Machu Picchu & Humantay Lake Tour – 5 Days
Explore Cusco and Discover Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Adventure in the Heart of the Ancient Inca Empire
3,800 m / 12,467 ft
2 to 5 stars
Small group
Daily departures
TRIP DESCRIPTION
The Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake tour combines in 5 days the must-see destinations of Cusco: the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the turquoise Humantay Lake, and Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You will discover spectacular Andean landscapes, important archaeological sites, and the living culture of Cusco.
From the moment you arrive at the Cusco airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. We will provide you with all the information about the activities included during these 5 days. The tour includes all entrance tickets to the attractions and your transfer back to the airport on the last day.
We take care of organizing everything before your trip so that you only focus on enjoying yourself—whether you travel alone, as a couple, with family, or with friends.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Arrival at the Airport / Cusco / Qoricancha / Sacsayhuamán / Qenqo / Pukapukara / Tambomachay / Cusco
On the first day we will pick you up at the airport and in the afternoon we will do the City Tour, visiting Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
Cusco / Taray Viewpoint / Pisac / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes
This day we will visit Pisac and its traditional market; then, after lunch, we will go to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
We will wake up early to visit the hidden gem of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and in the afternoon we will return to Cusco.
Cusco / Mollepata / Soraypampa / Humantay Lake / Soraypampa / Mollepata / Cusco
On this day we will wake up early to visit one of the most popular attractions in Peru, the beautiful “Humantay Lake.”
Cusco / Transfer to the Airport
We will have the day free and then transfer you to the airport, concluding our services.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 01: Airport Arrival + Qoricancha + Sacsayhuamán + Qenqo + Tambomachay
- Our adventure begins with pick-up from the Cusco airport and transfer to your hotel. You will have free time to acclimate to the altitude (3,400 m).
- In the afternoon, we will do the City Tour in Cusco. We will pick you up from your hotel at 12:50 p.m. to visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important religious complex of the Inca Empire. We will then head to the upper part of the city to explore Sacsayhuamán, the great Inca fortress with its impressive stone walls.
- We will visit the eucalyptus forest in Qenqo, the Cristo Blanco viewpoint with panoramic views of Cusco, Pukapukara, and finish at Tambomachay (Temple of Water).
- Return to Cusco around 6:30 p.m. We will drop you off near the Main Square.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 02: Cusco + Taray Viewpoint + Pisac + Urubamba + Ollantaytambo + Aguas Calientes Town
- After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, we will pick you up around 7:30 a.m. to begin the adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- We will make a stop at the Taray viewpoint to enjoy the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the Wilkamayu River before arriving in Pisac for a guided visit of the archaeological site.
- We will continue to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch.
- After lunch, we will visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site with a guided tour.
- At the end of the visit, we will head to the train station for the journey to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). Our staff will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel. In the evening, your guide will visit you to give you the briefing for Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 03: Visit to Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco
- After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will leave early with your guide and walk to the eco-bus station, which will take us to the entrance of Machu Picchu in about 30 minutes.
- Upon arrival, we will enter the citadel for a private guided tour of 2 to 3 hours, visiting the most important areas such as the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, and more.
- After the visit, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then the final transfer to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 04: Cusco + Hike to Humantay Lake
- We start by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 4:30 a.m. We will drive to the town of Mollepata, where we will stop to enjoy a delicious breakfast and admire the mountains in the morning light (depending on the season).
- Once we are finished, we will continue by transport to Soraypampa, where we will begin the hike and feel the powerful presence of the glaciers. After a short briefing from your guide, we will start our ascent of approximately 2 hours toward the beautiful Humantay Lake.
- When you reach the lake, you will enjoy the stunning scenery, have time to take all the photos you want, and it will be a perfect moment to connect with nature.
- Then we will return to Soraypampa on a descent of approximately 45 minutes.
- Once we reach the transport, we will head back to Mollepata to enjoy a semi-buffet lunch. Finally, we will return to Cusco on a journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- We will arrive in Cusco at around 6:00 p.m.
- Meals: Breakfast and semi-buffet lunch.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 05: Cusco + Transfer to the Airport
- After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, you will have the rest of the morning free to relax or take a walk around the city.
- According to your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport, concluding our services.
- Meals: Breakfast.
INCLUDES – NOT INCLUDED – DETAILS
INCLUDES
Accommodation with breakfast included
- 3 nights in a hotel in Cusco
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
Guided tours and activities (Spanish/English)
- Cusco Imperial City Tour + transfers
- Classic Sacred Valley Tour
- Machu Picchu Tour | private service
- Humantay Lagoon hike
Transportation and entrance fees included
- Entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu (It is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance).
- Round-trip tourist train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip ecological bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned attractions (City Tour, Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain).
Private transfers
- Pick-up and transfer: airport – hotel – airport.
Meals included
- 04 breakfasts included.
- 02 lunches included.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights:
- Domestic and international flights.
Personal expenses:
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, and additional activities.
Meals not specified:
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional travel insurance covering cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
Personal equipment:
- Personal equipment and any other unspecified items.
Unspecified services:
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff.
- Travel insurance not included
What to Bring
- Personal documents: Valid passport or ID (required for all mentioned tours).
- Hat or cap and sunglasses: To protect you from the sun’s radiation.
- Small backpack: To carry water, snacks, sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection: Essential at high altitude, and personal items during the excursions.
- Cash in soles: For purchases in local communities, tips, or souvenirs.
About the Trains
PeruRail’s most economical tourist service. It offers comfortable seats, large windows, and an atmosphere inspired by Inca culture, ideal for travelers seeking a practical option.
Service with panoramic windows on walls and ceiling, allowing you to fully appreciate the landscape. Includes complimentary snacks and drinks, sometimes with dance shows and fashion parades.
An exclusive and sophisticated train that adds an **observatory car** with balcony and live show to the Vistadome panoramic experience. Offers unparalleled views.
Inca Rail’s most economical tourist service. Offers a simple and authentic journey with comfortable seats and attentive service, celebrating the pleasure of discovery.
Features taller and wider panoramic windows. Includes an open-air observatory car and onboard entertainment system, ideal for 360-degree views.
A luxury service offering maximum comfort and exclusivity. Enjoy spacious seating, live music, and a connection with authentic Peruvian cultural expressions.
Recommendations for your trip
Health recommendations
- Inform the agency and your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or any other chronic condition before doing demanding or high-altitude activities.
- It is recommended to prevent altitude sickness by following the agency’s guidelines (prior acclimatization, good hydration, avoiding intense physical effort and alcohol consumption during the first days).
- Bring enough personal medication for the entire trip (regular treatments and, if necessary, a medical prescription).
- Some destinations may have sudden weather changes between day and night; we recommend bringing light clothing for the day and warm clothing for early morning and nighttime.
- Avoid heavy meals and drink coca or muña tea to help your body adapt.
Travel rules and recommendations
- Respect local regulations and always follow the guide’s instructions and the established routes to ensure the safety of the whole group.
- During the trip, we recommend keeping your belongings in sight at all times and avoiding showing large amounts of money or high-value items.
- In any risky or emergency situation, contact our team or the local emergency numbers at your destination immediately.
TRIP PRICES
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MACHU PICCHU & HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR – 5 DAYS Price Per Person - Minimum 2 people |
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GROUP SERVICE (No Hotel)
Tours + Entrance Fees + Transfers
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Service
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US$ 509.00 |
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GROUP SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Fees + Transfers + ⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Service
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US$ 589.00 |
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TOURIST SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Fees + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Service
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US$ 649.00 |
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PREMIUM SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Fees + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Vistadome Standard Train - Private Service
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US$ 1099.00 |
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LUXURY SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Fees + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Vistadome Observatory Train - Private Service
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RECOMMENDED HOTELS
Special Rates
- 1 person: Personalized quote
- Groups of 3+ people: Group discount
- Minors: Special discount
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5 day Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake tour