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Cusco, Machu Picchu & South Valley
Cusco · Excursión de día completo

Cusco, Machu Picchu & South
Valley

This 9-day itinerary in Cusco is the ultimate…

Duración
9 Days / 8 Nights
Grupo
Máx. 12
personas
Dificultad
Moderate
Altitud Máxima
16,522 ft / 5,036 m
Idioma
English
Sobre el tour

Discover Cusco and its natural wonders on a complete 9-day journey.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, South Valley, Tipon, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas

This 9-day itinerary in Cusco is the ultimate program for exploring the history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. It starts with a City Tour of Cusco, covering Qorikancha and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The adventure continues through the Sacred Valley of the Incas — Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo — before boarding the train to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

The program also includes the region’s most spectacular natural excursions: the turquoise Humantay Lake and iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 16,522 ft. A free day lets you explore Cusco’s markets and traditional neighborhoods at your own pace. The circuit closes with the South Valley: Tipon, Pikillaqta, and the colonial church of Andahuaylillas. The most comprehensive way to experience Cusco.

Lugares que visitarás en este tour
01
Cusco Tour
Step by step

Itinerary – Cusco, Machu Picchu & South Valley 9 Days

📍
Day 1
Arrival in Cusco
Private airport transfer to your hotel. Briefing on the program and altitude acclimatization recommendations during the transfer (Cusco: 11,152 ft / 3,399 m). Free day to rest.

🌞
Day 2
Cusco City Tour
Pick-up 12:45 p.m. Visit to Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Return approx. 6:30 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 12:45 p.m. – End: 6:30 p.m.

🌾
Day 3
Sacred Valley + Transfer to Machu Picchu
Pick-up 6:30 a.m. Visit to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. Buffet lunch in Urubamba. Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
⏱ Pick-up: 6:30 a.m.

🏔️
Day 4
Machu Picchu Full Day
Breakfast at the hotel. Bus to Machu Picchu. 2-hour guided tour: Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, and Intihuatana. Free time. Return train. Transfer to Cusco.

💧
Day 5
Humantay Lake Full Day
Pick-up 4:30 a.m. Transfer to Mollepata for buffet breakfast. Transfer to Soraypampa. 1.5-hour hike to Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m) with views of Salkantay glacier. Buffet lunch. Return to Cusco 6:00 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 4:30 a.m. – Return: 6:00 p.m.

🏙️
Day 6
Free Day in Cusco
Free day to explore Cusco at your own pace: San Pedro Market, San Blas neighborhood, museums, traditional restaurants, and cafés. Optional extra excursions available.

🌈
Day 7
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Pick-up 4:30 a.m. Buffet breakfast in Cusipata. 1.5-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain (16,522 ft / 5,036 m). Stunning Andean panoramas. Buffet lunch. Return to Cusco 6:00 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 4:30 a.m. – Return: 6:00 p.m.

Day 8
South Valley Tour
Pick-up 8:30 a.m. Visit to Tipon (Inca hydraulic complex), Pikillaqta (pre-Inca Wari city), and Andahuaylillas church (the «Sistine Chapel of America»). Return 2:30–3:00 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 8:30 a.m. – Return: 3:00 p.m.

🏁
Day 9
Transfer to the Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Cusco airport at the indicated time. End of services.

Included

  • Private airport – hotel – airport transfers in Cusco.
  • Tourist transportation on all tours.
  • Bilingual Official Tour Guide on all tours.
  • Cusco City Tour (day 2).
  • Standard tourist train Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.
  • Bus up and down to Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary entrance ticket.
  • Humantay Lake tour (entrance included).
  • Rainbow Mountain tour (entrance included).
  • South Valley Tour.
  • Buffet breakfast and lunch on mountain tours (days 5 & 7).
  • Buffet lunches on full-day tours.
  • Permanent assistance throughout the program.

Not Included

  • Domestic or international flights.
  • Accommodation (quotable by category).
  • Meals not mentioned in the program.
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance (optional).
  • Tips for guides or drivers.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Optional horse rental at Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake.
Tour duration
9 days / 8 nights in Cusco.

Schedule
Day 2: 12:45 p.m. | Day 3: 6:30 a.m. | Days 5 & 7: 4:30 a.m. | Day 8: 8:30 a.m.

Max altitude
16,522 ft / 5,036 m (Rainbow Mountain, day 7).

Difficulty
Moderate. High-altitude hikes with progressive acclimatization from day 1. Basic fitness recommended.

Tour type
Adventure Tours

Cusco climate
Mild days (59–72°F / 15–22°C) and cold nights (32–50°F / 0–10°C). Dry season: April–October. Rainy season: November–March.

Destinations & altitudes
Cusco: 11,152 ft / 3,399 m
Sacred Valley: 9,186 – 9,842 ft
Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m
Humantay Lake: 13,779 ft / 4,200 m
Rainbow Mountain: 16,522 ft / 5,036 m
South Valley: 10,827 ft / 3,300 m

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

Ideally between 5 and 9 days. This 9-day program allows in-depth exploration of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, and the South Valley.

April through October. Fewer rains and clearer skies, especially important for Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake tours.

Moderate difficulty due to altitude (16,522 ft). You can walk at your own pace or rent a horse as an optional upgrade.

The guided tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours through the main sectors of the citadel, followed by free exploration time.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but basic fitness is recommended for the Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain hikes.

The official currency is the Peruvian Sol. Many places also accept credit cards and US dollars.
Recommendations

Get ready for 9 incredible days

👟
Footwear & Clothing Essentials
Trekking shoes or comfortable sneakers, warm layered clothing for mountain tours, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.

💧
Acclimatizing in Cusco
Rest on day one, drink coca tea, avoid heavy meals in the first hours, and stay well hydrated. The program is designed for gradual acclimatization.

💰
Money & Documents
Carry Peruvian soles for personal expenses. Original passport required for Machu Picchu. Travel insurance recommended.

🌧️
For the Rainy Season
If traveling November to March, pack a rain jacket or poncho. Landscapes are greener but trails may be wet.

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