5-Day Cusco Itinerary for 2027, with Machu Picchu and Prices
Five days is what we recommend to see Cusco without rushing: enough for Machu Picchu with a night in Aguas Calientes, the Sacred Valley, the city and a high-altitude hike. The order matters as much as the places, because Cusco sits at 3,400 meters and your body needs to adjust.
The itinerary day by day
Day 1: arrival and city tour
You arrive in Cusco, drop your bags at the hotel and rest until midday. In the afternoon, the city tour covers Qorikancha and the four Inca sites above the city: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. It is an easy tour by vehicle, ideal for the first day.
Day 2: Sacred Valley
The full Sacred Valley tour drops to about 2,800 meters, so it is a great day to acclimatize. You visit Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Pans and Ollantaytambo, with a buffet lunch and in a group of 8 people at most.
Days 3 and 4: Machu Picchu with a night in Aguas Calientes
On day 3 you take the train to Aguas Calientes and have the afternoon free. On day 4 you go up to Machu Picchu in one of the first time slots, with a guide, and return to Cusco at night. If you want to climb Waynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain, this is how to do it in 2027, since mountain entry is only until 10:00 am.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake
With four days of acclimatization you are ready for altitude. Choose between Rainbow Mountain, a climb of about 2 hours to over 5,000 meters, or Humantay Lake, a steep hour and a half to a turquoise lake. If your flight leaves that day, move this tour to day 4 of a longer trip or swap it for a free morning in Cusco.
How much it costs
| Day | Tour | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco city tour | US$15 |
| 2 | Full Sacred Valley | US$32 |
| 3 and 4 | Machu Picchu 2 days | US$380 |
| 5 | Rainbow Mountain (or Humantay, US$35) | US$30 |
| Total | US$457 (US$462 with Humantay) |
Entrance fees in soles are paid separately at each site: the Cusco Tourist Ticket (the full ticket covers the city tour and Sacred Valley sites), Qorikancha, the Maras Salt Pans and the Rainbow Mountain or Humantay entrance. The Machu Picchu ticket is already included. Your Cusco hotel and the meals not included in the tours are also on you.
If you have fewer or more days
- 4 days: do Machu Picchu in one day (from US$320) and drop the high-altitude hike.
- 6 days: add both hikes, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, on separate days.
- 7 days or more: add free days to wander San Blas, San Pedro Market and the museums in the center.
What to keep in mind for 2027
- High season: from June 19 to November 2, Machu Picchu is in higher demand. Book early. See the 2027 high-season dates.
- Holidays: Holy Week (March 25 to 28) and Inti Raymi (June 24) fill Cusco.
- 2027 tickets: sales do not have an official date yet. We cover it in the Machu Picchu 2027 guide.
Check 2027 availability
See our pre-booking spots day by day and lock in your date, route and time on our Machu Picchu 2027 tickets calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
We recommend five: one for the city, one for the Sacred Valley, two for Machu Picchu and one for a high-altitude hike.
How much does a 5-day Cusco trip cost?
In tours, US$457 per person with this itinerary (US$462 if you choose Humantay). Add entrance fees in soles, your Cusco hotel and meals.
Why the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu?
Because it is lower than Cusco and helps you acclimatize. It also gives you context on Inca architecture before you see Machu Picchu.
Can you do Rainbow Mountain on the first day?
We do not recommend it. It goes above 5,000 meters and is best done after at least two days in Cusco.
Do I have to pay everything in advance?
No. We first confirm availability for each day and only then arrange payment.
