Cusco : Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Humantay Lake / 6D

Exploring Cusco and its surrounding wonders on a 6-day tour offers a truly memorable encounter with both the natural splendors and archaeological marvels of Peru. For $600 per person, this trip takes you through iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and the mountain of colours (Rainbow Mountain). You’ll experience a blend of history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture, all organized with care by Journey Peru SAC.

What we love about this tour is how it balances big-ticket highlights — like Machu Picchu — with lesser-known treasures like Moray and Salineras. The inclusion of expert guides in each location ensures you’ll get meaningful insights, making the experience richer than just sightseeing. Plus, the opportunity to see Andean flora and fauna up close really brings the landscape alive.

A potential consideration is the pace of the itinerary. With early mornings, long travel days, and high-altitude hikes, this tour requires a fair bit of physical stamina and mental readiness. It’s not a casual stroll but a full-on adventure for those who want to truly explore Peru’s diverse environment.

This experience is best suited for travelers who crave a comprehensive taste of Cusco’s highlights in a relatively short time, appreciate guided insights, and are comfortable with some demanding outdoor activities. It’s ideal if you’re keen to see Machu Picchu and other landmarks without the hassle of planning each step yourself.

Key Points

• Well-rounded itinerary blending archaeological sites, natural wonders, and local culture.
• Expert guides provide context, making history and landscapes more meaningful.
• Active days including hikes and early starts, suitable for adventurous travelers.
• All-inclusive access to entrance fees, transport, and some meals offers good value.
• Small groups (limited to 15) ensure more personalized attention.
• High-altitude experiences like Rainbow Mountain require physical preparedness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Cusco Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Cusco City Tour

Your journey begins with a warm welcome, as your guide meets you at the airport or bus station. After checking into your hotel, you’re free to relax or explore Cusco’s charming streets. Around 2 p.m., it’s time for your Cusco City Tour. Expect visits to Koricancha, the impressive Sacsayhuamán, and other archaeological sites like Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

This introduction is a great way to get a sense of Cusco’s layered history and stunning architecture. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing stories that bring each site to life. The tour wraps up around 7 p.m., leaving you with a sense of anticipation for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: From Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

Early starts are the norm here. At 8 a.m., your driver will pick you up to begin the journey into the Sacred Valley. Highlights include Pisaq ruins—famous for their intricate terraces and vibrant market—and a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, a perfect chance to sample traditional Andean cuisine.

After lunch, a short drive takes you to Ollantaytambo, a beautifully preserved Incan town. Then the scenic train ride begins, taking you to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. This overnight stay at Aguas Calientes offers the flexibility to visit Machu Picchu early the next morning, avoiding larger crowds.

Day 3: Exploring Machu Picchu

The early morning bus ride up to Machu Picchu is a highlight on its own, with views that seem almost unreal. Once inside, your guide will lead you through the citadel for about 2.5 hours, explaining its history, architecture, and purpose. You’ll get a chance to see some of the most iconic spots, such as the Intihuatana stone and the Temple of the Sun.

After your guided tour, you have free time to wander or take additional hikes — like up to Wayna Picchu or the Sun Gate, if you’ve arranged it beforehand. Returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch, you then board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and a driver will escort you back to Cusco.

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Day 4: Moray and Salineras — The Agricultural Marvels

On this day, the focus shifts to lesser-known but equally fascinating sites. Your first stop is Moray, an archaeological site with circular terraces believed to be an Incan agricultural laboratory. It’s a place that sparks curiosity about ancient farming techniques.

Next, you visit Salineras — a series of salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since pre-Incan times. The guides here are engaging, explaining the significance of salt production in Andean culture. The day wraps up around 3 p.m., giving you time to reflect on these unique engineering feats.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain — A High-Altitude Trek

This is the most physically demanding day, starting at 4 a.m. for the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Tintinco. From there, a 2.5-hour hike takes you to Montaña de Colores, a surreal landscape of layered mineral deposits in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows at 5,020 meters above sea level.

The scenery here is unlike anything else in the Andes — an unearthly palette of colors against towering peaks. A buffet lunch at the base facilitates recovery before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 p.m.

Day 6: Departure

Your last day includes a transfer from your hotel to the airport or bus terminal. It’s a quiet moment to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences you’ve had over the past six days.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At $600, this tour packs a lot in — from well-organized transport and guided visits to entrance fees and some meals — making it a convenient way to see the key highlights. The inclusion of expert guides elevates the experience, turning what might be a string of sightseeing stops into an insightful journey into Peruvian culture and history.

The logistics are thoughtfully arranged, with comfortable transportation and train rides that maximize your time at each location. For those who love to balance outdoor activities with cultural insights, this tour offers a good mix. The small-group format ensures more personalized attention and the chance to ask questions, which can be invaluable when exploring ancient sites.

However, be prepared for some early mornings and high-altitude hikes. The Rainbow Mountain hike, in particular, can be challenging for some, given its elevation of over 5,000 meters. Adequate acclimatization and physical fitness will greatly enhance your enjoyment.

Authentic Experiences and Scenic Highlights

Many travelers find that the real magic lies in the stunning scenery. The views from the bus rides, the terraces at Moray, the salt flats of Salineras, and especially the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain are unforgettable. The guides often share stories of local traditions and history, adding depth to your understanding.

Practical Considerations

While the tour covers many highlights, it’s important to note the pace. You’ll be on the go, with some days starting very early. If you prefer a more relaxed schedule, this might feel a bit intense. Also, the tour does not include international flights or hotel stays, so plan your arrival and departure accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This itinerary suits travelers eager to see a wide range of attractions with the comfort of organized logistics. It’s ideal for those in good health who are comfortable with walking, high altitudes, and early mornings. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, guided experience of Cusco’s most famous sites and some breathtaking landscapes, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
While it’s great for active travelers, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the physical nature and high-altitude hikes.

Are meals included?
Some meals are included, notably the buffet lunches in Urubamba and the breakfast and lunch at Humantay Lake, but not all. You might find it convenient to carry snacks for the long days.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal medications. High-altitude hiking also benefits from layered clothing and sturdy shoes.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

Can I visit Machu Picchu on my own?
No, access to Machu Picchu is arranged through guided tours and train tickets included in the package. You’ll visit the site with an expert guide for maximum understanding.

Are the visits at high altitude?
Yes, especially Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 meters and Humantay Lake. Adequate acclimatization is recommended, and the tour is designed with that in mind.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, given the limited group sizes and popularity of sites like Machu Picchu, booking ahead is advised. Last-minute reservations depend on availability; contact the provider beforehand to confirm.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Cusco tour offers an excellent way to see some of the most iconic sites in Peru, paired with scenic vistas and engaging guides. It provides good value for those wanting an organized, comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning each detail. The inclusion of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the lesser-known Moray and Salineras makes it particularly appealing for travelers eager for a well-rounded, adventurous trip.

If you’re comfortable with early mornings, physical activity, and high-altitude environments, this tour will reward you with unforgettable views and a deeper connection to Peru’s rich cultural tapestry. For those seeking a balance of history, nature, and local color, it’s a well-chosen journey into the heart of the Andes.

Remember: This tour is not just about ticking boxes but about experiencing the landscapes and sites that define Peru. Pack your curiosity, prepare for some altitude, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell for years.

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