How to Plan Your 6-Day Tour of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Qeswachaka

Planning a trip to Peru can be overwhelming, especially when trying to fit in all the must-see destinations. But fret not, as we’ve found the perfect 6-day tour that includes the most popular attractions in Cusco.

Departing from Cusco, this tour will take you to four unforgettable destinations: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Qeswachaka. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each destination, what’s included in the tour, meeting and pickup details, what to expect during the tour, additional info, and cancellation policies.

Overview

This 6-day tour includes pick up from the airport and hotel, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional tour guide, and entrance tickets to all planned destinations. The only thing not included in the tour is meals not mentioned.

What’s Included

– Pick up from airport and hotel
– Air-conditioned vehicle
– Professional tour guide
– Entrance tickets to all planned destinations

Meeting and Pickup

The tour will pick you up from your hotel or the airport, depending on your preference. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign that has your name on it. If you’re staying at an Airbnb or a hotel that’s not in the city center, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to one of the pickup points.

Pickup Points

– Plaza San Francisco
– Plaza Regocijo
– Plaza Espinar
– Plaza Limacpampa
– Plaza Kusipata

Pickup Details

The driver will pick you up between 3:30 am and 4:00 am, depending on your hotel’s location. Once everyone is picked up, the tour will begin.

What to Expect

Day 1: Cusco City Tour

Your tour will begin with a city tour of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire. You’ll visit the Cathedral of Cusco, the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Your tour guide will provide you with historical and cultural insights into each destination.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour

On day two, you’ll visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll stop at Pisac Market, where you can buy souvenirs and try local delicacies. You’ll then visit the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, learning about the Inca civilization and their impressive architecture.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

The highlight of your tour is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city that continues to amaze visitors with its architecture, landscape, and history. You’ll take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Your tour guide will provide you with a comprehensive tour of the ancient ruins and a glimpse into the Inca culture.

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain

On day four, you’ll visit Rainbow Mountain, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru. It’ll be an early start as you’ll need to travel to the Vinicunca mountain range, but the breathtaking views of the colored mountain will be worth it.

Day 5: Qeswachaka

Qeswachaka will be the final destination of your tour. It’s a suspension bridge made entirely of grass and rope, which has been used by the local community for over 500 years. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about Andean culture and traditions.

Additional Info

– Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
– Not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart problems, or other serious medical conditions.
– Not wheelchair accessible.
– Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
– The tour will have a maximum of 15 travelers.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 7 full days before the experience’s start time. Any changes made less than 6 full days before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. For a 50% refund, you must cancel 3-6 full days before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, you won’t receive a refund.

Book Your Tour Here

Ready to explore Cusco’s best sights? Book your 6-day tour here now. You’re sure to have the time of your life exploring everything Cusco has to offer with a professional guide to assist you every step of the way.

An Insider’s Guide to Cusco: Uncovering the Hidden Gems

Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca Empire, is a city filled with charm and beauty. While it’s hard to go wrong with the main attractions like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, there is so much more to discover in this vibrant city. Here’s an insider’s guide to some of Cusco’s hidden gems.

Local Attractions: The Hidden Gems

Beyond the main attractions, Cusco has many lesser-known places worth a visit. For example, the San Pedro Market is a bustling local market offering everything from traditional herbs to unique souvenirs. You can also discover the beautiful San Blas neighborhood, a bohemian area with narrow cobblestone streets lined with galleries, craft shops and cafes.

Another must-visit is the Cusco Planetarium, where you can learn about the astronomical knowledge of the Incas and even see the stars through a telescope. And for those interested in archaeology, the Huchuy Qosqo trek is a great alternative to the popular Inca Trail and offers breathtaking views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley.

Dining Spots: The Food Culture of Cusco

Cusco boasts a diverse cuisine, often fusing traditional Andean ingredients with Spanish influences. For example, the Pachapapa restaurant offers delicious grilled meats and specialty potatoes, while the Cafe Dos X 3, a sustainable cafe in the heart of the city, serves healthy organic food with a Mediterranean touch.

Did you know that guinea pig is a traditional Andean delicacy? You can try it at La Cusqueñita, a restaurant located in the historical San Blas district. For an authentic dining experience, head to the traditional picanterias – local eateries serving traditional dishes, like caldo de gallina (chicken soup) or cuy chactado (fried guinea pig) and enjoy live music and dance performances.

Cultural Experiences: A Glimpse into Cusco’s Traditions

Cusco is a city full of cultural activities, and there’s no better way to experience it than by participating in a traditional festival. If you’re visiting during the month of June, you can witness the Inti Raymi festival – an annual celebration of the winter solstice honoring the sun god, Inti.

Another cultural experience not to be missed is watching a performance by the renowned folk dance troupe – Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo. They showcase traditional dances and costumes of the various regions of Peru.

For those interested in art, the Museo Maximo Laura is a must-visit, exhibiting modern tapestries made with traditional Andean techniques. You also might be interested in visiting the Cusco School of Art, home to a collection of colonial religious paintings.

Local History: Uncovering Captivating Stories

Cusco is a city steeped in history, and there are many stories that capture the imagination. Did you know that the Coricancha, an Incan temple, was once covered in gold? After the Spanish conquest, the conquistadors melted the gold and shipped it to Europe. Today, you can still see the remains of the temple and the impressive stonework that the Incas were known for.

Another captivating story is about the Qeswachaka bridge, the last Inca bridge made of braided grass. Every June, locals gather to rebuild the bridge using traditional methods and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Excursions

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, consider the Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain trek. The mountain’s unique colors are due to the mineral pigments found in the Andean soil. The hike is tough, but the views are worth it.

For a unique culinary experience, take a cooking class with a local Andean family at their home in the countryside. You’ll learn about traditional Andean cooking techniques and make dishes like quinoa soup or stuffed peppers.

And finally, another unique excursion is to visit the Pablo Seminario ceramic studio. His ceramics are known all over the world and reflect the Andean culture and history. You can watch the artisans work, and even try your hand at pottery-making.

Conclusion

Cusco is a city that offers so much more than just Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The local attractions, dining options, cultural experiences, history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions all combine to make this a destination like no other. Follow this insider’s guide to uncover the hidden gems of Cusco and have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.