Day 1: Arrival in Cusco, Hotel Transfer, and Afternoon City Tour

Qorikancha - At 1 p.m., the tour will commence from the hotel lobby. The first stop is Cusco’s Plaza de Armas to visit the renowned cathedral. The journey continues on foot along an ancient Inca street to Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. Here, visitors can observe the contrasting architectural styles of the Incas and Catholicism. This temple was the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire, connecting all four quarters.

From Q’oricancha, the group will walk down Avenida El Sol to board a bus for a 20-minute ride outside the city to the impressive Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, known for its mysterious 200-ton monoliths. The guide will provide insights, followed by time for personal exploration.

Sacsayhuaman - At Sacsayhuaman, the guide will share information about the site, and then there will be time for individual exploration.

A short five-minute bus ride will take the group to the Q’enqo Inca site to view its intriguing altars. Another brief drive leads to Puca Pucara, a small circular Inca site. The final destination is Tambomachay, a water temple with remarkable fountains, believed to have been used for Inca bathing. The tour concludes in Cusco’s main square, or for private tours, guests will be returned to their hotel.

Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes

Pisac - At 8:20 a.m., guests will be picked up from their hotel, or earlier if arranged. The journey begins on a tourist bus over the mountains, descending 1500 feet to the valley floor of the sacred Urubamba River and the village of Pisac. Here, visitors can explore a traditional market and purchase local souvenirs. The tour then ascends to the extensive ruins of Pisac, offering breathtaking valley views. Those preferring more time at the market can inform the guide to arrange a meeting point for pickup.

Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo - The tour continues to Urubamba for a buffet lunch. A 30-minute drive follows to Ollantaytambo, surrounded by sacred mountains, where the grandeur of Incan architecture and the beauty of locals in traditional attire can be appreciated. Guests will then be escorted to the train station.

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Aguas Calientes - After breakfast, the guide will escort guests to the bus station for a short ride to Machu Picchu’s main entrance. Here, a professional guide from South American Exclusive Tours Peru will provide a comprehensive tour of this New Seven Wonders of the World site, sharing insights into its history and traditions. After the guided tour, there will be free time to explore Machu Picchu independently. Following the visit, guests will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and have additional time for souvenir shopping before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Staff will be waiting to transfer guests back to their Cusco hotel, concluding the Machu Picchu tour.

Day 4: Exclusive Private Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour

Vinicunca Mountain - Known as the Rainbow Mountain of Peru, Vinicunca is part of the stunning Ausangate Trek. Ausangate is revered as a holy mountain by local Peruvians and is the deity of Cusco. Worship and offerings have been made here since pre-Inca times, a tradition that continues today. Previously, seeing the Rainbow Mountains required a six-day trek, but this new itinerary allows for a day trip.

The trek offers views of charming villages, adobe houses, and herds of llamas and alpacas, with magnificent vistas of the Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region.

PROGRAM ITINERARY:

• Pickup from Cusco hotel between 4:00 a.m. and 4:15 a.m.
• 3-hour drive to Quesiuno at 4,320 masl (trek start).
• Breakfast upon arrival at Quesiuno.
• Hike from 4,200 m to 5,100 masl to Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado, Montaña de Colores, or “Vinicunca”) led by an expert guide. Witness the natural mineral formations that color the mountain, along with views of red and colorful mountains, streams, and herds of alpacas and llamas, and the south side of the Ausangate range. The trek passes through traditional Andean villages with locals in colorful attire.
• After a 2-hour hike, reach the viewpoint for impressive views of Rainbow Mountains at 5,100 masl. Time to explore, rest, and enjoy a packed lunch. Ample time for photos and soaking in the environment (30-45 minutes at the top). The return hike downhill takes 1.5 hours.
• A private van will be waiting for the return trip. 3-hour drive back to Cusco, with hotel drop-off. Estimated arrival between 3 and 4 p.m.

Day 5: Transfer to Cusco’s Airport

Cusco - Guests will be transported to Cusco airport for their return flight to Lima.

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Hotels in CUSCO and Aguas Calientes Machupicchu

• Fees to Qoricancha, Saqsayhuaman, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain

Take pleasure in the magnificent mystical journey with South American Exclusive Tours Perú as you explore the Colonial Inca City of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the striking Machu Picchu Sanctuary and a full day tour of the Rainbow Mountain. Allow the fusion of Spanish and Inca architecture in Cusco and its nearby archeological sites, which appear to mimic the shape of a Puma, to captivate you. Traverse the tranquil Sacred Valley, taking in the captivating mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes while savoring the cool clean air. Ultimately, marvel at the enigmatic Machu Picchu - the crowning glory of the journey. Be entranced by the unparalleled stonework, temples, and serene panoramic views that whisper tales lost to time.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.