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Lima & Cusco 6 Days – Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Lima, Cusco · Tours in Peru

Lima & Cusco 6 Days – Machu Picchu & Rainbow
Mountain

This 6-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to…

Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Group
Máx. 12
person
Difficulty
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
16,522 ft / 5,036 m
Language
English
About the Tour

The essentials of Peru in 6 days: Lima's coast, Machu Picchu, and the spectacular Rainbow Mountain.

Lima, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain

This 6-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Peru — combining the coast with Andean magic in a compact and complete journey. It starts in Lima with a full-day excursion to the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina oasis, with sandboarding on the desert dunes.

From Lima we fly to Cusco for two of the most powerful Andean experiences: the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a New Wonder of the World, and the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at over 16,500 ft, with its extraordinary natural palette of Andean colors.

Places You Will Visit on This Tour
01
Cusco
The imperial city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.
02
Lima
Lima is located on the central coast of Peru, along the Pacific Ocean, and is the main international gateway to the country.
Step by step

Itinerary – Lima & Cusco 6 Days

📍
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Private airport transfer to hotel. Overnight in Lima.
🏖️
Day 2
Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Full Day
Pick-up 4:00 a.m. Ballestas Islands boat tour: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seabirds. Huacachina oasis: buggy ride and sandboarding. Return ~10:00 p.m. Overnight Lima.
⏱ Pick-up: 4:00 a.m. – Return: ~10:00 p.m.
✈️
Day 3
Flight Lima–Cusco – Acclimatization
Airport transfer and flight to Cusco. Hotel check-in. Free afternoon for acclimatization: coca tea, rest. Overnight Cusco.
🏔️
Day 4
Machu Picchu Full Day
Pick-up ~5:00 a.m. Transfer to Ollantaytambo. Train at 7:45 a.m. to Aguas Calientes. Guided tour of Machu Picchu: Guardian’s House, Temple Plaza, Temple of the Three Windows. Bus down. Return train (4:22 p.m. or 5:25 p.m.). Overnight Cusco.
⏱ Pick-up: ~5:00 a.m. – Return Cusco: evening.
🌈
Day 5
Rainbow Mountain Full Day
Pick-up 3:50–4:20 a.m. Buffet breakfast in Cusipata. Hike to Rainbow Mountain (16,522 ft / 5,036 m): 1–1.5 hrs ascent, free time at the summit. Descent. Buffet lunch in Cusipata. Return Cusco ~5:00–5:30 p.m.
⏱ Pick-up: 3:50–4:20 a.m. – Return: ~5:00 p.m.
🏁
Day 6
Airport Transfer – End of Services
Breakfast at hotel. Private transfer to Cusco airport. Optional free time in the historic center. End of services.

Included

  • Private airport – hotel transfers (Lima and Cusco).
  • 2 nights Lima, 2 nights Cusco, 1 night Aguas Calientes.
  • Hotel breakfasts every day.
  • Tourist transport Lima – Paracas – Ica – Lima.
  • Buggy ride and sandboarding at Huacachina.
  • 1 buffet breakfast (Cusipata) + 1 buffet lunch (Cusipata).
  • Tourist train Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu round trip.
  • Consettur bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket.
  • Professional guide on all tours.
  • Personalized assistance.

Not Included

  • International flights or domestic flight Lima–Cusco.
  • Meals not mentioned, water, and tips.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Duration
6 days / 5 nights (2 Lima, 2 Cusco, 1 Aguas Calientes).
Max altitude
16,522 ft / 5,036 m (Rainbow Mountain, day 5).
Difficulty
Moderate. One high-altitude hike (day 5); acclimatization day on day 3 before Machu Picchu.
Tour type
Adventure Tours
Best season
April to October (dry season).
Max group size
12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

Cusco sits at 11,152 ft. Resting on day 3 is essential so your body adapts before Machu Picchu (day 4) and Rainbow Mountain (day 5). Pushing activities on arrival day can lead to severe altitude sickness.

Yes — in this tour you stay in Cusco, not in Aguas Calientes. The very early departure (~5:00 a.m.) gets you to Ollantaytambo for the 7:45 a.m. train. It’s a long day but avoids the extra cost of an Aguas Calientes night.

Yes, with advance booking. Tickets are limited and issued in your name. We recommend booking 2–3 months ahead during peak season.

Moderate. Basic fitness and prior acclimatization (covered on day 3) are recommended. The ascent takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Horse rental is optionally available along the route.

Not included in the standard itinerary. On day 6 (before the airport), there’s free time to explore Cusco’s historic center on your own: Qorikancha, San Pedro Market, and the 12-Angle Stone.
Recommendations

Get ready for 6 action-packed days

💧
Acclimatization on Day 3
Don’t exert yourself on your first day in Cusco. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, eat light, and avoid alcohol. Day 3’s rest is the key to enjoying Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
Early-Morning Days
Days 4 and 5 start before 5:00 a.m. Prepare your pack the night before and sleep early. The effort is absolutely worth it.
🧥
Dress for Every Climate
Light clothing for Lima and the coast; thermal layers for Cusco. A waterproof jacket and trekking boots are essential for day 5.
☀️
Sun Protection
UV radiation is intense at high altitude. Use high-SPF sunscreen, UV sunglasses, and a hat on all outdoor tours.
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