Magical Cusco 8 Days – 7 Nights
- Duration
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group
- Private or group
- Language
- Spanish
- Max altitude
- 5,036 m.s.n.m
About this tour
Are you looking for the best way to visit the beautiful city of Cusco, with all its wonders and unforgettable sites?
This is your best option.
The “Magical Cusco” 8-day, 7-night tour invites you to experience the most iconic corners of the Inca Empire. Discover the history of Cusco, the beauty of the Sacred Valley, the majesty of Machu Picchu, and the unique landscapes of Maras and the Rainbow Mountain. Round out your trip by exploring the mysterious South Valley, where culture and nature blend in perfect harmony.
Itinerary
-
Upon your arrival at the Cusco airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest; you will also have the opportunity to explore Cusco's historic center and the surrounding streets on your own.
-
We begin the day by heading to the town of Pisac. Our tour takes us toward the sacred area of Inti Punko within the Pisac Archaeological Park, where we will walk around the Pisac ruins and connect with the four elements of the earth. At midday, we will travel to Urubamba. After lunch, we will explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site—formerly an Inca resting place and a departure point for Machu Picchu—and admire its impressive structures. Before concluding, we will stop in Chinchero to visit a local community and its Textile Interpretation Center, as well as the area's archaeological site.
The day will end with our return to Cusco.
-
We will start the day by heading to the bus terminal to board the bus that will take us to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will catch the tourist train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will take the tourist bus to the citadel's entrance and begin a guided tour of its main archaeological sites, including its various districts and plazas. There, we will have the opportunity to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Cusco by tourist train. -
We begin the day by picking you up from your hotel and traveling through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the town of Maras, where we visit its church and colonial doorways. Next, we head to the circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory. Our final destination is the Maras Salt Mines, a complex featuring over three thousand natural salt pools.
-
We will depart very early for the beautiful Mountain of Seven Colors, also known as Vinicunca. En route, we will make a few stops—including the village of Cusipata for a buffet breakfast—before continuing to the checkpoint to begin our hike, ascending to an altitude of over 5,020 meters. At the summit, you can take in the stunning scenery of Vinicunca and get a close-up view of the sacred Apu Ausangate, as well as a magnificent view of the Red Valley surrounding the mountain. On the return journey, we will stop in the community of Cusipata for lunch before arriving back in the city of Cusco.
-
We will set off by tourist transport to Cusco’s South Valley. Our first stop will be the Tipón Archaeological Site, known as the "Temple of Water," where you can marvel at the advanced irrigation system and Inca agricultural terraces. Next, we will head to the Pikillaqta Archaeological Site, once a prominent pre-Inca city of the Wari culture. In addition to its rich history, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Huacarpay Lagoon wetlands in the town of Lucre. Finally, we will visit Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro Apóstol—dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its exquisite 17th-century colonial art. After our exploration, we will return to Cusco.
-
We will begin the day by picking you up from your accommodation at the scheduled time and traveling by bus to Humantay Lagoon, located in the heart of the Andes Mountains. After a two-and-a-half-hour journey, we will make our first stop in the village of Mollepata, situated at an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters. There, we will enjoy an energizing breakfast—is there any better way to start the day?
Afterwards, we will continue through the spectacular landscapes of this Peruvian region for another hour and a half until we reach the Soraypampa campsite, located at an altitude of 3,900 meters. This is where we will begin the hike to Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise lake surrounded by towering glaciers.
-
In the morning, we will check out of the hotel and then be transferred to the airport, bringing our incredible trip to a close.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a 3-star hotel with daily breakfast.
- Private transfers: Arrival (Airport – Hotel) and departure (Hotel – Airport) transfers.
- Ground and rail transportation:
- Shared vehicle for excursions: City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray, Rainbow Mountain, South Valley, and Humantay Lake.
- Transfer from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (round trip).
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (Consettur).
- Tour guide:
- Professional guide (shared service) for the City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray, Rainbow Mountain, South Valley, and Humantay Lake.
- Professional guide (private service) for the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Entrance tickets: Admission to all scheduled tourist attractions.
- Meals included:
- Buffet lunch during the Sacred Valley tour.
- Breakfast and buffet lunch during the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
- Breakfast and lunch during the Humantay Lake excursion.
Not included
- Flights: Domestic or international airfare.
- Unspecified meals: Dinners on all nights and lunches on days 1, 3, 4, and 6.
- Optional Machu Picchu treks: Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Additional hiking services: Trekking pole rental or optional horse/mule rental at Humantay and Rainbow Mountain (7 Colors).
- Travel insurance: Medical, accident, or baggage coverage.
- Personal expenses: Tips, drinks, phone calls, laundry, or handicraft purchases.
Information and recommendations
- High-altitude preparation: This program includes two demanding hikes (Humantay Lake at 4,200 m a.s.l. and the 7-Color Mountain at 5,200 m a.s.l.). The itinerary is ideally structured, as you will undertake both excursions after having acclimatized for several days.
- Trekking poles and footwear: We recommend using poles with rubber tips to protect your knees during descents at Humantay and the 7-Color Mountain, as well as hiking shoes with good traction.
- Layered clothing: Bring thermal wear, a windbreaker, and a waterproof jacket for cold mornings on the trail and windy days in the mountains.
- Luggage restrictions for Machu Picchu: Remember that you may only board the train with a backpack or carry-on bag weighing a maximum of 5 kg. Your main suitcase can be left in free storage at your hotel in Cusco.
- Cash in small denominations: For the mountain days, carry cash in Soles to pay for local restroom facilities, optional horse rentals, or the purchase of snacks and hot drinks.
Frequently asked questions
Do the tours include guides?
Yes, all our tours include experienced, officially certified professional guides. We have bilingual guides (Spanish and English) and can provide other languages upon request.
What are the most popular destinations in Peru that you cover?
Among our most sought-after destinations are Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno and Lake Titicaca, the Peruvian Amazon (Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado), and the Nazca Lines. We also organize lesser-known experiences for travelers seeking alternative routes.
Can I customize my tour package?
Certainly! We specialize in designing personalized itineraries based on your interests, available time, and budget. You can combine destinations, choose the type of accommodation, and select specific activities.
Do you offer tours for large groups or only for individual travelers?
We offer both options. We have packages for solo travelers, couples, and families, and we also organize trips for large groups, companies, or educational institutions.
Do you offer tours for large groups or only for individual travelers?
We offer both options. We have packages for solo travelers, couples, and families, and we also organize trips for large groups, companies, or educational institutions.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my trip?
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation and rescheduling policy is flexible and depends on the package type. We always strive to offer alternatives and fair refunds. We recommend reviewing the specific terms at the time of booking.
Before you travel
Important information about Machu Picchu
Limited-capacity tickets
Entry to the citadel has a daily capacity set by the Ministry of Culture. In high season (May to September) tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. We book your entrance as soon as you confirm.
Original passport
Bring the same document used to buy the tickets: it is checked on the train, the bus and at the Machu Picchu gate. Students: valid university ID.
Circuits and entry time
Visits follow signposted circuits at the time printed on your ticket. Arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. There are no restrooms inside the citadel: they are next to the entrance.
What to bring (and what not)
Small backpack, rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and water in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastics, food, drones, tripods and walking poles without rubber tips are not allowed.
Altitude and weather
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco (3,399 m). The climate is subtropical: strong morning sun and sudden showers, especially from November to March.
Train and bus
You travel by train to Aguas Calientes (from Ollantaytambo or Cusco station) and then take a 25-minute bus up to the entrance. We coordinate schedules, tickets and transfers.
Conservation rules
Touching or climbing the walls, leaving the trails, smoking and feeding animals are not allowed. You will visit the citadel with an official licensed guide.
Inca Trail
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name (non-transferable). The trail closes every February for maintenance; during that month we offer alternatives such as Salkantay or the train tour.
You may also like
