Discover the magic, mysticism, and most astonishing geographic contrasts of southern Peru through a complete 4-day and 3-night program operated under the standards of excellence of Vilcabamba Tours, which brings together the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu and the striking 7-Color Mountain (Vinicunca). This itinerary is strictly designed for travelers who want to optimize their time to the fullest, combining the historical charm of the city of Cusco with a train excursion to the tropical mountain forest where Machu Picchu is carved, and a challenging high-Andean trek surrounded by glaciers, herds of alpacas, and multicolored mineral landscapes.
With Vilcabamba Tours, you will enjoy comprehensive transfers and included lunches on every route, ensuring that each stage of this trip through Cusco is smooth, safe, and completely unforgettable, allowing you to deeply connect with the cultural heritage and natural sanctuaries of Peru.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Cusco: Arrival in the city, reception at the airport, private transfer to the hotel by the Vilcabamba Tours team, and free afternoon to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
- Day 2: Excursion to the Citadel of Machu Picchu: Early transfer to the station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Ascent by bus, 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel with our specialist, descent by bus to enjoy a buffet lunch, and return trip by train and van to your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 3: Vinicunca 7-Color Mountain Excursion: Early morning pickup, transfer southeast through Cusipata to Llactoc. 2.5-hour uphill hike to the summit of Vinicunca, 1.5-hour descent, local lunch in Cusipata, and return to Cusco at 5:00 p.m.
- Day 4: Free Day and Departure from Cusco: Breakfast at the hotel and private transfer to the airport coordinated by Vilcabamba Tours at the appropriate time to board your return flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
The journey begins with your arrival in the city of Cusco. Our Vilcabamba Tours staff will greet you at the airport to provide a warm welcome and transfer you directly in a private service to your selected hotel. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to rest, walk at a leisurely pace, and facilitate the acclimatization process to the Andean altitude, staying overnight at your accommodation in Cusco with continuous assistance from our team.
Day 2: Excursion to the Citadel of Machu Picchu
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up early in the morning to be transferred to the train station, where you will board the train bound for the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, the Vilcabamba Tours guide will meet you to proceed together to take the ascent bus that will take you to the official entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the maximum expressions of Inca architecture carved into the rock face. You will take a guided visit of approximately 2.5 hours through its plazas and temples, contemplating its spectacular endemic biological diversity and the landscapes of the tropical mountain forest. Afterward, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a pleasant included buffet lunch. Finally, you will report to the station 30 minutes before departure to take the return train; upon your arrival, our transport will be waiting to take you safely back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 3: Vinicunca 7-Color Mountain Excursion
The day begins very early in the morning with the pickup at your hotel by the agency staff to begin the journey by transport to the southeast of Cusco, passing through Cusipata until arriving at the hamlet of Llactoc. At this point, a hike of approximately 2.5 hours of constant ascent will begin, surrounded by typical local flora, snow-capped mountains, and herds of llamas and alpacas. Upon conquering the summit of the 7-Color Mountain (Vinicunca), you will have time with the Vilcabamba Tours guide to appreciate the multicolored landscape and take memorable photographs. Subsequently, you will begin the 1.5-hour descent back to Llactoc to board the transport to Cusipata, where an included local lunch will be served. The final return to the city of Cusco is scheduled around 5:00 p.m., concluding with the direct transfer to your hotel.
Day 4: Free Day and Airport Transfer
You will start the last day with breakfast at the hotel, having free time according to your flight schedule. At the appropriate time and according to your flight itinerary, our Vilcabamba Tours transport will pick you up in the lobby of the accommodation to transfer you directly to the Cusco airport, providing personalized assistance at the departure for you to board your return flight and concluding our exclusive services.
Includes
- Private airport-hotel-airport transfer in the city of Cusco provided by Vilcabamba Tours.
- Transfers from the hotel to the train stations and vice versa specified in the program.
- 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco with breakfast included at the hotel of your choice.
- Full Day excursion to Machu Picchu with train tickets included in the Expedition service.
- Official entrance ticket to the Citadel of Machu Picchu with 2.5 hours of professional guiding service by Vilcabamba Tours.
- Bus tickets for ascent and descent between Aguas Calientes and the Inca citadel.
- Buffet lunch included in the town of Aguas Calientes on Day 2 (does not include beverages).
- Full Day excursion to Vinicunca 7-Color Mountain in shared service.
- 1 local lunch on the route to the 7-Color Mountain.
- Tourist transport, official entrance fees, and professional bilingual guiding service (English and/or Spanish).
Not Included
- Domestic or international air tickets and fares.
- Extra personal expenses at the destination.
- Food or beverage services not specified in detail in the itinerary.
