Inca Cusco 7 Days / 6 Nights

Trip details

Duration: 7 days and 6 nights.
Main Locations: Cusco, Tipón, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain.
Group Size: Kept to 12 to 18 members for clearer guide exchanges and group handling.
Languages Offered: Spanish and English as base, with leaders adjusting for additional ones on request for worldwide participants.
Transportation: Private vehicles owned by Machu Picchu by World, operated by drivers with extensive local practice.
Accommodations: 6 nights in Cusco or shifted to include Aguas Calientes, picked for key elements like access and warmth.
Meals Included: 6 breakfasts, 1 buffet lunch, plus specific breakfasts and lunches on mountain and lake days, all with regional natural items.
Entry Fees: Covers Inca areas pass, Machu Picchu circuit 2 if available, salt mines, mountain/lake accesses, temple, wetland.
Guide Expertise: Local pros with route longevity, adept at international leadership.
Monitoring: A Machu Picchu by World member oversees your advances nonstop.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – First Day City Tour – Shift (Morning or Afternoon)

a.m. or p.m.: Boarding area at Jorge Chavez Airport or others.
a.m. or p.m.: Flight or private transportation departure to Cusco.
a.m. or p.m.: Arrival in Cusco.
a.m. or p.m.: Pickup from the airport to the hotel.
a.m. or p.m.: Pickup from the bus terminal to the hotel (Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport).
Welcome to Cusco.
Coca tea tasting at the hotel.
11:00 a.m.: Check-in.
9:00 a.m.: Check-out.
Detailed explanation of the itinerary.
9:40 to 10:10 a.m.: Pickup from your hotel for the morning city tour.
1:50 to 2:10 p.m.: Pickup from the hotel for the afternoon tour.
a.m. or p.m.: Guided tour of the Tambomachay aqueducts.
a.m. or p.m.: Guided tour of the Puka Pukara fortress.
a.m. or p.m.: Visit the Qenqo ceremonial center.
a.m. or p.m.: Guided tour of the Sacsayhuamán fortress.
1:30 to 2:00 or 6:00 p.m.: Return to Cusco by private transportation.
2:30 or 6:30 p.m.: Arrival in Cusco (near the main square).
Overnight at your hotel in Cusco as per your request or hotel category.

Day 2: VIP Valley – Maras, Moray, Salt Mines

6:00 to 6:40 a.m.: Breakfast at the corresponding hotel in Cusco.
6:30 to 7:00 a.m.: Pickup from your hotel for the VIP valley tour to Chinchero.
a.m.: Visit the archaeological site of Chinchero.
a.m.: Visit the Chinchero Textile Center where they will show how alpaca textiles are made.
a.m.: Visit the agricultural site of Moray.
a.m.: Visit the Maras Salt Mines.
p.m.: Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba.
p.m.: Visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex.
p.m.: The tour ends in Ollantaytambo depending on the train departure to Aguas Calientes village.
Head to the station on your own.
p.m.: Boarding pass depending on train schedule, always 30 minutes before.
Train travel time is 1 hour 40 minutes.
p.m.: Overnight in Ollantaytambo if requested.
p.m.: Overnight in Aguas Calientes, this is usually the best option.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

6:00 to 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
a.m.: Meeting point at the Aguas Calientes main square or the Consetur Bus Station, depending on the arrival time.
a.m.: Board the Consetur bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, with an average travel time of 40 minutes.
a.m.: Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours), or another circuit depending on the passenger’s choice. The schedule is respected, and early entry is not allowed, only the option to enter 30 minutes later.
a.m.: Free time to take photos at Machu Picchu.
a.m. or p.m.: Board the Consetur bus according to the time the visit ends, heading back to Aguas Calientes.
p.m.: Free time to have lunch on your own in Aguas Calientes or visit the Thermal Baths (optional).
p.m.: Waiting room at the Aguas Calientes station.
p.m.: Boarding pass.
p.m.: Departure from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
p.m.: Reception at Ollantaytambo (transfer).
p.m.: Return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by our transportation (near the main square).
Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain

4:20 to 4:40 a.m.: Pick up from the respective hotel in the city of Cusco by our guide or driver.
a.m.: Travel for an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes to the town of Cusi Pata.
a.m.: Breakfast in the town of Cusi Pata.
a.m.: Travel for an average of 1 hour and 40 to 45 minutes towards the community of Chilluhuani.
9:00 a.m.: Begin the walk to Rainbow Mountain (approximately 1.5 hours).
a.m.: Visit to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.
p.m.: After the visit to Rainbow Mountain at 5036 meters above sea level, in front of the snow-capped Ausangate, we walk back to the drop-off point to board the transportation and travel from Chilluhuani to Cusi Pata, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
p.m.: Lunch in the community of Cusi Pata, tasting Andean products from the Cusco region (vegetarian option available upon request).
p.m.: Travel from Cusi Pata to Cusco, with an average travel time of 2 hours and 20 minutes.
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Arrival in the city of Cusco (near the main square), and then head to your hotel on your own.
Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.

Day 5: South Valley

6:30 to 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the respective hotel in the city of Cusco with Andean products from the region.
8:30 to 9:00 a.m.: Pick up from the respective hotel for the South Valley tour.
a.m.: Travel by transportation for an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes to the Tipón archaeological site, followed by a visit to the Tipón Aqueduct.
a.m.: Guided tour of the Tipón Aqueduct, which in Inca times was used for irrigation of all the crops grown there.
a.m.: Visit to one of the most important archaeological centers of Pikillaqta, part of the Wari culture.
a.m.: Visit to the Andahuaylillas temple.
p.m.: Optional visit to the Huasao wetland, after which our guide will give the necessary instructions for tasting cuy (optional, at the passenger’s expense).
p.m.: Return to the city of Cusco, with an average travel time of 40 minutes.
p.m.: Arrival in the city of Cusco, near the main square, then head to your respective hotel.
Overnight in the city of Cusco, depending on the category the customer requests.

Day 6: Humantay Lake

4:20 to 4:40 a.m.: Pick up from the respective hotel in the city of Cusco by our guide or driver.
a.m.: Travel for an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes to the town of Mollepata.
a.m.: Breakfast in the town of Mollepata.
a.m.: Travel for an average of 1 hour and 40 to 45 minutes to the community.
9:00 a.m.: Begin the walk to Humantay Lake (approximately 1.5 hours).
a.m.: Visit to Humantay Lake, located at the edge of the Salkantay snow-capped peak.
p.m.: After visiting Humantay Lake at 4800 meters above sea level, we walk back to the drop-off point to board the transport and travel from Mollepata to Cusco, with an average travel time of 3 hours.
p.m.: Lunch at the typical restaurant in Mollepata, tasting Andean products from the region (vegetarian option available upon request).
p.m.: Travel from Mollepata to Cusco, with an average travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
5:30 to 6:00 p.m.: Arrival in the city of Cusco (near the main square).
Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.

Day 7: Hotel – Airport Transfers

6:30 to 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet with the agency staff for the farewell.
If your flight is late, you can shop for handicrafts or also book half-day tours.
Hotel pick-up to the airport: for domestic flights, the pick-up will be 2 hours before. For international flights, it will be 3 hours before the flight. The transfer can be to the airport or bus terminal.
If the flight is late, you have the option to take a daily departure tour: Morada de Dioses, Quad bikes in Maras – Moray, Waqrapukara, Quad bikes in Morada de los Dioses, Others.

Included

If the passenger is requesting flights with us, we work with the airlines: Sky, Latam, and Jet Smart (optional), aimed at national or international tourists with flights within Peru. If booked with us, the airline check-in will be provided one day before: These handle Peru arrivals, shared ahead for ease.
Transfer from airport or terminal to hotel to airport or bus terminal: All using our private vehicles for straightforward links.
Admission to the BTG archaeological complexes: Ticket allows entry to various Inca spots in Cusco zone.
Buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley VIP tour: Dish set with natural local organic ingredients; international at extra—ask reservations.
6 breakfasts included in the service: Starts at lodgings, with fresh nearby goods.
Guide in all tours (Spanish/English): Local experts in world groups, delivering site histories fully.
Round-trip train (tourist train), depending on the requested category: Standard rides, Inca Rail basic or Peru Rail seated variations.
Consetur bus Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes: To/from site transfers.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (circuit 2 subject to availability): Fixed access for path.
6 nights of hotel (in Cusco, depending on the requested category). If booked with a tourist train, the passenger may stay one night in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo: Rests with basics, train-adjusted.
Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco: Agency vehicle back.
Breakfast and lunch on the Rainbow Mountain tour: Meals with region items, organic.
Breakfast and lunch on the Humantay Lake tour: Eats from local naturals.
Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake: Site accesses covered.
Support poles for Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake: Walking aids provided.
Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines: View extraction zones.
Emergency oxygen on the mountain and lake: Backup for height.
Admission to the Andahuaylillas temple: Temple entry.
Admission to the Huasao wetland: Wetland access.
24/7 assistance via WhatsApp: Ongoing help for issues.

Not Included

Lunch on the City Tour (half-day): Mid meal during city, own arrange.
Lunch or breakfast on the Machu Picchu tour: Eats beyond hotel, by you.
Dinner is not included in any tour: Night choices own.
Lunch on the Sacred Valley tour: Valley mid meal, separate.
Extra expenses not covered by the service: Buys like extras or stops.
Lunches and breakfasts not mentioned in the program: Any unspecified, handle alone.
Admission to Coricancha (20.00 soles, optional): Temple fee if picked.
Admission to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional): Baths cost if done.
Flights (optional): Air not base, add separate.

Travel Guide

Weather Patterns

Cusco varies: dry May-September clear, nights 30°F. Rainy November-March wet, days 70°F. In June hike, cold surprised—layer always.

Month	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)	Rainfall (inches)
March	66	43	4.3
August	68	34	0.5
November	70	43	3.1

Local People and Customs

Cusco folks helpful, use Quechua/Spanish. Respect photos, greet. At markets, chat dyes—connects.

Typical Food

Potatoes, quinoa, corn local. Trout, saltado. Organic valleys. Global burgers extra. Stalls anticuchos $1.50.

Free Places to Visit

Cusco square views free. Trails Tipón short. Artisans browse no buy. Aguas paths rivers.

Cheap Eating Spots

Cusco alleys sets $4 soup/meat. Mollepata spots rice $3. Local busy for fresh.

Dressing Year-Round

Layers: tees, fleece, rain. Pants dust, hats cold/sun. Summer light; winter wool. Shoes all—prevent slips.

Physical Effort and Health Needs

3 hour walks inclines 12,000 feet. Active ok, heart check doctor. Water, no alcohol start. Altitude pills help. Slowed day 1, better 2.

FAQs

What flights are available?

Sky, Latam, Jet Smart for Peru; optional for nationals/internationals.

Train company options?

Inca Rail basic, Peru Rail seats; choose booking, minor costs.

Guides speak what?

Spanish/English main; others arrange early with experts.

Delay handling?

Staff monitors, adjusts pickup; contact for changes.

Hotel upgrades?

Higher after review; discuss bookings Cusco/Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu circuit?

2 if open, main Inca; per officials.

Dietary meals?

Adapt organics vegetarian; note start.

Walking level?

2-3 hours slopes high; moderate, good shoes.

Altitude tips?

Tea, water, rest; guides pace.

Add nights?

Cusco extend notice; accommodation fees.

Transport type?

Private agency-owned, trained drivers.

Documents needed?

Original passport/ID sites/rides; no copies.

Payment ways?

Cash day 1; cards 6% more.

Tipping?

Optional staff, per satisfaction.

Weather adjustments?

Safety shifts, alternatives no refund.

What to Bring

Carry identification document (valid DNI/passport): Needed for all sites/trains, secure original.
Bring a rain poncho (depending on the season): Cover for Andean rains.
Sunscreen: Strong formula for high sun.
Hat/cap for the heat: Head shield for rays.
Bring a change of clothes suitable for the trip: Layers for changes, shirts/pants.
Mosquito repellent: Protection for valleys.

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Explore the Tours of MACHUPICCHU BY WORLD

About the Machu Picchu Circuits Guide (2025)

As of October 2025, Machu Picchu has maintained the circuit system introduced in mid-2024, with updates to increase daily visitor capacity to 4,500 in the regular season and 5,600 in the high season (typically June to October/November, depending on the source). This system divides visits into three main circuits with a total of 10 sub-routes, designed to manage crowds, preserve the site, and offer varied experiences from panoramic views to in-depth ruin explorations and hikes. Visitors must select a specific circuit and sub-route when purchasing tickets in advance (1-4 months recommended, especially for high-demand options like Huayna Picchu).

All routes are one-way with no backtracking or re-entry without an additional ticket. Guides are optional but recommended.

Tickets are available via official platforms like machupicchu.gob.pe or tuboleto.cultura.pe. Below is a compiled summary based on current guidelines, organized by circuit. Durations include entry to exit; some routes are seasonal (high season: approximately June 1/19 to October 15/November 2). Daily ticket allocations: Circuit 1 (~1,100), Circuit 2 (~3,050), Circuit 3 (~1,450).

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Focus on Views and External Hikes)

Emphasizes elevated viewpoints and optional side hikes, starting from the main upper entrance. Ideal for photography enthusiasts or those short on time/energy. No access to main ruins or urban sectors (requires separate Circuit 2/3 ticket). Classic postcard photo from Guardian’s House area included in all sub-routes. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. Year-round availability unless noted;

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

Hike through forest to upper terraces for classic views, then a steep ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain summit (3,083m) for overhead panoramas of the citadel and surrounding Andes.
Tour length 4-6 hours (3-4 hours for hike round-trip).
Physical Level: Challenging with stairs; ideal for fit hikers. Age 12+ (some sources say 18+). Year-round. High demand in high season.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace

Short hike to upper agricultural terraces and Guardian’s House for iconic panoramic photos; loop back via lower platform.
Tour length: 1-2.5 hours (max 3.5 hours).
Physical Level:Most basic option; great for quick visits. Any age. Year-round. Lowest demand.

Route 1-C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

Upper terraces for views, plus a hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku, 3,745m), the historic Inca Trail entrance, offering misty mountain glimpses of the site.
Tour length: 2.5-4 hours (1.5-3 hours for hike round-trip).
Physical Level: Moderate uphill; family-friendly. Age any (kid-friendly add-on). Seasonal: High season only (June 1/19 – Oct 15/Nov 2). Not for Inca Trail arrivals.

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge

Upper terraces for photos, plus a flat cliffside hike to the ancient Inca Bridge (drawbridge gateway to the Amazon).
Tour length: 2-3 hours (1 hour for hike round-trip).
Physical Level: Thrilling due to cliffs; two view chances. Age 12+ (or 18+ for safety). Seasonal: High season only (June 1/19 – Oct 15/Nov 2).

Circuit 2: Classic Route (Comprehensive Citadel Tour)

The most popular and complete option, covering ~80% of the site including upper and lower sectors, temples, plazas, and classic views. Starts from upper entrance, enters via traditional gate. Ideal for first-timers. Difficulty: Average (some stairs). Year-round; advance booking: 3-4 months due to high demand. Maps show paths through key sites like Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Sun viewpoint.

Route 2-A: Designed Route (Classic)

Classic photo from below Guardian’s House, then tour urban/religious areas: Temple of the Sun (overhead view), Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana (view only, closed), Sacred Rock, Water Mirrors, Fountains, agricultural sector.
Tour length: 2.5-3 hours (max 2.5 hours permitted).
Notes/Restrictions: Broad coverage; skips Temple of the Condor. Any age. Specific hours for some sites (e.g., Sun Temple 1-4 PM).

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace

Similar to 2-A but starts with higher loop through upper terraces (llamas often present) and Inca Quarry; then same core tour of temples and plazas.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours (max 2.5 hours permitted).
Physical Level Minimal difference from 2-A; adds terrace views. Any age. Year-round.

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel and Hikes)

Lower urban/residential areas and royal buildings, entering via lower gate or Sun Gate (for Inca Trail). No classic upper viewpoint (alternative photos from agricultural sector). Ideal for limited mobility, families, or hike add-ons. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. Year-round unless noted; advance booking: 1-3 months (higher for hikes). Maps highlight lower paths with hike branches; mandatory for standard Inca Trail (upgrades available).

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain

Lower tour (Temple of the Sun base, Inca House, Three Gates, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Fountains), plus steep hike to Huayna Picchu summit for views down on the site.
Duration: 3-4 hours (1.5-3 hours for hike).
Notes/Restrictions: Exhilarating but vertigo-inducing stairs/cables. Age 12+ (or 18+). Year-round; not rainy season. Highest demand (book 3-4 months).

Route 3-B: Designed Route (Royalty)

Core lower tour: Agricultural terraces, Temple of the Sun, Inca House, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, warehouses.
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours (max 3.5 hours).
Notes/Restrictions: Shortest/easiest; good for mobility issues (benches available). Any age. Year-round.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon)

Lower tour plus off-trail hike to the Great Cavern (mystic cave with windows) on Huayna Picchu’s backside.
Duration: 4-6 hours (3-4 hours for hike).
Notes/Restrictions: Moderate; less crowded. Age 12+ (or 18+). Seasonal: High season only.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu

Lower tour plus easier hike to Huchuy Picchu (smaller peak) for panoramic views.
Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours (40-60 minutes for hike).
Notes/Restrictions: Less steep; family-friendly. Age 12+ (or 18+). Seasonal: High season only.

Notes

Circuit 2 for full exploration; Circuit 1 for views/hikes; Circuit 3 for lower focus or Inca Trail. Combine circuits for complete access (e.g., 1 + 3 for views + hikes).
High season (June-Oct/Nov) adds routes but increases crowds/prices. Check closures; rainy season (Nov-Apr) affects hikes.
Prepare for altitude (2,430m); no drones/plastic bottles. Tickets non-transferable; buy early via official sites.
Increased capacity; no separate Circuit 4 (integrated into 3 for Inca Trail); Intihuatana closed permanently (view only).
Advance booking: 5-6 months

For the latest, visit Our official page for Maps and diagrams are available on these resources for visual planning.