A 6-Day Peru Tour Review: Machu Picchu & More for 2025

So, you are thinking about a big trip to Peru, right? I mean, it’s a place that gets in your head with all its history and those massive mountains. I just got back from a six-day tour that covered, you know, the big three: Machu Picchu, the ridiculously colorful Rainbow Mountain, and the frankly stunning Humantay Lagoon. To be honest, I had seen a million photos, but actually being there is a totally different story. It’s almost a feeling you can’t quite capture on a screen. This trip was, in a way, more than just seeing sights; it was a test of my own stamina and a deep look into a culture that is still very much alive. I’m going to walk you through my experience day-by-day, sort of like a journal, to give you a real sense of what this kind of adventure is actually like.

Day 1: Landing in Cusco and Meeting the Altitude

Alright, so the first day really starts the moment you step off the plane in Cusco. You know, you can feel the air is different right away; it’s just a little bit thinner. The airport itself is pretty small, but the view of the city spilling across the hills is really something else. My guide met me right outside, and honestly, having someone there waiting for you makes everything so much easier. We drove through these narrow cobblestone streets, and the city has this energy, a sort of mix of old Spanish buildings and Inca foundations. Basically, you can see the layers of history everywhere. My hotel was in the San Blas neighborhood, which is, like, super artsy and full of little shops. You can find some really neat places to stay there that are a bit away from the main square.

The main job for day one, as my guide clearly explained, is to acclimatize. Seriously, you should not underestimate the altitude, which sits at about 11,152 feet. At the end of the day, rushing into activities is a recipe for getting sick. So, I just took it very easy. I spent a little time walking around the Plaza de Armas, which is the main square, and it’s surrounded by these huge churches and balconies. It’s pretty much the heart of the city. I mean, the best advice is to just sit at a cafe, sip on some coca tea—which, by the way, the locals say helps a lot with the altitude—and just watch the world go by. It’s a strange feeling, being a bit out of breath from just walking up a small hill, but you sort of get used to it. That evening, the tour group had a welcome dinner, which was a nice way to meet everyone and talk about what was to come. For instance, getting solid tips on dealing with the altitude from people who live there is very helpful.

Day 2: Digging into the Sacred Valley’s Past

So, on the second day, we actually left the city behind and went deep into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This place is, you know, a stretch of land that was super important for them because it was so fertile. The drive itself is pretty incredible, with views of these terraced fields climbing up the sides of mountains like giant green staircases. Our first real stop was a place called Chinchero. It’s a small town that is higher in elevation than Cusco, and it is known for its weaving traditions. We went to a local workshop where some women showed us how they clean, spin, and dye alpaca wool using all-natural materials like plants and insects. To be honest, seeing the bright colors they can create from something so simple is amazing. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the textiles you see everywhere, and learning about local crafts is a really enriching part of the trip.

Next, we headed to Ollantaytambo, which is just a little bit of a different vibe. Basically, it’s a massive Inca fortress that is built right into the side of a steep hill. Climbing the stone terraces is definitely a workout, but the view from the top, looking down at the town and the river, is absolutely worth the effort. Our guide told us stories about the battles that happened there, and it’s almost like you can feel the history in the stones. The town of Ollantaytambo itself is really special because it’s one of the few places where people are still living in buildings with original Inca foundations. After exploring, we had lunch at a spot with a view of the ruins, which was a pretty perfect way to end that part of the day. As a matter of fact, exploring the history of these ancient sites with a good guide makes a huge difference. From there, we actually caught the train to Aguas Calientes, the town right at the base of Machu Picchu, to get ready for the big day ahead.

Day 3: The Moment We’d All Waited For—Machu Picchu

Okay, so day three is the one everyone is here for, right? Waking up in Aguas Calientes, you can feel the excitement in the air. The town is kind of squeezed into a valley, surrounded by these incredibly steep, green mountains. We got up very early to catch one of the first buses up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Honestly, the 25-minute bus ride itself is an adventure, with switchbacks that seem to just hang over the edge of the cliff. But then, you get there. You walk through the entrance, and you turn a corner, and then, you see it. That classic view of the stone city with Huayna Picchu mountain in the background. It’s almost unreal. For a moment, it’s totally quiet, even with other people around, because everyone is just taking it in. It is definitely one of those sights that makes you feel really small in the best way possible.

We spent the next few hours with our guide, who walked us through the different parts of the citadel. You know, he pointed out the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone that was used for astronomy, and the residential areas. He explained how the Incas built this city with such precision, with stones that fit together perfectly without any mortar. It is really a marvel of engineering. You get a much deeper understanding of the place by finding out about the techniques the Incas used to build. After the guided part of the tour, we had some free time to just wander around on our own. I found a quiet spot to just sit and look out over the whole complex. You might want to consider doing the same. Llamas were casually grazing on the terraces, not bothered by tourists at all. At the end of the day, it’s an experience that’s both grand and somehow very peaceful at the same time.

“Actually, no picture you’ve ever seen truly prepares you for the feeling of standing there. The scale of it, the energy of the place… it’s just something you have to feel for yourself. You sort of understand why it was hidden for so long; it feels like a secret world.”

Day 4: The Challenge and Beauty of Humantay Lagoon

After the wonder of Machu Picchu, day four presented a very different kind of challenge. We had an extremely early start from Cusco, I mean, like 4 AM early. The goal was to hike to Humantay Lagoon. The drive to the trailhead takes a few hours, and you go through these beautiful valleys and small villages as the sun comes up. When we got to the starting point, the air was crisp and really thin. This hike is, to be honest, not a walk in the park. It’s pretty much uphill the entire way, and you are hiking at a high altitude of around 13,779 feet. I mean, you have to take it slow and steady, just one step at a time. The local community offers the option to ride a horse for part of the way, which a few people in our group decided to do.

But the struggle is, you know, completely worth it. After about 90 minutes of some serious hiking, you come over a final ridge, and there it is. The lagoon is this incredible, almost impossible shade of turquoise and blue, sitting right at the base of a massive glacier-covered mountain. The color comes from minerals in the glacier meltwater. It’s a very humbling sight. People were pretty quiet up there, just taking photos or sitting on the rocks around the edge. We spent about an hour at the lagoon, just soaking in the view and the feeling of accomplishment. It’s one of those places that feels sacred. The hike down is, obviously, a lot easier, and we were all in high spirits. We had a great lunch prepared by our tour team before heading back to Cusco, feeling pretty tired but absolutely amazed by what we had just seen. Getting prepared for high-altitude trekking is really key to enjoying this day.

Day 5: Chasing the Colors of Rainbow Mountain

So, you would think after Humantay Lagoon, the hiking challenges were over, right? Well, day five had another one waiting for us: the famous Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain. This was another super early start, as getting there before the biggest crowds is sort of the whole point. The drive is long, about three hours, taking you further into the Andes. The trailhead for Rainbow Mountain is at an even higher altitude than the Humantay hike, starting at over 14,000 feet and climbing to a viewpoint at over 16,000 feet. Honestly, at that height, every single step feels like a lot of work. You can feel your lungs working hard. The landscape on the way up is really barren but has its own kind of beauty, with herds of alpacas and llamas dotting the hillsides. Many tour companies offer different routes, so it’s good to check which one you’re taking.

The hike is a gradual incline for the most part, but the last section up to the main viewpoint is very steep. You just have to go at your own pace. But when you finally make it to the top, it’s just, wow. The mountain looks like it’s been painted with these stripes of terracotta, lavender, green, and yellow. These colors are from different mineral deposits that have been exposed over time. In a way, it doesn’t look real, but there it is. From the viewpoint, you also get this amazing 360-degree view of the surrounding Andes, including the massive Ausangate glacier. We spent some time taking it all in and, of course, getting that classic photo. It was pretty cold and windy up there, so you definitely need layers. At the end of the day, climbing Rainbow Mountain is a huge physical achievement and a visual reward that is completely unique. Getting the right gear for this hike makes a huge difference in your comfort.

Day 6: One Last Look at Cusco and the Trip Home

Alright, so the last day was a much more relaxed one, which was basically a relief after two big hiking days. Most of the day was free to explore Cusco on our own before heading to the airport. I decided to wander through the San Pedro Market, which is this huge, covered market where locals do their shopping. It’s a total sensory overload in the best way. You can see piles of fresh fruit, rows of different kinds of potatoes (there are thousands of types in Peru, you know), and even sections with local cheeses and breads. It’s a great place to get a feel for everyday life in the city. You might want to pick up some unique souvenirs there, like textiles or ceramics, which are usually cheaper than in the tourist shops.

I also used the morning to revisit the San Blas neighborhood, just taking my time and poking into some of the art galleries. It’s a really charming area with its narrow, winding streets. I had one last really good Peruvian meal for lunch, reflecting on the whole week. It’s a trip that is packed with so many incredible moments, from the quiet majesty of Machu Picchu to the raw, colorful beauty of the high-altitude mountains. Honestly, it’s a journey that pushes you a bit but gives you so much back in return. Later in the afternoon, the tour company arranged the transfer back to the airport. Saying goodbye to Cusco and the Andes felt a little sad, but I was leaving with a camera full of photos and, more importantly, a collection of really amazing memories. Getting info on where to eat in Cusco can make your last day extra special.

What to Pack: A Simple Checklist

Figuring out what to bring can be a little tricky because of the varied activities. Here’s a quick list of things that were really useful:

• Layers, Layers, Layers: I mean, the weather can change in an instant. A base layer, a fleece, and a waterproof/windproof jacket are pretty much non-negotiable.
• Good Hiking Shoes: You really need broken-in, waterproof hiking boots. Your feet will thank you, especially on those big hikes.
• Sun Protection: The sun at high altitudes is incredibly strong. So, bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Daypack: A small backpack is super useful for carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and your camera on the daily excursions.
• Reusable Water Bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated, and using a reusable bottle is much better for the environment. Most hotels have places to refill.
• Cash: Especially smaller bills in the local currency (Soles) for small purchases, tips, or using the restrooms at trailheads.
• Camera and Extra Batteries: You will be taking a ton of photos, and the cold can sometimes drain batteries faster.