Discover Peru’s most iconic highlights in just five days with a luxury private journey designed for comfort, exclusivity, and ease. This itinerary starts gently in Cusco, giving you time to adjust to the altitude before continuing through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain at a smooth and enjoyable pace. Every day is carefully planned so you can see the best of the region without feeling rushed, tired, or overwhelmed.
What makes this tour special is the way every detail is handled for you with private service from start to finish. Enjoy handpicked 4-star hotels, exclusive guided experiences, a comfortable stay in Aguas Calientes with dinner at your hotel, lunch near Machu Picchu after your guided visit, and a scenic return on the Vistadome Observatory train. From your private airport pickup to your final transfer out, we take care of the logistics, tickets, trains, hotels, and timing behind the scenes, so you can simply relax and enjoy Peru in a more refined, seamless, and memorable way.
Tour Type Private Tour
Duration 5 Days 4 Night
Transportation Bus, Train
Tour Language English - Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
Season All year roundLuxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour - 5 Days / 4 Nights
This 5-day luxury journey is designed to feel complete, comfortable, and easy from the very beginning. On Day 1, arrive in Cusco, settle into your 4-star hotel, Costa del Sol or similar, and enjoy a private guided walking tour through the heart of the city. Explore Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral area, Coricancha, and then continue to the impressive Inca sites above Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. On the way back, stop at Cristo Blanco to enjoy a beautiful sunset and one of the best panoramic views of Cusco.
Day 2 takes you through the Sacred Valley in comfort, with visits to the women’s weaving center in Chinchero, the archaeological site, the colonial church, Moray, the Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo. At midday, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch prepared by our expert chef using fresh local products. Day 3 is all about Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore the citadel with a private guide, enjoy lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco on the Vistadome Observatory train with panoramic windows, an open-air observatory car, live Andean music and dance, and complimentary snacks and drinks. On Day 4, experience Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, with chef-prepared picnic meals and unforgettable high-Andes scenery, before returning to Cusco for your final night. Day 5 ends with a smooth private transfer out.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a luxury private journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain
- Start gently in Cusco with a private City Tour, Coricancha, the main Inca sites, and sunset views from Cristo Blanco
- Explore the Sacred Valley in comfort, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and a picnic lunch prepared by our expert chef
- Stay in handpicked 4-star hotels: Costa del Sol or similar in Cusco and Tierra Viva or similar in Aguas Calientes
- Visit Machu Picchu with a private exclusive guide and enjoy lunch at a hotel near the citadel
- Return in style on the Vistadome Observatory train with panoramic views, live music, dance, snacks, and access to the observatory car
- Discover Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley with amazing picnic meals prepared by our expert chefs
Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco Arrival - Cusco City Tour
Arrive in Cusco and enjoy private airport pickup and transfer to your 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar. In the afternoon, explore the city on a private guided walking tour through Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral area, and Coricancha, then continue to the upper part of Cusco to visit Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. On the way back, stop at Cristo Blanco to enjoy the sunset and stunning views over the city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley -Train to Aguas Calientes
Pickup around 7:00 a.m. for a full Sacred Valley day. Explore the women’s weaving center in Chinchero, the archaeological site, the colonial church, Moray, the Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo. At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by our expert chef using fresh local products. In the evening, board the train to Aguas Calientes, check in to your 4-star hotel, Tierra Viva or similar, and enjoy dinner.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Hotel Lunch - Vistadome Observatory Train - Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu and explore the citadel with a private exclusive tour guide on the best available official circuit for your date. After your guided visit, enjoy lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu, then return to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome Observatory train back to Ollantaytambo. On board, enjoy panoramic windows, the open-air observatory car, live Andean music and dance, complimentary snacks and drinks, and beautiful views along the way. From Ollantaytambo, continue by private transport to your 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Day Tour
Early pickup around 4:30 a.m. and drive to the trailhead. Before the hike, enjoy a fresh picnic breakfast prepared by our expert chefs with beautiful views of the Andes. Then hike to Rainbow Mountain and continue to the stunning Red Valley, surrounded by colorful high-altitude landscapes. After the hike, enjoy an amazing picnic lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, then return to Cusco in the evening for one more night at your 4-star hotel.
Day 5: Cusco - Airport Transfer
Breakfast at your hotel, then private pickup and transfer to Cusco Airport or the bus station according to your schedule.
Note: Train schedules, Machu Picchu entry times, and official circuits depend on availability at the time of booking. We always try to secure Machu Picchu Circuit 2 whenever possible. If it is sold out, we will reserve the best official alternative available. Booking early gives you the best options.
Included
- Private arrival and departure transfers in Cusco
- All transportation during the tour (private vehicle + trains + transfers)
- Guided half-day private Cusco City Tour
- Full-day Sacred Valley tour including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo
- Train to Aguas Calientes (Day 2)
- Vistadome Observatory train (Day 3 return)
- Round-trip shuttle bus to and from Machu Picchu
- Entrance tickets: Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley sites listed, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley
- Professional local tour guide
- Meals included: 4 breakfasts (including 1 picnic breakfast) + 3 lunches + 1 dinner
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar
- 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo / Aguas Calientes, Tierra Viva or similar
- Picnic lunch in Urubamba prepared by our expert chef with fresh local products
- Lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu
- Picnic breakfast and picnic lunch on Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley day
- Trekking poles, oxygen, first-aid kit, and full support on Rainbow Mountain day
- All taxes included
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Optional horse rental on Rainbow Mountain
Luxury Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Arrival - Cusco City Tour
We’ll meet you at Cusco Airport and take you directly to your 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar. Since Cusco is at a high altitude, we keep the first part of the day easy and comfortable, giving you time to settle in, rest, and start adjusting before your guided visit begins.
In the afternoon, you’ll head out with your private guide to explore the heart of Cusco. You’ll walk through the historic center around Plaza de Armas, see the Cathedral area, admire the famous 12-Angled Stone and Loreto Street, and visit Coricancha, once one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire. After exploring the city center, continue to the impressive Inca sites above Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. On the way back, you’ll stop at Cristo Blanco to enjoy a beautiful sunset and one of the best panoramic views of Cusco. It is a relaxed and enjoyable way to begin the trip without doing too much on your first day.
- Duration: Half-day
- Meals: None included
- Entry tickets: Cusco City Tour tickets included
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco (Costa del Sol or similar)
Day 2: Cusco - Luxury Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes (4-Star Hotel + Dinner)
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up around 7:00 a.m. and take you into the Sacred Valley, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich areas in the Andes. Your first stop is Chinchero, where you’ll visit the archaeological site, the colonial church, and a women’s weaving center. It is a wonderful place to learn how local textiles are made using natural dyes, traditional techniques, and patterns that have been passed down for generations.
Next, continue to Moray, the famous circular terraces that look like a natural amphitheater carved into the mountains, and then visit the Maras salt mines, where thousands of white salt pools cover the hillside in one of the valley’s most unique landscapes. At midday, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch in Urubamba, prepared by our expert chef using fresh local products. It is a special moment to rest, eat well, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the valley. In the afternoon, explore Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and impressive Inca towns in the region, known for its fortress, terraces, and original stone streets. In the evening, board the train to Aguas Calientes, check in to your 4-star hotel, Tierra Viva or similar, and enjoy dinner at your hotel before resting for the night.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, picnic lunch in Urubamba, dinner at the hotel
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Tierra Viva or similar)
Day 3: Machu Picchu - Cusco (Private Guided Tour + Hotel Lunch + Vistadome Observatory Return)
Today is the highlight of the journey. After breakfast, you’ll take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. At the entrance, you’ll show your passport and ticket before beginning your guided visit with a private exclusive tour guide. Your guide will lead you through the most important areas allowed by your circuit, including viewpoints, terraces, temples, and key buildings, while sharing the history and stories that bring Machu Picchu to life. We always try to secure Circuit 2 whenever possible. If it is sold out for your date and time, we will book the best official alternative available so you can still enjoy a great experience.
After the guided tour, you may have a little time for photos before enjoying lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu, a comfortable and relaxed way to finish your visit. Later, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome Observatory train back to Ollantaytambo. The ride itself is part of the experience, with panoramic windows, access to the Observatory car, live music, onboard entertainment, snacks, and beautiful views of the mountains and river along the way. From Ollantaytambo, your private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you’ll check in again to your 4-star hotel, Costa del Sol or similar.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel + lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco (Costa del Sol or similar)
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour
We’ll start very early, around 4:30 a.m., and drive through the Andes toward the Rainbow Mountain trailhead. This is a beautiful route through small Andean communities, wide valleys, and mountain landscapes that feel far from the crowds. Once you arrive at the base, our trekking chef will prepare a fresh picnic breakfast, and you’ll have time to enjoy hot drinks and take in the views of the Vilcanota range before beginning the hike.
The trail follows a gradual uphill path, with the last section becoming steeper as you approach the summit. Your guide will keep a steady pace and help you take the hike step by step. Along the way, you may see llamas, alpacas, and local families living in this high-altitude region. At the top of Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have time to enjoy the colorful mineral layers, take photos, and admire the sweeping Andean scenery. After that, continue to the Red Valley, where the landscape changes dramatically into deep red formations that look unlike anywhere else in Cusco. Once you’ve enjoyed the viewpoint, descend back to the base and enjoy an amazing picnic lunch prepared by our expert chefs using fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, return to Cusco and spend your final night at your 4-star hotel.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Highest altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Meals: Picnic breakfast and picnic lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Cusco (Costa del Sol or similar)
Day 5: Depart Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and take you by private transfer to Cusco Airport or the bus station. It’s a smooth and stress-free way to finish your journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Cusco to Machu Picchu Luxury Tour 5 Days - Price
This is our luxury version, designed for travelers who want more comfort, better service, and a more exclusive experience in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. It includes 4-star hotel stays, dinner at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, lunch near Machu Picchu, and a scenic return on the Vistadome Observatory train. Final pricing depends on hotel and train availability for your travel dates.
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 3150 |
| 2 | US$ 1890 |
| 3 | US$ 1620 |
| 4 | US$ 1470 |
| 5 | US$ 1390 |
| 6 | US$ 1330 |
| 7 | US$ 1290 |
| 8 | US$ 1260 |
| 9 or more | Contact us for a personalized quote |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$ 400 per person to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. If you need another payment option, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Student Discount
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 years old and students under 25 with a valid university ID. The ID must:
- Show the student’s name, photo, and university name.
- Include a valid expiration date (expired IDs are not accepted).
The discount is applied automatically for children. Students must submit a copy of their ID at the time of booking. If the document is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Before You Book
- Spaces for trains, hotels, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited, especially during high-demand travel dates. We recommend booking in advance to secure the best availability.
- Your passport details must match your tickets and reservations. Please check this information carefully before making your payment.
- This is a private tour and can start on any date, subject to availability, even for a single traveler.
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 5-Day Tour - Packing List
You can travel with your regular luggage throughout Peru, but for the train to Aguas Calientes on Days 2 and 3, it is best to pack light and bring only a small overnight bag or carry-on.
Essentials
Keep these important items with you throughout the trip, especially for sightseeing days, train travel, and the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
What to wear?
This itinerary takes place entirely in the Cusco region, where the weather can change quickly depending on the altitude and location. The best way to stay comfortable is to dress in layers, especially since Cusco can be cool in the morning and evening, Machu Picchu is usually warmer and more humid, and Rainbow Mountain can be cold, windy, and exposed.
What to put in the Daypack?
A daypack is useful every day, especially for the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. Bring only what you need for the day and leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco. If you prefer, TreXperience can store your luggage free of charge at our Cusco office.
Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 5-Day Tour - Travel Information
Book early for the best Machu Picchu tickets, train times, and hotels
Machu Picchu tickets, good train schedules, and popular 4-star hotels can sell out early, especially on busy dates. Booking in advance gives you better options for entry times, train seats, and hotel availability. If possible, we recommend booking this tour several months ahead.
Use your exact passport details when booking
Your passport details must match your Machu Picchu ticket and train reservation exactly. Please book with your full legal name, not a nickname or short name, and bring the original passport you used for the reservation. If your passport changes after booking, let your travel advisor know right away.
Try to arrive in Cusco with enough time to rest on Day 1
Day 1 is designed to be gentle because Cusco is at high altitude, but it still includes an afternoon City Tour. We recommend arriving with enough time to check in, rest, and have a light meal before the tour begins. If your flight arrives very late, the first day may need to be adjusted.
Some days start early, and final times are confirmed after booking
This tour has a smooth pace, but some days begin early. The City Tour usually starts around 1:00 p.m. on Day 1, the Sacred Valley day starts around 7:00 a.m. on Day 2, and Rainbow Mountain starts very early, usually around 4:30 a.m. on Day 4. Train times and Machu Picchu entry times are confirmed once your tickets are issued.
Pack a small bag for Aguas Calientes and leave large luggage in Cusco
You only spend one night in Aguas Calientes, so it is best to travel with a small overnight bag or carry-on for Days 2 and 3. Train companies usually allow only one small bag, with a maximum weight of 8 kg (17.64 lbs) and total dimensions not over 115 cm (45 inches). Your larger suitcase can stay at your hotel in Cusco or in safe storage.
Machu Picchu has strict entry rules and fixed walking routes
Machu Picchu uses timed entry tickets and one-way circuits. This means you must enter at the time shown on your ticket and follow the official route assigned to you. Once your ticket is booked, the entry time and circuit usually cannot be changed. You must also bring your original passport, and your daypack should stay small, with a maximum size of 40 x 35 x 20 cm.
Altitude affects every traveler differently
Cusco sits at around 3,400 m / 11,150 ft, while Rainbow Mountain reaches about 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. Some travelers feel fine, while others need more time to adjust. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, rest when needed, and avoid doing too much on your first day. If you are worried about altitude, ask your doctor about medication before traveling.
Weather changes a lot between Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain
Even on the same trip, you may have warm sun, cold wind, light rain, and chilly mornings. Cusco can be cool, Machu Picchu is usually warmer and more humid, and Rainbow Mountain is often cold and windy, especially early in the day. Bring layers, a light rain jacket, sun protection, and warm clothes for the mountain day.
Bring some small cash in Peruvian soles
It is a good idea to carry some cash in Peruvian soles for small expenses during the trip. You may need it for snacks, drinks, tips, souvenirs, bathrooms, or optional horse service at Rainbow Mountain. Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but not everywhere, especially in remote areas.
Keep your departure day flexible and stress-free
We strongly recommend planning your departure for Day 5, not on the evening of Day 3 after Machu Picchu or after Rainbow Mountain on Day 4. Train schedules, road traffic, and weather can sometimes cause delays. With your final night in Cusco and private transfer out on Day 5, the trip ends in a much smoother and more comfortable way.
Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days - FAQs
Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?
This is a private tour from start to finish. Your airport transfers, guides, and transportation are arranged just for you, so the trip feels more personal, more comfortable, and much easier to enjoy. The only shared services are public operations such as the train and the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.
Is this a good tour for first-time visitors to Peru?
Yes, it is a great choice for first-time visitors. It combines Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain in one well-organized itinerary, so you can experience Peru’s biggest highlights without having to plan every detail on your own.
Where will we stay during the tour?
You’ll stay 3 nights in Cusco at a 4-star hotel such as Costa del Sol or similar, and 1 night in Aguas Calientes at a 4-star hotel such as Tierra Viva or similar. These hotels are chosen for comfort, service, and a smooth overall experience.
Will someone meet me when I arrive in Cusco?
Yes. We’ll meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in Cusco. From that moment on, your trip is already organized for you, which makes arrival much easier, especially if it is your first time in Peru.
Can I book this tour if I am traveling alone?
Yes, absolutely. This tour can be arranged for solo travelers, and it still works very well as a private experience. Just keep in mind that the price per person is higher when only one traveler is booking private services.
Is this tour a good option for couples or honeymooners?
Yes. This tour is especially popular with couples because it combines Peru’s most iconic places with private service, handpicked hotels, scenic train travel, and a more relaxed pace. It is a great choice if you want something memorable without feeling rushed.
Can families or older travelers enjoy this tour?
Yes, many families and older travelers enjoy this trip because it is not a camping tour and everything is well organized. That said, there are sightseeing days with walking, stairs, and one more active day at Rainbow Mountain, so it is best for travelers who are comfortable being on their feet during the day.
What is the Vistadome Observatory train like?
It is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to return from Machu Picchu. The train has large windows, an observatory car, beautiful mountain views, light onboard entertainment, and a more special atmosphere than a standard train service.
Is Red Valley included with Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. On Day 4, this tour includes both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, giving you a fuller experience of the high-Andes landscape. Many travelers love Red Valley because it feels quieter, wider, and very different from the usual views around Cusco.
Can I customize the tour or add extra nights?
Yes. If you would like extra nights in Cusco, hotel upgrades, train upgrades, or additional private services, we can usually customize the trip for you. This is a great option if you want an even more comfortable or personalized experience.