Peru: Cusco, Hidden Gems & Machu Picchu

We start the day exploring the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, then head into the heart of Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll stroll through the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings with wooden balconies, and descend into the famous and intriguing catacombs of the Monastery of San Francisco. Free afternoon to enjoy local haute cuisine, such as a delicious ceviche.

We’ll arrange your private transfer to Lima Airport for your flight. Upon landing in Cusco, we’ll meet you and take you to your hotel. You’ll have the day free to rest, acclimatize, and walk at your own pace through this ancient imperial capital. (Optional: Guided city tour visiting Sacsayhuamán and the Cathedral).

We leave Cusco to head down to the beautiful Sacred Valley, which is ideal for acclimatization. We’ll visit the colorful traditional market in Pisac and explore its impressive archaeological ruins. Then, we’ll head to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, a stunning example of Inca engineering. In the afternoon, we’ll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes, enjoying a memorable journey through canyons and hills.

To avoid crowds and catch the best light, we’ll rise early and take the bus to the citadel. You’ll enjoy a leisurely guided tour of the most spectacular sites, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza, ensuring you get those iconic photos you’re looking for. Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Poroy Station, where a private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in Cusco.

We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a.m., as we need time to reach the trailhead and then complete the hike. This transfer, as part of your day trip from Cusco, takes approximately three hours and passes through stunning Andean landscapes in the Southern Valley. We’ll stop for breakfast along the way and then continue to the trailhead in the village of Cusipata, at about 3,310 m (10,859 ft) above sea level.

From here, we’ll begin our hike, first following a beautiful stream and observing herds of alpacas and llamas grazing on the hillsides. We’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the sacred Ausangate Mountain. As we proceed, we’ll pass through charming villages where ancient Andean traditions remain very much alive.
 
As we approach our destination, we’ll start to see many alpacas and llamas, and after a hike of about 2 hours, we’ll finally reach our destination: Vinicunca, the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. Here, at a literally breathtaking altitude of 5,100 m (16,732 ft) above sea level, we’ll begin exploring the area, which is actually a series of colorful mountains, not just one. We’ll hike to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, where we’ll spend about 30 minutes, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos.

Once we’ve had time to enjoy the magnificent views, we’ll begin the hike back down, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. Our private transport will be waiting for us to take us to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Afterward, we’ll return to Cusco, a journey that will take approximately three hours. We should arrive in Cusco at 4:00 PM, at which point we’ll drop you off at your hotel, with the memory of the fascinating Rainbow Mountain still fresh in your minds.

• Total distance covered on foot: 7 km (approx. 3–4 hours)
• Highest elevation: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
• Lowest elevation: 3,310 m (10,860 ft)

At the scheduled time, our team will pick you up at your hotel and provide you with a comfortable and punctual transfer to the Cusco airport. We conclude our services by ensuring that you return home with the best possible experience.