Machu Picchu & Humantay Lake 6 Days

From US$1028 per person.

Machu Picchu & Humantay Lake 6 Days

Looking for a trip that combines culture, nature and unforgettable scenery? This complete *6-day journey* offers a bit of everything: from ancient Inca sites to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Explore the vibrant city of **Cusco**, the ancient Inca capital, visit the fascinating terraces of **Moray** and the **Maras Salt Mines**, and travel by train through the Andes to the world-famous **Machu Picchu**.

The adventure continues in the high-mountain landscapes. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is located above 5,000 m a.s.l., so good physical condition and proper acclimatization are recommended. Humantay Lake, located at approximately 4,200 m a.s.l., also requires a demanding ascent; to make part of the climb easier, there is the option of using a horse, subject to local availability. The return trip is usually easier. The combination of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and Humantay Lake makes this 6-day program an excellent option for discovering the best of Cusco in a single trip.

At a glance

Route map of Machu Picchu & Humantay Lake 6 Days
Route map

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco, Half-Day City Tour

Altitude: 3400 a 3800 m · Meals: Coca leaf tea or muña herbal infusion · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

Your trip begins with a warm personalized welcome at **Cusco** airport by a Viajes Cusco Perú representative, followed by a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in the historic center. Take the morning to rest and acclimatize to the altitude with coca tea and a light lunch. In the afternoon, your guide will pick you up to explore the city's most important sites, starting with **Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)** and the historic **Plaza de Armas** with its Cathedral.

We will continue to the outskirts of the city to discover **Sacsayhuamán**, an impressive Inca fortress with zigzag walls, **Qenqo**, a mysterious ceremonial site, **Puca Pucara**, an ancient military outpost, and **Tambomachay**, famous for its aqueducts and ceremonial fountains. After an afternoon full of discoveries, we will drop you off two blocks from the Plaza de Armas with free time to have dinner on your own and rest, ready for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Town

Altitude: 2040 a 3762 m · Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner · Overnight: Aguas Calientes (2040 m)

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning in Chinchero, a charming Andean village renowned for its colorful markets, traditional weaving, and rich Inca heritage. Visit a local textile center to learn about ancestral weaving techniques before exploring its historic church. Continue to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site featuring vast circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. Then discover the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of small salt pools continue to produce naturally harvested pink salt using traditional methods.

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba before continuing to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable living Inca settlements in Peru. Explore its original Inca streets, monumental stone temples, and impressive agricultural terraces while learning about its historical and strategic importance. After the visit, board a scenic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), traveling through the spectacular Urubamba River Valley. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore the charming town before your unforgettable Machu Picchu experience the following day.

Day 3: Machu Picchu Town, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Ollantaytambo, Cusco

Altitude: 2430 a 3000 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

Wake up early to enjoy a quieter experience at Machu Picchu. After a quick breakfast, board the bus for a scenic 25-minute journey to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Citadel, arriving early to witness the first light of day illuminate this extraordinary Inca sanctuary. Accompanied by your expert guide, explore the ancient stone city for approximately 2 hours, discovering its temples, residences, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial spaces while learning about the remarkable history, architecture, and engineering of the Inca civilization. Optional: if reserved in advance, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

After the guided tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the town at your own pace. In the late afternoon, board the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, traveling through the spectacular landscapes of the Urubamba River Valley. Upon arrival, your private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding an unforgettable day immersed in the history and magic of Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Day Excursion: Cusco, Mollepata, Humantay Lagoon, Soraypampa, Cusco

Altitude: 3900 a 4200 m · Meals: Breakfast and lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

Another unforgettable day begins with pickup at **4:00 a.m.** from your hotel in **Cusco**, traveling through the Anta plain and the Limatambo valley toward the town of **Mollepata**, where you will make a stop for a breakfast that will give you energy for the adventure. You will continue by vehicle to **Soraypampa (3,900 m)**, the starting point of the hike, which lasts approximately **1.5 to 2 hours** uphill, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and wildflowers, with your guide sharing information about the landscape, history, and altitude tips.

Upon arriving at **Humantay Lake (4,200 m)**, with its brilliant turquoise color framed by the glacier of the Humantay Snow-Capped Mountain, you will have between **45 minutes and 1 hour** to take photos, relax, or meditate while your guide explains its spiritual meaning within the Andean worldview. We will descend back to Soraypampa, where you will enjoy a fresh lunch prepared by our local chef, and then return to your hotel in **Cusco**, arriving at approximately **18:30 hrs**.

Day 5: Cusco, Llacto, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Llacto, Cusco

Altitude: 4630 a 5100 m · Meals: Breakfast and lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

Your final Andean adventure begins at 4:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by an approximately 3-hour journey through the Southern Valley, with a stop for a traditional Andean breakfast. The hike begins at Llacto (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), following a winding trail alongside a crystal-clear stream while enjoying spectacular views of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region. Along the route, encounter rural Andean communities and local people wearing traditional clothing, while your professional guide provides insight into their cultural significance and way of life.

After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Enjoy between 30 minutes and 1 hour at the viewpoint to admire its vibrant mineral colors, learn from your guide about its geological formation, and capture unforgettable photographs. Begin the descent to Llacto, which takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, followed by a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Cusco, bringing with you an unforgettable experience among the breathtaking landscapes and living traditions of the Peruvian Andes.

Day 6: Cusco, Cusco Airport (or Bus Terminal)

Altitude: 3400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Cusco

Today, it is time to say goodbye, for now, to the beautiful city of Cusco. After breakfast, enjoy some free time to pack at your own pace and prepare for your departure. Take a final moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.

We will coordinate a convenient pickup time from your hotel in Cusco and provide a private transfer to the airport or bus terminal, according to your travel itinerary. This is not a final goodbye, but simply a “see you soon.” Thank you for allowing us to be part of your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back to continue discovering the extraordinary landscapes, living Inca culture, and heritage of the Peruvian Andes.

What is included

What is not included

Frequently asked questions

What does the Machu Picchu & Laguna Humantay 6-day tour combine?

This package combines Laguna Humantay (a trekking day at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft), the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Cusco City Tour in 6 days with everything organized from the airport.

Is Laguna Humantay included?

Yes. The Laguna Humantay excursion is included with transport, guide, buffet breakfast in the field and lunch. It is one of the most photogenic spots on the entire route.

How physically demanding is the program?

Moderate to high. Laguna Humantay requires a 4 km hike with 400 m elevation gain at high altitude. Machu Picchu involves walking on uneven terrain. Good fitness and prior acclimatization are recommended.

What type of hotels are used?

3-star hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes with breakfast included. For an upgrade to boutique or 4-star hotels, check with our team.

Is acclimatization time included?

Yes. The first day in Cusco is reserved for acclimatization and the half-day City Tour. This is essential to prepare the body before higher-altitude activities.

Are 6 days enough for Cusco, Humantay and Machu Picchu?

Yes, 6 days is a very comfortable duration for this circuit. It allows 1 acclimatization day in Cusco, 1 day for Laguna Humantay, 1 day for the City Tour, 1 day for the Sacred Valley, 1 day for Machu Picchu and 1 return day. It is the perfect package for those who want to combine high-altitude trekking with Inca culture.

What is exactly included in the 6-day package?

The package includes: 5 hotel nights (3 in Cusco + 1 in Aguas Calientes) with breakfast, airport-hotel-airport transfers, Cusco City Tour with guide, Laguna Humantay excursion with breakfast and lunch, Sacred Valley tour with lunch, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo train, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu bus and bilingual guide on all tours.

Are archaeological entrance fees included in the 6-day package?

The Machu Picchu entrance fee is included. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (for the City Tour and Sacred Valley) and the Laguna Humantay entrance fee (approx. S/ 10) are not included and paid separately. When booking we will inform you of the updated cost so you can budget without surprises.

What is the best time for the 6-Day Machu Picchu & Humantay tour?

The dry season (May, October) is ideal for both activities: clear skies at Laguna Humantay and better photos at Machu Picchu. June and July are the most popular months. In the rainy season the tour operates equally, but Laguna Humantay may have muddy trails and Machu Picchu may have mist (though equally beautiful).

Is this package suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, it is one of the most popular among solo travelers. Group tours allow you to meet other travelers from different countries while exploring the best destinations in Cusco. If you prefer total privacy, we also offer the private option for this 6-day package at an adjusted price.

What differentiates the 6-day Machu Picchu + Humantay package from the 5-day one?

The 5-day package covers the Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray, train and Machu Picchu: a very complete circuit. The 6-day package adds Laguna Humantay, a 4 km hike to a glacial lake at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft with brilliant turquoise waters. It is the most physically demanding day of the itinerary but also the most visually stunning. If you are in good physical shape and are drawn to high-mountain nature, the 6-day package is an experience you will never forget. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the 5-day is the ideal option.

Related tours

Read before you book

All machu picchu · All tours

/* medicao */