Cusco Package: Machu Picchu, 7 Ausangate Lakes and Rainbow Mountain (5 Days)

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes

Explore archaeological sites such as Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo before arriving at Machu Picchu

The first day of the tour package begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we will take a panoramic journey of approximately 45 minutes toward Chinchero, one of the cultural jewels of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Chinchero

The first stop of the tour will be Chinchero, located just 30 kilometers from Cusco, one of the most traditional villages in Peru, recognized for its textile traditions. It is home to skilled Andean weavers who keep ancestral techniques alive. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to enter a local weaving center, where you will see how women extract wool from llamas and alpacas, dye it with natural pigments, and transform it into beautiful ponchos, scarves, and tapestries.

During the visit you will explore:

• A Chinchero textile center, where local families explain the traditional weaving process using alpaca and llama wool.
• Demonstrations of the use of natural dyes made from plants, minerals, and ancestral pigments.
• The archaeological site of Chinchero, built on the ancient palace of the Inca Pachacútec.
• Inca agricultural terraces that are still used by local communities.
• The colonial church of Chinchero, built on top of Inca structures during the Spanish colonial era.

In addition to its historical richness, Chinchero is recognized for having the most fertile soils in the Sacred Valley, making it a key place for understanding the innovative agricultural methods of the Incas. Here you can appreciate perfectly designed terraces that are still used for the cultivation of potatoes, corn, and quinoa.

Moray – Agricultural Laboratory of the Incas

The next stop will be Moray, an impressive archaeological complex located near Maras and recognized as one of the most enigmatic sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a unique agricultural system in the world. Each level has a different temperature, which allowed the Incas to recreate various microclimates and experiment with crops such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa.

During the guided visit you will discover:

• The famous circular terraces of Moray, built in the shape of an amphitheater.
• The different agricultural levels that generate temperature variations between each platform.
• The drainage and irrigation systems used by the Incas.
• The panoramic viewpoints with spectacular views of the Cusco Andes.

Thanks to its different microclimates, Moray was used by the Incas as an agricultural experimentation center where crops such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa were adapted. For this reason, many researchers consider it the first Inca agricultural laboratory.

During the rainy season, the terraces take on an intense green color that transforms this place into one of the most impressive landscapes in the Sacred Valley.

Maras Salt Mines – More Than 3,000 Ancestral Salt Pools

Continuing with the tour through the Sacred Valley toward Machu Picchu, we will arrive at the famous Maras Salt Mines, one of the most photographed attractions on the tourist circuit in Cusco.

During the tour you will observe:

• More than 3,000 salt pools built on the mountainside.
• The natural saltwater spring used since pre-Inca times.
• The artisanal salt extraction process carried out by local families.
• The renowned pink salt of Maras, valued in Peruvian and international gastronomy.
• Natural viewpoints ideal for taking panoramic photographs of the landscape.

The local inhabitants continue using ancestral techniques to collect salt through solar evaporation, keeping alive a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Urubamba

After exploring Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, we will continue the journey toward Urubamba. Here we will stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a buffet lunch, prepared with fresh ingredients grown in the area. The establishments in Urubamba are usually managed by local farming families, which guarantees an authentic, nutritious meal with traditional Peruvian flavors. This will be the perfect moment to regain energy and enjoy a unique culinary experience before continuing our journey to Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo – Fortress and Living Inca Town

After lunch in Urubamba, you will continue toward Ollantaytambo, one of the most important archaeological complexes of the ancient Inca Empire and an essential stop on any organized trip to Machu Picchu. Known as the ancient administrative and military capital of the Incas, it is strategically nestled between two mountains that protect impressive archaeological remains.

Strategically located between mountains, Ollantaytambo functioned as a military, agricultural, and religious center.

During the guided tour you will explore:

• The majestic Temple of the Sun, built with enormous perfectly fitted stone blocks.
• The agricultural terraces of Ollantaytambo, used for agricultural, ceremonial, and defensive purposes.
• Bath of the Ñusta, a finely crafted stone fountain associated with purification rituals for the Inca nobility.
• Temple of Water and the religious sectors that during the time of the Tahuantinsuyo were considered sacred.
• Religious and administrative sectors that still preserve the essence of the Tahuantinsuyo.
• The original cobblestone streets and water channels of the ancient Inca town.

In addition to its historical importance, Ollantaytambo still preserves its original urban layout, making it one of the best examples of a living Inca town in Peru.

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

At the end of the visit to Ollantaytambo, you will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. During the journey, you will enjoy spectacular scenery, crossing deep canyons, green valleys, and mountains crowned with snow-capped peaks, while the train winds alongside the Urubamba River.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will be waiting for you at the station to accompany you to your hotel, where you will have a comfortable room and private bathroom. This will be your resting place for the night before the great experience of the following day: the guided visit to Machu Picchu.

The tranquility of the town, surrounded by mist-covered mountains and the sound of the river, will allow you to relax and prepare for one of the most anticipated moments of the entire trip: discovering the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu the following day.

• Difficulty level of the day: Easy – Moderate
• Minimum altitude: 2,040 m above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
• Maximum altitude: 3,762 m above sea level (Chinchero)
• Approximate distance traveled: 95 km to 110 km (combined total between tourist transportation through the Sacred Valley and the final train section to Aguas Calientes).
• Predominant climate: Variable. Mild and dry in the valleys (12 °C to 23 °C), with greater humidity and a warmer feeling as you descend toward Aguas Calientes.
• Main activity: Cultural and archaeological tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and panoramic train journey to Aguas Calientes.
• Highlights of the day: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo
• Highlighted experiences: Demonstration of Andean textiles, visit to the agricultural laboratory of Moray, observation of the Maras salt pools, and tour of the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Tour to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

The second day of the Cusco Machu Picchu, 7 Ausangate Lakes, and Rainbow Mountain travel package will begin very early in the morning. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you will board the tourist bus that, in approximately 40 minutes, ascends along a winding road surrounded by abundant vegetation to the main entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

During the journey, you will be able to admire impressive views of the mountains surrounding the historic sanctuary and the Urubamba River valley.

Upon arriving at the entrance to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will assist you during the access control process, where authorities will verify your entrance ticket and original passport before beginning the visit.

Tour to Machu Picchu

Once inside, you will experience one of the most anticipated moments of the trip: contemplating the majesty of the Inca citadel surrounded by mountains and nature. The guided tour of approximately 2 hours will begin with an introduction to its history and spiritual significance, followed by the exploration of its main sectors.

During the guided visit, you will explore:

• The Main Plaza, one of the most important ceremonial spaces in the citadel.
• The Temple of the Sun, used for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations.
• The Intihuatana, considered an ancient solar clock and Inca ceremonial center.
• The royal quarters and residential sectors of the Inca nobility.
• The Temple of the Three Windows, related to the Andean worldview.
• The agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu, built for cultivation and mountain stability.
• Religious, urban, and ceremonial sectors that demonstrate the advanced engineering of the Incas.

As you walk through each sector, your guide will share information about the history of the Tahuantinsuyo, the construction techniques used by the Incas, and the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911.

In addition to its archaeological value, Machu Picchu stands out for its breathtaking location among mountains and cloud forests, making it one of the most visited destinations in the world.

Free Time at Machu Picchu

At the end of the guided tour, you will have free time to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

During this time, you may:

• Take panoramic photographs of the Inca citadel.
• Enjoy the natural viewpoints of Machu Picchu.
• Explore some authorized sectors independently.
• Connect with the tranquility and energy of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

If you made an advance reservation for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will indicate the starting point of the hike, as well as provide safety recommendations and the estimated hiking time.

Optional: Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

For those seeking a more complete experience within this complete tour to Machu Picchu, there is the possibility of taking one of the additional hikes available within the sanctuary.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

The most famous mountain in Machu Picchu stands out for its steep trails and spectacular panoramic views of the Inca citadel from the top.

During the ascent, you will be able to observe:

• Narrow Inca trails built along the mountain.
• Original stone stairways.
• Impressive landscapes of the historic sanctuary and the Urubamba Valley.

Machu Picchu Mountain

This hike offers a wider and less steep route, ideal for those who wish to enjoy panoramic views of the entire citadel and the nearby snow-capped mountains.

From the summit, you will be able to admire:

• A complete panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
• Mountains covered with subtropical vegetation.
• The Urubamba River winding around the historic sanctuary.

Both hikes require advance reservation due to the limited number of daily entrances.

After the visit, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch or relax before returning.

In the afternoon or evening, you will board the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, once again enjoying the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to transfer you by private transportation to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel.

This concludes this experience in Machu Picchu, which is part of the Cusco tour package: Machu Picchu, 7 Ausangate Lakes, and Rainbow Mountain, ideal for those seeking to combine culture, history, and adventure in a single trip.

• Difficulty level of the day: Easy – Moderate
• Minimum altitude: 2,040 m.a.s.l. (Aguas Calientes)
• Maximum altitude: 2,430 m.a.s.l. (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu)
• Optional maximum altitude: 2,720 m.a.s.l. (Machu Picchu Mountain) / 2,693 m.a.s.l. (Huayna Picchu)
• Approximate distance traveled: 115 km (includes the bus ascent, the walking tour through the citadel, and the full return by train and bus to Cusco).
• Predominant climate: Temperate-humid and subtropical (approximately 12 °C to 26 °C)
• Highlights of the day: Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu
• Observable wildlife and nature: Andean cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, viscachas, Andean butterflies, orchids, and cloud forest vegetation

Day 3: Cusco – Pacchanta – 7 Ausangate Lakes – Upis

Trekking through the Vilcanota mountain range and relaxation in hot springs

The Machu Picchu, 7 Ausangate Lakes, and Rainbow Mountain travel package continues at 5:00 a.m. with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco to begin the approximately 4-hour journey to the community of Pacchanta, located on the slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a hot breakfast surrounded by mountains and landscapes that mark the beginning of this trekking experience through the Vilcanota mountain range.

Then, from Pacchanta, we will begin the hike toward the circuit of the 7 Ausangate Lakes, one of the most impressive natural settings of the Ausangate trekking in Cusco. During the route, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will be able to admire the first lakes, whose turquoise and emerald waters contrast with the snow-capped peaks surrounding them. During the hike, you will observe alpacas grazing freely while enjoying the tranquility of one of the most impressive hikes in southern Peru. Later, you will have enough time to explore, take photographs, and contemplate the landscape before returning to Pacchanta to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we will continue the hike to Upis, a journey of approximately 2 hours that leads us through extensive open plains with views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Upon arriving at the campsite, we will set up the tents in a spacious and quiet natural environment. As part of this trekking experience, you may optionally relax in the natural hot springs of Upis while the sun sets behind the glacier, creating an ideal moment.

Later, we will share the traditional tea time, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our team. At night, the guide will share stories about Andean culture and the importance of Ausangate within the local worldview before resting under a star-filled Andean sky.

• Difficulty level of the day: Moderate
• Minimum altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l. (Pacchanta)
• Maximum altitude: 4,450 m.a.s.l. (7 Ausangate Lakes Circuit)
• Approximate distance traveled: 12 to 16 km (hike between Pacchanta, the 7 Lakes, and the campsite in Upis)
• Predominant climate: Cold high-mountain climate with strong thermal variations (approximately 0 °C to 15 °C)
• Highlights of the day: Pacchanta, Ausangate lakes, high Andean plains, and Upis campsite
• Highlighted experiences: Hiking alongside the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, observation of turquoise lakes, and relaxation in natural hot springs
• Highlighted wildlife of the day: Alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, viscachas, Andean geese, huallatas, and high Andean birds
• Predominant landscape: Snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, high Andean plains, and extensive valleys of the Vilcanota mountain range
• Nighttime experience: Observation of the starry Andean sky and shared experience at a mountain campsite beside the Ausangate glacier

Day 4: Upis – Arapa Pass – Puccacocha – Ananta

Hike among snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking landscapes

The fourth day of the Machu Picchu, 7 Lakes, and Rainbow Mountain travel package begins early after breakfast at the campsite. Then, we will begin an exciting hike to Arapa Pass, one of the highest and most panoramic points of the route, crossing high mountain trails characteristic of the trekking experience in the Vilcanota mountain range. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens up to reveal imposing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and mountains with reddish and ocher tones contrasting against the intense Andean sky.

From Arapa Pass, we will begin the descent toward Puccacocha Lake, one of the most impressive settings along the route. Its intensely turquoise waters, surrounded by reddish rock formations and snow-covered peaks, create a unique landscape in the Peruvian Andes. In this natural setting, we will enjoy lunch at a strategic viewpoint with panoramic scenery.

In the afternoon, we will continue the hike until reaching the Ananta campsite, located in a wide high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains and Andean grasslands. After settling in, we will enjoy the traditional afternoon tea at sunset, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our team.

• Difficulty level of the day: Challenging
• Minimum altitude: 4,400 m above sea level (Ananta Campsite)
• Maximum altitude: 4,850 m above sea level (Arapa Pass)
• Approximate distance covered: 2 km to 14 km (approximately 7 to 8 hours of effective hiking).
• Predominant weather: Cold and windy mountain weather, with possible sudden climate changes (-2 °C to 14 °C approx.)
• Main activity: High mountain hiking through the Vilcanota mountain range crossing Andean passes and glacial lakes
• Highlights of the day: Arapa Pass, Puccacocha Lake, and Ananta Valley
• Wildlife highlights of the day: Vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, Andean condors, huallatas, and vizcachas
• Predominant landscape: Glaciers, turquoise lakes, reddish mountains, high Andean plains, and high-altitude valleys

Day 5: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

Hike through surreal landscapes and multicolored mountains of Cusco

The final day of the southern Peru tour package begins before dawn. After a hot breakfast, we will begin the ascent toward the Rainbow Mountain, famous for its colors and one of the most visited destinations for trekking in Cusco.

The hike is done at a steady pace while the first rays of sunlight slowly illuminate the mountains of the Vilcanota mountain range. Our goal will be to arrive early at the viewpoint to enjoy the Mountain of 7 Colors with fewer visitors and better appreciate the natural beauty of this unique landscape in Peru.

From the top, you will be able to admire the impressive mineral stripes in shades of red, yellow, green, and turquoise that make Vinicunca one of the most photographed landscapes in South America. In addition, the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and high Andean valleys make this moment one of the most memorable experiences of the Ausangate trek.

After exploring and taking photographs, we will continue the hike toward the impressive Red Valley, a less crowded natural attraction but equally spectacular. This place stands out for its intense reddish tones and mountain formations that create a surreal landscape unlike any other in the Cusco region.

Finally, we will begin the descent to the meeting point with our tourist transportation. From there, we will start the return journey to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m., thus concluding an unforgettable trekking adventure in Cusco.

• Difficulty level of the day: Challenging
• Minimum altitude: 3,399 m above sea level (City of Cusco – return).
• Maximum altitude: 5,036 m above sea level (Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint – Vinicunca).
• Approximate distance covered: 10 to 12 km of hiking (plus approximately 3.5 hours of transportation back to Cusco).
• Predominant weather: Intense cold and dry conditions in the morning with icy winds (-5 °C to 10 °C). Very strong solar radiation at the summit around midday.
• Highlights of the day: Vinicunca, Red Valley, and viewpoints of the Vilcanota mountain range
• Predominant landscape: Multicolored mountains, reddish valleys, snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, and extensive high Andean plains
• Wildlife highlights of the day: Vicuñas (living wild on the slopes of Vinicunca), alpacas decorated by local residents, and the occasional flight of Andean eagles.

The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are only the beginning of this adventure in Cusco. The Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain take the experience to another level, combining Inca culture, high mountain trekking, and spectacular landscapes among glaciers, turquoise lakes, and multicolored mountains. A unique experience for those seeking to discover the best of Cusco beyond the traditional routes.