Highlights
- Follow a route linking Cusco, Maras, Moray rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for city streets, archaeological paths, vehicle and rail travel, plus high-altitude hiking, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with Cusco, Maras, Sacred Valley, South Valley and Mollepata-area communities, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a clear service confirmation covering pickup, entrances, operating hours and optional payments.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
| Region | Cusco |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Cusco unless the final itinerary states another city |
| Maximum altitude | about 5,036 m / 16,522 ft |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Terrain | city streets, archaeological paths, vehicle and rail travel, plus high-altitude hiking |
| Main transport | tourist vehicle, train, shuttle bus and hiking |
| Accommodation | seven hotel nights as selected |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in a complete Cusco region package.
- Main places: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and nearby valleys.
- Physical demand: challenging, with terrain including city streets, valley roads, train travel and high-altitude hikes.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Cusco Arrival and City Tour
Arrival assistance is followed by a moderate city route through Qorikancha, the Cathedral when included, and the archaeological sites above Cusco. The schedule may be shortened when the inbound flight arrives late. The evening is left free for acclimatization. Day highlight: Reach Cusco Arrival and City Tour after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: arrival transfer and tourist vehicle – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Altitude: about 3,400–3,700 m / 11,155–12,139 ft
Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Pans
The road route reaches Chinchero for textile or archaeological interpretation according to the program, then continues to Moray and the Maras salt pans. Paths can be dusty, and the salt terraces require careful movement at the authorized viewpoints. The group returns to Cusco in the afternoon. Day highlight: Reach Maras Salt Pans after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle – Terrain: stairs, dusty paths and viewpoints – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast; lunch as confirmed
Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo form the main valley sequence. The exact time at each stop is controlled by the train departure. After the archaeological route in Ollantaytambo, the group boards the evening train and checks into the hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Day highlight: Reach Machu Picchu Pueblo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle and train – Accommodation: hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo – Meals: breakfast and lunch as confirmed
Machu Picchu – Cusco
The guided entry follows the route and time printed on the ticket. The return uses the shuttle bus, tourist train and road transfer to Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Guided entry: official circuit – Transport: shuttle bus, train and road transfer – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast
South Valley
The South Valley route normally combines Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, subject to the selected ticket and church opening. The guide contrasts Inca water engineering, pre-Inca urban planning and colonial religious art before the return to Cusco. Day highlight: Reach South Valley after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle – Terrain: archaeological paths and church interiors – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast
Rainbow Mountain
A pre-dawn drive, breakfast and high-altitude hike lead to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. The guide sets a conservative pace and fixed return time. Lunch follows before the drive back to Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Rainbow Mountain after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Maximum altitude: about 5,036 m / 16,522 ft – Walking: about 3–5 hours total – Meals: breakfast and lunch – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco
Humantay Lake
The route travels through Mollepata to Soraypampa and climbs toward Humantay Lake. The slope is steep, and the group should not treat the shorter distance as an easy day. After the descent and lunch, the vehicle returns to Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Humantay Lake after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Maximum altitude: about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft – Walking: about 3–5 hours total – Meals: breakfast and lunch – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco
Departure Transfer
The final hotel transfer is coordinated with the confirmed flight or bus departure. Extra touring or late checkout is arranged separately. Day highlight: Reach Departure Transfer after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: departure transfer when included – Meals: breakfast according to hotel plan
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($ 20 USD optional).
- Panoramic train upgrade: quoted according to operator, route and departure
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or another mountain route: separate ticket, limited capacity and advance confirmation required
- Additional guided mountain route: quoted separately because the main guide service may not cover it
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability depends on the selected date, entry time and ticket route. Booking up to six months ahead is advised. A late booking may require a different route, time, train or extra night, and Andean Peru Treks cannot guarantee the traveler’s preferred option after official inventory sells out.
Health and Travel Restrictions
Several stages reach high altitude and may involve cold, long road travel or limited medical access. Travelers with heart, respiratory or serious mobility conditions should seek medical advice before booking and should report any required assistance in advance.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is seven hotel nights as selected.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses tourist vehicle, train, shuttle bus and hiking.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US $2,135 per person |
| 2 travelers | US $1,645 per person |
| 3 travelers | US $1,490 per person |
| 4 travelers | US $1,405 per person |
| 5 travelers | US $1,340 per person |
| 6 travelers | US $1,295 per person |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around city streets, archaeological paths, vehicle and rail travel, plus high-altitude hiking, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through Cusco, Maras, Sacred Valley, South Valley and Mollepata-area communities, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Private planning: A private service can adapt the pace and focus, while opening hours, official routes and road rules remain fixed.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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