altitude Adventure

Day four is for the adventurous. The early start at 5 a.m. means a long day, but the reward is worth it. You’ll travel for about 2 hours 40 minutes to Mollepata, where breakfast awaits. From there, a one-hour drive to Soraypampa (3850m) leads to the hiking trail to Humantay Lake at 4200 meters above sea level.

The hike to the lake takes approximately 1.5 hours, with options to rent a horse if walking at high altitude is a concern. The views are unforgettable—turquoise waters framed by the Salkantay and Humantay peaks. The cool mountain air and spectacular scenery make this a highlight for nature lovers. Many reviews mention the impressive landscape and how well-organized the day is, even with the early start.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain – The Colorful Climax

Another early start, at around 4:30 a.m., begins a journey to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain. The drive to Cusipata takes about two hours, with a stop for a hearty breakfast. The final ascent starts from 4,000 meters, with a 1 hour 40-minute trek through streams, grazing llamas, and incredible vistas of multi-colored mineral layers.

The views atop Rainbow Mountain are striking—the vibrant stripes of reds, yellows, and greens are unlike anything else. Trekking poles are provided, which come in handy at high altitude. Many travelers comment on how the hike is challenging but manageable, and the payoff is a photo that’s worth a thousand words.

Day 6: Departure

The final day involves a short transfer back to Cusco’s airport. The tour concludes with a sense of fulfillment after a trip packed with cultural highlights and natural wonders.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach. You visit key Inca sites with private guides, ensuring you understand their significance. The all-inclusive nature—entrance fees, train tickets, transportation, and some meals—means minimal extra planning and a smoother experience. The small group size (up to 15 travelers) means more personalized attention, which many reviews highlight as a plus.

The guides’ knowledgeability, especially Joseth and Erika, shine through in the reviews—making history accessible and stories engaging. The logistical planning, from early morning starts to coordinating transfers, is seamless, allowing you to focus on the experience.

The scenery is undeniably breathtaking. The contrast between the ancient stones of Cusco, the lush Sacred Valley, and the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain makes every day visually memorable.

However, the high-altitude hikes demand a good level of fitness and acclimatization. Some travelers noted the early mornings and strenuous walks as potential challenges, so preparation is key.

Value for Money

At $885, this tour includes a lot: hotels, all major entrance fees, transportation, guided visits, and some meals. Given the number of sites visited and the quality of guides, it offers excellent value. Booking a guided tour means you avoid the hassle of organizing logistics independently, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re an active traveler eager to combine history, adventure, and spectacular scenery, this tour fits perfectly. It’s ideal for those who want detailed guides to bring the sites to life, and who don’t mind early mornings or some physical exertion at altitude. Those looking for a comprehensive yet manageable itinerary will find this approach both enriching and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Cusco tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances cultural exploration with nature excursions. The professionally organized logistics, combined with attentive guides, make it accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to high-altitude travel.

The highlights—Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake—are unforgettable, and the small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd. It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of Peru’s ancient and natural wonders.

Whether you’re a history buff, a landscape enthusiast, or simply seeking a meaningful adventure, this tour promises a memorable journey through one of South America’s most captivating regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel stays, pickups, transfers, all entrance fees to sites, train tickets, guided visits, and some meals such as breakfast and lunch.

Are the sites accessible for all fitness levels?
The tour involves several high-altitude hikes, like Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, which require moderate fitness. Renting a horse is available as an alternative for some walks.

What should I pack?
Bring layers for variable weather, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks, and a camera. Early mornings and high altitudes mean it can be quite cold.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
While the tour is best suited for active individuals, older travelers with good fitness levels and no altitude sickness should be able to enjoy it. Always consult your doctor beforehand.

How strenuous are the hikes?
The hikes range from moderate to slightly challenging, mainly due to high elevation. The Humantay Lake hike takes about 1.5 hours, and Rainbow Mountain trek is about 1 hr 40 min, with some steep sections.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 15 travelers, giving a more personalized experience and easier interaction with guides.

Is the tour customizable?
This particular tour is fixed in its itinerary, so if you seek more customized options, you might need to speak directly with the provider.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included most days, and three lunches are provided. Dinners and snacks are not included.

When is the best time to do this tour?
Peru’s dry season from May to September is ideal. Rain can make hikes more difficult, and clouds might obscure views.

What’s the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

In all, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience some of Peru’s most iconic sites, with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager for adventure and culture, ready to tackle the high-altitude challenges with the rewards of unforgettable memories.