The journey
5-Day Peru Essentials: Culture & Adventure
We have designed this exclusive 5-day program for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Peru efficiently without sacrificing comfort. Operated directly by TrueAndes, this journey takes you from the colonial streets of Lima to the ancient heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco.
You will explore the Sacred Valley, stand before the majesty of Machu Picchu, and challenge yourself with a hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). We handle every logistical detail—from private transfers to Vistadome train tickets—so you can focus purely on the experience.
Day by day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco & City Tour We greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon (1:00 PM), we explore Qorikancha, the Cathedral, and the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Day 2: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes A full day exploring Pisac and Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night near the citadel. Day 3: Machu Picchu Private Tour We enter Machu Picchu early to avoid crowds. Your guide will provide a comprehensive tour of the temples and terraces. We return to Cusco in the evening. Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Expedition An early start (5:00 AM) takes us to Vinicunca. We include ATVs to help with the ascent, followed by a short hike to the summit at 5,200m. Day 5: Farewell We provide a private transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima.What's included
Included
- Transfers: Private airport-hotel transfers in Cusco.
- Accommodation: 3-star superior hotels (double occupancy).
- Guides: Professional English-speaking guides for all tours.
- Transportation: Private tourist transport for all excursions.
- Train: Round-trip Vistadome tickets (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes).
- Meals: Daily breakfast and lunches during Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tours.
- Entrances: All tickets for archaeological sites and Rainbow Mountain.
What travellers say
Questions before you go
Clear answers for planning this tour.
Is 5 days enough?
Yes, for the main highlights it is perfect if organized with private transport like this tour.
Can I upgrade the hotels?
Yes, we can upgrade you to 4-star or 5-star luxury properties upon request.
What about altitude sickness?
We ascend gradually. Day 1 is sea level, Day 2 is Cusco. We recommend coca tea and rest.
Is the Rainbow Mountain hike hard?
It is rated moderate-hard due to altitude (5,200m). We use ATVs for part of the way to help.
What time should I fly out?
On Day 5, please book a flight after 7:00 PM to ensure safe return from the hike.
Are meals included?
Daily breakfast and lunches on the full-day tours are included. Dinners are free for you to explore.



