Explore Cusco in 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake & More
Resumen
Summary: Cusco in 7 Days
7-Day Cusco Adventure Tour: Machu Picchu, Mountain, and Humantay Lake | Explore Cusco in 7 days with this tour package that includes Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! Best Peru travel itinerary / Cusco in 7 Days
Explore Cusco in 7 Days: Mountain and Humantay Lake | Package
- Day 1: Pick-up from Cusco Airport + City Tour Cusco
- Day 2: Sacred Valley Connection
- Day 3: Machu Picchu
- Day 4: Salineras de Maras
- Day 5: Rainbow Mountain
- Day 6: Humantay Lake
- Day 7: Transfer to Cusco Airport
For the tour Cusco in 7 Days, on our first day, we will explore the Qoricancha Sun Temple, followed by the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán. We will continue with the fascinating archaeological complex of Qenqo, Pukapukara, and finish the day with a visit to the well-known Tambomachay.
Explore the Sacred Valley and travel to the Machu Picchu Village
On the second day, we will leave early for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will visit the archaeological site of Pisac. Then, we will take a break to have lunch in Urubamba and continue to the Ollantaytambo fortress. At the end of the day, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where we will spend the night.
Machu Picchu
On the third day, according to our schedule at the citadel, we will board the transport that will take us to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. We will have a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours with one of our top guides at the citadel. We will have a 2.5-hour guided tour, where we will learn about the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire, as well as admire the diverse flora and fauna of the area. Finally, we will begin our return to Cusco.
Humantay Lake
On the fourth day, we will visit Humantay Lake, one of the most popular lakes for its turquoise waters, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains. We will enjoy the tour and have free time to explore. Then, we will return to have lunch on the route and continue our return to Cusco.
Salineras de Maras
On the fifth day, we will visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, an impressive set of around 3,000 natural salt pools. Then, we will continue to visit the Moray Archaeological Center, known as the “Inca agricultural laboratory.” After the visit, we will return to Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain
On the sixth day, we will depart early for the Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Colores) tour. We will make a first stop for breakfast and then continue to the starting point of the hike. We will enjoy the tour and have free time to explore, then return to have lunch on the route and continue our return to Cusco.
Transfer out: Cusco in 7 Days
End of our services, Explore Cusco in 7 Days.
Itinerario
Pick up from the airport – City tour Cusco
1
Day 1
Tours Cusco & Machu Picchu 7 days 6 nights Machu Picchu 7D/6N Package begins with the pick-up from the airport. We have the morning free.
12:50 pm: Start of the City Tour in Cusco. We will visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), one of the main religious centers of the Inca Empire.
Then, we will take transport to Sacsayhuamán (from Quechua “saqsay” = place of satiety and “waman” = hawk, meaning “Place where the hawk is satisfied”), where we will have a guided tour for 1 hour.
Next, we will head to the archaeological complex of Qenqo, an important ritual center on a rocky outcrop, full of mysticism.
After a brief 15-minute trip, we will reach Puca Pucara, an ancient Inca military construction.
Our last stop will be Tambomachay, known as the Inca Bath, a site where water was worshipped. After our visit, we will take transport to return to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 6:30 p.m.
Sacred Valley Connection
2
Day 2
7:30 a.m. Pick-up from the hotels in the Historic Center to begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After approximately 1.5 hours of travel, we will arrive at the ruins of Pisac, where we will have a guided tour for about 1 hour.
We will continue along the course of the Willka Mayu River (Sacred River), until we reach Urubamba, the capital of the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with typical Andean food.
After lunch, we will travel for 30 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will visit the archaeological site of the Ollantaytambo Fortress.
During the 1-hour guided tour, we will explore the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Princess’s Baths, and the Andean terraces.
Once the visit is finished, we will head to the train station to board the train that will take us to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where we will spend the night.
In the evening, our guide will visit your hotel to provide you with all the details about the visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Machu Picchu Citadel
3
Day 3
The Machu Picchu Tour begins with the journey to the Citadel. According to our entry schedule, we will board the transport that will take us to the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
At the entrance gate to Machu Picchu, we will show our entry tickets and physical documents (ID, Passport, Identity Card, etc.).
Once inside Machu Picchu, there will be a 2-hour guided tour where we will explore the main areas of the site and learn about its history and architecture. The visits are one-way in all circuits. After the tour, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes for our lunch.
After lunch, we will head to the train station to board the train that will take us to Ollantaytambo.
Once we arrive at the Ollantaytambo station, a representative from Chullos Travel Peru will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name. They will escort you to the transport to return to Cusco and take you to your hotel.
Moray – Salt Maras
4
Day 4
The tour starts with hotel pick-up at 8:00 am to head towards the picturesque town of Maras.
After passing through the town of Maras, we will head to Moray, where the agricultural laboratory is located. This is a place of concentration of feminine energy, and it is considered a magnetic center of Pachamama. We will have a guided tour lasting 40 minutes.
After the tour in Moray, we will take our transport for a 30-minute drive to reach the salt mines, “Salineras.” We will have a guided tour of approximately 1 hour and have time to buy bags of salt or other souvenirs.
We will return via the same route to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 3:00 pm.
Mountain of Colors
5
Day 5
We will pass to the hotel at 4.00 am and travel in the mobility for 2 hours and 30 minutes until we arrive to the village of Tintinco, where we will enjoy a buffet breakfast.
Afterwards we will continue our trip to the beginning of the trail, once we arrive to the beginning of the trail our guide will give you a small instruction of the area and the last reaches to finally start a hike of approximately 2.5 hours by a moderate hike.
During the journey you will appreciate a variety of South American camelids also spectacular ecosystems of this place and views of the snowy Ausangate.
At 10:30 approximatel y we will arrive at our destination called Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft.) after a view of the place we will begin the descent by the same path to the mobility and then return to the restaurant.
Then we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and after a short rest we will start our return trip, we will make an stop for lunch, and return to Cusco arriving at approximately 6:30 pm. / Rainbow Mountain trek
Humantay Lagoon
6
Day 6
We will pick you up from the hotel at 4:00 am and travel for 2.5 hours, making a stop for a buffet breakfast in the town of Mollepata.
We will then continue our journey to Challacancha (1 hour of travel).
At this point, the guide will provide the final instructions and information, and we will start the walk. The hike is divided into two sections: the first section is a relaxed group walk for about 20 minutes, until we reach the base of the mountain. The second section is a steep ascent for approximately 1.5 hours, until we reach Humantay Lake, which sits at an altitude of 4,250 m above sea level. Along the way, we will appreciate the local fauna and flora.
Afterward, we will descend to Soraypampa and take the transport back to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm.
Transfer to the airport
7
Day 7
Acording to your flight timing, the transport will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport or Bus Terminal.
End of our services Cusco & Machu Picchu Tours. Cusco in 7 Days
Incluye
Includes
Pick-up from the Airport or Bus Terminal.
Tourist Transport to all excursions.
Professional Guide: City Tour, Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, Moray – Maras, and Rainbow Mountain.
Site Guide in Machu Picchu Citadel.
Entrance to the citadel Circuit 1, 2, or 3 (Subject to availability).
Buffet Lunch (3): Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.
Menu Lunch (1): Machu Picchu.
Transport Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Tourist Train Expedition/Voyager Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Upgrades available).
Bus up and down to Machu Picchu Citadel (Consettur).
Personalized Travel Agent.
Transfer to Hotel – Airport.
Entry tickets to all the archaeological sites detailed in the itinerary.
Does not include
flights.
Meals not mentioned in the program.
Personal expenses.
Accommodation.
Travel insurance.
Tips.
Optional activities.
Horseback riding service.
Recomendaciones
Recommendations
Hiking shoes.
Comfortable trekking clothes.
Small backpack.
Personal medication.
Hat, sun block, sunglasses, especially water.
Extra money.
Preguntas
FAQs
- How difficult is the hike to the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake?
- Humantay Lake: The hike lasts 1.5 to 2 hours (5 km). It starts at 3,900 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) and ends at 4,200 m.a.s.l. The difficulty is moderate, due to the continuous ascent.
- Rainbow Mountain: The hike lasts between 2 and 3 hours (7 km), starting at 4,326 m.a.s.l. and reaching 5,050 m.a.s.l. (Rainbow Mountain viewpoint). The difficulty is moderate to high, due to the altitude and greater distance. It is recommended to acclimatize for at least 2 days before doing this hike.
The package Cusco in 7 Days is designed to help you acclimatize with the necessary rest breaks.
- What should I bring for the trip?For the Cusco in 7 Days, bring comfortable, lightweight clothing for the day and something warm for the night. Don’t forget appropriate hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, water, and snacks.On excursions at high altitudes, it is essential to bring an extra warm jacket and a rain poncho. You can purchase typical ponchos, sweaters, and hats at local markets during excursions that make stops at textile centers.
- Are there options for people with altitude sickness?Yes, it’s important to properly acclimatize before engaging in activities at high altitude. The package Cusco in 7 Days is structured so that you start with easier tours and gradually progress to more demanding ones (in terms of altitude and effort). If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s recommended to rest and drink fluids.
Another option is to swap more challenging tours for others, such as choosing the Palccoyo Tour instead of the Rainbow Mountain Tour (the change in tours may incur a price difference). - Does the package include transportation from the airport?Yes, the package Cusco in 7 Days includes transportation from Cusco airport to your hotel upon arrival, as well as transfers for all activities and scheduled excursions.
- Is prior hiking experience required?No previous hiking experience is required, but it is important to be in good physical condition and to acclimatize properly. Some routes can be demanding, but guides are available to offer support throughout the journey.
- Does the package include entrance fees to tourist sites?Yes, the package Cusco in 7 Days includes entrance fees to all the sites mentioned in the itinerary, including Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake.
- Which circuit is considered for the Machu Picchu visit?Machu Picchu has 3 circuits, organized into 10 types of tickets. For this package, we prioritize tickets associated with Circuit 2: Royal Route Design or Lower Terrace Route, which are considered the most complete. (These tickets are subject to availability, and it is recommended to book your package at least 2 months in advance, or 3 months in advance for holiday periods).
- How reliable is the weather?The weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, with warm days and cold nights. The rainy season runs from November to March, so it’s important to bring waterproof clothing. The months of April to October are drier, although occasional rain is possible.
- Can I customize the itinerary?Yes, if you’d like to make changes to the package Cusco in 7 Days, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp (listed on this page) to adjust the itinerary according to your needs and comfort.
- Is travel insurance required?It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Are there vegetarian or special food options?The 7-day Cusco package offers various food options, and special dietary requests, such as vegetarian meals, can be accommodated. For buffet lunches, you can choose the dishes you prefer, and for set menu lunches, we always have vegetarian options available. Please inform your agent about your dietary preferences.
- What happens if I feel unwell during a hike?If you feel unwell during a hike, it’s important to inform your guide. Our guides are trained to handle altitude sickness and other health issues, and they will assist you in returning to the starting point or seeking medical help if necessary.
Group Service
Shared Tour + Hotel 2*
$ 630.00
Per person
REGULAR price $750
Type of room: Doble / triple
Category: 2-star
Tours: Shared – Grupal
Shared Tour + Hotel 3 *
$ 690.00
Per person
REGULAR price $810
Type of room: Doble / triple
CCategory: 3-star
Tours: Shared – Grupal
Shared Tour + Hotel 4*
$ 900.00
Per person
REGULAR price $1020
Type of room: Doble / triple
Category: 4-star
Tours: Shared – Grupal
Private Service
PRIVATE tour + Hotel 2*
$ 900.00
Per person
REGULAR price $ 1087.00
Type of room: Doble / triple
Category: 2-star
Tours: PRIVATE
PRIVATE tour + Hotel 3*
$ 960.00
Per person
REGULAR price $ 1020. 1147.00
Por Persona
Type of room: Doble / triple
Category: 3-star
Tours: PRIVATE
PRIVATE tour + Hotel 4*
$ 1170.00
Per person
REGULAR price $ 1350.00
Type of room: Doble / triple
Category: 4-star
Tours: PRIVATE
