06 Day Andean Jewels of Cusco – Private Service

Six days, five high-altitude surprises. This private Cusco journey is interesting because it pairs Machu Picchu with less familiar Inca sites and two demanding mountain day trips, giving you a broad look at the region rather than a single famous ruin. I like the thoughtful first day for acclimatization, and I like that the price includes five hotel nights, entrance fees, trains, buses, breakfasts, and lunches. The main caution is simple: this is a strenuous program, with 4:00 to 5:00 AM pickups and hiking above 13,000 feet on two days.

You pay $1,024.62 per person for six days, based on double occupancy in three-star hotels. That is a serious sum, but the private format, transport, guides, tickets, and lodging cover much of the costly work of organizing Peru’s most popular sights. You still pay for flights, unspecified meals, and tips, and the booking is non-refundable except when poor weather forces cancellation.

Key points at a glance

• Moray, Maras, and Chinchero come before Machu Picchu: You see Inca farming, salt production, stonework, weaving culture, and colonial influence in one full day.
• Humantay Lake reaches 13,800 feet: The turquoise lagoon is beautiful, but the 2.5-hour uphill walk from Soraypampa is a real test.
• Rainbow Mountain rises to 16,470 feet: Expect an early start, a two-hour ascent, thin air, alpacas, and colorful mineral bands.
• Private service keeps the group together: Only your party participates, with a professional guide assigned to your tour.
• Machu Picchu uses train and bus connections: The plan includes a two-hour guided visit, lunch in Aguas Calientes, and a train back toward Cusco.
• The strongest praise is for the staff: Guides named Jonathan, Justin, Johan, Eddy, Franklin, Isaac, Myriam, Liz, and Paul are singled out for kindness, patience, organization, photos, and personal attention.

Why this six-day route works

Many Cusco packages make Machu Picchu the whole story. This one gives you a wider view of the Andes. You see how the Incas worked with soil, water, altitude, and stone, then spend two days in high mountain country where the scenery matters as much as the destination.

The schedule also has a sensible rhythm on paper. Day 1 is deliberately light, Day 2 is a cultural and archaeological outing, Day 3 is Machu Picchu, and Days 4 and 5 are the hardest physical days. That order gives you one full day in Cusco to rest before the major excursions.

Still, do not mistake the word private for relaxed. The itinerary packs a great deal into six days. You will spend long hours in vehicles, wake before dawn twice, and move between elevations that can challenge even fit people. I would choose this program for a concentrated first visit, not for a slow holiday.

Day 1: Arriving in Cusco and respecting the altitude

An Inkayni team member meets you at the airport or bus terminal and takes you to your hotel. The location is described as about 10 minutes from your hotel, so the arrival transfer should be straightforward, though the exact meeting point depends on where you arrive.

The rest of the day is free. That is not wasted time. Cusco sits at high altitude, and the plan wisely gives you a chance to rest, acclimatize, and explore the downtown area at your own speed.

You might use the day for a gentle walk, a quiet meal, or simply an early night. Do not fill it with a demanding activity. The next morning begins around 8:00 AM, and the following days start much earlier.

Day 2: Moray, Maras, and Chinchero in one long circuit

Pickup is around 8:00 AM for a full-day excursion lasting about eight hours. The first drive toward Moray takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes and passes wheat fields, villages, and Andean views.

Moray is one of the most memorable Inca sites near Cusco because it looks unlike a typical ruin. Huge circular terraces sink into the ground like an amphitheater. The Incas used the different levels to test growing conditions for crops, making this a place where engineering and farming meet.

At about 11,500 feet, Moray is already high. You may feel the altitude during even a short walk, so keep your pace easy and listen closely to your guide. The site rewards patience more than speed.

Next comes Maras, at approximately 10,892 feet. More than 3,000 salt pools spread across the mountainside, each supplied by a small stream. White salt pans against red earth make this one of the most visually distinct stops near Cusco.

Maras also adds a useful local connection to the day. This is not only an archaeological stop, but a working salt-producing center with a practical purpose. The contrast with Moray is clear: one place shows agricultural experimentation, while the other shows careful use of mineral water and mountain contours.

The final major stop is Chinchero, at about 12,342 feet. Here you see Inca walls and altars alongside a colonial church decorated with murals. The combination gives you a quick lesson in how earlier Andean traditions and Spanish colonial culture occupy the same place.

This day is excellent for anyone who wants context before visiting Machu Picchu. The drawback is the pace. Moray, Maras, and Chinchero each deserve time, yet they share one busy day with considerable driving. You should expect a highlights visit, not an extended archaeological study.

Day 3: Machu Picchu by bus, guided walk, and train

Day 3 begins early in Aguas Calientes, where you take the bus up to Machu Picchu. The included two-hour guided tour gives you a structured introduction to the citadel and the surrounding Historical Sanctuary.

That guided time is valuable. Machu Picchu is large, visually dramatic, and easy to experience as a series of photo stops if you do not have a guide explaining what you are seeing. The program focuses on the site’s history and design, so you can connect the terraces, buildings, and mountain setting rather than simply walk through them.

After the visit, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. The plan then uses a tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by ground transport to Cusco and a hotel drop-off at night.

The train is included in either the Inca Rail Voyager service or Peru Rail Expedition service. That removes one of the more complicated pieces of planning a Machu Picchu visit, especially when train schedules and bus connections must line up.

The tradeoff is a long day with little spare time. You wake early, visit one of the world’s busiest attractions, eat in Aguas Calientes, and continue back to Cusco. If your priority is lingering at Machu Picchu for many hours, this may feel too limited. If your priority is a guided visit with the main transport handled, the arrangement is practical.

Day 4: Hiking to Humantay Lake at 13,800 feet

Humantay Lake requires the first of two very early starts. Pickup is between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, followed by a scenic drive of about 2.5 hours to Mollepata, at roughly 9,200 feet.

Breakfast in Mollepata is included and comes before the hike. You then continue to Soraypampa, at around 12,700 feet, which is the trailhead for the uphill walk.

The ascent takes about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you may see native birds, Andean plants, and wide mountain views. The final destination sits at approximately 13,800 feet, where the turquoise water of Humantay Lake rests beneath towering peaks.

This is a rewarding day, but the altitude changes the nature of the hike. A 2.5-hour climb at lower elevation is one thing. A 2.5-hour climb beginning at 12,700 feet is another. Your guide’s role matters here, especially in setting a steady pace and keeping the group together.

At the lagoon, you have time for snacks, photographs, and rest. The return to Soraypampa is easier in terms of direction, but you still face a full day that lasts about 11 hours. I would not schedule anything important in Cusco that evening.

The inclusion of breakfast and lunch helps, but you should still pay attention to the meals not listed in the package. Bring water and any personal snacks you need, since the tour only specifies certain meals.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain above 16,000 feet

Rainbow Mountain is the most physically demanding day in the program. Pickup again comes between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, when Cusco is still quiet. After roughly two hours of driving, you reach Cusipata at 12,772 feet for breakfast.

From there, a van takes you to Phuluwasipata, where the hike begins. The climb lasts about two hours and reaches Rainbow Mountain at 16,470 feet. Along the route, you may see alpacas and llamas grazing in the high Andes.

The colored slopes are formed by mineral layers, producing bands of red, gold, turquoise, and other tones. The appearance can change with weather and light, so the mountain is best treated as a natural viewpoint rather than a guaranteed postcard.

The thin air is the central issue. At 16,470 feet, even a moderate uphill walk can feel slow. The tour specifically requires a moderate level of physical fitness, but I would treat that as a minimum rather than a promise of ease. Your previous days in Cusco may help with acclimatization, yet fitness alone does not remove the effects of altitude.

This day is ideal if you want a dramatic mountain outing and accept the early start, long drive, and demanding hike. It is less suitable if you prefer gentle sightseeing or have difficulty with high elevation.

The private format and the people who shape the trip

Only your group participates, which can make a meaningful difference on the hiking days. You are not tied to the pace of a large busload, and your guide can focus attention on your party.

The staff receives especially strong praise for warmth and care. Jonathan is described as professional, friendly, and attentive. Justin is repeatedly praised for patience and support. Johan is noted for his explanations and for taking photos and videos. Eddy receives credit for watching details, offering useful information, and suggesting good photo spots.

Other names associated with positive experiences include Franklin, Isaac, Myriam, Liz, Paul, and drivers Guido and Ronnie. The recurring pattern is clear: people value guides who keep everyone included, explain the places clearly, help with practical needs, and maintain a good mood during long days.

That personal attention is one of the better reasons to choose a private tour. The exact guide may vary, so you should not book on the assumption that one named person is guaranteed. But the operating team has earned a very strong reputation, with a five-star rating from 75 reviews and 100 percent recommending the experience.

What the $1,024.62 price really covers

The price includes five nights in three-star hotels based on double occupancy. It also includes professional guiding, entrance fees, the round-trip bus to Machu Picchu, the tourist train, four breakfasts, and two lunches.

That is a substantial amount of coverage for a six-day Peru itinerary. The value is strongest if you want someone else to coordinate admissions, transfers, train arrangements, and the high-altitude excursions. Machu Picchu logistics alone can be confusing, and the private service adds convenience.

The package does not include international or domestic flights. Meals not specifically listed are also extra, as are tips. Solo visitors should check how the double-occupancy pricing applies before booking, since the stated hotel arrangement is based on sharing a room.

The three-star hotel category keeps expectations realistic. You are paying for a functional base and organized touring, not a luxury hotel stay. For this route, that may be a sensible trade, since most days are spent on the road, at ruins, or on mountain trails.

Who should book this Cusco program?

I would recommend it to you if you have six days, want the major Cusco sights in one package, and prefer private transport and guiding. It suits active visitors who can handle long days, early starts, and steep walking at altitude.

It is also a good fit if Machu Picchu is important but you want more than the famous citadel. Moray, Maras, and Chinchero add variety, while Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain bring a strong outdoor element.

I would hesitate if you need flexible mornings, dislike long drives, or want several free days in Cusco. The schedule is tightly packed, and two consecutive pre-dawn starts can be tiring. You should also allow time to acclimatize rather than treating Day 1 as an ordinary city day.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If poor weather cancels a departure, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since both mountain days depend heavily on conditions, that policy is worth understanding before you pay.

Should you book the Andean Jewels tour?

Book it if you want an organized, private sweep through Cusco’s best-known archaeological, cultural, and mountain sights, and you are ready for the physical demands. The strongest advantages are the full transport plan, included admissions, personal guiding, and the unusual balance between Machu Picchu and the high Andes.

Skip it if you want a slower trip or if the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake hikes sound more exhausting than exciting. For the right person, this is a very efficient way to see a remarkable amount of Peru in six days. Just arrive rested, take acclimatization seriously, and remember that the prettiest views often require the earliest alarms.

FAQ

How long is the Andean Jewels of Cusco experience?

The experience lasts approximately six days and includes five nights of accommodation.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered, including airport or bus terminal arrival transfer on Day 1 and hotel pickups for the scheduled excursions.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 4:00 AM. The Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain days specify hotel pickups between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. The Sacred Valley day begins with pickup around 8:00 AM.

What accommodation is included?

Five nights in three-star hotels are included, based on double occupancy.

Is Machu Picchu admission included?

Yes. All entrance fees are included, along with the round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

What train is used for Machu Picchu?

The package includes a tourist train in the Inca Rail Voyager service or the Peru Rail Expedition service.

Which meals are included?

The package includes four breakfasts and two lunches. Other meals are not included unless specifically stated.

How difficult are the hikes?

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The Humantay Lake hike takes about 2.5 hours uphill from Soraypampa and reaches 13,800 feet. The Rainbow Mountain hike takes about two hours and reaches 16,470 feet.

Are flights included?

No. International and local flights are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.