Traditional Cusco 6 Days: Machu Picchu and Vinicunca
Overview
Live the definitive experience in the Andes with our complete 6 Days and 5 Nights Traditional Cusco package. Designed for those who want to fully explore the heart of the Inca empire, this itinerary brings together the best tours in Cusco, combining history, living culture and dazzling natural wonders in a single trip.
Your adventure will begin by discovering the architecture and legacy of the imperial city through a complete City Tour in Cusco, where you will travel from the imposing historic center of Cusco to the mysterious ruins of Cusco nearby. In the following days, you will immerse yourself in the agricultural and landscape wealth of the Sacred Valley, marvel at the impressive salt wells of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray, and crown your experience with a guided tour of the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Additionally, you will challenge your adventurous spirit with an exciting hike to the colorful Vinicunca mountain, surrounded by glaciers and Andean fauna. If you are looking to discover the main tourist attractions of Cusco with total comfort and organization, this package is for you. Secure your reservation and enjoy the best tourism in Cusco, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco and City Tour: Qorikancha and 4 Ruins
Welcome and Transfer
Upon arrival in the city, we will transfer you from the airport to your respective hotel so you can settle in and rest briefly.
Start of the Cusco City Tour
At approximately 1:00 p.m., we will begin our tour of the city and the nearby ruins. This tour will show us the impressive colonial city built on solid Inca foundations. We will first visit The Cathedral, notable for its Renaissance structure and its fine paintings from the famous "Cusqueña School". Then we will go to Qorikancha (Coricancha), the ancient Temple of the Sun that currently houses the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Visit to the surrounding ruins
We will leave the city to visit the four imposing archaeological zones: Sacsayhuamán, a large megalithic fortress located 5 km from the city; Qenqo, a mysterious sacred amphitheater and center of worship of the god Puma; Puka Pukara (Pucapucara), known as the “red fortress” for the hue its rocks acquire during twilight; and finally Tambomachay, an Inca temple dedicated to worshiping water.
Day 2 – Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Taray and Pisac viewpoint
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel at 08:00 a.m. approximately. After a 25-minute tour, we will make a strategic stop at the Taray viewpoint, from where we will have a spectacular and panoramic view of the Sacred Valley. We will continue to the picturesque town of Pisac, where we will explore its amazing archaeological center and colorful artisan market.
Buffet Lunch and Ollantaytambo
At noon, we will enjoy a buffet lunch at a previously coordinated tourist restaurant. With renewed energy, we will take you to Ollantaytambo, an imposing Inca fortress built on top of a mountain. We will end the day visiting the town of Chinchero (Chincheros), where we can appreciate its archaeological remains and its famous traditional textile factory, before returning to Cusco.
Day 3 – Tour to the Machu Picchu Citadel
Train Trip to Aguas Calientes
We will start the day with pickup from your hotel to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. There you will board the train to embark on a beautiful journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), where our guide will give you all the details about the tour.
Guided Tour in Machu Picchu
We will take a bus to the citadel and begin a guided tour for approximately 2 hours, getting to know the most important sectors of the Sanctuary. After the explanation, you will have free time to continue exploring Machu Picchu at your own pace or go down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Return to Cusco
The return will be made according to your train schedule. You must be at the Aguas Calientes station at least 30 minutes before to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our mobility will be waiting for you to return to the city of Cusco.
Day 4 – Tour to Maras and Moray
Moray platforms and Maras salt mines
The service begins with pick-up from the hotel at approximately 8:30 a.m. We will travel again to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Moray, famous for its gigantic circular platforms for agricultural experimentation. Later, we will visit the Salineras de Maras, where we will observe thousands of salt wells that form beautiful layers in cream and white tones. The tour ends at approximately 2:00 p.m. with our return to Cusco.
Day 5 – Hike to Vinicunca Mountain
Trip to the South Valley and Breakfast
Pick up from the hotel will be very early, at 3:30 a.m. approximately. We will begin the trip along the southern valley route to the town of Pitumarca, where we will enjoy breakfast. Then we will continue by transport to Queshouno, at the foot of the road (4100 meters above sea level), the point where our adventure will begin.
Ascent to the Mountain of Colors
We will begin a 7.5 km walk (approximately 3 hours) towards the mountain. During this climb, you will breathe fresh air and observe the majestic snow-capped Ausangate, beautiful Andean landscapes and a diversity of local camelids. Upon reaching the great mountain range, we will marvel at the spectacular Vinicunca Mountain.
Descent and Return
Later, we will begin the descent to our starting point to enjoy a delicious restorative lunch. We will board the transportation to begin the return trip to the city of Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.
Day 6 – Departure and Transfer to the Airport
Farewell to Cusco
At the appropriate time, according to your flight itinerary, we will transfer from your hotel to the Cusco Airport, ending this incredible tourist package.
What's Included?
Included
- Complete transfers (Airport – Hotel – Airport).
- Tourist transportation for all the mentioned tours.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English).
- Round trip train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Up and down bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes).
- Entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Food included on the route: Lunch in the Sacred Valley; and Breakfast and Lunch on the tour to Vinicunca.
Not Included
- General Tourist Ticket (BTG) essential for entrances to the archaeological centers of the City Tour, Sacred Valley and Moray.
- Entrance to the Cathedral of Cusco.
- Entry to the Qorikancha (Convent of Santo Domingo).
- Tips or extra expenses not mentioned.
Recommendations
- You must bring your physical and valid passport or national identity document (DNI).
- Bring cash for the purchase of the Tourist Ticket, additional income, and other expenses.
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the sudden changes in climate between the city, the valley, and the high mountains.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear (ideally hiking boots) for the walks.
- Bring sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat).
- Bring bottled water to stay hydrated, especially on long walks.
- Bring a camera with enough memory to capture all the destinations.
FAQs
The complete package lasts 6 days and 5 nights, the ideal time to enjoy the main attractions of the region without rushing and with excellent organization.
The program includes a tour of the city center and surrounding ruins (City Tour), the Sacred Valley, the world wonder of Machu Picchu, the Maras and Moray salt mines, and Vinicunca mountain.
The tour includes entrance to Machu Picchu. However, it does not include the General Tourist Ticket (BTG) or the specific entrance fees to the Cathedral and Qorikancha, which must be paid for separately.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is of moderate difficulty. It is a 7.5 km (approximately 3 hours uphill) trail that starts at 4100 meters above sea level, so it requires considerable physical effort.
Yes, for your convenience, the package includes transfers from Cusco airport to your hotel on your arrival day, and from the hotel to the airport on your departure day.
It is strictly mandatory that you carry your original passport or valid ID card with you every day, as they will be requested on the train, in Machu Picchu and at other tourist checkpoints.