The Best of Peru – 6 Days Tour: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is an unforgettable journey that takes you deep into the heart of the Inca civilization. You will visit the most iconic attractions of Cusco, including the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the historic streets of Cusco, and the San Pedro Artisan Market.

On Day 2, you will explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley, visiting remarkable archaeological sites such as Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. This journey continues to the legendary Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the highlight of any trip to Peru.

While exploring the Sacred Valley, travelers will have the opportunity to experience a rich variety of Inca cultural sites in a short time. This tour is highly recommended for all types of travelers who wish to discover the best of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

During this multi-day experience, you will spend a night in the Sacred Valley and another in Aguas Calientes, enjoying a unique and unforgettable journey. The return trip on the Vistadome train, featuring a live show, enhances your overall experience. You will also visit the Qosqo Native Art Center, where you can enjoy live traditional dance performances. In addition, this itinerary includes an exciting hike to Rainbow Mountain, offering a truly unforgettable adventure.

Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

  • Acclimatization and relaxation in Cusco
  • Spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley
  • Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
  • Traditional agricultural landscapes and Inca farming terraces
  • Impressive Inca archaeological sites in the Urubamba Valley
  • Cloud forest and high jungle scenery
  • The legendary Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu
  • Qosqo Native Art Center with live dance performances
  • Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Overview – 6-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

Day 01: Arrival in Cusco, hotel transfer, and altitude acclimatization
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour and overnight in the Sacred Valley
Day 03: Machu Picchu visit and overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 04: Vistadome train with live show – return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Day 05: Full-day Rainbow Mountain hike
Day 06: Transfer to Cusco Airport and farewell

Language English, Spanish
Altitude 3,399 m / 11,152 ft (Cusco average)
Transportation Private transport, buses, and trains between locations.
Difficulty Moderate

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Cusco is a fascinating destination where Inca and colonial history blend seamlessly, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. Its cobblestone streets and ancient temples invite you to discover the rich cultural heritage of Peru, making it an unforgettable starting point for your adventure.

During your free time, you may choose to visit the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the Sapantiana Aqueduct, and the San Pedro Market.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Early in the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop will be the town of Chinchero, where you will visit the archaeological site and experience a traditional textile demonstration. This is also a great place to purchase high-quality handcrafted textiles made by local communities.

We will then continue to the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Agricultural Laboratory, two iconic attractions of the Sacred Valley. The Maras Salt Mines feature more than 3,000 salt pools that have been used since Inca times, while Moray is famous for its impressive circular terraces, believed to have been an agricultural experimentation center where the Incas studied microclimates and crop adaptation across the three natural regions of Peru: coast, highlands, and jungle.

Afterward, we will descend into the Urubamba Valley to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, we will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a fascinating Inca fortress featuring massive agricultural terraces and impressive stone structures, offering breathtaking views and a rich historical legacy.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you will spend the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in the Sacred Valley

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, a journey that offers an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley as you approach the town.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Aguas Calientes is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, famous for its natural hot springs and welcoming atmosphere. At the scheduled time, you will board the bus to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about this iconic Inca citadel. Machu Picchu is an extraordinary archaeological treasure nestled in the mountains, offering breathtaking views of its most important sectors, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Solar Clock (Intihuatana), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Sacred Rock. This visit provides a deep immersion into Inca history and culture.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own. Later, we will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have the afternoon free to explore the town further or visit the hot springs.

You will enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by free time to further explore the town of Aguas Calientes. You may visit the butterfly farm or relax at the hot springs. You will also have time to enjoy lunch on your own.

At the scheduled time, you will proceed to the train station and board the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. During the trip, you will enjoy live traditional dance performances in colorful costumes, onboard service with snacks and beverages, and attentive service inspired by Andean culture, enhancing your travel experience.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will continue the journey back to Cusco. You may also take the opportunity to visit some museums included in your General Tourist Ticket (BTG). At 6:30 p.m., you can attend a live traditional dance performance at the Qosqo Native Art Center, also included in your ticket.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer: Cusco Airport (if applicable)

At 4:00 a.m., we will begin with hotel pick-up in Cusco and head towards Rainbow Mountain. Our first stop will be in the village of Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing our journey.

After breakfast, we will drive to the trailhead, where the hike begins. The trekking time is approximately two hours. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes until reaching the summit.

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most remarkable geological wonders, famous for its vibrant multicolored layers formed by mineral sedimentation over millions of years. Located in the Cusco region, this natural masterpiece offers a unique visual experience and an exciting challenge for trekking enthusiasts.

Reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain is a truly unforgettable experience, surrounded by the majestic scenery of the Andes.

For those who prefer not to hike, horseback riding is available, offering a more comfortable and scenic way to reach the top while enjoying the Andean landscapes.

After exploring the summit, we will descend back to Cusipata, where a delicious lunch will be served. Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco, marking the end of our Rainbow Mountain experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

In the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. At the scheduled time, we will pick you up and transfer you to Cusco Airport for your departure.

Saying goodbye to Peru means leaving a country full of natural and cultural wonders. From the majestic Andes to its vibrant coastal cities, Peru leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. The warmth of its people, along with its rich history and gastronomy, makes every farewell a heartfelt moment filled with gratitude and nostalgia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included in the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

  • Airport–hotel–airport and train station transfers.
  • Walking city tour in Cusco.
  • 3 nights of hotel accommodation in Cusco.
  • 1 night of hotel accommodation in the Sacred Valley.
  • 1 night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance fees to archaeological sites (BTG General Tourist Ticket) for the Sacred Valley tour.
  • Lunch in the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain tours.
  • Breakfast starting from Day 2.
  • Train tickets: Expedition Class (outbound) and Vistadome Class (return) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Round-trip bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes).
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Entrance to the Qosqo Native Art Center, including live traditional dance performances.

What's Not Included in the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

  • International and domestic airfare.
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Upgrade to Vistadome train service (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes).
  • Dinners.
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Any type of beverages.
  • Trekking poles for the Rainbow Mountain hike.
  • Personal expenses and any additional costs not mentioned in the itinerary.

Recommendations

  • Original passport.
  • Cash in Peruvian soles or U.S. dollars.
  • Warm clothing.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sun hat or cap.
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Rain poncho.

Frequently Asked Questions

Train companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) only allow one carry-on bag or backpack not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Larger luggage can be stored for free at your hotel in Cusco.

Yes, all of our standard shared guided tours are conducted with a maximum of 8 to 10 people per guide in Machu Picchu to ensure a close, personalized experience and optimal resolution of your questions.

Government entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets are personal and non-transferable, and their dates are rigid according to official policies. Therefore, rescheduling is subject to penalties and the availability of new tickets at the time of requesting the change.