Experience the best of Cusco in 5 Days an unforgettable adventure. Explore the ancient capital of the Incas, discover the Sacred Valley, hike the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and finish with the colorful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain.
This carefully designed Cusco Tour 5-day package combines culture, history, nature, and adventure—ideal for travelers who want to experience Cusco’s most iconic destinations in a short time
Cusco Tour 5-Days Package Overview:
Welcome to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will join our Cusco City Tour, visiting the most important places around the city:
After the tour, return to Cusco and rest at your hotel.
After breakfast, at approximately 07:00 hrs, from your Hotel in Cusco. we travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, you will visit traditional villages, archaeological sites, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Places visited include:
In the afternoon, you will check in at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, a charming living Inca town.
Our private van will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. We will travel for an hour and a half on a scenic train before arriving at the beginning of Km 104, the trailhead (Chachabamba ruins).
In route, you will understand why the Incas called this place “the Sacred Valley”. Snow-capped mountains tower above green fields. We will continue to descend into the high jungle or cloud forest and see the Urubamba River flowing through this picturesque landscape. At the trailhead, Km 104, we will be near the registration point and the beginning of the Short Inca Trail. Our first archaeological complex will be the site of Chachabamba (2050 m), which is a masterfully built construction in an awe-inspiring location.
A 3-hour hike uphill will take us to the magnificent archaeological center called Wiñay Wayna (2650m). This will be our lunch spot for the day. Our journey continues through the semi-tropical forest for 2 hours until we reach Intipunku, the mystical Sun Gate, which will offer us our first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu site! You will see how beautifully the Incas placed this citadel between the mountain peaks, the green Sacred Valley, and the beautiful Urubamba River. Another 30 minutes of walking will take us to the citadel, where we will have the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the sunset. Then, a bus will take us to Aguas Calientes (2030m), where we will spend the night.
After a warm breakfast at the hotel, we will take an early bus to Machu Picchu; we will climb for an hour and a half until we reach the mountain of Machu Picchu to have a panoramic view of the whole Inca Citadel. Then you will have a 2 to 3-hour tour to learn all about the past of this sacred city and the opportunity to explore and admire the ingenuity of the Incas. Afterward, we will head back to Aguas Calientes by bus and to Cusco by train.
Note: If you wish to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must inform Tunqui Expeditions before traveling to Peru to book in advance as the tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain tend to run out fairly quickly, especially during the high season. We recommended staying in the Sacred Valley one day before starting the Inca Trail. The visit to these sites is subject to limited capacity and must be booked in advance.
Your day´s trek will begin with an early-morning pick from your accommodation in Cusco at 04.00 hrs. From here, it will be a 3.5 car drive in our private van passing through traditional villages to the trail head.
At the trail head, we will stop and enjoy a hearty breakfast, prepared by our trekking chef. Then, begin the scenic hike through remote Andean landscapes, surrounded by alpacas, llamas, snow-capped peaks, and local communities.
Reach the famous Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft and enjoy free time for photos. You may also visit the Red Valley viewpoint with private guide at Tunqui Expeditions.
After lunch, return to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify what is included and not included in every itinerary listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but we kindly ask that you pay close attention to the details so you don’t miss anything.
Some elements may vary depending on the program, so please read carefully before booking.
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Tunqui Expeditions deposit while you trek. We will grab from you the morning of your trek and return once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm winter-weight jacket.
When traveling to high-altitude destinations like Cusco, giving your body time to acclimate is essential to preventing altitude sickness, so plan to spend at least two days resting and taking things slow before any heavy trekking. Mild symptoms—such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness—are common, but you can minimize their impact by staying well-hydrated, drinking traditional coca tea to boost blood oxygen levels, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and sleeping pills. Pacing yourself is crucial regardless of your fitness level, and while preventative medications like acetazolamide can be prescribed beforehand, you should immediately inform your guide or seek medical help if your symptoms become severe.
Every Tunqui Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February – every single Tunqui guide attends. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts/scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They know how to make you feel better.
In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure out the safest and quickest way off the course and to a clinic. You will never be left alone, you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.
To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. In fact, we work with a great agency in the United States that has helped to make it easy and affordable. This is a great way to protect yourself while visiting Peru.
Tunqui Expeditions uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups, as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.
Tunqui Expeditions is really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs their families were missing. We have supported local schools by giving them computers and books. We currently sponsor a teacher at the village most of our porters come from to ensure their children are offered the best education.
We buy all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team: guides, porters, chefs and drivers. And we are building a house for our porters to give them a safe and comfortable place to stay before and after our treks so they no longer need to sleep on the floor of a friend.
And twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. This is our favorite trip to do as the guys who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. Showing them this place is our biggest honor.
We are always looking to do more for our partners. Please let us know of your ideas and we will work to help.
All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
Each Tunqui Expeditions porter is given a proper uniform, salary and insurance. They are the backbone of our company.
Here’s a complete list of what to bring for your 5-day tours adventure. Keep in mind that weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for both sun and rain, cold and heat. More Info: Ultimate Inca Trail Packing List
Note: PayPal charges a 5.5% transaction fee that clients are asked to cover, as it is related to the use of their secure payment service. This fee only applies to online deposits—the remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or PEN) in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your adventure in Peru with any of these tour extensions:
You can rent or add extra items to your trip for more comfort:
Personalize your experience with the following add-ons:
Once your booking is confirmed, the price is 100% guaranteed.
No changes or increases will apply, regardless of circumstances.
Before booking, we recommend reading all the important tour information to be fully informed.
Welcome to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will join our Cusco City Tour, visiting the most important places around the city:
After the tour, return to Cusco and rest at your hotel.
After breakfast, at approximately 07:00 hrs, from your Hotel in Cusco. we travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, you will visit traditional villages, archaeological sites, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Places visited include:
In the afternoon, you will check in at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, a charming living Inca town.
Our private van will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. We will travel for an hour and a half on a scenic train before arriving at the beginning of Km 104, the trailhead (Chachabamba ruins).
In route, you will understand why the Incas called this place “the Sacred Valley”. Snow-capped mountains tower above green fields. We will continue to descend into the high jungle or cloud forest and see the Urubamba River flowing through this picturesque landscape. At the trailhead, Km 104, we will be near the registration point and the beginning of the Short Inca Trail. Our first archaeological complex will be the site of Chachabamba (2050 m), which is a masterfully built construction in an awe-inspiring location.
A 3-hour hike uphill will take us to the magnificent archaeological center called Wiñay Wayna (2650m). This will be our lunch spot for the day. Our journey continues through the semi-tropical forest for 2 hours until we reach Intipunku, the mystical Sun Gate, which will offer us our first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu site! You will see how beautifully the Incas placed this citadel between the mountain peaks, the green Sacred Valley, and the beautiful Urubamba River. Another 30 minutes of walking will take us to the citadel, where we will have the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the sunset. Then, a bus will take us to Aguas Calientes (2030m), where we will spend the night.
After a warm breakfast at the hotel, we will take an early bus to Machu Picchu; we will climb for an hour and a half until we reach the mountain of Machu Picchu to have a panoramic view of the whole Inca Citadel. Then you will have a 2 to 3-hour tour to learn all about the past of this sacred city and the opportunity to explore and admire the ingenuity of the Incas. Afterward, we will head back to Aguas Calientes by bus and to Cusco by train.
Note: If you wish to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, you must inform Tunqui Expeditions before traveling to Peru to book in advance as the tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain tend to run out fairly quickly, especially during the high season. We recommended staying in the Sacred Valley one day before starting the Inca Trail. The visit to these sites is subject to limited capacity and must be booked in advance.
Your day´s trek will begin with an early-morning pick from your accommodation in Cusco at 04.00 hrs. From here, it will be a 3.5 car drive in our private van passing through traditional villages to the trail head.
At the trail head, we will stop and enjoy a hearty breakfast, prepared by our trekking chef. Then, begin the scenic hike through remote Andean landscapes, surrounded by alpacas, llamas, snow-capped peaks, and local communities.
Reach the famous Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft and enjoy free time for photos. You may also visit the Red Valley viewpoint with private guide at Tunqui Expeditions.
After lunch, return to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly specify what is included and not included in every itinerary listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but we kindly ask that you pay close attention to the details so you don’t miss anything.
Some elements may vary depending on the program, so please read carefully before booking.
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Tunqui Expeditions deposit while you trek. We will grab from you the morning of your trek and return once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm winter-weight jacket.
When traveling to high-altitude destinations like Cusco, giving your body time to acclimate is essential to preventing altitude sickness, so plan to spend at least two days resting and taking things slow before any heavy trekking. Mild symptoms—such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness—are common, but you can minimize their impact by staying well-hydrated, drinking traditional coca tea to boost blood oxygen levels, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and sleeping pills. Pacing yourself is crucial regardless of your fitness level, and while preventative medications like acetazolamide can be prescribed beforehand, you should immediately inform your guide or seek medical help if your symptoms become severe.
Every Tunqui Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February – every single Tunqui guide attends. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts/scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They know how to make you feel better.
In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure out the safest and quickest way off the course and to a clinic. You will never be left alone, you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.
To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. In fact, we work with a great agency in the United States that has helped to make it easy and affordable. This is a great way to protect yourself while visiting Peru.
Tunqui Expeditions uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups, as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.
Tunqui Expeditions is really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs their families were missing. We have supported local schools by giving them computers and books. We currently sponsor a teacher at the village most of our porters come from to ensure their children are offered the best education.
We buy all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team: guides, porters, chefs and drivers. And we are building a house for our porters to give them a safe and comfortable place to stay before and after our treks so they no longer need to sleep on the floor of a friend.
And twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. This is our favorite trip to do as the guys who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. Showing them this place is our biggest honor.
We are always looking to do more for our partners. Please let us know of your ideas and we will work to help.
All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
Each Tunqui Expeditions porter is given a proper uniform, salary and insurance. They are the backbone of our company.
Here’s a complete list of what to bring for your 5-day tours adventure. Keep in mind that weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for both sun and rain, cold and heat. More Info: Ultimate Inca Trail Packing List
Note: PayPal charges a 5.5% transaction fee that clients are asked to cover, as it is related to the use of their secure payment service. This fee only applies to online deposits—the remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or PEN) in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your adventure in Peru with any of these tour extensions:
You can rent or add extra items to your trip for more comfort:
Personalize your experience with the following add-ons:
Once your booking is confirmed, the price is 100% guaranteed.
No changes or increases will apply, regardless of circumstances.
Before booking, we recommend reading all the important tour information to be fully informed.
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