6 Day Machu Picchu Tour
6 Day Machu Picchu Tour
5.0 (102 Reviews)
6 Day Machu Picchu Tour, The Best Tour Package to Machu Picchu
Experience the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, the famed UNESCO site – Machupicchu, and Short Inca Trail, and taste the innovative local cuisine on this awe-inspiring 6-Day Guided Adventure starting from Cusco city.
Start your journey from the former Inca capital–the city of Cusco, explore the best spots of this city and its surroundings. Cusco is an amazing blend of history, traditions, culture, and modernity. Discover the region’s rich cultural heritage as you explore its winding typical streets, Inca buildings, colonial buildings, and bustling markets with a private guide at your side. The Sacred Valley of the Incas also called Urubamba Valley, it was a valley where the Inca kings preferred to build impressive temples, citadels, and agricultural terraces, today these ancient constructions are still standing and it is great to visit them on this 6-day tour to Machu Picchu, this is an ideal journey as it offers a glimpse into the region’s past and present.
This 6-day tour to Machu Picchu also grants you to hike by the famed Inca Trail, this is really a unique way to reach Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun. Explore the 15th-century Incan constructions along the trail, and soak up mesmerizing Andes views. Visit Rainbow Mountain and have the best photos before the crowds arrive at the site, get inspired by its colorful stripes that look like a rainbow so the name Rainbow Mountain. Close your adventure on an exciting food tour of the local food stalls and restaurants of Cusco City (these places are for locals and it’s quite rare to see tourists) and immerse yourself in the flavors of Peru.
This incredible 6-day Machu Picchu tour was designed as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history, nature, cuisine, and vibrant culture of Peru.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS IN BRIEF:
Trip Summary
6 Day Machu Picchu Tour Summary
- Tour start point: Cusco city.
- Tour end point: Cusco city.
- Itinerary options: This itinerary is totally customizable.
- Guides: Knowledgeable, Funny, and Friendly (unique character of Beyond Andes Guides).
- Service Type: Private and Semi-private service.
- Departure: Daily departures, available for booking on any date, we require 2 people to open a new departure.
- Limited Machu Picchu Tickets: YES!, book this tour at 2 -3 months in advance.
- Group Size: Up to 10 participants
- Best time to visit: From May through October.
- Day hikes? Yes, very thrilling day hikes included.
Itinerary
DAY 1Cusco City Tour (Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, and More)
We’ll start the day with a prompt meeting time of no later than 9:00 am at your hotel, ensuring that we make the most of our time together.
Our first stop is the impressive Incan site of Sacsayhuaman. This ancient Incan religious fortress, composed of massive boulders, sits perched on a steep outcropping overlooking Cusco. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city while gaining insight into the important religious and ceremonial significance of this site. After Sacsayhuaman, we’ll visit the Inca site of Pukapukara, a small Incan site located in a very scenic spot.
Returning to the city by private transport, we’ll take you to some of the local sites not typically included in other city tours. Our first stop is the bustling San Pedro market, a hub of activity where locals gather to start their day. Here, we’ll explore the stands that sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats and medicinal plants, giving you an authentic glimpse into daily life in Cusco.
Next, we’ll embark on a tour of the most significant historical sites of Cusco, including the Plaza de Armas and the Main Cathedral (access to the interior is optional, and admission tickets are not included). We’ll also visit Qoricancha – the Sun Temple – the most sacred Inca temple dedicated to the Sun God. Though the temple was destroyed by the Spaniards upon their arrival, the existing foundation was used to build a colonial church, making for a fascinating mix of architectural styles and cultural history.
As our tour draws to a close, we’ll walk you back to your hotel, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Cusco. We hope this experience inspires you to continue exploring and seeking out new adventures in all corners of the world.
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
DAY 2Experience Sacred Valley
Our Beyond Andes guide will pick you up from your hotel, the first stop is the charming town of Chinchero, renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, traditional textile weaving cooperatives, and well-preserved Inkan ruins. As we wander through the streets and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful place, you’ll feel your spirit lift and your mind expands.
Next, we’ll visit the famous Salt Mines of Maras, where you’ll witness local workers extracting salt from a subterranean water stream. It’s a fascinating process, and you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these skilled individuals.
From there, we’ll venture to the incredible Agriculture Terraces of Moray, a true marvel of engineering and ingenuity. These terraces, believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory, will leave you in awe of the intelligence and foresight of the Incan people.
By midday, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch (please note that lunch is not included in the tour price). After refueling our bodies, we’ll continue on to the Inca site of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll explore the impressive megalithic ruins and learn about Incan culture and history.
As the day winds down, we’ll drop you off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have a deserved rest and get ready for the next day’s adventure
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Hiking Time
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
DAY 3Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
After a great breakfast at the hotel, we will start our adventure at 6:00 AM and go to the train station to board the train, which will take us to the trailhead (around 1 hour and 25 minutes train ride). This hike will take us along the most impressive part of the Short Inca Trail. Covering 12 km/ 7.45 miles of the trail until Machu Picchu sanctuary,
The hike begins at the bottom of the Urubamba valley, right at the beginning we will visit the ancient Inca site of Chachabamba, we will then hike up along an original Inca Trail to the Inca site of Winay Wayna. Winay Wayna is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail and you will have a deserved exploration and explanation of this site from your Beyond Andes guide. Nearby this place, after the tour, you will enjoy lunch (packed lunch). After the lunch break, as we make our way to Machu Picchu, we’ll see towering mountains, the Urubamba river at the bottom of the valley, and will walk through the lush and verdant cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a variety of plants, flowers, and birds along the way.
After a full day of hiking, we’ll arrive at the Gate of the Sun in the late afternoon and get our first sights of Machu Picchu nestled among the mountains where we’ll take a deserved rest to enjoy the unique views that only Inca Trail hikers have access to.
Next, we’ll continue with our hike to Machu Picchu citadel, once there we will get to the official viewpoint to take amazing postcard-type pictures, the light at this time of day is perfect for photos, and the site is mostly with fewer tourists around in the afternoon.
After enjoying the classic views of Machu Picchu and taking photos, we’ll head out to the checkpoint to catch the shuttle bus that takes us to Aguas Calientes Town located at the valley level where we’ll drop you off at your hotel. For tonight’s dinner, your guide will recommend some great places and you can select one out of them.
Food
Only lunch included
Physical Level
Moderate
Walking Distance
7.45 miles
Hiking Time
6 - 7 hours
Starting Altitude
2,100 m/ 6,890 ft
Highest Altitude
2,750 m/ 9,022 ft
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
DAY 4Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu on your own terms with a personalized tour from Aguas Calientes town. Tailor your departure time to your own schedule, whether you prefer an early morning start or a leisurely afternoon entry. Meet your Beyond Andes private guide at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and prepare for an adventure.
Embark on a short, 25-minute bus journey up the hillside to the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll explore the Inca Citadel on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and marveling at the incredible structures that have stood the test of time.
Discover the Main Temple, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Plaza, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and more, as your private guide shares insights into how these locations were used by the Incans themselves. Don’t forget to capture stunning photos of the incredible views at Machu Picchu, including the Sun Gate and the Temple of the Sun.
Your guided tour of this amazing site will last approximately three hours, as our guide regales you with tales of the Inca Empire and the history and culture of the people who built and inhabited this awe-inspiring place. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delicious lunch.
When you’re ready, it’s time to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in either the Sacred Valley or Cusco City. This journey is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Food
Not included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
DAY 5Rainbow Mountain Hike
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rainbow Mountain on this exciting day hike from Cusco city.
We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel at the crack of dawn (4:00 AM) and drive you to the trailhead in a private car. To prepare you for the hike ahead, we will provide you with a delicious box breakfast upon arrival.
Our trek begins with a 2-hour hike to the top of the Rainbow Mountain, where you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views and a chance to take some memorable photos. You will have ample time to explore the area and soak in the natural beauty around you.
After this exhilarating experience, we will trek back to the trailhead, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. From there, we will hop into our van and drive for an hour to our lunch spot in Cusipata (3,250m/11,000 feet). Enjoy a well-deserved meal before we head back to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 4:00 PM.
Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rainbow Mountain.
Food
Breakfast and lunch included
Physical Level
Easy to Moderate
Walking Distance
5 miles
Hiking Time
4+ hours
Starting Altitude
4,300m/ 14,108 ft
Minimun Altitude
4,300m/ 14,108 ft
Highest Altitude
5,030m/ 16,503 ft
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
DAY 6Street Culinary Tour in Cusco City
Today we’ll experience and immerse ourselves in the local culinary adventure on the typical streets of Cusco city, together we will uncover the real Cusco as we seek out classic local shops and markets, street stalls, historical alleyways, and restaurants while learning about the history and food culture of Peru.
Eating while walking, walking while eating like a local, either way, it sounds like an ideal way to spend a day in Cusco city! Fill your tummy with all types of yummy foods from Peru and beyond and jump into the hustle and bustle of the local market. The tour is going to start at 10:00 AM from your hotel, your guide will come to pick you up.
On this tour we do not go to fancy restaurants, we go to the small local restaurants and taste the food on the street as locals do. Are you ready? We recommend you have just a light breakfast or take a light snack that morning before the tour begins. After the food adventure, we will return to your hotel where we’ll have a farewell meeting. End of the adventure.
Food
Lunch included
Physical Level
Easiest
Walking Distance
Short walks
Weather
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
Note on Itinerary
Although we strive to strictly adhere to the itinerary outlined above, please be advised that it is subject to change due to a variety of factors beyond our control. These factors may include incidents in the location where the trip will be operated, strikes, political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Please note that & Beyond Andes Travel is not responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from such circumstances.
In the event that we must deviate from the original schedule, we will make every effort to provide the best alternative options available to ensure a fantastic experience. However, any additional expenses that may be incurred will be the sole responsibility of the client and not of & Beyond Andes Travel.
Included
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets (first time slot).
- Inca Trail permits and tickets
- Entrance tickets to visited sites in Cusco and Sacred Valley
- Round trip train tickets on glass-domed train (Vistadome train)
- Round trip bus tickets (shuttle service)
- Professional Beyond Andes Guide
- Private transport for Sacred Valley tour
- Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Packed breakfast and lunch for Rainbow Mountain with option for vegetarians.
- Packed lunch for Short Inca Trail with option for vegetarians.
- Oxygen tank for Rainbow Mountain
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
- Food on the culinary tour.
Not Included
- Meals (except for Rainbow Mountain and Short Inca Trail meals)
- Hotel in Cusco city and Aguas Calientes Town (we can book them for you at extra cost, if so, please let us know)
- Travel insurance
- PayPal fees
- Gratuities
- Huayna Picchu mountain tickets (if interested in, tickets must be booke 3 – 4 months in advance and whose cost is $75.00 per ticket)
- Horse if needed in Rainbow Mountain (its cost is $30/ PEN100.00).
What to bring
- Original passport
- Comfortable shoes or hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Rain gear (if traveling in wet season November – April)
- Snacks
- Personal medication
- Daypack
- Personal cares
- Hiking poles
- Reusable water bottle
Recommendations
- We recommend book this tour with reasonable time in advance since the tickets sell out mostly a couple of months in advance.
- Please keep in mind to bring the following: Original passport, sunblock, sunhat, fleece or jacket, rain gear/poncho if traveling in wet season (Nov to April), hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, deet or bug spray, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for meals.
Pricing List
Private Service
Tour Payment Schedule
- At time of reservation: 50% of the total balance.
- 60 days prior to departure: Balance should be paid fully, or once upon your arrival in Cusco the other 50% of final balance must be paid fully OR before the tour begins.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee: $140 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 2200.00 | Inquire Now |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 1350.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 1320.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 1290.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 1250.00 | Inquire Now |
Travel Guide
Machu Picchu Ticket Circuits
There are 4 circuits that have been set by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to control the flow of traffic and prevent overcrowding. See the list of each circuit on the following lines for further information.
After May 25, 2022, those doing the 4-day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Short Inca Trail will not be able to visit the whole citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Gate of the Sun, you must go directly to the official viewpoint of Machu Picchu where you will have many opportunities to take the official classic (postcard) photo of this iconic Inca citadel, after a short while you need to leave, later on, or the following day in case of 2-day Short Inca Trail hikers you will re-enter the citadel but only to visit the lower part (Circuit #03) for your guided tour.
Circuit 01: On this route, you will visit the Guard House, from where you will have one of the best views of Machu Picchu and the Sun temple. It also allows you to visit most of the terraces and the lower part of Machu Picchu. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 02: The best circuit, this circuit grants you to visit the highest part of Machu Picchu, the route connects with the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge. It also allows you to see the middle and lower parts, like Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, and much more. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 03: The circuit allows you to visit the sector of the agricultural terraces, the House of the Inka, the Temple of the Sun, the Ceremonial Fountains, and other constructions located in the lower section. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 04: This circuit grants you to visit the lower part of the terraces and the urban sector, combined with the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the Temple of the 3 Windows. Click here to see the circuit map.
Circuit 05: This circuit was created for the Inca Trail hikers and allows them to visit the lower part and the middle part of Machu Picchu. Click here to see the circuit map.
What to eat on this day tour to Machu Picchu?
Peru is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which features a mix of Incan, Spanish, and modern influences. Some popular dishes include:
- Ceviche: This dish is made of raw fish that is marinated in lime/lemon juice (a special lemon type from the Cusco’s jungle) and served with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
- Lomo Saltado: This hearty dish features tender strips of beef that are stir-fried with onions, local chili peppers, tomatoes, and french fries. It comes with rice (in Peru is normal to have potatoes and rice in a dish).
- Quinoa Soup: Very typical soup to the highlands of Peru, this nutritious soup is made of quinoa as a main ingredient and comes with vegetables and spices.
- Chicha: An ancient drink, it was the main alcoholic drink in the Incan empire. It is made of fermented corn and it is a popular drink in the highlands of Peru, especially for local farmers and it is often served at local festivals and celebrations.
Faqs 6 Day Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel from the 15th century located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It’s believed that the Spanish never arrived and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo town. Alternatively, you can hike the classic 4 day Inca Trail, and the 2-day Short Inca Trail option, the hikes require a permit. There are also other alternative trails to hike to Machu Picchu like Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Inca Quarry Trail.
Yes, you do need a ticket to visit Machu Picchu itself, tickets are limited per day to 3500 a day and the tickets sell out 2- 3 months in advance.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May through September. The weather is mild and sunny, and there is less chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds of tourist.
Most visitors spend between 3-5 hours at Machu Picchu, which is enough time to explore the site and take in the views. However, if you’re an avid hiker or history buff, you may want to spend more time or even hike Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu mountain, if so, please plan to stay a full day.
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring some snacks and water. Also, it’s recommended to bring rain gear during the wet season.
Yes, there are very strict rules to follow, see some here; visitors are not allowed to touch the ruins or climb on them. Also, drones and tripods are not allowed without a special permit. Finally, it’s important to respect the environment and pack out any trash.
Yes, there are several hotels in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu town, which is located at the base of Machu Picchu Inca citadel. Additionally, there is a fancy lodge located right next to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
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