7 – Day Budget Trip To Machupicchu

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Free Day

Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, a representative from Peruvian Culture Tours will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel in the historic Inca city of Cusco.

Located at an official altitude of approximately 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, Cusco is the perfect starting point for your Andean adventure. The first day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, allowing your body time to adjust to the altitude before exploring higher elevations.

After checking in and settling into your hotel, enjoy some free time to have lunch and relax. We recommend exploring Cusco gradually at your own pace, taking in the city’s unique blend of Inca heritage and colonial architecture.

You may wish to visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets,and discover the famous,calle siete burriguitos in cusco,Twelve-Angled Stone, an impressive example of the Incas’ extraordinary stonework.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon discovering the city’s atmosphere, local culture, and traditional surroundings.

Recommendation: Take it easy, drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid strenuous activities on your first day to help your body acclimatize comfortably to the altitude.

lunch not included

Day 2: Explore Sacred Valley Tour

We will start with the pick up from the hotel around 7:00 am with our official tour guide and transportation. Then we will visit the archaeological center of Chinchero to learn about the history and culture.

Continuing with the tour, we will visit the archaeological center of Moray, an ancient Inca laboratory. Then we will descend to the salt mines of Maras, which is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where salt is cultivated, and at noon we will enjoy a buffet lunch of Peruvian cuisine. To finish our tour, we will visit the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo, the last bastion of the Incan, and then we will go to the train station. Then we go by train to Machupicchu town to overnight.

lunch included in the sacred valley

Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu Circuit 2 – Back to Cusco

Our official tour guide will meet you at your hotel reception and accompany you to the bus station in Aguas Calientes. From there, you will enjoy an approximately 35-minute bus ride through the lush Andean landscape to the entrance of the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel.

Upon arrival, you must present your original passport and Machu Picchu entrance ticket before entering the archaeological sanctuary.

Once inside, your professional, English-speaking tour guide will lead you on an approximately 2-hour guided tour of this extraordinary Inca masterpiece. You will explore its remarkable stone architecture, sacred spaces, and fascinating archaeological sectors while learning about the history, culture, engineering, and spiritual traditions of the Inca civilization. Along the way, you will also visit scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its spectacular mountain surroundings.

After completing your guided visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants and relax before your return journey.

Please make sure to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for boarding.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station, our staff will be waiting to welcome you and provide comfortable transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.

Enjoy an unforgettable day discovering the magic, history, and grandeur of Machu Picchu!

Lunch not included in aguas calientes Machupicchu town

Day 4: Cusco City Tour

Have a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your unforgettable half-day adventure begins at 8:30 AM, with a convenient pick-up from your hotel by our professional tour guide and comfortable tourist transportation.

Discover the fascinating history, ancient traditions, and living culture of Cusco, the former capital of the mighty Inca Empire. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you will explore some of the city’s most important historical landmarks and impressive archaeological sites.

Your tour begins with a visit to Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), one of the most sacred religious centers of the Inca civilization, renowned for its remarkable stonework and its historical significance during the Inca Empire.

Next, travel to the impressive archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán, a magnificent Inca fortress famous for its enormous stone blocks, precisely fitted together without mortar. Continue to Qenqo, an important ceremonial site where you will learn about Inca religious practices, rituals, and spiritual beliefs.

Your journey then takes you to Puca Pucara, an archaeological complex believed to have served as a military and administrative checkpoint, offering insight into the strategic organization of the Inca Empire. Finally, visit Tambomachay, often known as the Temple of Water, celebrated for its elegant stone channels, fountains, and sophisticated hydraulic engineering.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories about Inca architecture, astronomy, religious traditions, and the extraordinary achievements of this ancient civilization.

The tour concludes at approximately 1:00 PM, with a transfer back to your hotel or drop-off in Cusco’s historic center.

lunch not included

Day 5: Hike to Rainbow Mountain

Today, you will experience one of the most unforgettable adventures in the Peruvian Andes, Rainbow Mountain. Your adventure begins at 4:00 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 2 hours 35 minutes to cusipata town once we arrive to cusipata we will have a basec breakfast to enjoy then to continue driving for 2 hour to starting point of our hike The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 2 hours hiking 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, surrounded by spectacular landscapes and views of the majestic Ausangate glaciers. Following the visit, you will hike downhill for approximately 1 hour 35 minutes 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.

Breakfast, lunch included

Day 6: Hike to Humantay Lake Near Cusco

Your adventure to Humantay Lake begins at 4:00 a.m. with hotel pickup and a boxed breakfast provided by your hotel. You will travel in comfortable transportation with an official professional guide.

The journey starts with a 2-hour drive from Cusco to Mollepata We will have a delicious basec breakfast included, followed by an additional 1-hour drive to the trek starting point.

The hike takes approximately 3 hours, gradually ascending through stunning Andean scenery until reaching 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). At the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the turquoise Humantay Lake and the surrounding Salkantay Mountain range. Your guide will share fascinating cultural insights and help you reach the best viewpoints for memorable photos.

After enjoying the lake, you will descend back to the starting point (about 2 hours) and continue by van for 1 hour to Mollepata for a delicious lunch. Finally, you will return to Cusco in approximately 2–3 hours aboard comfortable transportation.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 7 : Departure from Cusco

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.