CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU 7D/6N
Duration:
7D/6N
Difficulty:
Moderate
Group Size:
Up to 10 people
Departures:
Daily
Type Service:
Group / Private
Max Altitude:
16,522 ft
Discover the highlights of Cusco on this 7-day journey through the Andes. Explore the region’s rich history and culture, visit the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, and experience breathtaking landscapes from the Sacred Valley to the high-altitude Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. This carefully designed itinerary combines history, culture, nature, and adventure for an unforgettable experience in Peru.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CUSCO & TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL
Upon your arrival in Cusco, Peru, we will be waiting for you at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, holding a sign with your full name. We will provide private transportation to your hotel to ensure a comfortable and safe transfer. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Hotel check-in in Cusco is available from 11:00 a.m. Cusco is located at 3,400 m / 11,155 ft.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Cusco at your own pace. Within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, you can visit iconic sites such as San Pedro Market, San Blas Market, the 12-Angle Stone, 7 Borreguitos Street, the Sapantiana Aqueduct, and the San Cristóbal Viewpoint. You can explore these places on foot, without needing transportation or paying entrance fees, and enjoy the city at your leisure.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Difficulty: Easy.
Meals: Not included.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY VIP – AGUAS CALIENTES BY TRAIN
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:20 a.m. to begin our Sacred Valley tour. Our first stop will be Chinchero, located at 3,750 m / 12,303 ft, where we will explore its archaeological site and learn about Andean textile traditions, from spinning and dyeing alpaca, llama, and sheep wool to weaving.
We will then continue to Moray, located at 3,480 m / 11,417 ft, famous for its circular Inca terraces, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation and known for their distinct microclimates. Next, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines, located at 3,200 m / 10,499 ft, where we will admire thousands of natural salt pools fed by an underground spring. Afterward, we will head to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit Ollantaytambo, located at 2,860 m / 9,383 ft, where we will explore impressive Inca structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the Enclosure of the Ten Niches, and the Ñusta’s Baths, among other highlights.
Finally, we will head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board the Expedition or Voyager train to Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Departures are scheduled from 3:00 p.m. onward. The exact train departure time will depend on availability when you book your trip with us. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, located at 2,040 m / 6,693 ft, our guide will be waiting for you at the train station to accompany you to your hotel, where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
***Breakfast is included at your hotel. You should have breakfast at the hotel before leaving for the tour. A buffet lunch is included during the tour.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU TOUR – RETURN TO CUSCO
Today, you will visit the incredible citadel of Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, located at 2,430 m / 7,972 ft, allowing you to enjoy the citadel during the early morning hours. Once in Machu Picchu, you will enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour, during which you will explore the main sectors of the citadel and learn about its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
After your visit, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also explore the town, go shopping, visit the museum, or relax in the hot springs.
In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo. Departures are scheduled from 2:00 p.m. onward, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. The exact train departure time will depend on availability when you book your trip with us.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting for you to transfer you by vehicle to your hotel in Cusco, a journey of approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Difficulty: Easy.
Meal included: Breakfast at your hotel.
DAY 4: HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR
At 4:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin our journey toward Humantay Lake. We will travel for approximately 2 hours to Mollepata, located at 2,900 m / 9,514 ft, where you will have a stop for breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue for approximately 1 hour to Soraypampa, located at 3,900 m / 12,795 ft, where the hike to Humantay Lake begins. The hike to Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft, takes approximately 3 hours in total, including both the ascent and descent, depending on your pace. The trail is not technically difficult, but the steep ascent and high altitude can make the hike physically demanding, especially during the uphill section. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive Andean landscapes surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers.
If you prefer to do part of the ascent on horseback, you can rent a horse. From Soraypampa, you will walk approximately 10 minutes to the horse-rental point. The cost is S/ 90 per person, per way, paid directly to the local community in cash and Peruvian soles. The horse will take you close to the lake, but you will need to walk approximately 10 minutes for the final section. After enjoying the lake, you will return to Soraypampa, where our transportation will be waiting. We will continue to Mollepata for lunch before beginning the journey back to Cusco.
After lunch, we will continue our journey back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at Plaza Regocijo, located next to the Plaza de Armas, at approximately 5:00 p.m., marking the end of the tour.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
***As you will leave the hotel very early, before the regular breakfast hours, we will request a breakfast box from the hotel for you to take with you, which will be provided before your departure. In addition, a semi-buffet breakfast and a buffet lunch are included during the tour.
DAY 5: CUSCO CITY TOUR HALF-DAY
At 10:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin a cultural experience through the city. Then, we will take a short drive to visit four important archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, beginning with Sacsayhuamán, located at 3,700 m / 12,139 ft, an impressive Inca complex known for its enormous stone walls and remarkable architecture.
We will then continue to Qenqo, situated at 3,580 m / 11,745 ft, an important Inca ceremonial site characterized by its carved limestone formations and structures associated with ritual practices.
Next, we will visit Puca Pucará, located at 3,770 m / 12,369 ft, an Inca construction strategically positioned to oversee the surrounding area and believed to have served functions related to control and surveillance.
Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, situated at 3,700 m / 12,139 ft, a site associated with the worship of water and known for its canals, fountains, and impressive Inca hydraulic structures.
The tour will end at approximately 2:00 p.m. with a return to the historic center of Cusco, where you will be dropped off at Plaza Regocijo, located next to the Plaza de Armas. For your convenience, you can choose between two schedules: the morning schedule runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while the afternoon schedule runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
DAY 6: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:10 a.m. and begin our journey to Rainbow Mountain. The drive to Cusipata, located at 3,310 m / 10,860 ft, takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, we will enjoy breakfast.
After breakfast, we will continue for approximately 1 hour to the starting point of the hike, located at 4,600 m / 15,100 ft. From there, we will hike to Rainbow Mountain, located at 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. The hike takes approximately 3 hours in total, including both the ascent and descent, depending on your pace.
If you prefer to ride a horse up to Rainbow Mountain, you can rent one directly at the starting point for S/ 80 per person, per way. This means S/ 80 for the way there and another S/ 80 for the return. Payment is made directly to the local community, in Peruvian soles and cash only. Please note that the horse does not reach Rainbow Mountain. It leaves you approximately 15 minutes from the mountain, so you must complete the final uphill section on foot.
After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we will return to the starting point and continue to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch. We will then return to Cusco and drop you off at Plaza Regocijo, next to the Plaza de Armas, at approximately 5:00 p.m., marking the end of the tour.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
***As you will leave the hotel very early, before the regular breakfast hours, we will request a breakfast box from the hotel for you to take with you, which will be provided before your departure. In addition, a semi-buffet breakfast and a buffet lunch are included during the tour.
DAY 7: FINAL TRANSFER TO CUSCO AIRPORT
After enjoying this wonderful experience in Peru, at the appropriate time, approximately 3 hours before your departure flight, we will pick you up from your hotel and provide a transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight back home. The transfer takes approximately 30 minutes. Please note that hotel check-out in Cusco is from 9:00 a.m.
If your flight from Cusco departs very late or at night, you will need to check out and wait in the hotel lobby or explore the city on your own until your pick-up time.
Difficulty: Easy.
Meal included: Breakfast at your hotel.
We always prioritize Circuit 2 when booking your entrance to Machu Picchu. However, availability depends on the date of your reservation. If Circuit 2 is not available at the time of booking, we will reserve another available circuit, such as Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We recommend booking in advance.
The Expedition or Voyager train schedules for both outbound and return journeys will depend on availability at the time of booking your trip with us. The times indicated in the itinerary are subject to change depending on availability.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
INCLUDED:
- Airport – Hotel – Airport Transfers.
- Hotel pickup for all activities.
- Tourist transportation.
- 6 nights in 3-star hotels – double room.
- Daily breakfast at the hotel.
- 2 breakfasts per person during the tour.
- 3 lunches per person during the tour.
- Entrance tickets to all trip sites.
- English-and Spanish-speaking guide.
- Round-trip train to Aguas Calientes.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- All applicable taxes.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Tips for staff (optional).
- Extra expenses.
- Huayna Picchu entrance: US$75 (optional).
- Vistadome Train Upgrade: US$65 per person, per way (optional).
Our trip is organized from start to finish. We include everything you need so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about anything. Our service begins with your pickup at Cusco Airport and ends with your transfer back to the same airport. The only expenses you need to cover are airfare, some lunches, and all dinners. Additional services, such as the Vistadome Train upgrade, Huayna Picchu entrance, and other options, are optional and depend on your preferences.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
This trip is available every day. We recommend booking at least 4 months in advance to have a better chance of securing Circuit 2 for your visit to Machu Picchu, subject to availability. Prices are listed in US dollars (USD) and are available for both private and group services.
GROUP PRICE – DOUBLE ROOM
TRIP WITH 2-STAR HOTEL: US$967 PER PERSON
TRIP WITH 3-STAR HOTEL: US$1,010 PER PERSON
TRIP WITH 4-STAR HOTEL: US$1,133 PER PERSON
TRIP WITH 5-STAR HOTEL: US$2,088 PER PERSON
PRIVATE PRICE – 3★ HOTEL (DOUBLE ROOM)
2 – 3 PEOPLE: US$1,367 PER PERSON
4 – 6 PEOPLE: US$1,143 PER PERSON
7 + PEOPLE: US$1,010 PER PERSON
***For private service, would you prefer a 2-star, 4-star, or 5-star hotel? Contact us for the available options and their additional costs.
***Single Supplement: USD 30 per person, per night, for a single room at the 3-star hotel. For other hotel categories, please contact us for the applicable rates.
DISCOUNTS
-18 – 25 years old: US$30 discount. A valid student ID is required. The card must clearly show the university name, student’s full name, photo, and expiration date. A copy of the student ID must be submitted at the time of booking for government approval.
-Under 18 years old: US$30 discount. Please send us a copy of the child’s passport at the time of booking.
-Under 11 years old: US$40 discount. Please send us a copy of the child’s passport at the time of booking.
WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?
Because behind every journey is a family, a story, and a deep love for Peru.
Callanga Family Explorers is a local, family-owned travel company from Cusco, born from a lifelong connection to the people, landscapes, culture, and communities of our region. Our roots go back to Callanga, a remote community in Cusco where our founder was born and raised, learn more about our story.
We believe traveling through Peru should be about more than visiting extraordinary places. It should be about meeting its people, discovering its culture, appreciating its landscapes, and creating memories that have meaning.
When you travel with us, you are not simply booking a tour. You are choosing to travel with a local family that is proud of its roots and committed to sharing the authentic spirit of Peru with you. We combine personalized service, professional experience, and carefully designed journeys with a genuine commitment to responsible tourism.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES
Our professional local tour guides have extensive experience and knowledge of the destinations you visit. They will accompany you during the activities included in your itinerary, sharing valuable insights into history, culture, nature, and local traditions while helping you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
SMALL GROUPS
At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe that smaller groups create more meaningful travel experiences. To ensure personalized service, greater comfort, and a closer connection with our guides, our shared tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows us to provide a more flexible, enjoyable, and authentic experience, while giving every guest the attention and care they deserve throughout their journey.
OUR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
We believe tourism can leave something positive behind. That is why part of the revenue from our tours supports community and environmental initiatives, including education support for children, environmental clean-up campaigns, reforestation, and projects that help care for the communities and landscapes of Cusco.
For us, responsible tourism is not simply something we talk about. It is something we put into action, year after year. Discover our social and environmental projects.
Every time you choose to travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you become part of that story. Your journey supports a local family business while also contributing to initiatives that give back to communities and help protect the natural and cultural heritage of Peru.
Travel with us, discover Peru, and be part of something meaningful.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please take a moment to review the information below, as it provides helpful details about our services and answers many common questions.
BRIEFING IN CUSCO
On the day of your arrival in Cusco, your briefing will take place at your hotel at 6:00 p.m. During this meeting, your guide will explain the complete itinerary, train schedules, transportation arrangements, and all the details you need to know about your trip. You will also receive your entrance tickets, train tickets, and other necessary travel documents. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions and receive recommendations from your guide.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE IN CUSCO
Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representative will be waiting for you at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, holding a sign with your full name. We will provide a private transfer to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable and safe arrival so you can rest after your journey. The transfer takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
At the end of your journey, approximately 3 hours before your departure flight, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Cusco Airport in a private vehicle for your flight back home. The transfer takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
PAYMENT METHODS
To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. A 40% deposit of the total trip cost is required to secure your reservation.
Credit & Debit Card: You can pay with any credit or debit card. We will send you a secure, personalized Izipay payment link for the applicable amount, where you can enter your card details and complete your payment quickly and securely.
PayPal: You can make your payment through PayPal using our account info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send a PayPal payment request to your email address. Your reservation will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received.
Payment Processing Fee: Payment providers apply a 6% processing fee to the payment amount, which is deducted from the amount received. For the initial 40% deposit, this fee will be fully covered by Callanga Family Explorers, so you will not be charged any additional amount for this fee.
***Before confirming your reservation, please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
To avoid credit card processing fees, you may pay the remaining balance in cash (US dollars only) during your briefing in Cusco. If you prefer to pay in cash, you can bring US dollars with you or withdraw cash in Cusco. Please note that ATM withdrawals may be subject to fees depending on your bank and the ATM used.
If you prefer, you may also pay the remaining balance by credit or debit card. In this case, a 6% processing fee will apply to the amount paid to cover the fees charged by the payment providers.
HUAYNA PICCHU - OPTIONAL
The hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional and takes place after the guided visit to Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is located at 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, and the hike up and down takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on each person’s pace.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu costs an additional US$75 per person and is subject to availability, so please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to include this activity. If you would like a guide during the hike to Huayna Picchu, we can also arrange one for an additional fee.
CAN I CHANGE MY TRAVEL DATE?
Unfortunately, no. Once your Machu Picchu tickets have been purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow changes to the visit date. Tickets are personal, non-transferable, and non-refundable.
If you need to make any changes, please contact us as soon as possible. If you decide to cancel your trip, the deposit is non-refundable. For more information about our cancellation policy and other conditions, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
If you made your reservation using your current passport and later renewed it, you must travel with both passports: your previous passport and your new passport. This is necessary to verify that the information used for your reservations corresponds to your identity.
You may enter Peru using your new passport; however, you must present both passports when boarding the train and when entering Machu Picchu. Without both passports, you will not be permitted to use these services.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE DURING THE TRIP?
The weather during your 7-day trip can vary considerably depending on altitude, location, and time of day. You may experience sunny, cloudy, cool, and rainy conditions throughout the journey, particularly as you travel between the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.
From November to April, rainfall is generally more frequent, while from May to October, the weather is usually drier, with sunny days and colder mornings and evenings. Conditions can change quickly, especially in the highlands.
Temperatures can be significantly colder at higher elevations, particularly at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, where strong winds, cold temperatures, and rapidly changing weather conditions are possible. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley generally have milder and warmer conditions than the higher-altitude destinations.
ARE TIPS MANDATORY?
No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.
PACKING LIST
-Small backpack or day bag.
-Change of clothes.
-Warm clothing.
-Fleece or light jacket.
-Rain jacket or poncho.
-Comfortable walking shoes.
-Camera.
-Drinking water.
-Basic toiletries.
-Sunscreen.
-Sun hat.
-Sunglasses.
-Passport.
-Valid student ID, if applicable.
-Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN).