Your Explore Machu Picchu Tour begins with a hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. in Cusco. Accompanied by your local guide, you will tour the historic downtown, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Walk along ancient stone streets, visit plazas and explore the San Pedro Market, where locals trade fresh produce, traditional foods and handmade goods. Your guide will share insights into Cusco’s history and local culture throughout the tour.
After the city walk, you will have free time for lunch. At 1:00 p.m., the tour continues with visits to Cusco’s key landmarks. Visit the Cusco Cathedral, known for its colonial artwork and religious treasures that reflect the blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. Then, see Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once covered in gold and considered the most sacred Inca site. In the afternoon, travel by private transportation to the surrounding Inca ruins. Sacsayhuamán features massive stone walls and panoramic city views, demonstrating Inca engineering. Qenqo is a ceremonial site believed to have been used for rituals and astronomical observations. Puca Pucara served as a military and administrative complex, while Tambomachay, the Temple of Water, highlights Inca hydraulic engineering. After visiting each site, you will return to Cusco around 5:30 p.m.

•    Accomodation. Hotel Rumi Punko or Similar.
•    Entry fees: Included
•    Meals: No
 

Your Sacred Valley tour begins with an early hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m. from Cusco as you travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes and fertile farmland, this valley played a vital role in Inca agriculture and spirituality. Your first stop is a traditional alpaca and llama farm, where you’ll learn about llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, often called the South American camels. Here, you’ll discover the importance of these animals in Andean culture and daily life.

Next, visit a local weaving center, where skilled artisans demonstrate ancient textile techniques passed down through generations. You’ll see how natural fibers and dyes are transformed into colorful, handwoven clothing and textiles. The journey continues to the impressive Pisac Inca archaeological site, famous for its agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas and panoramic valley views. After exploring the ruins, you’ll visit the Pisac local market, a vibrant place to experience traditional crafts and local culture. Traveling along the Urubamba River, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools have been used since Inca times. The day concludes with a guided visit to the Ollantaytambo Inca site, known for its massive stone terraces and strategic importance. After exploring, you’ll overnight in Ollantaytambo, staying in a comfortable hotel and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this historic town.

•    Accomodation. Sol Natura or Similar.
•    Entry fees: Included
•    Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
 

Your day begins with a 5:45 a.m. hotel pickup in Ollantaytambo. Your guide will accompany you on a brief walk to the train station, followed by a scenic train ride to Km 104, the official starting point of the 2-day Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will pass through the official checkpoint and present your original passport. After a short briefing, you will prepare for the hike by applying sunscreen and insect repellent, organizing water, and readying your camera.
The hike starts with a gentle ascent to Chachabamba, an important Inca complex thought to be a ceremonial gateway to Machu Picchu. After a guided tour, you will continue uphill for about three hours to Wiñay Wayna, renowned for its agricultural terraces and temples. Following your exploration of the site, you will have a freshly prepared lunch by your trekking chef.
After a brief rest, you will hike for about one hour to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, which offers your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From there, you will descend gently to enter Machu Picchu through the upper section of the citadel, known as Circuit 1, noted for its classic views. After taking in the scenery and capturing photos, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes and stay overnight in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the next day's exploration.

•    Accomodation. Inti Punko Machu picchu or Similar.
•    Entry fees: Included
•    Meals: B-L-D
 

Today features a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your day begins with an early wake-up call and breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. You will then board an early bus to the Machu Picchu citadel, arriving during the quieter morning hours.
Upon arrival, you will take a guided tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3, the official route for all Inca Trail hikers as required by Machu Picchu regulations. This circuit covers the central and lower sectors of the citadel, including ceremonial rooms, the Temple of the Sun, sacred water fountains, agricultural terraces and residential areas. Your guide will provide detailed insights into Inca history, architecture, astronomy and daily life during the approximately 2.5-hour tour.

After the guided tour, travelers with a reserved Huayna Picchu hike (subject to availability and an additional fee of USD 75 per person) will begin their ascent for panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Those without a Huayna Picchu ticket will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, with free time to explore the town, shop or have lunch at a local restaurant (not included). In the afternoon, you will board the return train through the Sacred Valley, where a private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival is expected at approximately 8:00 p.m., concluding your Machu Picchu experience.

•    Accomodation. Hotel Rumi Punko or Similar.
•    Entry fees: Included
•    Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel.
 

Your day begins at 4:30 a.m. with a hotel pickup in Cusco by your trekking guide. You will travel for two hours through valleys and Andean highlands, observing the changing landscapes at sunrise. Upon arrival in Mollepata, you will stop for breakfast before continuing by vehicle for one hour to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of the Humantay Lagoon hike. This area, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, offers impressive high-mountain views.

After a briefing and time to prepare, you will begin the trek to Humantay Lagoon. The trail ascends gradually for about two hours at a steady pace to help you adjust to the altitude. The final section is steeper, leading to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon at the base of the Humantay Glacier. You will have time to relax, take photos and enjoy the views as your guide provides information about the region and ensures your safety.
After visiting the lagoon, you will return along the same trail, which is easier and takes about one hour. At Soraypampa, your driver will take you back to Mollepata for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.

•    Accomodation. Hotel Rumi Punko or Similar.
•    Entry fees: Included
•    Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
 

Prepare for an exceptional day. Your guide will collect you from your hotel at 4.30 am for a three-hour drive to the trailhead. We will stop for a substantial breakfast en route.
At the trailhead, located at 4,350 meters, we will prepare and begin our hike. The high altitude brings a cold, dry climate, so please dress warmly. The 4-kilometer trek to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, or Winikunqa, takes about 2.5 hours and reaches 5,150 meters above sea level.
At the summit, you will have time to appreciate the remarkable scenery and take photographs. The vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain offer a unique visual experience.

We will then continue to the Red Valley, located behind Rainbow Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the distinctive red landscape. After exploring both sites, we will return along the same path to meet our driver. A scenic 50-minute drive will take us to a restaurant for a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. Arrival is expected by 5:30 pm. This day offers exceptional natural scenery and memorable experiences.

•    Accomodation. Hotel Rumi Punko or Similar.
•    Entry fees: Included
•    Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
 

After exploring the highlights of Cusco and the Andes, it is time to say goodbye. Approximately two hours before your flight, our professional driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and provide a comfortable, punctual transfer to the airport.
This private transfer ensures a smooth, stress-free end to your trip, allowing you to relax and reflect on your Machu Picchu and Andean adventure. Thank you for choosing Champions. We look forward to welcoming you back to Peru in the future.
 

Yes, the Explore Machu Picchu Tours is suitable for beginners and first-time visitors. The hikes are paced comfortably and led by experienced guides. No technical trekking skills are needed and the itinerary gradually introduces altitude and activity, making it accessible for travelers with reasonable fitness.

No prior hiking experience is required for the short Inca Trail. This route is ideal for those seeking the Inca Trail experience without the longer trek. The trail is well maintained, offers regular rest stops and is led by knowledgeable guides to ensure safety and enjoyment.

The Humantay Lagoon hike is moderately challenging, primarily due to altitude rather than technical difficulty. The uphill trail can be demanding, but the pace is steady and flexible. The lagoon offers impressive views of turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains, making the effort worthwhile.

Rainbow Mountain is among the highest points of the tour at approximately 5,200 meters. The hike is short but physically demanding due to the altitude. The itinerary includes time for acclimatization, and guides monitor participants for safety. Panoramic views and vibrant colors make this a memorable highlight.

This multi-day tour covers Peru’s top highlights at a comfortable pace. The itinerary includes acclimatization in Cusco, guided visits to the Sacred Valley, the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and full-day excursions to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain. Each day is planned to maximize your experience without rushing.

Yes, acclimatization is included. The itinerary starts in Cusco to allow time to adjust to the altitude before higher-elevation hikes. This reduces the risk of altitude sickness and ensures a safer, more comfortable experience.

The tour includes professional English-speaking guides, transportation, entrance tickets to major attractions and guided visits to all archaeological and natural sites. Every detail is organized for a smooth, stress-free experience so you can focus on enjoying Peru’s landscapes and history.

The best time for the Explore Machu Picchu Tour is the dry season, from April to October, when weather is clearer and more stable for hiking and sightseeing. April, May, September and October offer fewer crowds and excellent conditions.

Pack comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, and a small daypack. For high-altitude hikes, bring snacks, water and personal medications. Proper packing ensures comfort and enjoyment throughout the tour.

The short Inca Trail is ideal for those seeking the iconic experience without the longer duration or greater physical demands of the classic route. It offers impressive scenery, archaeological sites and the memorable entrance to Machu Picchu, balancing adventure and accessibility.