Private 5-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Hiking Adventure: The Complete Inca Experience
Explore Ancient Ruins, Enjoy a Scenic Picnic, and Conquer the Andes—All in One Exclusive Trip.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights.
- Start Time: Flexible (Day 1 Airport Pickup).
- Strategic Focus: History, Gastronomy, & High-Altitude Trekking.
- Key Note: The ultimate Best of Both Worlds package—3 days of culture followed by 1 day of epic adventure (You choose the mountain!).
- Difficulty Level: Variable (Days 1-3: Easy/Moderate | Day 4: Moderate/Challenging).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Train Service: Vistadome & Vistadome Observatory (Panoramic).
- Dining: Exclusive Outdoor Picnic in the Sacred Valley.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
Culture Meets Adrenaline
Why choose between a relaxing cultural vacation and an epic trekking adventure when you can have both? This 5-Day Private Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour is chemically engineered for the active traveler. We’ve structured the itinerary to provide perfect acclimatization: you start with the history of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu, before tackling a high-altitude hike on Day 4 when your body is fully ready.
This isn't just sightseeing; it's about exclusive moments. Instead of a crowded buffet, you’ll enjoy a private gourmet picnic overlooking the Andean mountains. Instead of a standard train, you’ll ride the Vistadome Observatory to Machu Picchu.
The highlight? The Day 4 Choice. You customize the adventure level. Whether you want the viral shot at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, or the quiet solitude of Palccoyo, the choice is yours. With private transport, oxygen support, and expert guides throughout, you experience the rugged Andes with the safety net of luxury service.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to the Empire – Cusco City & Ruins
Arrival & Acclimatization: Your private driver meets you at the airport/hotel.
The City: We ease into the altitude with a visit to the Cusco Cathedral and the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the spiritual heart of the Inca Empire.
The Four Ruins: A short drive takes us above the city to the megalithic walls of Sacsayhuamán, the ritual tunnels of Qenqo, the fortress of Puka Pukara, and the water temple of Tambomachay.
Evening: Return to your hotel to rest. Goal: Adapt to 11,000 ft.
Sacred Valley VIP – Maras, Moray & Luxury Picnic
Morning: Head into the Sacred Valley. Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory with its stunning circular terraces.
The Salt Mines: Explore Maras, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the canyon—a photographer's dream.
The Highlight: Unlike standard tours, we set up a Private Picnic in a scenic spot. Enjoy fresh local ingredients, wine, and silence surrounded by the Andes.
Optional: Direct transfer to Ollantaytambo train station if you prefer to sleep in Aguas Calientes (must be arranged in advance).
The Lost City – Machu Picchu Full Day
The Journey: Board the Vistadome / Vistadome Observatory Train. Large panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of the cloud forest.
The Citadel: Your private guide leads you on an exclusive tour of Machu Picchu. Explore the temples, plazas, and terraces at your own pace, learning the secrets of Pachacutec’s retreat.
The Return: Descent to Aguas Calientes for lunch (on your own) and return train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to your Cusco hotel.
Choose Your Adventure (Trekking Day)
Today, you choose your challenge. Select ONE of the following options:
- Option A: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) 🌈
- The Classic: The famous 7-color mountain.
- Difficulty: Challenging (Steep ascent at 16,000 ft).
- Best for: The iconic Instagram shot and physical challenge.
- Option B: Palccoyo (The Alternative Rainbow) 🎨
- The Smart Choice: Three rainbow mountains with a short, flat hike.
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
- Best for: Families, seniors, or those wanting to avoid crowds.
- Option C: Humantay Lake 💧
- The Turquoise Gem: A steep hike to a glacial lake at the foot of Salkantay.
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging.
- Best for: Mystical vibes and glacier views.
- Option D: 7 Lakes of Ausangate 🏔️
- The Deep Dive: A longer circuit through pristine glacial lakes.
- Difficulty: Challenging (Longer duration).
- Best for: True hikers seeking solitude and hot springs.
Farewell to Cusco
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning. Explore the San Pedro Market for last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a final Peruvian coffee.
Transfer: Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver for all 5 days (Airport/Hotel/Tours).
- Expert Private Guides: Dedicated specialists for Culture (Days 1-3) and Trekking (Day 4).
- Premium Dining: Private Picnic on Day 2 (Sacred Valley).
- Train Experience: Vistadome / Vistadome Observatory round-trip tickets.
- Entrance Fees: Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), Cathedral, Qoricancha, Maras, and Machu Picchu.
- Day 4 Adventure: Full logistics, oxygen, and first aid for your chosen hike.
- Bus Tickets: Round trip Consettur bus (Aguas Calientes <-> Machu Picchu).
Not Included
- Accommodation: Hotels are not included (we can book them as an add-on based on your preferred category: 3, 4, or 5-star).
- Meals: Breakfasts (usually provided by hotel), dinners, and lunch on Days 1, 3, 5.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides and drivers.
- Extra Hikes: Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets (require advance booking).
What to bring
Recommendations
- The Picnic Advantage: Most tours stop at crowded buffet restaurants in Urubamba. Our private picnic allows you to eat in nature, away from the noise. It is a core memory moment.
- Choosing Day 4:
- Choose Palccoyo if you are worried about altitude sickness or hate hiking uphill. It’s just as beautiful as Vinicunca but much easier.
- Choose Humantay if you prefer water and snow over red mountains.
- Acclimatization Strategy: By placing the hike on Day 4, you give your body 3 full days to adjust to the altitude during the easy cultural tours. This significantly increases your chance of success on the mountain.
- Luggage: Leave your heavy suitcases at your Cusco hotel on Day 3. Travel to Machu Picchu with just a backpack to comply with train regulations.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Can I change my hike choice after booking?
A: We need to know your choice in advance to arrange the correct logistics (route, guide specialization, driving times). However, if you feel unwell on Day 3, we can switch you to a lighter option (like Palccoyo) if given 24-hour notice.
Q: Do I need to book hotels myself?
A: You have the freedom to book your own, or we can include them. If you book with us, we ensure seamless coordination between the hotel lobby and your driver.
Q: Is oxygen provided on the hikes?
A: Yes, absolutely. For Day 4 (and Day 1/2), your private vehicle and guide are equipped with an oxygen tank (Oxishot or tank) and a first aid kit. Safety is our priority at 16,000 feet.
Q: What happens on Day 3 if I want to hike Wayna Picchu?
A: You must request this 3-4 months in advance. If permits are available, we will adjust the Machu Picchu guided tour timing to accommodate the extra hike.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private 5-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Hiking Adventure: The Complete Inca Experience
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
