See Peru’s biggest highlights in just five days, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This itinerary starts gently in Cusco (perfect for the altitude), then flows through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain in a smooth, well-timed plan.
The “luxury comfort” touches are built into the days that usually feel stressful: a curated Sacred Valley route, a 4‑star hotel night in Aguas Calientes with dinner at your hotel, lunch at a Machu Picchu hotel after your guided visit, and a relaxed return to Cusco on the Vistadome Observatory train. From airport pickup to your final transfer, we handle the moving parts: tickets, trains, hotels, transfers, and timing, so you can focus on the views and the story.
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 round
Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 5 Days
This 5‑day Cusco to Machu Picchu itinerary is designed to feel complete, but not chaotic. You’ll begin with a guided Cusco City Tour on Day 1, with time to rest and adjust to the altitude. Day 2 is a full Sacred Valley day (Chinchero + weaving coop, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo) with a relaxed lunch in Urubamba, then an evening train to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable 4‑star stay and dinner at your hotel.
Day 3 is your Machu Picchu day, well-organized, guided, and paced so you can actually enjoy it. After the tour, you’ll have lunch at a Machu Picchu hotel and return to Cusco on the Vistadome Observatory train plus private transport. Day 4 is Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a high‑altitude hike with huge views and a real feeling of accomplishment. Day 5 finishes with a smooth airport transfer.
Tour Highlights
- Start easy in Cusco (better for altitude) with a guided City Tour day
- Premium Sacred Valley route: Chinchero + weaving coop, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytamb
- 4‑star hotel night in Aguas Calientes + dinner at your hotel
- Machu Picchu “done right”: guided visit + hotel lunch near Machu Picchu
- Scenic return in comfort: Vistadome Observatory train + private transfer back to Cusco
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): a high‑altitude day hike with dramatic Andes views
- Easy logistics: trains, buses, tickets, and transfers handled for you
Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco Arrival - Cusco City Tour
Arrive in Cusco; airport pickup and transfer to your 3-star hotel in the historic area. At 1:00 p.m., join the City Tour: Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, then the Inca sites above the city: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Day 2: Sacred Valley -Train to Aguas Calientes
Pickup around 7:00 a.m. for the Sacred Valley: Chinchero (Inca site + women’s weaving coop), Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines. Lunch in Urubamba, then visit Ollantaytambo. Evening train to Aguas Calientes; check into a 4-star hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Hotel Lunch - Vistadome Observatory Train - Cusco
Bus up to Machu Picchu; guided tour following your circuit. Lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Tinkuy). Return to Aguas Calientes, then take the Vistadome Observatory to Ollantaytambo and transfer by private transport to your 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) Day Tour
Early pickup around 4:30 a.m.; breakfast before the hike. Trek 10 km to the viewpoint (highest point 5,200 m); moderate difficulty. Lunch, then return to Cusco in the evening.
Day 5: Cusco - Airport Transfer
Breakfast; hotel pickup and transfer to Cusco Airport.
Note: Campsite locations may change depending on availability and final assignment. (Not applicable here—kept only if you want a standard “note” line. You can remove it.)
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers in Cusco City
- All transportation during the tour (vehicle + trains + transfers)
- Train to Aguas Calientes (Day 2)
- Vistadome Observatory train (Day 3 return)
- Round‑trip shuttle bus to/from Machu Picchu
- Entrance tickets: Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley sites listed, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain
- Professional, licensed tour guide
- Meals included: 4 breakfasts + 3 lunches + 1 dinner
- 3 nights in a 3‑star hotel in Cusco
- 1 night in a 4‑star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo / Aguas Calientes
- Free luggage storage service in Cusco
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu 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
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, 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
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
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
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 Tour 5 Days - Price
Because this is the luxury-upgraded version (4‑star hotel in Aguas Calientes, hotel dinner, Machu Picchu hotel lunch, Vistadome Observatory return), pricing depends on hotel availability and travel dates.
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
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| 1 | US$ 0 |
| 2 | US$ 0 |
| 3 | US$ 0 |
| 4 | US$ 0 |
| 5 | US$ 0 |
| 6 | US$ 0 |
| 7 | US$ 0 |
| 8 | US$ 0 |
| 9 or more | Contact us for a personalized quote |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$555 per person (to reserve your spot). The balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us for alternative payment options.
Student Discount
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 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. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.
Before you book
- Inca Trail permits are limited (500 per day). Popular dates sell out early.
- If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation.
- Your passport number must match the permit. Please double‑check before paying.
- This is a private tour, we can start on any date with available permits form a single passenger.
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.