Cusco Wonders: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay lake and Rainbow Mountain

Overview:

Cusco Wonders includes visits to some of the most iconic and breathtaking sites in the region, such as Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountain (coloured mountain), Humantay lake, Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Maras & Moray), and the city of Cusco itself. It is a perfect package for those who want to experience the beauty and culture of Cusco in a short amount of time.

Highlights:

• Discover Sacred Valley with Chinchero, Maras and Moray, a stunning circuit with Inca ruins, vibrant local markets and breathtaking natural beauty.
• Explore Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel with breathtaking views, impressive engineering and stunning architecture.
• Visit the colorful Rainbow Mountain at high altitude with breathtaking panoramic views and unique photographic opportunities
• Delight in the pristine turquoise Humantay lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, perfect for hiking and connecting with your spiritual side.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to the magical city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire! 

On this day, we will be waiting for your arrival at the airport to give you a warm welcome and transport you to your hotel, where you will stay during your stay in the city. The vibrant atmosphere, spiritual energy and stunning architecture combine to create a truly unique experience.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the charms of this city full of history and culture. You will discover its wonderful squares, colonial churches and Inca ruins. It will be a fascinating experience to familiarize yourself with the city, acclimatize to the altitude and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. Prepare to fall in love with the beauty and charm of Cusco and prepare your body for the emotions that await you in the coming days!

Day 2: Inca Trilogy: Chinchero, Maras and Moray

Our adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel. As we embark on our journey, we’ll head towards the warm and charismatic town of Chinchero. Marvel at the impressive Inca wall constructions and the town’s small Colonial Church, which holds a rich history.

Take part in an immersive experience at a textile interpretation center where you’ll witness the local artisans from Chinchero showcase their ancestral art of Andean textile production. You’ll be fascinated by the intricate designs and vivid colors of their traditional textiles.

Our journey continues to the awe-inspiring giant circular cultivation terraces in Moray. These terraces are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas to study the effects of different crops at various altitudes.

As we make our way down the valley, we will visit the salt mines of Maras, an ancient site with over 3,000 salt wells used for human consumption since pre-Columbian times. Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Andean people as you witness the unique salt mining process.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located in the heart of the town, to take the train to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, the next day. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of the Inca Trail and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

Day 3: The wonder of the world: MACHU PICCHU!

Get ready for a day filled with wonder and awe as we embark on a journey to visit one of the most impressive sites in the world: Machu Picchu. We will start our day by taking a comfortable bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we will register with our entrance tickets and passports before being greeted by our knowledgeable tour guide.

For the next 2 hours, our guide will take us on an unforgettable journey through the ancient citadel, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the Inca culture and history. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos of the incredible scenery and ruins along the way.

For those feeling adventurous, you can opt to add an extra entrance ticket to climb either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain after the tour.

After our tour, we will head back to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch (not included), where you can sample the flavors of the local cuisine. Later, we will continue our day with a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, from where we will transfer to the city of Cusco.

Day 4: Discover the beauty of Humantay lake

As the sun starts to rise, we will pick you up from your hotel between 4:00 to 5:00 am, ready for a day of adventure. We’ll take you on a scenic two-hour drive to the charming town of Mollepata where we will have a hearty breakfast that will set you up for the day ahead.

From here, we’ll continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. The air will be crisp and refreshing, as we take in the beautiful landscapes around us. We’ll begin our ascent in Soraypampa, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna that call this area home. You’ll have the chance to spot some native birds and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains like Salkantay.

After about two hours of hiking, we’ll reach the stunning Humantay Lake, known for its striking turquoise waters. Take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Admire the beauty of the landscape and let it sink in. You’ll have plenty of time to take some stunning photographs that will remind you of this moment forever.

As we make our way back, we’ll retrace our steps along the same route, descending from the lake and making our way back to the restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious lunch to fuel us up for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, after a short rest, we’ll return to the city of Cusco. The memories of the day will stay with you forever, as you reflect on the beauty of the Humantay and the magic of the journey we took together.

Day 5: The magical and colorful Rainbow Mountain

Get ready to be picked up from your hotel before the sun rises, between 4:00 to 4:30 am. Our comfortable transport will take you to the southern region of Cusco, crossing mesmerizing fields, rivers, mountains, and charming villages.

After about two hours of travel, we will stop at the lovely town of Cusipata to indulge in a delicious breakfast, energizing you for the adventurous day ahead. As we continue our journey for another 45 minutes, we will be blessed with breathtaking views of canyons, glaciers, and herds of cute llamas and alpacas.

Finally, we’ll reach the starting point of our trek. For approximately two hours, we will hike and appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes Mountains. Witness the herders in their traditional, colorful costumes, while they tend to their South American camelids.

As we approach our destination, the Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca, be prepared to have your breath taken away! The striking mountain range displays vivid colors, ranging from deep reds to stunning oranges, from bright yellows to electric greens. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to gaze at the highest snow in Cusco, the Ausangate mountain.

Take your time to capture every moment and make your friends envious with your stunning pictures. Afterward, we will begin our journey back along the same path, appreciating the unforgettable scenery all over again.

We will take you back to Cusipata for a mouthwatering buffet lunch that will satisfy your taste buds. After lunch, our transport will take you back to the city of Cusco.

Day 6: Transfer to the airport

After an exciting few days exploring the sights and sounds of this incredible destination, we know that you’ll be ready for a bit of downtime. That’s why we’ve scheduled a free morning for you to relax and enjoy some leisure time. Whether you want to catch up on some rest, take a stroll through town, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind before your departure.

When it’s time to head home, our team will be on hand to ensure that your transfer to the airport is smooth and stress-free. We’ll take care of all the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Simply let us know your flight schedule, and we’ll make sure that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in and board your flight.

As we say goodbye, we want to thank you for choosing us as your travel partner on this unforgettable adventure. We hope that you’ve had an amazing time and that the memories you’ve made will stay with you for a lifetime. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!