cUSCO 4 DAY ITINERARY

OVERVIEW 

This 4 Day packages tour includes the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain. First, you will visit Sacred Valley (the land of the Incas) where you visit a local textile center with alpacas and llamas in Chinchero, Moray ruins, the salt pools of Maras and Ollantaytambo.

The highlight of our Cusco 4 Day itinerary will be Machu Picchu itself. You will visit it with a private tour guide that is specialized in Machu Picchu. He will take you the best spots for pictures where you will take the classical Picture of Machu Picchu then explore the área in 2 hours.

Also, you will visit the famous Humantay Lake with glacier in the back. This 1.5-2 hour trekking tour rewards you with an amazing views of the picturesque lake and its valley. As we leave early for all of our tours in Cusco, we will get to the sites before the crowds arrive.

Last, you can choose if you want to hike Classic Rainbow Mountain or Palcoyo Mountain. Palccoyo Mountain is an easy 1-hour round trip hike with no big crowds around and you won’t only see one colorful Mountain, you will enjoy more than 2 Rainbow Mountains. The Classic Rainbow Mountain is the more popular option with a more difficult hike but also a  gorgeous view and the Red Valley

Why should you take Cusco 4 Day Itinerary 4 day with us?

• You arrive to the Classic Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake before the crowds .
• Visit the Sacred Valley’s must-visit sites in one day without being rushed.
• We are practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
• At AB Expeditions, our guides, and drivers receive their salary as soon they finish their job.
• Small groups of 2 to 8 people máximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups. However, if you are a family or group of friends more than 8 people, we will take you without any inconvenience. 
• Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up to date and have a comprehensive programme of continual professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and amazing Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Humantay and Rainow Mountain are.
• Our 4 day Cusco 4 itinerary is perfect to get used to the altitude. Because you will start in lower elevation visiting Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The last 2 days you will visit the Humantay and Rainbow Mountain which are located over 4,000 meters.
• Our tour guide have been working for than 10 years, not amateurs, they have great photo skills too.
• We also include include free airport pickup & drop-off for you.

CUSCO 4 DAY ITINERARY

DAY 01: PISAQ – SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Sacred Valley is a vast valley where there are a lot of tourist attractions. One day is not enough to visit all of them, that’s why we have split it into 2 options to visit it properly. Any of these options start at 7:00 am at your hotel in Cusco. See the options below and let us know which option you take:

Option A: By Pisac(Alpaca farm, Pisac ruins, Pisac Market, and Ollantaytambo).

We will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 07:00 am in Cusco for your 4 Day Cusco tour. Then we will take a road that leads to Pisac. We will visit the 4 main sites, Awana Cancha where you see (Alpacas, Llamas, Vicuña, and Huanacos), Pisac Archeological site, Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Archeological site.  On the halfway, we will have our lunch in Urubamba.  After our lunch we can visit Brewery(optional) then we go to visit the Archeological center of Ollantaytambo. After visiting Ollantaytambo, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes at 03:37 pm or 07:30 pm, depending on the availability. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes we go to check in our Hotel, have dinner, and overnight.

Option B: By Maras (Chinchero, Moray, Salt Ponds, and Ollantaytambo).

On this option, we will pick you up at 07:00 am from your hotel too. The tour starts with a visit to the Textile center of Chinchero, then Colonial town of Maras. From Maras, we keep going to the nearby Inca site of Moray, a magnificent series of terrace circles set into the ground that was once used by the Incas for experimentation with crops, then the salt mines which have been in use since Pre-Inca times. Water from a subterranean stream is channeled through pools where it evaporates and leaves behind pure salt crystals. With thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley, the views are amazing. Our final destination Ollantaytambo ruins where we will spend an hour. After visiting Ollantaytambo, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes at 03:37 pm or 07:30 pm, depending on the availability. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes we go to check in our Hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.

DAY 02: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today is the is the most magical day: Machu Picchu. We will wake up early, to take the first bus up to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins.

Your guide will spend around 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu.  Then you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain if you have booked this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $65 per person). Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes and take a train back to Ollantaytambo, and then bus back to Cusco.   Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel at 07:00 pm.

DAY 03: HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR ITINERARY

After we pick you up at your ho tel at 03:00 am, we will start our adventure to the Humantay Lake tour  with a 4-hour-drive in our transport to Soraypampa (3850 m.a.s.l.). Soraypampa is the campsite for the first day of the Salkantay trek. In Soraypampa we will have a delicious breakfast to start our day well before beginning our trek. In Soraypampa we will start our trek up to the Humantay Lake (4200 m.a.s.l.) with beautiful views and if the sky is clear enough, we can see the impressive snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay.

It is a 1.5-hour-walk to the lake with a low to moderate difficulty, and more than worth it when you see the magical view. It is also possible to rent a horse instead. We will have enough time to take pictures, bring an offer to the Apus, and for the real brave ones; swimming in the lake when it’s sunny! After some free time, we will start our descent to Soraypampa of about 1.5 hours, which is a lot easier than the way up. In Soraypampa lunch will await us and after some rest, we return to Cusco where we will arrive at 5 p.m.

DAY 04: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN DAY TREK OR PALCOYO MOUNTAIN

We have two Rainbow Mountains in Cusco, and you can choose to visit either one. When you book the tour, the Classic Rainbow Mountain is selected by default. However, if you prefer to visit Palcoyo, please indicate this in the “Note for the Organizer” section of the booking form by writing that you would like to visit Palcoyo instead of the Classic Rainbow Mountain.

Itinerary for the Classic Rainbow Mountain. 

You will be picked up from your hotel around 03:00 am. We proceed to drive nearly 3 hours in a private van to the trailhead where we will provide you box breakfast upon arrival to fuel up for the trek ahead of you. After enjoying our breakfast we start hiking. We are going to hike around 2 hours roughly until the top of the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN, we will have time to explore the area and take pictures. you will spend approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour (depend on your trekking speed and weather conditions).

After enjoying the Rainbow Mountains for about one hour, we go to visit the RED VALLEY which takes another 30 minutes. Then we get back to the trailhead (1 hour roughly), where we catch our van, then we drive for one hour more to our Lunch spot Cusipata(3,250m/11,000feet) where you will be given delicious food by our professional chef and get back to Cusco arriving at your hotel around 03:00 pm roughly.

Itinerary for the Palcoyo Mountain

We begin our day with pick-up from the hotel at 5:00 am and begin our drive towards the Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain trailhead. We will drive for approximately 4hrs in private transport until the trailhead where we will provide you with a breakfast.

Along the way, we see beautiful Andes mountains as well as lush green valleys, local people working in their land, hundreds of alpacas and llamas. When we get to Apacheta, we will begin our hike towards to Palcoyo Mountain. After hiking 10 minutes we will get the viewpoint from where you enjoy the first Rainbow Mountain. Then we hike another 10 minutes we get to the second viewpoint where we will take picture of the second Mountain. Then we hike another 10 minutes to the third viewpoint and you will be impressed by the third mountain. This viewpoint is the place from where you take the classical Postcard Picture of Palcoyo.

After enjoying  the beautifil colorful mountains, we will hike back to the Trailhead. Then we take the van for about 2 hours until Ttio town where will have our lunch in local house prepared by our Chef. After enjoying our delicious meal, we drive another 1 hour and half until Cusco. We will drop you off in your hotel at 05 pm roughly.

CUSCO 4 DAY INCLUSION

Days 1–2: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (2-Day Tour)

Whats included.

• Tour Guide: A professional English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the 2-day experience.
• Accommodation: One-night stay in Aguas Calientes is included at a comfortable 3-star hotel, such as Tara Machu Picchu or a similar option.
• Transportation: A modern tourist van will be provided for the Sacred Valley excursion.
• Entrance Fees: All entrance fees to the archaeological sites within the Sacred Valley are included.
• Oxygen Supply: The vehicle is equipped with an oxygen tank for your safety and comfort.
• First Aid Kit: Your guide will carry a complete first aid kit for any emergency situations.
• Train Tickets: Round-trip tickets on the Expedition Tourist Train service between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes are included.
• Bus Tickets: Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are provided.
• Breakfast: Breakfast on the second day is included and will be served at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Machu Picchu Entrance: Admission to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2, subject to availability) is included.
• Guided Tour: Enjoy a guided exploration of Machu Picchu lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours.
• Return Transfer: After your visit, a tourist van will transfer you from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
• Hotel Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel in Cusco are included for your convenience.

What s included

• Food during the 2 days. 
• Accomodations in Cusco.

Additional things to upgrade

• Huayna Picchu Moutain: $65USD
• Machu Picchu Mountain: $65USD
• Only Returned Vistadome Ticket: $50USD
• One way Vistadome Observatory train ticket: $70USD
• Round trip Vistadome Observatory ticket: $140USD

Days 3-4: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake

Whats included.

• Experienced Tour Guide: You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable and professional tour guide throughout the two-day excursion. Your guide will ensure you have a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience at both Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake.
• First Aid Kit: Our guide is always equipped with a comprehensive first aid kit to manage any potential emergencies that may occur during the tours to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. This includes basic treatments for altitude sickness, minor cuts, and stomach discomfort, ensuring that all participants receive immediate and appropriate care if needed.
• Oxygen Tank: To ensure your safety and comfort, our guides carry a metal oxygen tank on all treks. As the altitude reaches approximately 5,040 meters at Rainbow Mountain and 4,200 meters at Humantay Lake, oxygen levels can be lower than usual. Our team is prepared to assist anyone experiencing shortness of breath or altitude-related symptoms.
• Box Breakfast: Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will be provided with a nutritious box breakfast designed to energize you for the hike ahead.
• Lunch: After completing your visit to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, you will enjoy a complimentary lunch. The meal is freshly prepared to help you recharge and includes a balanced selection of local and nourishing foods.
• Snacks for the Trek: Complimentary snacks are provided for both hikes to keep you energized throughout your journey. Since the hikes last approximately four hours, these snacks will be convenient for maintaining your stamina along the trail.
• Private Transportation: All transfers are conducted in modern, fully licensed tourist vans equipped with essential safety features, including oxygen and a first aid kit. Our vehicles are regularly maintained to ensure comfort and reliability during your journey.
• Walking Sticks: To enhance your hiking experience, we provide a complimentary pair of walking sticks. These will offer additional balance and support as you navigate the trails at Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake.
• Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off: We will collect you directly from your hotel reception in Cusco for both tours. Upon completion, you will be comfortably dropped off back at your hotel.
• Briefing via WhatsApp: A member of our office team will contact you via WhatsApp one day before your departure to provide detailed trip information and answer any last-minute questions you may have.
• Blanket: Since departures to both destinations begin around 3:00 a.m., when temperatures can be quite cold, we provide a blanket to ensure your warmth and comfort during the early morning drive.
• 24/7 Customer Service: Our dedicated customer service team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact us at any time for assistance or inquiries during your trip.
• Half-Liter of Water: To ensure you remain hydrated throughout your trek, we provide each traveler with a half-liter bottle of water, especially useful in case you run out during the hike.
• Entrance Fee to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley: These tickets are already included in our Cusco 4-day itinerary.
• Entrance Fee to Humantay Lake: This fee is also included in our tour package.

Whats not Included

• Gratitudes for the staff.
• Accommodations in Cusco.
• Personal horse for riding.

Frequent asked Questions about our Cusco 4 day itinerary

How to book your Cusco 4 day itinerary?

You need to visit our website to reserve your Cusco package. Once there, you will find a red button labeled “Book Now.” Click on it, and our booking form will appear. The first step is to select your preferred departure date. After that, please fill out all your personal information accurately. The final step is to complete your payment, which can be made using either a credit or debit card.

Why does this itinerary begin in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before going to Humantay and Rainbow Mountain?

This order is strategically designed to help you acclimatize to the altitude. The Sacred Valley (2,800 m) and Machu Picchu (2,430 m) are at a lower elevation than Cusco (3,400 m), allowing your body to adapt gradually. Then, on days 3 and 4, you visit Humantay (4,200 m) and Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m), where the risk of altitude sickness is greater. This progression significantly reduces the chances of experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue.

What is the difference between the classic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Palcoyo?

Vinicunca (classic Rainbow Mountain):

• Altitude: 5,200 m above sea level.
• Hike: 3 – 4 hours of climbing with a considerable elevation gain (280 m more than Palcoyo).
• More crowded, especially in high season.
• Includes a visit to the Red Valley as part of the tour.

Palcoyo:

• Altitude: 4,900 m above sea level (300 m lower than Vinicunca).
• Hike: only 30–60 minutes on easy terrain.
• Fewer tourists and offers views of multiple rainbow mountains, not just one.
• Ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience or who are less physically fit.

Are drones allowed on this 4-day itinerary?

No, the use of drones is not allowed in most of the places included in this itinerary without special permission from the Peruvian government.

Machu Picchu: The use of drones is strictly prohibited for tourists. It is only allowed with prior authorization from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, which usually requires lengthy procedures and is reserved for professional or academic productions.

Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain: Although control is less strict in rural areas, flying a drone without permission is still technically illegal according to DGAC (Peruvian Civil Aviation Authority) regulations. In addition, many local communities prohibit their use out of respect for their environment and privacy.

Is AB Expeditions a trustworthy company?

Yes. AB Expeditions is a local company based in Cusco, highly rated on TripAdvisor for its professionalism, experienced guides, and small groups (max. 8 people). Travelers highlight the flexibility, quality of service, and humane treatment of staff (guides and cooks receive their salary immediately after the tour).

What About The Outstanding Balance?

You can pay the remaining balance one day before your trip, either in cash (US dollars or soles) or by credit card (a 5% service fee applies). Please let us know your preferred payment method. We recommend paying in cash, as this avoids additional charges. All cash payments must be completed at least 2 days before your departure.

Can I change the departure date after purchasing the ticket to Machu Picchu?

sadly, your departure date cannot be modified. To adjust your schedule, it’s necessary to purchase a new Machu Picchu entrance ticket and cover a penalty fee for the train ticket change. The overall extra cost for rescheduling your Machu Picchu trip is $100 per person. Before confirming the modification, we’ll need to verify that there is availability for your new chosen entry date.

Could I get altitude sickness on this itinerary?

It is possible, especially at Humantay Lake (4,200 m) and Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m). However, the itinerary is designed to minimize this risk through gradual acclimatization. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, chew coca leaves, and avoid sudden exertion during the first few days. AB Expeditions includes oxygen on all high mountain tours.

Can I customize the itinerary or switch from Vinicunca to Palcoyo?

Yes. When booking, you can indicate on the form that you prefer Palcoyo instead of the classic Rainbow Mountain. AB Expeditions offers both options and adjusts the pick-up time (5:00 a.m. for Palcoyo vs. 3:00 a.m. for Vinicunca)

Is it possible to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during the tour?

Yes, but you must book in advance. Both options require an additional ticket costing $65 USD and have limited availability, which often sells out weeks or even months in advance, especially during high season (April–October). During the Machu Picchu tour (Day 2), after the 2-hour guided tour, you will have free time to do one of these hikes if you already have the corresponding ticket. Keep in mind that Huayna Picchu is steeper and more vertiginous, while Machu Picchu Mountain is longer but with a gentler slope.

What kind of food is served on Cusco 4 day itinerary?

During the first and second days, meals are not included, as there are several restaurants available where you can choose and eat without any problem. However, we include meals on days three and four, which consist of breakfast and lunch during the trekking days (Humantay and Rainbow Mountain or Palcoyo). The menus are specially designed to provide sufficient energy and nutrition for high-altitude activities and typically include:

• Breakfast: coffee, tea, juice, breads, eggs, fruit, and oatmeal.
• Lunch: hot soup, main course with protein (chicken, beef, or vegetables), rice, potatoes, and local dessert (such as mazamorra morada or rice pudding).

If you have any dietary restrictions (such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or food allergies), please indicate them when making your booking, and we will gladly adapt the menu to meet your specific needs.

What happens if the weather is bad in Humantay, Rainbow Mountain, or Palcoyo? Is the tour canceled?

AB Expeditions does not cancel tours due to bad weather, as weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly and often improve during the day. However, the guides constantly assess safety. In extreme cases (heavy snowfall, landslides, or risk of hypothermia), the route may be modified or the trek rescheduled for another day, whenever possible within your itinerary.

Important: there are no full refunds due to weather, but a safe alternative will be sought. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring waterproof clothing and be prepared for cold, rain, or intense sun.

What can I do in Cusco before or after the 4 day itinerary?

Before the tour, it is ideal to acclimatize in Cusco with light activities such as visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Qoricancha temple, or walking to the ruins of Sacsayhuamán. You can also take a half-day excursion to the historic center of Cusco or visit Ollantaytambo, which serves as a starting point for many treks.

When is the best time of year to do this itinerary?

The best time to follow our Cusco 4-day itinerary is from April to October, which corresponds to the dry season in the Cusco region. During this period, you are more likely to experience clear blue skies and breathtaking landscapes.

In contrast, the rainy season offers a different kind of beauty, particularly in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, where the scenery becomes lush and vibrant—ideal for photography. However, some destinations, such as the Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, may not be as favorable during this time. The Rainbow Mountain is sometimes covered with snow, and hiking in the rain can be challenging.

Nevertheless, with proper rain gear, you can still enjoy the experience, as the mountains take on a unique charm when blanketed in snow. The main concern during the rainy season is the occasional landslides, which can sometimes disrupt travel plans.

How can I prevent altitude sickness before and during the tour?

AB Expeditions designs its itinerary for gradual acclimatization, but you can also take preventive measures:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol during the first few days.
• Chew coca leaves or drink coca tea, an ancient Andean practice that helps oxygenate the blood.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid heavy meals upon arrival.
• Do not engage in intense physical activity during the first 24–48 hours in Cusco.
• AB Expeditions includes oxygen and a first aid kit on high mountain days (Humantay and Rainbow Mountain or Palcoyo)

Can horses be rented during the 4 day itinerary?

Yes, horse rental is available on two of the treks in the itinerary:

At Humantay Lake (Day 3):

You can rent a horse to climb from Soraypampa (3,850 m) to the lake (4,200 m). The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 min on foot, but with a horse, you reduce the physical effort considerably. The cost of the horse is not included in the tour and is paid directly to the local muleteers at the starting point.

At the classic Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca (Day 4):

You will also find horses available at the trailhead of Rainbow Mountain. The horsemen wait in line for travelers, so it is important to respect the order and follow the queue. Please note that you cannot choose a specific horse, as they are assigned in turn.

In Palcoyo (alternative to Vinicunca):

It is not necessary to rent a horse, as the hike is easy and takes only about 30 minutes in total.

What level of physical fitness do I need to complete the 4 days?

The itinerary is classified as “moderate,” but it is accessible to people of average physical fitness:

• Days 1 and 2: Gentle walks in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (flat terrain or stairs, but no major climbs).
• Day 3 (Humantay): 1 hour and 30 minutes or 2 hours climb with an elevation gain of 350 m approx.
• Day 4:
• Vinicunca: 2 or 3 hours of steep climbing (recommended for people with good endurance).
• Palcoyo: Only 30 minutes of gentle walking, ideal for all fitness levels.

Can I book my hotel in Cusco with AB Expeditions?

Yes, you can book your hotel in Cusco with us as an optional add-on to your tour. We offer a selection of comfortable and conveniently located hotels in the city center. Simply let us know your preferred hotel category or the number of stars you would like, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.