Cusco Highland Hikes: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain
Sightseeing walks, the Sacred Valley, Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, ordered from low to high altitude, with rest days in between. All seven nights are in the city.
This route follows the advice of most local agencies and schedules by altitude. The first three days are spent in town and the lower Sacred Valley to acclimatize. On day four, go to Humantay Lake at about 4,200 m. On day five, rest in town and browse markets. On day six, climb Rainbow Mountain above 5,000 m. Both hikes start before dawn and take 10–14 hours round trip. Suited to fit travelers who want to see snowy peaks and glacial lakes. Machu Picchu is not included, but this route can be combined with others.
May–Oct is the dry season with stable weather. In the rainy season, mountain trails are muddy, and Rainbow Mountain occasionally sees snow.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Flat Walk in the Old Town
Cusco（Plaza de Armas, Cusco、Cusco Cathedral、Qorikancha）
A taxi from the airport to the old town takes about 20 minutes. In the afternoon, walk on flat ground around the square.
On the first day, only walk on flat ground and go to bed early.
Stay: Plaza de Armas Area
Day 2 · Downhill Acclimatization Walk Through Four Ruins
Cusco（Tambomachay、Puka Pukara、Q'enqo、Cristo Blanco、Sacsayhuamán）
Take a taxi to Tambomachay (about 3,765 m). Then walk downhill past Puka Pukara, Qenqo and the White Christ statue to Sacsayhuamán, about 8 km or 3–4 hours.
Stay: Plaza de Armas Area
Day 3 · Downhill to Pisac in the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Awana Kancha、Pisac Archaeological Park、Pisac Market）
Take a minibus or hired car for about 1 hour to Pisac, stopping at an alpaca center on the way. Climb the terraced trail at the Pisac ruins, then return to town in the evening.
The Sacred Valley sits at about 2,900 m, so this is a buffer day for altitude.
Stay: Plaza de Armas Area
Day 4 · Humantay Lake Hike
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Humantay Lake）
Take a group van around 4 am for about 3 hours to Soraypampa. Walk uphill for about 1.5–2 hours to the lake, then return to town in the evening. The full day takes 10–11 hours.
Bring warm clothing and sunscreen. You can rent a horse at the foot of the mountain for the uphill climb.
Stay: Plaza de Armas Area
Day 5 · Rest Day: San Blas and Markets
Cusco（San Blas、Museo Inka、San Pedro Market）
Spend the whole day walking in the old town, visiting San Blas, the Inca Museum and San Pedro Market. Avoid high climbs.
Stay: Plaza de Armas Area
Day 6 · Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Cusco（Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)）
Take a group van around 3:30 am for about 3 hours to the trailhead. The round trip is about 10 km on foot, reaching above 5,000 m. Return to the city in the evening.
Don't go up if you have a cold or noticeable altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, descend immediately.
Stay: Plaza de Armas Area
Day 7 · Leaving Cusco
Cusco（Church of the Society of Jesus, Cusco）
Take a short morning walk around the Jesuit church, then take a taxi to the airport, about 20 minutes.