Cusco Adventure (6 Days)
Overview
For those who want to experience Cusco in a more adventurous way! Beyond Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the itinerary includes the stunning Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, combining culture, incredible landscapes, and two major challenges in the Andes.
Itinerary
1DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN CUSCO AND ACCLIMATIZATION
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel in comfort and safety.
This is a free day, designed specifically for you to rest after your journey and allow your body to gently adjust to the altitude of Cusco, located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.
No rush, no obligations: take the time to rest, stay hydrated, and begin to soak up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
2DAY 2 – SACRED VALLEY AND AGUAS CALIENTES
Check out of your hotel; we recommend taking only a backpack with the essentials for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage remains in Cusco.
After breakfast, around 7:30 AM, we will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the enchanting Pisac Archaeological Complex, where we will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next, we will travel to Urubamba for a lunch break before continuing to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, our team will be waiting at the station to welcome you and escort you to your hotel, ensuring your peace of mind and safety.
3DAY 3 – MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO
The highlight of the trip has arrived!
In the morning, we will head to Machu Picchu, accompanied by a professional guide who will lead you through the sanctuary and share all the details about this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit, you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu, the impressive agricultural terraces, the ancient structures, temples, and ceremonial spaces, as well as how the Incas made the most of the natural landscape and the mountain's strategic location.
After the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch, stroll through the charming town, or simply rest before boarding the train back to Cusco.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train for the return journey to Cusco, taking with you not only beautiful photos but also the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the world's greatest wonders.
4DAY 4 – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – VINICUNCA
At approximately 4:30 AM, our transport will pick you up at your hotel and head to Cusipata, where we will stop for breakfast around 7:00 AM.
Next, we will continue to the trailhead and begin the hike—an uphill trek of about 2 hours to the summit of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), with stops along the way to rest. Although the hike is demanding due to the altitude, the incredible scenery makes it worthwhile, and your guide will share information about the area.
There is an option to make the ascent on horseback (payable in cash, approximately 100 soles, on-site).
After taking in the views and snapping photos, we will begin the descent—taking about an hour and a half—back to the transport. Afterward, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 PM. Drop-off is at Plaza Regozijo.
👉 We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers or hiking boots. During the rainy season, please bring a waterproof jacket or poncho.
5DAY 5 – HUMANTAY LAGOON
We begin our journey by picking you up at your hotel around 4:30 AM, heading toward the majestic Humantay Lake, one of the region's most stunning natural destinations.
The first leg of the trip takes about two hours to reach the village of Mollepata, where we will stop for a hearty breakfast. Afterward, we will travel for another hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
The hike up to Humantay Lake takes approximately two hours; while the ascent is challenging due to the altitude, the spectacular scenery makes it well worth the effort.
There is an option to make the ascent on horseback (payment in cash, approximately 100 soles, on-site).
Upon reaching the lake—situated over 4,200 meters above sea level—we will have time to explore, admire the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and fully capture the beauty of the Andean landscape.
After the visit, we begin the descent, which takes about an hour and a half, returning to the meeting point to board our van. Back in Mollepata, we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we head back to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM and concluding a day filled with adventure, nature, and unforgettable scenery. Drop-off is at Plaza Regozijo.
6DAY 6 – RETURN TO BRAZIL
The time has come to say goodbye to Cusco!
At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories but also a desire to return and discover even more of Peru.
What's Included
Included
- 2 Transfers: Airport / Hotel / Airport
- Professional guides (Spanish & English) for all tours
- Tourist transport for all tours
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour (includes lunch; entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu tour
- Round-trip train tickets (Expedition or Voyager class)
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain tour (includes entrance fee, breakfast, and lunch)
- Humantay Lake tour (includes entrance fee, breakfast, and lunch)
Not Included
- Airfare: Domestic and international
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley
- Snacks
- Water
Recommendations
- Bring your ID card or passport (the one used to purchase your ticket)
- Wear layered clothing
- Comfortable sneakers
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion sickness medication (for winding roads)
- Rain poncho (for the rainy season)
- Cash in Soles
- Backpack for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Avoid raw foods
- Drink only purchased water
- Keep your documents handy at all times
General Conditions
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Physical Fitness & High-Altitude Waiver: The Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and Humantay Lake tours reach extreme altitudes exceeding 4,200 meters (13,700 feet) and 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level, respectively. These treks involve steep inclines and rigorous physical effort. Participants are responsible for being in appropriate physical condition and ensuring they have no medical issues contraindicated for high-altitude exertion. Comprehensive travel and health insurance covering high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation is strongly advised.
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Document Verification & Strict Ticket Policies: Travelers must bring the original, physical passport or ID card used at the time of booking. Discrepancies between physical identification and ticket documentation will result in denied access to Machu Picchu and train services without eligibility for a refund.
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Non-Included Site Fees: While entrance fees for Vinicunca and Humantay Lake are included in this package, the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) required for the Sacred Valley sites is not included. This ticket must be purchased on-site in cash using local currency (Peruvian Soles).
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Train & Site Ticket Non-Refundability: Machu Picchu entrance permits and train tickets (Expedition or Voyager service) are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-modifiable once issued, per Peruvian government and rail authority regulations.
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Train Luggage Restrictions: Passengers traveling overnight to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu are restricted to one small backpack or hand luggage weighing a maximum of 5 kg (11 lbs) per person. Larger luggage should be left in secure storage at your Cusco hotel, free of charge.
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Weather & Safety Modifications: High-altitude mountain trails are susceptible to sudden weather shifts, including heavy rain, snow, or frost. The operator reserves the right to alter schedules, adjust trek routes, or substitute activities to guarantee traveler safety during severe weather or force majeure events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How physically demanding are the hikes to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain?
Both treks are considered moderate to challenging due to the steep terrain and high elevation. Humantay Lake involves a 1.5- to 2-hour uphill hike starting at around 3,800 meters (12,460 ft), while Rainbow Mountain involves a 1.5- to 2-hour walk starting at over 4,600 meters (15,000 ft) up to 5,036 meters (16,520 ft). Proper acclimatization in Cusco (at least 2 days prior to these hikes) is essential.
Can I rent a horse if I find the high-altitude trekking too difficult?
Yes, local community members offer horse rental services at the trailheads for both Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain for an additional cost (typically ranging from 80 to 100 Soles per horse). This service is paid directly in cash to local operators on-site and is not included in the tour package. Note: Horses generally cover only the uphill portion and cannot navigate certain steep, rocky summits.
Which meals and entrance fees are included in this 6-day package?
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Included Meals: Lunch during the Sacred Valley tour; breakfast and lunch during both the Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain day tours.
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Included Entrance Fees: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu standard entrance ticket.
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Not Included: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for Sacred Valley sites, dinner on all days, meals in Aguas Calientes, snacks, and drinking water.
What clothing and footwear should I pack for the outdoor adventures?
Layered clothing is crucial due to sudden temperature swings in the Andes. You should bring:
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Moisture-wicking thermal base layers, a fleece jacket, and a windproof/waterproof outer jacket.
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Sturdy, worn-in hiking shoes or sneakers with good traction.
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Warm accessories (beanie, gloves, thermal socks) for cold mornings at high altitudes, along with a sun hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for high daytime UV exposure.







