5 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco — 2026
Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain — the complete 5-day introduction to Peru.
The 5 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco is the most complete Cusco regional vacation in our catalog. In five carefully sequenced days you visit the five iconic destinations every traveler comes to Peru for: Cusco’s imperial capital, the Sacred Valley with Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the Machu Picchu sanctuary, the surreal Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,100 m) — with horseback ascent for comfort at altitude — and the engineering wonders of Maras Moray and the Salineras salt mines.
Two things make this tour different from every other 5-day Cusco package.
First, we are a direct local operator in Cusco. We are not an agency, not a reseller, not an online aggregator. Bookings run through our DIRCETUR-licensed Cusco office. You pay the source price — no commissions added by middlemen who never set foot in Peru.
Second, you choose your own hotels. Most multi-day packages bundle hotels into the price and add 25–40% markup on top of the public rate. We don’t. You pick your own accommodation in Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and (if needed) Ollantaytambo according to your budget and taste — from $20 hostels to $400+ luxury — and we coordinate pickup directly from wherever you stay. Maximum transparency, maximum flexibility, zero hidden costs.
| 🗓️ Duration | 5 days |
| ⛰️ Max altitude | 5,100 m / 16,732 ft — Rainbow Mountain |
| 🐴 Rainbow Mountain | Horseback ascent (easy walking descent) |
| 🚂 Train included | Expedition class — Vistadome upgrade available |
| 🏨 Hotels | You choose — we provide recommendations free |
| 📍 Pickup Day 1 | From your Cusco hotel OR Cusco airport |
| 📍 Drop-off Day 5 | To your Cusco hotel OR Cusco airport |
| 💪 Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| 📅 Operates | Year-round |
| 👥 Group size | 1–10 travelers |
| 💲 From | $528 USD per person |
The 5 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco packs 5 days full of history and landscape – Cusco City Tour — Qoricancha (Inca Sun Temple), Cusco Cathedral – A full Sacred Valley day: the Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins, and its artisan market – Machu Picchu 2-hour guided tour on Circuit 2 — the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces – Rainbow Mountain with horseback ascent — the horse handles the demanding climb at 5. The 5 Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco, distilled into its best moments.
In five carefully sequenced days you cover what most travelers struggle to fit into 7 or 8: the imperial capital of Cusco with its Inca and colonial layers, the Sacred Valley with Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the iconic Machu Picchu sanctuary, the surreal mineral landscape of Rainbow Mountain at 5,100 m, and the engineering wonders of Maras Moray and the Salineras salt mines.
The pacing is built around natural acclimatization. Days 1 and 2 begin you gently at Cusco altitudes (3,350 m). Day 3 descends into the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (2,400 m) for natural recovery. Day 4 takes you to the highest point of the tour — Rainbow Mountain at 5,100 m — only after your body has had three nights to adapt, which is the safest sequencing for visiting that altitude. Day 5 closes with the moderate altitude of Maras (3,385 m) before your departure.
| Feature | MP Full Day | 2 Day SV + MP | 3 Day Cultural | 4 Day Express | 5 Day Tour ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day | 2 days | 3 days | 4 days | 5 days |
| Cusco City Tour | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sacred Valley | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Machu Picchu | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rainbow Mountain | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ on foot | ✅ horse on ascent |
| Maras Moray | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hotel flexibility | N/A | Limited | Limited | Limited | ✅ Full freedom |
| Best for | Time-constrained | Quick trip | Cultural depth | Adventure-fit | Most complete + comfortable |
This 5-day itinerary follows the same proven sequence as the shorter combo tours — Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley day, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and a closing visit to Maras, Moray, and the Salineras salt mines — giving travelers slightly more breathing room between each major destination.
The altitude profile rises gradually through the week: Days 1 and 2 stay at or below Cusco’s 3,400 m elevation, Day 3’s Machu Picchu visit drops to 2,400 m, and Day 4 climbs to the trip’s highest point, Rainbow Mountain at 5,100 m — by which point three full days in the region have already helped travelers adjust. Day 5’s visit to the lower-elevation Salineras and Moray offers a gentle close to the trip.
Pickup at 09:00 directly from your chosen hotel in Cusco or from Cusco airport if your flight arrives that morning. Your bilingual guide and private vehicle take you straight into the half-day Cusco City Tour:
End of tour: drop-off at your Cusco hotel. The afternoon is free for independent exploration — Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, or local restaurants. Light activity is best on Day 1 to help your body adapt to the altitude.
Day 1 quick stats
None
Moderate
A light walk
5 to 25 minutes
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Sacsayhuaman: 3,500m (11,482 ft)
Tambomachay: 3,765m (12,352 ft)
Pickup at 07:30 from your Cusco hotel. Private vehicle through the Sacred Valley:
Late afternoon: board the Expedition train at Ollantaytambo station for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Large panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and the Urubamba river canyon flowing past your window. Want the upgraded glass-domed roof? A Vistadome upgrade can be added for +$95 USD per person.
Drop-off at your chosen hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 2 quick stats
Buffet lunch
Easy
A light walks
5 to 35 minutes
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Pisac Ruins: 3,650m (11,650 ft)
Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Expedition Train → Cusco
Early breakfast at your Aguas Calientes hotel. Shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes up the switchback road to the Machu Picchu sanctuary entrance at 2,400 m. Meet your certified guide at the gate.
2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu on Circuit 2 — Machu Picchu — the iconic 2-hour guided tour on Circuit 2 (the classic panoramic experience). Your guide walks you through the agricultural terraces, the Guardian’s House viewpoint for the postcard photo, the Temple of the Sun with the parabolic curved wall and Royal Tomb, the Sacred Plaza with the Intihuatana stone, the Sacred Rock, the residential sector, and the Condor Temple with the natural rock formation shaped like a condor’s outstretched wings. Standard circuit covers all the iconic photography stops and provides the complete first-visit Machu Picchu experience:
After the guided tour, return shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes. Lunch in town (own expense — wide selection of restaurants). Afternoon: Expedition train return Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo, then private transfer Ollantaytambo → Cusco. Arrival at your Cusco hotel approximately 18:00.
Day 3 quick stats
None
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
By Day 4 you are fully acclimatized after three nights at Cusco altitude — this is the safest day in the trip to visit 5,100 m. Pre-dawn pickup at 05:00 from your Cusco hotel. Private vehicle drives south through the Andes toward the Ausangate mountain range (~3 hours), with a breakfast stop en route.
Your arriero and horse are waiting at the Llactoc trailhead, 4,650 m up. The horseback ascent climbs steadily through the high-Andean tundra, gaining altitude over approximately 50–55 minutes. Your horseman walks alongside the entire way, ensuring safety on uneven terrain.
You dismount near the top, then walk the final short stretch (15–20 minutes) to the Rainbow Mountain summit viewpoint at 5,100 m (16,732 ft) — the trail’s last section is too steep for horses. Time at the summit for photography of Vinicunca’s mineral-striped slopes and the surrounding Ausangate glacier views.
Why the descent is on foot: going downhill at high altitude is significantly easier than going up — gravity assists, oxygen demand drops, and the trail becomes gentle. Most travelers find the walking descent comfortable and enjoyable, taking around 1–1.5 hours back to the parking area. Walking poles are recommended.
Buffet lunch at the Cusipata area. Return drive to Cusco, arriving around 18:00.
Day 4 quick stats
Buffet lunch
Moderate
7km (4.3 miles)
45 minutes by horse
Llactoq: 4,900m (16,076 ft)
Llactoq: 4,900m (16,076 ft)
Rainbow Pass: 5,100m (16,732 ft)
Pickup at 09:00 from your Cusco hotel. Private vehicle northwest through the Sacred Valley plateau toward the engineering wonders the Incas left around Maras village:
End of tour: drop-off at your Cusco hotel OR directly at Cusco airport depending on your departure flight. We coordinate timing with your flight schedule so you arrive comfortably ahead of departure.
Day 5 quick stats
1B
Easy
Short walks
5 to 35 minutes
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Inca Salt Flats: 3,385m (11,105 ft)
Chinchero Ruins: 3,800m (12,467 ft)
Transport
Guides & entrances
Rainbow Mountain experience
Meals
Safety & taxes
Most multi-day tour packages bundle hotels into the price and quietly add a 25–40% markup on top of the public rate. At Kondor Path Tours, we refuse to do this. As a direct local operator, our promise is transparency: you choose your own hotel from any platform (Booking.com, Expedia, direct), pay the actual public rate, and we coordinate pickup from wherever you stay. You save money. You stay where you actually want to be. Our tour price has zero hidden hotel commissions. If you want guidance, our team provides curated hotel recommendations across every budget tier — just ask when booking.
| Upgrade | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Vistadome train upgrade | +$95 USD round-trip | Panoramic glass-domed roof, complimentary snacks, leather seats, onboard Andean entertainment on return |
| Hiram Bingham luxury train | +$600 USD | Belmond ultra-luxury train, gourmet 5-course meal, open bar, live music, VIP service |
| Huayna Picchu permit | +$95 USD | Additional Machu Picchu side mountain hike on Day 3 (subject to permit availability) |
| Machu Picchu Mountain permit | +$95 USD | Alternative Machu Picchu side peak (slightly easier, wider trail) |
| Re-entry to Machu Picchu | +$95 USD | Second entry into the citadel on Day 3 (rare but possible with timing) |
| Fully Private Service | +60-80% per person | Private guide and vehicle for all 4 tour days, customized timing, private horse team |
Send ID or ISIC photo at the moment of booking — discounts cannot be applied retroactively.
Everything you need to know about our 5 Day Premiere Machu Picchu Tour — the most comprehensive Machu Picchu vacation package in our catalog combining Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, AND Rainbow Mountain (with horseback assistance on the ascent for accessibility) at a relaxed premium pace.
The 5 Day Machu Picchu Tour is a comprehensive 5-day vacation covering the five iconic destinations of the Cusco region: Cusco City Tour (Qoricancha + 4 Inca sites), Sacred Valley (Pisac + Ollantaytambo), Machu Picchu (2-hour guided tour Circuit 2), Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca,
5,100 m — with horseback ascent and walking descent), and Maras Moray + Salineras salt mines.
The package includes private transport, certified bilingual guides, all government entrance fees, Expedition class train tickets round-trip, the Rainbow Mountain horseback service with personal horseman, and one buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley day plus box meals on Rainbow Mountain day.
Hotels are NOT included — you choose your own accommodation freely (we provide curated recommendations on request).
It’s an advantage. Most operators bundle hotels and charge 25–40% markup hidden in the package price.
As a direct local operator in Cusco, we believe in transparency: you choose the hotel that matches your budget and travel style (from $20 hostels to $400+ luxury), book it directly to get the actual public rate, and we coordinate pickup from wherever you stay.
You save money, stay where you actually want to be, and our tour price has zero hidden hotel commissions. If you want guidance, our team provides curated hotel recommendations across every budget tier — just ask when booking.
The horseback service covers the ascent only — which is the demanding part. Climbing from 4,650 m to nearly 5,000 m on foot is physically challenging because oxygen scarcity affects performance the most at altitude.
Our horse handles that climb for you with a personal horseman walking alongside for safety. The ride takes about 50–55 minutes.
The descent is on foot because going downhill at altitude is significantly easier than going up — gravity assists, oxygen demand drops, and the trail becomes gentle and comfortable.
Most travelers find the walking descent enjoyable and takes about 1–1.5 hours. Walking poles are recommended for the descent. This “horse up, walk down” pattern is standard for Andean horseback tours because it’s the safest and most comfortable combination.
Day 1: Pickup at 09:00 from your Cusco hotel or directly from Cusco airport. Cusco City Tour: Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay. Drop-off at your Cusco hotel.
Day 2: 07:30 Sacred Valley tour — Taray viewpoint, Pisac, buffet lunch, Ollantaytambo. Late afternoon Expedition train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes. Overnight Aguas Calientes (your hotel).
Day 3: Early shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, 2-hour guided tour Circuit 2, return shuttle, Expedition train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo, private transfer back to Cusco hotel.
Day 4: 05:00 pickup for Rainbow Mountain — 3-hour drive south, horseback ascent to 5,100 m summit area, walking descent, return to Cusco. Day 5: 09:00 pickup for Maras Moray + Salineras salt mines. Drop-off at your Cusco hotel OR Cusco airport for your departure.
The package includes Expedition class train tickets round-trip (PeruRail or Inca Rail depending on availability and schedule). The Expedition is the standard tourist train — comfortable, with large panoramic side windows, restrooms, and onboard service.
You can upgrade to Vistadome for +$95 USD per person round-trip.
The Vistadome adds: panoramic glass-domed roof, oversized windows, leather seats with extra legroom, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and traditional Andean entertainment on the return journey.
For ultra-luxury, the Belmond Hiram Bingham upgrade is +$600 USD with gourmet meals, open bar, and live music.
Day 1 starts at 09:00 with pickup from your hotel in Cusco OR directly from Cusco airport if your flight lands that morning. We coordinate timing with your arrival.
Day 5 ends at the location of your choice: your Cusco hotel OR directly at Cusco airport, timed to your departure flight. This pickup/drop-off flexibility is part of our direct operator service — you don’t waste time on transfers between fixed meeting points.
The structured altitude profile is one of the key advantages — especially important because Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,100 m. Day 1: Cusco City Tour (3,350–3,765 m), gentle activity, body begins adapting.
Day 2: Sacred Valley (2,800–3,000 m), Aguas Calientes overnight (2,040 m) — strategic descent for recovery. Day 3: Machu Picchu (2,400 m), return to Cusco.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m) — by Day 4 your body has had three nights to acclimatize, the safest point in the trip to visit that altitude.
Day 5: Maras Moray (3,385–3,800 m), gentle altitude before departure. Visiting Rainbow Mountain on Day 4 (not earlier) is intentional and safer than packages that schedule it on Day 1 or 2.
Excellent for families with children aged 8 and older.
Reasons: (1) The Rainbow Mountain ascent by horse eliminates the most demanding part of that day for children; (2) No demanding hikes anywhere else in the itinerary; (3) Variety of activities — markets, train rides, citadels, horseback adventure, salt mines — keeps children engaged;
(4) Built-in rest time on Day 1 evening, Day 3 afternoon, Day 5 morning; (5) You choose family-friendly hotels with pools and amenities.
Children under 8 typically struggle with the Day 4 horseback at 5,100 m — we can substitute Rainbow Mountain for a Sacred Valley extension or Palccoyo Mountain (an easier alternative at lower altitude).
Excellent for seniors in good health — one of our most senior-friendly comprehensive packages.
Reasons: (1) Rainbow Mountain ascent by horse eliminates the cardiovascular demand of trekking uphill at 5,100 m; the walking descent is gentle and gravity-assisted. (2) Day 1 starts gently with a half-day Cusco tour rather than a strenuous activity.
(3) Pickup/drop-off at your chosen hotel eliminates extra walking with luggage. Travelers over 70 or with heart/respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before any 5,100 m exposure.
We also offer this tour as part of our Senior Machu Picchu Journeys program with additional senior-specific support.
We provide curated recommendations across every budget tier on request.
Sample options:
(1 night required): El MaPi by Inkaterra (mid), Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (luxury), Tierra Viva (budget)
Request our full recommendation PDF at booking and we’ll send our top 3 picks at each budget tier.
The 5 Day Tour is rated easy to moderate. Daily activity: Day 1 Cusco City Tour: 3–4 hours walking on cobblestones and Inca sites at 3,350 m.
Day 2 Sacred Valley: 2–3 hours walking at sites and stair climbing at Ollantaytambo. Day 3 Machu Picchu: ~3 hours walking at the citadel at 2,400 m (stone steps, uneven terrain).
Day 4 Rainbow Mountain: easy with horseback ascent; walking descent of 1–1.5 hours at altitude. Day 5 Maras Moray: 1–2 hours of light walking. Travelers in basic fitness with no severe altitude sensitivity complete the package comfortably.
The tour operates year-round. Dry season (May to September): clearest skies at Rainbow Mountain (colors most vivid in direct sun), reliable weather at Machu Picchu, peak demand.
Book 2–3 months ahead for high season. Shoulder seasons (April, October): arguably the best — fewer crowds, vivid landscapes, mostly reliable weather.
Rainy season (November to March): lush green landscapes, dramatic cloud formations at Machu Picchu, occasional rain or snow at Rainbow Mountain (which may temporarily dim the colors), fewer tourists, lower hotel prices. January and February have the highest rainfall at Rainbow Mountain.
The standard 5 Day Tour operates with small groups at the guided sites (maximum 10 travelers per guide).
For travelers wanting a fully private experience — private guide, private vehicle, customized timing, and a dedicated private horse team on Rainbow Mountain — we offer the Private 5 Day Tour upgrade (approximately 60–80% more expensive per person).
The private version unlocks: choose your own departure times, flexible pacing, skip or extend activities, and dedicated guide attention. Particularly valuable for families, seniors with specific needs, multi-generational groups, honeymoons, and travelers wanting solitude.
Bring 400–700 Peruvian soles (USD 110–190) per person for the 5-day tour.
Covers: tips for the guides and drivers (suggested 10% of tour price total); tip for the Rainbow Mountain horseman (suggested S/40–60 — they walk alongside the horse for hours); shopping at Pisac and San Pedro markets; lunches and dinners not included (Day 1 dinner, Day 2 breakfast
and dinner, Day 3 lunch and dinner, Day 5 lunch onwards); drinks at restaurants; taxi rides in Cusco during free time.
Cusco has reliable ATMs; Aguas Calientes and the Rainbow Mountain trailhead have limited or no ATMs.
For high season (May to September): book 2 to 3 months in advance to secure Machu Picchu entrance tickets at preferred times. Machu Picchu has daily entrance caps (4,500–5,600 depending on season).
For peak weeks (last week of July, all of August, Christmas/New Year): book 3 to 4 months ahead. For shoulder season (April, October): 1 month is sufficient. For low season (November to March, excluding holidays): 3–4 weeks ahead works.
Cancellations 30 or more days before tour start: 80% refund (20% retained for non-refundable Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, and operational costs already locked in).
Cancellations 15–29 days before: 50% refund. Cancellations less than 14 days before: non-refundable, but rescheduling within 12 months is possible subject to availability and any rate differences.
If we cancel due to force majeure (strikes, road closures, train suspensions, weather emergencies, government closures): full refund or free reschedule. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended given non-refundable government tickets.
By Peruvian law, only registered local operators in Cusco can operate Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tours. Kondor Path Tours is directly licensed by DIRCETUR in Cusco.
Booking with us means: (1) Source price — no commissions added by international agencies, online aggregators, or resellers (most third-party sites mark up 25–40%); (2) Direct support — you communicate directly with our office in Cusco, not a call center; (3) Operational control — we own
the logistics, our guides are our employees, our horsemen on Rainbow Mountain are our long-term partners; (4) Flexibility — free hotel choice, pickup/drop-off flexibility, last-minute itinerary adjustments.
TripAdvisor verified reviews: read them here.
| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 1 455.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 961.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 794.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 697.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 650.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 609.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 580.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 558.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 541.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 528.00 USD |
Machu Picchu Itinerary 5 Days
5 Day Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu Itinerary 5 Days
