Peru Traditional – 7 Days
Join our group tours, Beginning every 1st & 15th of the month!
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain
7 Days / 6 Nights
Embark on a captivating journey that invites you to truly experience the wonders of Peru. Immerse yourself in its rich landscapes, from canyons and mountains to vibrant cities. This expedition unveils an authentic side of Peru, often overlooked by travelers with limited time. Throughout this journey, you’ll explore on foot and by water, uncovering ancient ruins, vibrant wildlife, and legendary landscapes. This experience offers a unique connection with Peru’s essence, revealing its hidden treasures and creating lasting memories.
Trip Details
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Begin your adventure with a scenic flight over the majestic Andes Mountains, arriving in Cusco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, at 3,399 meters (11,151 feet). Upon arrival, a representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore the vibrant city at your own pace and acclimate to the altitude. Take in the unique charm, discover its hidden gems, and enjoy the views.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Welcome dinner
Day 2: Cusco City Tour and Cooking Class
This morning, embark on a city tour of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Your guide will take you through cobblestone streets, showcasing a beautiful mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. Visit the Qoricancha temple, a sacred Inca site, followed by Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress with massive stonework. Continue to Qenqo and Tambomachay before returning to the city. Later, stroll through the bustling San Pedro market with a local chef, discovering the ingredients that define Peruvian cuisine. Then, head to the kitchen for a fun and interactive cooking class, preparing classic dishes like Lomo Saltado, Quinoa Chaufa, or Trout Ceviche, paired with a Pisco Sour.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Sacred Valley
After breakfast, your Sacred Valley exploration begins with a visit to Manos de la Comunidad, a llama and alpaca farm supporting local communities. Interact with these fascinating animals before continuing to the Pisac Market, where skilled artisans sell traditional handicrafts. Then, explore the Pisac archaeological site, rich in Inca history. After lunch in Urubamba, visit Ollantaytambo, a stunning archaeological site and “Living Inca Village,” preserving the spirit of the Inca civilization.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Option A – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, head to Ollantaytambo station to board the train that follows the scenic Urubamba River deep into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Upon arriving at Kilometer 104, disembark and cross the mighty Urubamba River to begin your trek. Your first stop will be the spiritual site of Chachabamba, a sacred location dedicated to the water deities. From there, embark on a three-hour ascent to Wiñay Huayna, an impressive archaeological site and spiritual sanctuary. After exploring Wiñay Huayna, continue to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where you will be rewarded with your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. As the day comes to a close, descend to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and prepare for your guided tour of Machu Picchu the next day.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Option B – Leisurely Morning and Train to Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast and take some time to explore your surroundings. After checking out of your hotel at 10:00 AM, you’ll take a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore this charming town at your own pace. You can visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum to learn more about the history and archaeology of Machu Picchu or take a rejuvenating dip in the town’s natural hot springs. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon soaking in the local atmosphere before settling in for the evening.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, take the bus to the majestic Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient citadel. Your guide will explain the significance of its most important sites. For those seeking more adventure, an optional hike to Huayna Picchu is available. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
You’ll start early, departing from your hotel at 4:30 AM to head southeast toward Rainbow Mountain. After breakfast in the Ccolpa community, continue to the trailhead at Quesiuno.
Begin your hike through spectacular high-altitude landscapes, passing traditional Andean villages, herds of llamas and alpacas, and diverse flora and fauna. Upon reaching the summit (5,020 meters/16,466 feet), witness the stunning display of mineral-rich colored layers that create the iconic Rainbow Mountain. After taking in the views, descend and enjoy lunch before returning to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Departure from Cusco
On your final day, a team member will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima. Reflect on the incredible experiences of your journey as you depart.
Meals Included: Breakfast
End of Services
- Private transportation, including airport pickup/drop-off
- All tours are private service
- Vistadome Train and bus tickets
- Entrance fees to all sites
- Bilingual (English & Spanish) guides
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodations (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu)
- 24/7 support
- International round-trip airfare to Lima
- Lunches or dinners (unless otherwise specified)
- Gratitudes
- Extra expenses in case of modifying the itinerary due to flight cancelation, strikes or blocking of roads and train tracks by demonstrators or political activists.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- When staying overnight in Machu Picchu, the entrance fee for the 2nd day in Machu Picchu is not included. This can be added upon request
Price per person:
With Short Inca Trail (Option A) and 6 nights in a 3-star hotel: $1,215 USD
With train to Machu Picchu (Option B) and 6 nights in a 3-star hotel: $1,115 USD
**Important Notes**:
- Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, it will cost $65 extra per night.
- A 50% deposit of the total amount is required to reserve your spot. Deposit is non-refundable, but in some cases may be transferable. Remaining balance is due upon arrival. A 6% PayPal processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions, including the deposit. To avoid the 6% charge for the remaining balance, we suggest bringing cash.
- Flights are not included in price.