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Duration
7 Days
Days
7
Difficulty
Moderada
Group Size
02 - 18

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, Rainbow Mountain, and the Seven Lakes, combining culture, incredible landscapes, and three 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. You will be 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, the temples, and the ceremonial areas, 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 an uphill hike of about two hours to the summit of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), with stops along the way to rest. Although the hike is challenging 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 (payment in cash, approximately 100 soles, payable 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 raincoat.

5DAY 5 – HUMANTAY LAGOON

We begin our journey by picking you up from 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 pause 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, payable on-site).

Upon reaching the lake—situated at over 4,200 meters above sea level—we will have time to explore, admire the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and fully take in 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, with an expected arrival time of around 5:00 PM, concluding a day filled with adventure, nature, and unforgettable scenery. Drop-off is at Plaza Regozijo.

6DAY 6 – TOUR TO THE SEVEN LAGUNS OF AUSANGATE

We depart from Cusco around 4:00 AM for Pacchanta, where we will have breakfast before starting the hike to the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate, located at an altitude of over 4,600 meters.

The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, passing by vibrantly colored lagoons, towering mountains, and incredible Andean landscapes.

After the hike, we will have lunch and the option to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs (optional: 20 soles).

We return to Cusco around 6:30 PM, concluding a day filled with nature, adventure, and a connection to the Andes.

7DAY 7 – 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 category)
  • 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)
  • 7 Lakes 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

  • High-Altitude Trekking & Physical Fitness Waiver: This 7-day adventure itinerary includes three strenuous high-altitude day treks (Humantay Lake, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate) reaching elevations between 4,200 meters and over 5,000 meters (13,700 to 16,400 feet). Participants must be in good physical condition and have no severe cardiovascular or respiratory issues. Comprehensive travel and health insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly advised.

  • Document Verification & Ticket Regulations: Original, physical passports or national IDs used during booking must be presented at all transport hubs and site checkpoints. Under regulations set by PeruRail, Inca Rail, and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, tickets for Machu Picchu and train services are strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable once issued.

  • Excluded Entry Fees: While entrance fees for Vinicunca, Humantay Lake, and the 7 Lakes 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).

  • Train Luggage Restrictions: Passengers traveling overnight to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu are restricted to one small daypack weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs) per person. Larger suitcases must remain in complimentary storage at your hotel in Cusco.

  • Weather & Safety Modifications: High-mountain areas in the Andes (especially around Ausangate, Salkantay, and Vinicunca) experience rapid weather changes, including rain, snow, hail, and high winds. The operator reserves the right to alter schedules, adjust trek routes, or delay departures to ensure traveler safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 7 Lakes tour, and how difficult is it compared to Humantay and Rainbow Mountain?

The 7 Lakes (7 Lagunas de Ausangate) tour takes place in the Pacchanta community at the base of the sacred Mount Ausangate. It features a 4- to 5-hour circuit hike past seven distinct glacial lakes ranging in color from turquoise to deep green, at altitudes between 4,300 m and 4,600 m (14,100–15,100 ft). It is a longer, more endurance-focused hike than Humantay or Rainbow Mountain, but offers scenic landscapes and ends near natural thermal hot springs.

How should I prepare for completing three intense altitude challenges in one week?

Acclimatization and pacing are critical:

  • Spend your first 24 to 48 hours in Cusco resting, eating light meals, avoiding alcohol, and drinking plenty of bottled water and coca tea.

  • Wear sturdy, worn-in hiking shoes (avoid brand-new shoes to prevent blisters) and consider using trekking poles to reduce joint impact.

  • Carry high-SPF sunscreen, motion sickness medication for winding Andean roads, and thermal layered clothing for sudden cold spells.

Which meals and admission tickets are included in this package?
  • Included Meals: Breakfast and lunch on the Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, and 7 Lakes tour days, plus lunch during the Sacred Valley tour.

  • Included Entry Fees: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Humantay Lake, 7 Lakes, and the Machu Picchu standard entry ticket.

  • Not Included: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for Sacred Valley sites, dinners on all days, meals in Aguas Calientes, snacks, drinking water, and optional entry to the Pacchanta hot springs (approx. 10–15 Soles).

Can I rent horses during these treks if I get exhausted?

Local community members offer horse rental services at the trailheads for Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, and portions of the 7 Lakes route for an extra cash fee (usually 80 to 120 Soles per horse). These rentals are operated independently by locals and are paid directly on-site in Peruvian Soles. Please note: Horses cannot navigate certain steep, rocky summits, so basic hiking effort is still required.

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