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.
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. You’ll start in Cusco with private airport pickup, time to rest, and a guided City Tour that includes the historic center, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and a stop at Cristo Blanco for beautiful views over the city. On Day 2, continue through the Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo, plus a relaxed picnic lunch in Urubamba before taking the evening train to Aguas Calientes for a 4-star hotel stay and dinner.
Day 3 is your Machu Picchu experience, carefully organized with an early visit, a private guided tour, lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu, and a scenic return to Cusco on the Vistadome Observatory train with private transport waiting for you in Ollantaytambo. Day 4 adds Rainbow Mountain, with an early start, picnic breakfast, a rewarding high-altitude hike, picnic lunch, and a comfortable return to your 4-star hotel in Cusco for one more night. On Day 5, we complete the trip with a smooth private transfer out. Throughout the journey, the luxury is not just in the hotels, but in the private service, exclusive comfort, and seamless logistics that let you enjoy Peru without stress.
Tour Highlights
- Start gently in Cusco with private service, a guided City Tour, and time to adjust to the altitude
- Explore the best of Cusco on Day 1, including Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Cristo Blanco
- Enjoy a premium Sacred Valley route with Chinchero, a women’s weaving center, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and a picnic lunch in Urubamba
- Stay in a 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with dinner included before your Machu Picchu visit
- Visit Machu Picchu with a private guide, then enjoy lunch at a hotel near the citadel
- Return in comfort on the Vistadome Observatory train and private transfer back to Cusco
- Experience Rainbow Mountain with picnic breakfast, picnic lunch, and dramatic high-Andes scenery
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 with a guided tour through Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral area, the 12-Angled Stone, Loreto Street, and Coricancha, then continue to the Inca sites above the city: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. On the way back, stop at Cristo Blanco for panoramic views over Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley -Train to Aguas Calientes
Pickup around 7:00 a.m. for a full Sacred Valley day with visits to Chinchero, the women’s weaving center, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines. At midday, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch in Urubamba prepared with local ingredients, then explore Ollantaytambo before boarding the evening train to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, 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 enjoy a guided visit on the best available official circuit for your date. After the tour, have lunch at a hotel near Machu Picchu, then return to Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome Observatory train to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by private transport to your 4-star hotel in Cusco, Costa del Sol or similar.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Day Tour
Early private pickup around 4:30 a.m. and drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead. Before the hike, enjoy a chef-prepared picnic breakfast with views of the Andes. Then hike about 10 km round trip to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at approximately 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch and 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 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, and Rainbow Mountain
- Professional local tour guide
- Meals included: 4 hotel breakfasts + picnic lunch in Urubamba + 1 dinner + 1 lunch near Machu Picchu + picnic breakfast and picnic lunch on Rainbow Mountain day
- 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
- Trekking poles, oxygen, and first-aid 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
Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountain 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco Arrival – Cusco City Tour
We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco’s historic area. Today is all about settling in and starting at an altitude-friendly pace.
At 1:00 p.m., you’ll head out with your guide for the Cusco City Tour. You’ll see the heart of the city around the Plaza de Armas, visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and explore the impressive Inca sites above Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. You’ll finish with a wide city view and return to your hotel with time to rest.
- Duration: Half-day
- Meals: None included
- Entry tickets: Cusco City Tour tickets included
- Accommodation: 3-star Hotel in Cusco (San Agustin or similar)
Day 2: Cusco – Luxury Sacred Valley → Aguas Calientes (4‑Star Hotel + Dinner)
After breakfast, your guide picks you up around 7:00 a.m. and you’ll head into the Sacred Valley on a route that feels curated, not rushed.
Start in Chinchero, where you’ll visit the Inca site and a women’s weaving coop. It’s a great way to understand local life and see how traditional textiles are made using natural dyes. Next, visit Moray (famous circular terraces), then the Maras salt mines, one of the most photogenic places in the valley.
Midday, enjoy a relaxed lunch at an Urubamba restaurant. Then continue to Ollantaytambo, a standout fortress town with impressive stonework and views. In the evening, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, check into your 4‑star hotel (Tierra Viva or similar), and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Urubamba, dinner at the hotel
- Accommodation: 4‑star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Tierra Viva or similar)
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Cusco (Guided Tour + Hotel Lunch + Vistadome Observatory Return)
Today is the main event. After breakfast, you’ll take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu and begin your guided visit. Your guide will explain how the site was built, how it worked, and why it matters, while helping you make the most of the route permitted by your circuit.
After the tour, you’ll enjoy lunch at Belmond Sancturay Lodge restaurant. It’s a comfortable way to finish your visit without the stress of searching for a table in town. Then you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes and later board the Vistadome Observatory train to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel + Tinkuy restaurant lunch
- Hotel: 3-star Hotel in Cusco (San Agustin or similar)
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Tour
We’ll start very early (around 4:30 a.m.) for the drive to the Rainbow Mountain area. You’ll have breakfast before the hike, then begin a steady climb at high altitude. The pace is calm and consistent, and your guide helps you take it step by step.
At the viewpoint, you’ll have time for photos and to take in the wide Andes scenery. Afterward, hike back, enjoy lunch, and return to Cusco in the evening.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Highest altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: 3-star Hotel in Cusco (San Agustin or similar)
Day 5: Depart Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and transfer you to Cusco Airport.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Cusco to Machu Picchu Luxury Tour 5 Days - Price
This is our luxury version, created for travelers who want more comfort, better service, and a more exclusive experience in Cusco and Machu Picchu. It includes a 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, hotel dinner, lunch in Machu Picchu, and a return journey 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$ 2000 |
| 2 | US$ 1450 |
| 3 | US$ 1420 |
| 4 | US$ 1400 |
| 5 | US$ 1350 |
| 6 | US$ 1300 |
| 7 | US$ 1250 |
| 8 | US$ 1190 |
| 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.
- If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation.
- Your passport number must match your tickets and entrance permits. Please check this information carefully before making 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 days - Packing List
You’ll travel around Peru with normal luggage, but for the train to Aguas Calientes (Days 2–3), you’ll want to travel light.
Essentials
Keep these essential items with you throughout the trip, especially for every day excursions
What to wear?
The entire itinerary takes place in the Cusco region, where the weather can change quickly depending on altitude and location. In general, it’s best to dress in layers so you can adjust to sudden temperature and weather shifts, especially at Rainbow Mountain hiking day.
What to put in the Daypack?
A daypack is useful every day, especially on the travel days to Machu Picchu and back to Cusco. Pack only what you’ll 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 - Travel Information
Tickets & Availability
Machu Picchu tickets and the best train schedules can sell out. Booking early gives you better options for entry times and train seats.
Passport Requirements (Do Not Book With Nicknames)
Your tickets are linked to your passport details. Your booking information must match your passport exactly, and you must carry your original passport during the trip.
Timing & Pickups
- Day 1 City Tour starts at 1:00 p.m.
- Day 2 pickup is around 7:00 a.m.
- Day 4 pickup is very early (around 4:30 a.m.)
Train times and Machu Picchu entry times are confirmed once tickets are secured.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Cusco sits at high altitude, and Rainbow Mountain is even higher. This itinerary starts gently and saves Rainbow Mountain for Day 4 to help you adjust. Drink water, go slow, and rest when you need to
Altitude reference (as provided):
- Cusco: ~3,400 m / 11,150 ft
- Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Rainbow Mountain: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Weather & Seasons
Cusco and the Sacred Valley can shift from strong sun to cool air fast. Machu Picchu is warmer and humid. Rainbow Mountain mornings are cold and windy. Bring layers and rain protection.
Machu Picchu Visit + Optional Mountain Hikes
Your Machu Picchu visit includes a guided tour on the best available circuit for your date and time slot. Optional hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) are available only if tickets are booked in advance, and you can usually choose only one.
Rainbow Mountain Horses (Optional)
Horses are available locally on the trail if you want extra support. This is arranged and paid directly to the local owners.
Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days - FAQs
What’s different about this “Luxury Comfort” 5‑day tour?
The upgrades are built into the busiest days: a curated Sacred Valley route, a 4‑star hotel night in Aguas Calientes with dinner at your hotel, lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel after the guided tour, and the Vistadome Observatory train return plus private transport back to Cusco.
Is this tour good for altitude?
Yes. It starts gently with a City Tour day in Cusco and saves the highest-altitude day (Rainbow Mountain) until Day 4.
How hard is Rainbow Mountain?
It’s moderate, but the altitude makes it feel harder. We go at a steady pace and take breaks. Horses are available locally if you want extra support (paid directly).
Which Machu Picchu circuit will we visit?
We aim for the best available circuit for your date and time slot. Circuits depend on availability and official rules.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available. These are optional add‑ons and must be booked early. You can usually choose only one.
Are meals included every day?
Meals are included exactly as listed: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner. Any meal not mentioned is on your own.
Can you handle vegetarian, vegan, or allergies?
In most cases, yes. Tell us your dietary needs when booking so we can plan ahead for the included meals.
What should I pack for the train to Aguas Calientes?
Bring a small overnight bag and keep your passport, layers, and essentials in your daypack. Large suitcases should stay in Cusco (hotel storage or our free luggage storage).
What time do we get back to Cusco after Machu Picchu?
Evening return is normal, but it depends on train schedules. We confirm your exact timings once tickets are secured.
When should I book this tour?
As early as possible. Machu Picchu tickets and the best train schedules sell out first, early booking gives you better options.