Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake adventure
Duration:
6 Days / 5 Nights
Location:
Cusco
Difficulty:
Easy
Availability:
All year
The Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake 6-Day Tour from Cusco combines cultural exploration and high-altitude natural landscapes in a complete Peru itinerary. From your arrival in Cusco, you will explore the city’s most important historical sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, and Puka Pukara, learning about the architectural and ceremonial significance of the Inca civilization.
The program continues through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting key archaeological complexes and traditional Andean towns before traveling to Aguas Calientes for your guided visit to Machu Picchu. At the citadel, you will explore the main sectors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and understand the engineering and urban planning of the Inca Empire.
The journey concludes with a guided hike to Humantay Lake, a high-altitude glacial lagoon known for its turquoise waters and mountain scenery. This 6-day tour offers a balanced combination of history, culture, and Andean landscapes, making it ideal for travelers seeking both Machu Picchu and a scenic trekking experience from Cusco.
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Please provide your flight number and arrival time in advance to coordinate the service.
At the hotel, you will be welcomed and have the afternoon free to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco (3,399 m / 11,151 ft).
Important Advice on Arrival in Cusco
Due to the high elevation, it is normal to feel more tired than usual on your first day. We recommend resting during the afternoon and avoiding strenuous activities. Drinking coca tea, commonly offered in hotels, may help support the acclimatization process.
Light walking around the Plaza de Armas and nearby streets is advisable to help your body gradually adjust. Staying well hydrated is important at high altitude, and light meals are recommended during the first days, as digestion can be slower while acclimatizing.
During your free time, you may visit the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, which offers traditional music and dance performances from the Cusco region. It is a good opportunity to experience local cultural expressions during your stay.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: None
Maximum Height: 3399 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Today, you will explore the main historical and archaeological sites included in the Cusco City Tour. We begin at the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the Plaza de Armas. This important colonial church was built on the foundations of the palace of the Inca Wiracocha and houses more than 300 paintings from the Cusco School of Art.
Next, we visit Qoricancha, which in Quechua means “Temple of Gold.” This was one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire and was originally covered with gold and silver. Today, it represents a unique combination of Inca stonework and colonial architecture.
We then leave the city center to visit Sacsayhuamán, one of the most significant archaeological sites near Cusco. The complex is known for its massive stone blocks, some weighing over 150 tons, demonstrating advanced Inca engineering. During Inca times, it was associated with the worship of Illapa, the deity of lightning.
The tour continues to Qenqo, a ceremonial site dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth), where carved stone structures and ritual spaces can still be observed. Afterward, we visit Puka Pukara, known as the “Red Fortress,” which likely served as a military and administrative control point.
Finally, we visit Tambomachay, a site associated with water worship and ceremonial purification, featuring well-preserved aqueducts and fountains.
At the end of the tour, we return to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel or in the Plaza de Armas.
Maximum Height: 3400 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Today you will explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Vilcanota Valley, named after the river that flows through this fertile region.
After breakfast, we begin the Sacred Valley tour with a visit to local artisan centers, where you can observe traditional weaving techniques and learn about Andean textile production. This is an opportunity to support local artisans and purchase authentic Peruvian handicrafts.
We then continue to the archaeological site of Pisac, located on a mountain ridge overlooking the valley. The complex features extensive agricultural terraces and Inca stone structures integrated into the natural landscape, demonstrating advanced engineering and urban planning.
After visiting the site, we descend to the town of Pisac and its traditional handicraft market, where local vendors offer handmade products using ancestral techniques.
We continue through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba, where we stop for lunch and enjoy a buffet featuring a variety of Peruvian dishes, including salads, soups, main courses, and desserts.
In the afternoon, we visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca sites in the valley. This town served as a military, religious, and administrative center. You will walk through its cobblestone streets and explore the terraces and stone constructions that remain in use today.
After the visit, we board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Upon arrival, a hotel representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Maximum Height: 3000 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Early in the morning, at the scheduled time, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Aguas Calientes and accompany you to the bus station. You will take a 30-minute bus ride along a winding road ascending approximately 400 meters to reach the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas.
Upon arrival at the archaeological site, we will begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. During the visit, you will explore the main sectors of Machu Picchu, including the Main Plaza, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana (Sacred Sun Dial), Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, and other significant structures within the citadel. The tour provides insight into Inca architecture, urban planning, and the historical importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photographs before returning by bus to Aguas Calientes. You may have lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included). Later, according to train schedule availability, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Important Information
Since January 1, 2019, Machu Picchu operates under a regulated one-way circuit system. Once you pass through a sector, you cannot return. Re-entry to the site is not permitted after exit. The only exception applies to visitors holding additional tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. In these cases, the guided tour duration will be adjusted according to the mountain entrance schedule (approximately 1 hour for Machu Picchu Mountain and 2 hours for Huayna Picchu).
Maximum Height: 2430 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
Early in the morning, at the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin the Humantay Lake full-day tour. We travel northwest from Cusco, passing through traditional Andean villages until reaching the town of Limatambo. From there, we ascend to Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast. Lunch will also be served here on our return.
After breakfast, we continue by vehicle to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Humantay Lake hike. During the drive, your guide will provide information about the local flora, fauna, and traditional customs of the region.
Upon arrival at Soraypampa, the guide will give instructions on high-altitude trekking techniques before beginning the hike. Walking sticks and a light snack will be provided. The ascent to Humantay Lake takes approximately 2 hours, depending on pace and physical condition.
At the lake, located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level, you will have time to appreciate the turquoise glacial waters and the surrounding views of Humantay and Salkantay mountains. After a rest and time for photographs, we descend along the same trail to Soraypampa, where our vehicle will be waiting.
We then return to Mollepata for a buffet lunch before traveling back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Maximum Height: 4200 msnm
Walking time: Full Day
According to your flight schedule, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. This concludes our Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake 6-day tour services.
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel check-in: 12:00 pm
Hotel check-out: 9:00 am
Note: If your departure time is later than the hotel check-out time, you may use the hotel’s common areas until your transfer to the airport.
Day 1:
Private transfer from Cusco Airport to hotel
Personalized assistance
Day 2:
Cusco City Tour (shared service): transportation, professional guide, and entrance tickets
Assistance
Day 3:
Sacred Valley Tour (shared service): transportation, professional guide, entrance tickets, and lunch
Tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Assistance
Day 4:
Machu Picchu Tour: round-trip bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Professional English-speaking guide
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to hotel in Cusco
Assistance
Day 5:
Humantay Lake Tour: round-trip transportation Cusco – Soraypampa
Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake
Walking sticks for the duration of the hike
Rain poncho
Breakfast and buffet lunch in Mollepata
First aid kit, oxygen tank, and basic medical supplies for high-altitude assistance
Professional guide trained in high-altitude mountain rescue
Assistance
Day 6:
Private transfer from hotel to Cusco Airport
Assistance
Drinks except those mentioned in the itinerary
Meals except those specified
Snacks
Phone calls
Personal expenses
Tips / gratuities
Travel insurance
Feel free to reach out to us at any time. Our team of experts is here to assist you and eager to discuss your needs.
+51 927 090 832
24/7 Support
info@cuscofriendly.com
