How to Plan Your 8-Day Tour in Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and Maras Moray

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, then you simply can’t overlook experiencing the best of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and Maras Moray. Fortunately, if you book the 8-day Maras Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Qeswachaka & Machu Picchu Tour, offered by Viator, you won’t have to worry about anything except enjoying everything that Peru has to offer.

This tour is specially designed to offer you a complete experience of Peru’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. To help you plan your trip better, here’s a guide on how to plan your 8-day tour in Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and Maras Moray.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

The first day of the tour includes pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel. After you arrive, you can relax for a bit and acclimatize before starting the tour the next day.

Day 2: Cusco City Tour

On the second day, you’ll take a guided tour of the city of Cusco to experience firsthand the rich history of the region. You’ll visit the Plaza Mayor, the Cusco Cathedral, the San Pedro Market, the Qorikancha, the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Qenqo amphitheater, the Tambomachay water shrine, and the PukaPukara Red Fortress.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour

Day three is when you go on a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll visit the Pisac market and ruins, the Urubamba market, the Ollantaytambo ruins, and the Chinchero market.

Day 4, 5 & 6: Machu Picchu

Days 4, 5, and 6 are dedicated to exploring the iconic Machu Picchu. You’ll take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to Machu Picchu. You’ll have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, followed by some free time to explore on your own. On the sixth day, you’ll trek to the famous Huayna Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes.

Day 7: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake

On day seven, you’ll drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead and hike to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), known for its rainbow-colored peaks. After that, you’ll visit the stunning Humantay Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Day 8: Maras Moray and End of the Tour

The last day of the tour will take you through Maras and Moray, where you’ll see ancient Inca terraces and salt mines. After that, you’ll drive back to Cusco and be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of the tour.

What’s Included

The 8-day Maras Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Qeswachaka & Machu Picchu Tour comes with:

– Airport pickup and hotel transfer.
– Professional tour guide.
– Accommodation in 3-star hotels.
– Most meals (5 lunches).
– All transportation during the trip.
– Entrance fees to all attractions included in the itinerary.

Additional Information

The following additional information is important to keep in mind when planning your tour:

– Confirmation of your booking will be received at the time of booking.
– The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
– It is not recommended for people with mobility limitations.

Book the Tour Here

Don’t miss the chance to experience Peru in the best way possible. Book the 8-day Maras Moray, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Qeswachaka & Machu Picchu Tour today by clicking here.

Insider’s Guide to Cusco, Peru and Surrounding Areas

When it comes to exploring Peru’s rich history and natural beauty, the city of Cusco and its surrounding areas should definitely be at the top of your list. From the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, to the colorful Rainbow Mountain, to the tranquil Humantay Lake, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences to discover in this region. Here is our insider’s guide to planning the perfect 8-day tour in Cusco and beyond.

Day 1-2: Cusco City Center and Surroundings

Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Cusco itself, where you’ll find plenty of museums, markets, and historical landmarks to visit. The Plaza de Armas is the perfect place to begin your city tour, with its massive cathedral and iconic fountain. Make sure to also explore the nearby San Pedro Market to sample local dishes like ceviche and chicharrón. Alternatively, visit the Inka Museum for a deeper understanding of the Incan civilization.

For a peaceful afternoon, head up to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, just a 20 minutes’ drive from the city center, where you can enjoy stunning views of Cusco. Afterwards, visit the Temple of the Moon, a sacred site where the Incas used to perform their ceremonies. In the evening, dine at one of Cusco’s most famous restaurants, Limo, which serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine.

Day 3-4: Sacred Valley and Maras Moray

Next, venture out to the Sacred Valley, which offers a glimpse into the rural Andean way of life. You can visit Pisac Market and Chinchero, two traditional villages, to learn about Andean weaving and agriculture. Don’t forget to also visit the incredible Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, which are an impressive example of the Inca’s architectural prowess.

Another popular attraction in this area is the Maras Salt Mines and Moray archeological site. Be sure to visit these sites in the early morning to avoid the crowds.

For accommodation, consider staying at one of the Sacred Valley’s many eco-lodges, such as the Kuychi Rumi Lodge or the Explora Valle Sagrado Lodge, to enjoy a serene, natural retreat.

Day 5-6: Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes

No trip to Cusco would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most famous and well-preserved Inca sites in the world. Take the train or Inca trail to Aguas Calientes and spend one night in the town before heading up to the ruins.

To avoid crowds at Machu Picchu, make sure to arrive early and consider hiring a guide for a deeper understanding of the Inca history and myths. After visiting Machu Picchu, spend some time exploring the quaint shops and restaurants of Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.

Day 7-8: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake

Finally, head to the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake for a glimpse at Peru’s natural wonders. The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a trek of roughly 6 hours from Cusco. This beautiful mountain is famous for its vibrant colors of purple, yellow, and red; hence the name Rainbow.

After the Rainbow Mountain, proceed to Humantay Lake, a spectacular glacier-fed lake located at 4200 meters above sea level. The turquoise water and stunning mountain views make this a must-visit attraction for any nature lover.

For the ultimate experience, consider camping at either location to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes.

Conclusion

Cusco and its surrounding areas offer visitors a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. From exploring ancient Inca ruins to marveling at natural wonders like the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, there’s truly something for everyone in this region. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or culture, Cusco and the surrounding areas will not disappoint.