Experience Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain in one smooth 5-day journey. Start with an easy Cusco City Tour, explore Pisac, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, then travel by Expedition train to Aguas Calientes for your guided Machu Picchu visit.
Finish with the colorful high-Andes scenery of Rainbow Mountain, with hotels, tickets, trains, transfers, timing, and local support carefully arranged. It’s a premium small-group trip for travelers who want Peru’s highlights with comfort, clear planning, and a real local touch.
Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Activities Hiking and Historical Sites
Average Group Size 12 people
Accommodation 3-star Hotels
Tour Language English, Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow MountainCusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days
This Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days tour is one of the best ways to experience the essential highlights of Cusco in a short, well-planned trip. You’ll begin with a relaxed arrival and Cusco City Tour, continue through the Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide, and finish with the colorful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain.
The itinerary is built with smart pacing. You start with cultural tours that help you adjust to the altitude before the highest day of the trip: the Rainbow Mountain hike. Along the way, you travel in a premium small group with a 100% Peruvian local team, expert guides, clear logistics, selected hotels, and door-to-door support.
Your Machu Picchu ticket is included. We request Circuit 2 when available; if it is sold out, we secure the best official alternative for your date, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. You may also request Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, depending on ticket availability and your final schedule.
Tour Highlights
- Complete 5-day Cusco package: City Tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, hotels, trains, tickets, and transfers.
- Cusco City Tour: Visit the historic center, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and scenic viewpoints.
- Sacred Valley experience: Explore Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, local culture, and Andean landscapes.
- Machu Picchu guided visit: Enter the citadel with a professional guide and the best available official circuit for your date.
- Rainbow Mountain: Hike to one of Peru’s most colorful high-altitude landscapes after several days of acclimatization.
- Premium small groups: Enjoy a more personal experience with friendly local guides and smooth coordination.
- Comfortable hotels: Selected 3-star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- Responsible local travel: Travel with a 100% Peruvian operator that supports local communities and respectful tourism.
5-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco + City Tour
We welcome you at Cusco airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, your guide introduces you to the historic center, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and panoramic viewpoints above the city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Train to Aguas Calientes
Travel through the Sacred Valley and visit an alpaca farm, Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins and market, Moray terraces, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. In the evening, board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night near Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Take the bus up to Machu Picchu and explore the citadel with your expert guide. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes, board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, and continue by private transport to Cusco.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco
Start early for the Rainbow Mountain hike. Enjoy a scenic drive, picnic breakfast, a steady high-altitude walk, summit views of Vinicunca, picnic lunch, and return to Cusco in the evening.
Day 5: Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast, we transfer you to Cusco airport or the bus station according to your schedule.
Included
- Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Airport or bus station transfer on Day 5.
- Cusco City Tour with professional guide.
- Sacred Valley tour with Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
- Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco.
- Machu Picchu guided tour.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket, best available official circuit at booking.
- Round-trip Expedition train.
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Professional licensed tour guides.
- 4 breakfasts and 2 lunches.
- 3 nights in 3-star hotels in Cusco, San Agustin or similar.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Ferre Machu Picchu or similar.
- Free luggage storage service in Cusco.
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
- Train upgrades to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory.
- Hotel upgrades.
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended.
- Tips, optional.
Optional Upgrades
- Train upgrade: Upgrade from Expedition to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability.
- Private service: Request a private guide and more flexible timing for your group.
- Hotel upgrade: Upgrade your hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, subject to availability.
- Luxury version: For a higher-end experience, see our Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Cusco City Tour
Welcome to Cusco. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to rest, settle in, and begin adjusting to the altitude before the afternoon tour.
Around 1:00 p.m., your guide will pick you up from your hotel to start the Cusco City Tour. You’ll walk through the historic center, visit the Main Square area, see important Inca streets, the Twelve-Angled Stone area, Loreto Street, and Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun.
Then we continue by vehicle to the Inca sites above the city: Sacsayhuaman, known for its massive stone walls and views over Cusco; Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial site; Puca Pucara, an old Inca control point; and Tambomachay, linked to water and ritual use. If time allows, we may also stop near Cristo Blanco for a panoramic view of Cusco.
After the tour, we return to your hotel. The evening is free so you can rest, enjoy dinner on your own, and prepare for the Sacred Valley.
- Duration: Half-day.
- Meals: Not included.
- Entry tickets: Cusco City Tour tickets included.
- Hotel: San Agustin or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy, with light walking and some stairs.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Train to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at your hotel, we pick you up around 7:00 a.m. and drive into the Sacred Valley. This day is full of history, local culture, mountain views, and some of the most important Inca sites near Cusco.
Our first stop is an alpaca farm, where you can see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos up close and learn how Andean textiles are made. Then we continue to the Taray viewpoint, one of the best places to enjoy wide views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.
Next, we visit Pisac, known for its impressive terraces and archaeological site. Your guide will explain how the Incas used this mountain location for agriculture, ceremonies, control, and connection with the valley. Afterward, enjoy time at the local market, where you can find textiles, crafts, and local products.
We continue to Urubamba for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Moray, famous for its circular agricultural terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, where salt pools are still worked by local families using traditional methods.
The final stop is Ollantaytambo, one of the most beautiful living Inca towns in the Sacred Valley. After exploring the site and town, we board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest for the early Machu Picchu visit.
- Duration: Full day.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- Entry tickets: Included for the places listed in the itinerary.
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle and Expedition train.
- Hotel: Ferre Machu Picchu or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with walking at archaeological sites.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Today is one of the biggest highlights of the trip. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we go to the bus station and take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you must show your original passport and entry ticket.
Inside Machu Picchu, your guide will lead a 2 to 3-hour tour through the most important areas allowed by your assigned circuit. You’ll learn about the terraces, temples, royal areas, water channels, stonework, and the ideas that made this citadel one of the most remarkable places in the Andes.
We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best official alternative available for your date and entry time. If you booked Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance, you may do the hike after the guided tour, depending on your ticket and schedule.
After the visit, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time for lunch on your own before boarding the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport takes you back to Cusco and drops you off at your hotel. The evening is free to rest after Machu Picchu and prepare for Rainbow Mountain.
- Machu Picchu guided tour: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Return: Bus down, Expedition train, and private transport to Cusco.
- Hotel: San Agustin or similar.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with stairs and uneven stone paths.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco
We begin early with hotel pickup in Cusco and drive about three hours toward the Rainbow Mountain area. Along the way, you’ll enjoy quiet high-Andes landscapes, small communities, and views of the Ausangate mountain range.
Before starting the hike, enjoy a hearty picnic breakfast with your guide. Then begin the steady 2.5-hour ascent toward Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. The trail is high-altitude, so the best approach is to walk slowly, breathe steadily, and enjoy the views at your own pace.
At the summit, you’ll see the colorful layers of Rainbow Mountain and the wide open scenery of the Andes. After time for photos and rest, hike back down to the trailhead, enjoy a picnic lunch, and return to Cusco in the evening. Upon arrival, we drop you off at your hotel for your final night in Cusco.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi.
- Highest altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
- Hotel: San Agustin or similar.
- Difficulty: Moderate, mainly because of the altitude.
Day 5: Depart Cusco
This is the final day of your 5-day Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain journey. After breakfast at your hotel, you may have free time depending on your flight or bus schedule.
At the scheduled time, our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cusco airport or bus station. Thank you for traveling with TreXperience.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer: Airport or bus station transfer included.
- Difficulty: Easy.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days Price and Booking
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a complete Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days experience. This package includes selected hotels, guided tours, entrance tickets, train travel, Machu Picchu bus, Rainbow Mountain tour, airport transfers, and local coordination from arrival to departure.
Prices are per person in USD and may vary depending on hotel availability, room type, train schedule, Machu Picchu ticket availability, and selected upgrades. If you want private service, hotel upgrades, or a train upgrade, contact us for a personalized quote.
Small-Group Tour:
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$790 |
| Children and students | From US$760 |
Private Tour:
Private service is ideal for families, couples, and travelers who want more flexibility, a private guide experience, upgraded hotels, or special timing. Prices are based on group size and are subject to hotel, train, and Machu Picchu ticket availability.
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US$ 1600 |
| 2 travelers | US$ 1150 |
| 3 travelers | US$ 980 |
| 4 travelers | US$ 920 |
| 5 travelers | US$ 880 |
| 6 travelers | US$ 840 |
| 7 travelers | US$ 820 |
| 8 travelers | US$ 800 |
| 9+ travelers | Contact us for a special group rate |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$400 per person to reserve your spot.
- The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us if you would like to verify alternative payment options.
- For each traveler, we require the full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- Please inform us in advance of any vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other dietary needs.
Student and Child Discount
- US$30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To qualify, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs will not be accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Before You Book
- Hotel availability, train schedules, Machu Picchu entry times, and circuits depend on availability at the time of booking.
- Your passport must be valid and match the information used for your train and Machu Picchu tickets.
- If you want Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, Vistadome train, Vistadome Observatory train, private service, or hotel upgrades, request them as early as possible.
- Rainbow Mountain is a high-altitude hike. If you have health concerns, please consult your doctor before traveling and inform our team when booking.
Cusco & Machu Picchu 5-Day Packing List
The Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days tour includes city sightseeing, Sacred Valley visits, train travel, one night in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and a high-altitude hike to Rainbow Mountain. Pack light, dress in layers, and keep your essentials organized.
You will travel to Peru with larger luggage, but during the train portion to Machu Picchu you should take only a small overnight bag or carry-on. Your main suitcase can stay safely in Cusco. TreXperience offers free luggage storage if needed.
Essentials
Keep these essential items with you throughout the trip, especially during the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, Machu Picchu visit, and Rainbow Mountain hike.
What to Wear?
Cusco’s weather can change quickly, so dress in layers. For the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, bring comfortable walking clothes, sun protection, and rain gear. For Rainbow Mountain, bring warmer clothing because the trail is exposed, windy, and high altitude.
What to Put in the Daypack?
Your daypack should stay with you during each tour. Pack water, rain jacket, warm layer, sunscreen, camera, passport, cash in soles, personal medication, and snacks.
What to Pack for Aguas Calientes?
Due to luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu, you won’t be able to take your main suitcase with you. Pack only what you need for one night in Aguas Calientes and your Machu Picchu visit the next morning.
Your main luggage can stay at your Cusco hotel or with TreXperience storage. Take a small carry-on or overnight bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, phone charger, light jacket, personal medication, and essentials for the next day.
What Can You Rent with TreXperience?
If you need trekking poles for Rainbow Mountain or other equipment, contact us before departure and we will help you prepare properly.
You can also review our complete Machu Picchu packing list before traveling.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days - Travel Information
Below you’ll find practical information to prepare for this 5-day cultural and adventure package: places visited, altitude, Machu Picchu tickets, Rainbow Mountain, train travel, luggage, weather, upgrades, and responsible travel.
Places visited on this tour
Cusco City Tour
Your journey begins in Cusco’s historic center, where Inca stonework meets colonial architecture. You’ll visit the Main Square area, Qoricancha, and the most important archaeological sites above the city, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Sacred Valley: Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
The Sacred Valley day combines Andean culture, landscapes, markets, and Inca engineering. You’ll visit an alpaca farm, Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins and market, Moray terraces, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu visit begins with a bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance. With your guide, you’ll explore the citadel according to the official circuit assigned to your ticket, learning about temples, terraces, royal areas, water channels, and Inca architecture.
Rainbow Mountain
The Rainbow Mountain hike takes you into the high Andes near the Ausangate range. The trail reaches above 5,000 m / 16,400 ft and rewards you with colorful mineral layers, wide mountain views, and a strong sense of achievement.
Who is this tour best for?
This tour is best for travelers who want a complete Cusco experience in 5 days: history, local culture, Machu Picchu, and one iconic high-altitude adventure at Rainbow Mountain.
It is ideal for first-time visitors who want everything organized in one package: hotels, transfers, tickets, trains, guides, and clear daily coordination.
Altitude and acclimatization
Cusco is located at around 3,400 m / 11,155 ft, so altitude can affect travelers when they first arrive. This itinerary is designed with acclimatization in mind: you begin with a lighter City Tour, continue with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and hike Rainbow Mountain on Day 4.
Rainbow Mountain reaches around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft, making it the highest and most physically demanding day of the tour. Drink water, eat light during your first day, avoid heavy alcohol, and walk slowly. If you want medical guidance before traveling, review this official high-altitude travel advice.
Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
Machu Picchu visits are organized by official circuits and time slots. Your ticket shows your route and entry time, and your guide will follow the official route assigned to your ticket.
We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. For more details, read our Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide or check the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
You can request Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain as an add-on, depending on ticket availability, entry time, and train schedule. These hikes are not included in the standard price and must be booked in advance.
You can only choose one mountain hike. If one of these hikes is a priority, contact us before booking so we can check the best ticket and train combination for your date.
Cusco Tourist Ticket and Sacred Valley entrances
Several sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket system, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Chinchero.
Entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary are included. For official information, visit the COSITUC Cusco Tourist Ticket website.
Rainbow Mountain difficulty
Rainbow Mountain is not technically difficult, but it is challenging because of the altitude. The hike is steady, exposed, and reaches around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft.
We schedule Rainbow Mountain near the end of the itinerary so your body has more time to adjust. Good shoes, warm layers, sun protection, water, and a steady pace make the experience much more enjoyable.
Weather and best season
Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain have different climates. Cusco mornings and nights can be cold, the Sacred Valley is usually milder, Machu Picchu is warmer and more humid, and Rainbow Mountain can be windy and cold.
- Dry season: April to October, usually clearer skies and cooler nights.
- Rainy season: November to March, greener landscapes and more frequent showers.
Bring layers and keep rain protection in your daypack. For planning, you can read our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Train schedules and luggage
This tour includes the Expedition train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Train schedules depend on availability at the time of booking, so final departure and return times will be confirmed after your reservation.
Train luggage is limited, so bring only a small overnight bag for Aguas Calientes. Your large suitcase can stay at your hotel in Cusco or in TreXperience storage.
Hotel and train upgrades
The standard package includes selected 3-star hotels and Expedition train service. If you want more comfort, you can request hotel upgrades in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, as well as train upgrades to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability.
For a higher-end version of this route, see our Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days.
Responsible travel
TreXperience is a 100% Peruvian local tour operator. We believe a premium tour should also be responsible, which means caring for travelers, respecting local culture, supporting local communities, and protecting the places we visit.
Please follow your guide’s instructions, stay on marked paths, respect local communities, avoid littering, and follow all rules inside Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. Responsible visitor behavior helps protect these places for future travelers.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days - Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this 5-day tour best for?
This tour is best for travelers who want the classic Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu route, plus one iconic adventure day at Rainbow Mountain. It is ideal if you want a complete trip with hotels, trains, tickets, guides, and transfers organized in one package.
What is included in this tour?
The package includes airport pickup and departure transfer, selected 3-star hotels, Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, Machu Picchu guided visit, Rainbow Mountain tour, entrance tickets listed in the itinerary, round-trip Expedition train, Machu Picchu bus, professional guides, 4 breakfasts, and 2 lunches.
Which hotels are included?
The standard package includes selected 3-star hotels: 3 nights in Cusco, San Agustin or similar, and 1 night in Aguas Calientes, Ferre Machu Picchu or similar. Exact hotels depend on availability for your travel dates.
Which train is included?
The standard package includes the Expedition train. You may request an upgrade to Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory, subject to availability and additional cost.
Which Machu Picchu circuit will I get?
We request Circuit 2 when available because it offers one of the most complete visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we secure the best official alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. Booking early gives you better chances of getting your preferred circuit and entry time.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available. These hikes must be booked in advance and are done after the guided tour, depending on your schedule. You can only choose one optional mountain hike.
How difficult is Rainbow Mountain?
Rainbow Mountain is moderate, mainly because of altitude. The hike reaches around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft, so you should walk slowly, stay hydrated, and use warm layers. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be comfortable walking uphill at high elevation.
Should I acclimatize before this tour?
Yes. The itinerary helps with acclimatization because Rainbow Mountain is scheduled after Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Still, arrive well rested, drink water, eat light at first, avoid heavy alcohol, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
What meals are included?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts and 2 lunches. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included, giving you flexibility to choose restaurants in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Can I choose different hotels?
Yes. Hotel upgrades are available on request, depending on availability. You can request boutique, 4-star, 5-star, or luxury hotel options in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Can I customize this tour?
Yes. We can adjust the itinerary when possible, add extra nights, request private service, upgrade the train, upgrade hotels, or replace Rainbow Mountain with another experience such as Humantay Lake, depending on your dates and availability.
Can I bring large luggage?
You can travel with luggage to Cusco, but for the night in Aguas Calientes you should take only a small overnight bag. Train luggage is limited. Large suitcases should stay at your hotel in Cusco or with TreXperience storage.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain?
The dry season from April to October usually offers clearer skies and more stable conditions. Rainbow Mountain often has the clearest views from May to September, but April and October can also be excellent shoulder months with fewer people.
Is this tour good for families?
Yes, this tour can work well for families with active children and teenagers. The main consideration is Rainbow Mountain because of the high altitude. If you are traveling with children, seniors, or anyone with health concerns, contact us before booking so we can recommend the best pace and options.