6-Day Peru Tour: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Review

Thinking about a trip that really packs in all the iconic sights of Peru can feel, you know, a little overwhelming. There are so many places to see, and actually getting between them seems like a huge puzzle. That is that, for many people, a structured six-day program seems like a very good option. It kind of promises to show you everything from the old Incan capital to that world-famous citadel in the clouds and even a mountain that looks like it’s from another planet. We recently looked at just such an itinerary for 2025, one that covers Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the salt pans of Maras, the circles of Moray, and the very high-altitude Rainbow Mountain. Frankly, this is a look at how those six days actually feel on the ground, so you can decide if it’s the right sort of adventure for you.

First Impressions: Getting Your Bearings in Cusco

As a matter of fact, the first thing that hits you when you land in Cusco isn’t the view, but it’s really the air. It’s thin, almost surprisingly so, at over 11,000 feet. You might find yourself a bit out of breath just walking up a gentle slope. Your body typically needs a day or two to get used to it, which is why most programs wisely start here. Basically, they suggest taking it easy, drinking lots of water, and trying some coca tea, which the locals use all the time. Still, the city itself is completely captivating. The streets are a kind of mix of old Incan stonework at the bottom and Spanish colonial buildings on top. You can literally see centuries of history layered on top of each other. We spent our first day more or less wandering around the Plaza de Armas, which is the main square, and just people-watching from a cafe balcony. The city, in a way, feels like a living museum, and it’s a seriously great place to begin this whole experience.

A Deeper Look into the Sacred Valley

Leaving Cusco for the Sacred Valley is, you know, when the scale of the Andes really starts to sink in. The road winds through these incredible green hills and farming communities that seem almost untouched by time. Our first stop was a local textile center, where we got to see women in traditional clothing demonstrate how they clean, dye, and weave alpaca wool into the most beautiful fabrics. Frankly, it was a pretty cool look into a local craft. Then, we moved on to the ruins at Pisac. Perched high on a hill, these terraces and stone buildings are massive, and the views of the valley below are just absolutely incredible. Likewise, Ollantaytambo later in the day offered a different sort of feeling. It’s a town where people still live in buildings from the Inca period. Walking through its streets, you get a real sense of continuity, that this place has been alive for a very long time. Honestly, the steep stone terraces climbing the hillside here are just a massive feat of old engineering.

The Main Event: A Day at Machu Picchu

Of course, the whole point for many people is seeing Machu Picchu. The day often starts very early, with a scenic train ride that follows the Urubamba River deeper into the mountains. The landscape outside your window gets more and more jungly and dramatic. Then, there’s a bus that zigzags up the mountain, building the anticipation. And then, you’re finally there. You walk through the entrance, turn a corner, and there it is. Seriously, the view is everything people say it is and then some. It’s almost hard to process at first. We spent hours with our guide, who walked us through the different parts of the city—the Sun Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana stone. He explained how this city might have worked, as a royal retreat or a sacred center.

It’s one thing to see pictures, right, but actually standing there, with the mists moving around the peaks and llamas just wandering around, you kind of just get it on a whole other level.

It’s one of those places that tends to live up to all the stories. You really need to make sure your camera is fully charged for this day. You’ll be taking pictures almost constantly. Anyway, it’s just a place with a special kind of quiet power.

Beyond the Citadel: Exploring Maras & Moray

You might think that after seeing Machu Picchu, everything else could be a little bit of a letdown. But actually, the day exploring Maras and Moray was one of the most visually surprising parts of the trip. Moray, for instance, is just plain strange and fascinating. It’s a series of deep, circular terraces that look like some sort of earthen amphitheater. The general idea is that the Incas used it as an agricultural laboratory, with each level having a slightly different microclimate to test crops. Then you go to the Maras Salt Pans. It’s a valley side covered in thousands of small, terraced pools that have been used to harvest salt since before the Incas. In the sunlight, the whole area glitters with whites, pinks, and light browns. You can actually walk along the narrow paths between the pools and even buy some of the locally harvested pink salt. Honestly, this day feels like a step into a completely different part of Peruvian history and landscape, so it’s a very cool contrast to the big stone ruins.

The High-Altitude Finale: The Rainbow Mountain Challenge

Okay, so let’s be really honest about this part of the tour. The hike to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, is definitely not easy. The starting point is already at a very high altitude, and you hike up from there, to over 16,000 feet. The air is extremely thin, and every step can feel like a pretty big effort. You’ll see a lot of people struggling, and some people choose to rent a horse for part of the way up. The walk itself is pretty slow and steady. But then, after a couple of hours of walking through this stark, beautiful high-Andean landscape, you reach the final ridge. And the view is just completely wild. The hills across the way are painted in stripes of terracotta, a kind of lavender color, yellow, and a surprising shade of green. It’s a natural wonder caused by different mineral deposits. It looks sort of like a giant piece of striped candy. As a matter of fact, the sense of accomplishment you get from reaching the viewpoint, combined with the utterly unique sight, makes the difficult hike feel more or less worth it. You just need to be prepared for the physical demand of it.

What to Pack and Prepare For

Being prepared can really make or break a trip like this, you know. The weather can change very quickly, and the altitude is always a factor. Here is a list of things you should probably have with you:

Layered Clothing: You’ll want t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, a fleece, and a waterproof jacket. Seriously, you can experience all four seasons in a single day, especially at high altitudes.
Comfortable Hiking Shoes: This is a must. Your feet will thank you after walking on cobblestones and ancient trails. They really should be broken in before your trip.
Sun Protection: The sun at high altitude is incredibly strong. So, bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a good sunscreen with high SPF.
Personal Medications: Besides your usual prescriptions, you might want something for headaches or upset stomach. Altitude sickness pills (like Diamox) are also something to discuss with your doctor before you go.
Reusable Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated to help with the altitude. Almost all hotels have places to refill your bottle.
Cash for Small Purchases: While credit cards are accepted in many places in Cusco, having some Peruvian Soles is very handy for small shops, tips, or buying things in local markets.
Camera and Extra Batteries: Obviously, you will be taking a ton of photos. A portable power bank is also a really smart idea.

This trip is more or less a whirlwind of amazing sights, and being ready for it just helps you enjoy everything a little bit more.

Read our full review: [6 Day Peru Tour 2025 Full Review and Details]
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