9 Day Best of Cusco & Machu Picchu Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Upon your arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, a representative from Peruvian Culture Tours will warmly welcome you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time and after settling in, we recommend taking the opportunity to explore the charming historic center of Cusco at a relaxed pace while acclimatizing to the altitude. For lunch, we suggest choosing light and nourishing meals—such as traditional soups and fresh local specialties—to help you adjust comfortably.

Cusco offers an excellent culinary scene, and we are pleased to recommend some of our favorite restaurants:

• Pachapapa
• Ofrenda Peruvian Restaurant
• Kintaro Nikkei Japanese Restaurant
• A Mi Manera
• Kusykay Peruvian Craft Food
• Yaku Restaurant
• Organika
• HapyA Restaurant
• Morena Peruvian Kitchen
• Chkruna Native Burgers
• Green Point
• Inti Llaqta Peruvian Fusion
• Uqllay Traditional Peruvian Cuisine
• Local Restaurante
• Rácula Cusco
• Chulls Peruvian Cuisine & Craft Beer
• Mistura Grill
• Nuna Raymi
• Cicciolina
• Jill’s Restaurant Cusco
• Kion Peruvian Chinese Cuisine

Our team will be happy to provide recommendations based on your preferences and assist with reservations if needed. We encourage you to spend the rest of the day relaxing, staying well hydrated, and enjoying the unique atmosphere of the ancient Inca capital before beginning your unforgettable journey through Peru.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 7:30 a.m. in our comfortable tourist transportation. We will travel for approximately 40 minutes to the scenic viewpoint of Taray, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic mountains, traditional villages, and fertile agricultural terraces.

From Taray, we continue to the impressive Pisac Archaeological Site, one of the most important Inca complexes in the region. Here, you will explore ancient terraces, ceremonial structures, and learn about the history and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization.

Next, we travel to the famous Maras Salt Mines, a unique cultural and historical site where hundreds of salt pools have been cultivated since pre-Inca times. You will discover how local Quechua families continue to preserve this ancestral tradition, maintaining a way of life passed down through generations.

After visiting Maras, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you can savor local flavors and take in the beautiful Andean scenery.

In the afternoon, we continue to Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, an extraordinary Inca town and ceremonial center that played a significant role in Inca religion, architecture, and military history. As you explore its impressive terraces and temples, your guide will share fascinating insights into the spiritual and cultural importance of this remarkable site.

At the end of the tour, we will transfer you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you can relax and prepare for your next great adventure: the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 3: Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

Day 4: Machu Picchu tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Your day begins with breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, located at approximately 2,040 meters (6,693 ft) above sea level. After breakfast, you will take a scenic 35-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, situated at around 2,430 meters (7,972 ft) above sea level, while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

Together with your professional English-speaking guide, you will explore the impressive Inca citadel on a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour. Discover its remarkable architecture, sacred temples, agricultural terraces, and advanced engineering systems while learning about the history and significance of Machu Picchu.

After the guided visit, return to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch at one of the town’s recommended local restaurants, including Full House Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine, Chullos Restaurant, Ponchos Peruvian Kitchen, Green House, or Misky Restaurant.

After completing your guided visit to Machu Picchu and enjoying some free time in Aguas Calientes, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, traveling through the spectacular landscapes of the Andes and the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Train Station, our representative will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you in a comfortable private vehicle back to Cusco. The drive takes approximately 2 hours. Once in Cusco, we will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Machu Picchu adventure with Peruvian Culture Tours.

Day 5: Hike to Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins early with a 5:00 am hotel pick-up and a scenic drive to Mollepata (2.5 hours), where you’ll enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast. We then continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek.

Embark on a 2-hour hike to the spectacular Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m), surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pure mountain air. At the lagoon, explore its turquoise waters as your guide shares the legends of this sacred site. Afterward, descend to Soraypampa for a fresh, organic lunch with magnificent views of the Salkantay Glacier.

In the afternoon, relax and take in the scenery before enjoying tea time with panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain. End your day with a warm, nourishing dinner and a peaceful night under the stars in the heart of the Andes.

Overnight: Andean Cabins

Day 6: Hike to Salkantay Pass

At 6: am, awaken to spectacular mountain views and enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for your most adventurous day. Before setting out, we’ll provide coca tea and fresh fruit snacks to keep you energized along the trail.

We begin our ascent toward the Salkantay Pass (4,620 m / 15,157 ft), the highest point of the route. This invigorating 3-hour hike leads us through remarkable sections of the Trail of the Seven Snakes, Soyrococha, and the challenging “Gringo Killer” trail. Along the way, you may spot llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, and even the Salkantay condor, all surrounded by majestic Andean landscapes.

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, take time to rest and admire the awe-inspiring Apu Salkantay, the sacred snow-capped mountain revered by local communities. After enjoying the breathtaking views and capturing memorable photos, we begin our 2-hour descent back to Soraypampa.

Here, you’ll savor a freshly prepared Andean lunch, then we take a 38-minute walk to the bus station, where our transport awaits. Sit back and relax on the 3-hour journey back to Cusco, bringing to a close an unforgettable 2-day adventure to Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Pass.

Day 7: Sacsayhuaman & the Inca Museum

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before beginning a fascinating day of exploration in the historic capital of the Inca Empire. At 9:00 a.m., your professional guide and private comfortable transportation will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco.

Our first stop is the impressive Sacsayhuamán, one of the most important Inca ceremonial and architectural sites. Here, you will have plenty of time to explore at your own pace while learning about the history, engineering, and spiritual significance of this remarkable monument.

After visiting Sacsayhuamán, we return to the city to explore the renowned Inka Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts from the Inca civilization, including well-preserved mummies, ceremonial objects, and archaeological treasures. Your official guide will provide insightful explanations that bring the history of the Andes to life.

Once the guided visits are complete, you will have free time to stroll through the charming streets of Cusco, visit local markets, admire colonial architecture, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Plaza de Armas.

For lunch, we recommend experiencing the rich flavors of Peruvian cuisine at one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants, including:

Ofrenda Peruvian Restaurant

La Morena

Chicha por Gastón Acurio

Pachapapa

Cusqueñísima Picantería

Organika

Kusykay Peruvian Craft Food

Casa Cusqueña

Uqllay Traditional Peruvian Cuisine

A Mi Manera

Haya Restaurant

Limo Peruano Nikkei

Yaku Restaurant

Kintaro Nikkei Japanese Restaurant

Day 8: Hike to Rainbow Mountain with Red Valley

Today, immerse yourself in one of Peru’s most iconic high-altitude adventures as you explore the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and the magnificent Red Valley, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Andes.

Your adventure begins at 4:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, located at approximately 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level. Together with your professional guide, you will travel for about 3 hours through beautiful Andean landscapes to the trailhead. A boxed breakfast will be provided before departure.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 2 hours uphill, reaching an elevation of 5,050 meters (16,568 ft). Along the trail, your guide will offer continuous support and carry oxygen to ensure your comfort and safety at high altitude. At the summit, you will take in sweeping panoramic views while learning about the mountain’s unique mineral formations and cultural importance in Andean tradition.

Afterward, you will continue to the stunning Red Valley, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and views of the majestic Ausangate glaciers. Following the visit, you will hike downhill for approximately 1 hour before continuing to Cusipata to enjoy a delicious local lunch.

In the afternoon, we return to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes.

Day 9: Departure for the airport Cusco

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at your hotel, our team will transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport approximately 3 hours before your flight departure to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

From Cusco, you will board your flight to Lima, where you will have enough time to connect with your international flight home.

This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Peru, filled with incredible landscapes, ancient history, rich culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.