How to Plan Your 4-Day Tour in Cusco: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake (Avoid Crowds)

Cusco is a stunning city that is surrounded by even more magnificent wonders of nature and human history. The Sacred Valley near Cusco has a plethora of attractions that can be overwhelming to travelers visiting the area for the first time. The 4-day tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake is an amazing opportunity to explore some of the area’s top cultural and natural highlights. In this guide, we will take you through everything that you need to know to plan and book your perfect 4-day tour in Cusco.

Overview of the Tour

The 4-day tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake is a perfect blend of culture and nature. It starts from Cusco, and the focus of the tour is on some of the area’s top cultural and natural highlights. Highlights of the tour include the town of Chinchero, famous for its textiles, the round installations at the Moray Incan archaeological site, the Maras salt pools, which are still farmed by locals, the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, the scenic train ride, and the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. The tour also includes day hikes to Lake Humantay and Rainbow Mountain to see and photograph its famous naturally occurring bands of color.

Benefits of the Tour

One of the significant benefits of the 4-day tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake is the chance to visit many top attractions on one tour. This saves time and money, as travelers do not need to book separate tours to visit each destination. Additionally, the tour explores local culture and nature with English-speaking local guides who eliminate language barriers. Furthermore, small group sizes of maximum 8 people ensure that travelers avoid crowds and have a more personalized experience throughout the trip.

Itinerary and Highlights

The itinerary for the 4-day tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake is as follows:

Day 1: Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

The first day of the tour takes travelers through the Sacred Valley, stopping at cultural and natural highlights, such as
– Chinchero, where travelers will explore the famous textiles
– The round installations at the Moray Incan archaeological site
– The Maras salt pools
– The Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

The day concludes with a scenic train ride to reach Aguas Calientes, the base for visiting the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 2 – Machu Picchu Private Tour
On the second day of the tour, travelers will visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a private guide.

Day 3 – Humantay Lake
The third day of the tour takes travelers on a day hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake, with its stunning turquoise waters, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters.

Day 4 – Rainbow Mountain
The last day of the tour takes travelers on a day hike to Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado Vinicunca). The tour allows travelers to witness and photograph the unique naturally occurring bands of color.

What’s Included in the Tour

– Hiking poles
– First-aid kit
– Oxygen
– Private Machu Picchu tour
– Expedition train both ways
– Entrance ticket
– Machu Picchu bus

Booking the Tour

To book the 4-day tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake, visit this link here. With this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular natural sights and culturally rich destinations in Cusco in just four days, all while avoiding crowds and having a personalized experience with a small group of maximum 8 people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking to explore the wonder and beauty of Cusco, the 4-day tour of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake is an excellent choice. This tour combines visits to some of the city’s top attractions with the chance to experience nature and culture at a personalized pace. So, start planning your trip today, and experience the magic of Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cusco

Cusco is a city located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountain range. It is ideally located close to Machu Picchu, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Many people visit Cusco every year, and there are always questions about this beautiful city. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Cusco, Peru.

1. How do I get to Cusco?

Cusco has an international airport that is located about 10 km from the city center. Many airlines offer direct flights to Cusco from several cities in South America. You can also take a flight from Lima, which is the capital city of Peru. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lima or other cities in Peru to Cusco. The bus journey can be quite long, but it’s an affordable option if you have the time.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Cusco?

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or the European Union, you do not need a visa to visit Cusco. However, you will need a valid passport and return ticket. If you plan to stay in Cusco for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa.

3. What is the best time to visit Cusco?

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which is from April to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny during the day, and cool at night. However, this is also the peak tourist season, and prices can be quite high. If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, consider visiting Cusco during the offseason from November to March. Just be aware that it can rain a lot during this time, which can make it difficult to explore the city.

4. What should I pack for my trip to Cusco?

If you are visiting Cusco during the dry season, make sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and warm layers for the evening. You should also bring sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. If you are planning to hike to Machu Picchu, make sure to bring appropriate gear such as waterproof boots, a rain jacket, and a backpack.

5. Is it safe to travel to Cusco?

Cusco is generally a safe city to visit, but like all cities, there are areas that may not be safe for tourists. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft or violence. Some tips for staying safe in Cusco include:

– Avoid walking alone at night, especially in the city center
– Keep your valuables in a secure location
– Don’t flash your money or expensive equipment
– Be wary of people approaching you on the street
– Use a registered taxi service instead of hailing a cab on the street

6. What are some must-see attractions in Cusco?

Cusco is known for its rich history and culture, and there are many must-see attractions in the city. Some popular sites include:

– Machu Picchu
– The Inca Trail
– Sacsayhuaman
– Qorikancha
– The Cathedral of Santo Domingo
– The San Pedro Market

7. What is the currency in Cusco?

The currency in Cusco is the Peruvian Sol. You can exchange your currency for Sol at banks or exchange bureaus in the city center. Many hotels and restaurants also accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand for small transactions or if you plan to visit markets or street vendors.

8. What is the food like in Cusco?

Cusco has a rich culinary scene, which includes traditional Peruvian dishes as well as international cuisine. Some must-try dishes while in Cusco include:

– Ceviche: This is a popular seafood dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and chili peppers.
– Lomo Saltado: This is a beef stir-fry dish served with rice and French fries.
– Aguadito: This is a soup made with chicken, cilantro, and rice.
– Pisco Sour: This is a popular cocktail in Peru made with Pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters.

9. What is the culture like in Cusco?

Cusco is a predominantly indigenous city, and the culture here is a mix of traditional Andean and Spanish influences. The city is known for its colorful festivals and celebrations, which often include music, dance, and traditional dress. It’s important to respect the local customs and traditions while visiting Cusco, especially when visiting sacred sites such as Machu Picchu.

10. What is the language spoken in Cusco?

The official language of Peru is Spanish, but in Cusco, you will also hear Quechua, which is the indigenous language of the Andes. Many people in the city center also speak English, especially those in the tourism industry. It’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to help you get around and interact with the locals.

Conclusion

Cusco is a beautiful and historic city that is popular with tourists from all over the world. Hopefully, this post has answered some of your questions about visiting Cusco. Remember to plan ahead, take precautions to stay safe, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and cuisine of this amazing city.