Overview
Join our 7-Day Photo Machu Picchu Tour, a landscape adventure featuring Rainbow Mountain and the Flight of The Condor. Be prepared for some of Peru’s most breathtaking and recognizable scenery. Cusco offers a diverse range of landscapes, local natives in traditional costumes, and examples of old and Hispanic architecture such as Machu Picchu. Both the famous Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes Hike provide beautiful settings to capture stunning moments. Early in the morning, the less-explored Red Valley will also be part of our day hike—offering a unique perspective rarely experienced by others. Machu Picchu is an absolute must on this photo tour.
- Day 1: Arrival and Walking Tour
- Day 2: Natives Visit at Willoq Community (Portraits)
- Day 3: Machu Picchu Sunrise (Landscape – Old Architecture)
- Day 4: Chonta Canyon (Flight Of Condors)
- Day 5: Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley (Landscape)
- Day 6: Seven Lakes
- Day 7: Departure from Cusco
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sunrise at Machu Picchu
- Landscape on the Andes
- The Night Sky of The Andes (Milky Way)
- The Wildlife of Southern Peru
- The Architecture of Cusco
- Natives of Willoq
- The Colorful Rainbow Mountain
Details
- Type of Tour: Lodge-based, Photography, Historical, Van Transport, and Train Ride
- Trip Service: Comfort
- Type of Transport: Private Van, Train
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Level of Photography: Beginners, Amateur, Enthusiast, Semi-Pro Photographers
- Group Size: This trip is limited to up to 8 guests and is available privately.
- Accommodation: The hotels we use are 3‑star in all locations and include one night of camping.
- Our Trip Leaders: This trip is led by Jose Condor and Edgar Mora, professional guides with a great vision for photography who have visited these places multiple times.
- Location: This trip starts in Cusco City. You will need to fly to Lima (the capital of Peru) and then to Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, a small domestic airport.
- Departures: We depart between May and September because the views and sky are simply spectacular.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival To Cusco And Walking Tour
Upon your arrival at Cusco Airport, you will be met by your guide who will transport you to your hotel in the downtown area of Cusco City. (We recommend arriving in Cusco before 1 PM.) After checking in, we will begin our walking tour along the charming streets of Cusco, where you’ll encounter a mix of Inca and Colonial architecture—complete with narrow lanes and beautiful balconies. You will also visit the Local Market of San Pedro to experience the vibrant local culture through fresh juices, food, vegetables, medicinal plants, and more.
Includes: Pick-Up from the Airport, Guide, and Hotel in Cusco
Day 2: Natives Visit At Willoq Community (Portraits)
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from our hotel in the Sacred Valley and drive you to Willoq Village through picturesque settlements and scenic views of the Sacred Valley mountains. Along the way, we will stop at Ollantaytambo Town to visit the Local Market, where we will purchase some bread for the local family—a tradition of gifting the traditional Peruvian bread called Chuta.
In Willoq Village, you will meet a local family who will welcome you into their home. Learn about their culture and traditions as they engage in daily activities such as harvesting or cultivating. The local women will also demonstrate the traditional weaving process—from obtaining alpaca wool and dyeing it with natural plant dyes to creating beautiful blankets used in their clothing. A child from the community will bid you farewell with a beautiful dance that will remain in your heart.
Note: The family speaks Quechua (the language of the Incas) as well as Spanish (especially among the younger generations). We provide a guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua to facilitate communication.
After the visit, we will have lunch in the village featuring Pachamanca, an ancient method of cooking food using heated stones. Then, we will drive for about 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo Train Station to catch a Vistadome Train at 3:37 PM, which will take us on a 1-hour 40-minute journey to Machu Picchu Town.
Includes: Breakfast, Transport, Lunch, Guide, Cultural Experience with Natives, Train Tickets to Machu Picchu Town, and Hotel in Machu Picchu Town
Day 3: Machu Picchu Sunrise
Early in the morning, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu in time for sunrise—allowing us to capture the first light in less crowded conditions. Your guide will lead you to strategic spots and provide a detailed tour about the culture and history of these Seven Wonders. You will visit the main temple, the Temple of the Condor, Inca palaces, the stone quarry, and the sun observatory. This tour typically lasts about 3 hours.
Afterward, you will return to Machu Picchu Town around 10 AM for a delicious lunch before boarding the train back to Cusco.
Includes: Breakfast, Bus Ride (round trip from Machu Picchu Town to the site), Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu, Tour Guide, Lunch, Transfer from Train Station to Hotel in Cusco, Train Ride Back to Cusco, and Hotel in the Sacred Valley
Day 4: Chonta Canyon (Flight Of Condors)
Chonta Canyon is a lesser-known location near Cusco but offers a fantastic opportunity to see the Andean Condor in the wild. At 4 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco for a 3.5-hour drive to the trailhead. Upon arrival, we will have breakfast, then hike for about 40 minutes to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. Here, we will set up our cameras to capture the Flight of the Andean Condors. We will remain at the viewpoint for about an hour (or possibly longer), enjoying stunning vistas of the Andes Mountains, native villages, and farmlands.
Includes: Transport, Guide, Entrance Tickets, and Hotel in Cusco
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Hike
We will depart from our Cusco Hotel at 4:00 AM for a 2-hour drive to Cusipata Town, where we will stop for a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant. After breakfast, we continue with a 50-minute drive to the trailhead at Phulawasipata (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), a route that traverses beautiful landscapes, alpaca farms, and agricultural fields.
Our hike begins along a winding path with spectacular vistas of snow-capped mountains, surrounded by herds of alpacas and llamas. After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, we will reach our destination—the magnificent Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). This natural display of color is 100% authentic and completely breathtaking.
At the summit, take your time to capture stunning photos, breathe in the clean mountain air, and explore the area. Then, we will take a short 20-minute walk into the Red Valley, a less frequented area due to the longer hike back to the parking lot. This descent offers a tranquil experience among the crimson rocks with a spectacular view across the valley.
After the hike down (approximately 1.5 hours), we will drive for about 50 minutes back to Cusipata, where a delicious lunch awaits. We will then continue our journey with a 2.5-hour drive to Pacchanta, enjoying views of the southern snow‑capped mountains of Cusco. Upon arrival, relax at the Hot Springs under a beautiful sky. That night, we will camp.
Includes: Breakfast, Guide, Entrance Tickets, Transport, Lunch, Dinner, and Camping Gear
Day 6: Hike To 7 Lakes
Our hike begins at around 7 AM with a gentle uphill trek offering amazing vistas of snow‑capped mountains such as Mount Ausangate, the tallest peak in the Cusco area. We will hike for about 2 hours (approximately 10 km / 6.2 miles) to reach the farthest lake, Otorongo, and then explore the 7 Lakes while breathing in the pure Andean air. After exploring, we will return to the hot springs for lunch and then drive back to Cusco.
Includes: Boxed Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Guide, Entrance Tickets to the Area, Lunch, and Hotel in Cusco
Day 7: Departure From Cusco
On the final day, you will be picked up from your hotel 2 hours before your flight back home or to your next destination. The exact pickup time will be provided once you share your flight details with us.
Includes: Drop-Off at the Airport
Services
SERVICES INCLUDED
- All Entrance Tickets to attractions
- 6‑Night Hotels at Tierra Viva
- 1‑Night Camping
- Camping Gear for the night
- 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner, 7 Breakfasts
- Tour Guide
- Machu Picchu Permits
- Private Transport on tours
- Train Ride to Machu Picchu
- Shared Bus Ride from Machu Picchu Town to the ruins of Machu Picchu
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Airfares
- Gratuities
Packing list
- Original Passport – Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be current. If you have acquired a new passport after booking, bring both (the one used for booking and the new one). The information provided at the time of booking must match your tickets for Machu Picchu.
- Good Walking Shoes – They should be well broken-in; if they are new, please break them in before the trip to ensure comfort.
- Warm Fleece Jacket – It should be warm enough for the nights.
- A few T-Shirts.
- Socks – Bring at least 5 pairs.
- Sun Hat – As some days can be sunny, we recommend bringing a sun hat to keep the sun off your face, as most tours are outdoors.
- Lightweight Long Pants – Recommended since temperatures can sometimes be warm.
- Sunscreen – SPF 35+ is recommended.
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Bug Repellent – Mosquitoes are present year-round, so be sure to pack bug repellent for Machu Picchu.
- Water Bottle – Machu Picchu National Park does not allow plastic bottles, so please bring a Nalgene bottle or camel bag. Make sure to fill your water bottle before leaving the hotel in Cusco; additional water will be provided as needed.
- Toiletries
- Prescription Medications – Please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking.
- Book to Read – You will have some spare time during drives to read your favorite book, or one about Machu Picchu to make your journey more interesting. Recommended books include Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie and Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams.
Important information
Often Asked Questions
Where Do I Meet the Team?
The day you arrive at Cusco Airport, your guide will be there with a sign that says Peru by Locals and your name. (Cusco Airport is domestic and very small.)
How Long Before Should I Book This Trip?
The Machu Picchu permits should be booked in advance. We recommend you book this trip at least a month ahead; of course, it is much better to book once you have your travel dates, so you can secure your spot with a pre-payment of $100 per person.
What is the Weather Like in Machu Picchu During the Year?
Weather in the region is extremely variable, so you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten biozones ranging from high-altitude alpine conditions to the high jungle. On a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F); however, on the second day the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu range between 23°C and 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with a minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F).
The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, although there are several sunny days. The dry season begins around March and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically, at noon, temperatures can reach 23°C (77°F), the highest temperature of the year.
What Am I Going to Eat on the Trip?
All restaurants we use are à la carte, so you have many options ranging from meat to vegetarian. If you are vegan or have a strict diet, let us know so that we can arrange specialized restaurants for your needs. A few of the restaurant names include Morena in Cusco, Indio Feliz in Machu Picchu, Organika in Cusco, and similar options.
Which Hotel Am I Staying At?
We use the Tierra Viva hotel chain in Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa, and Aranwa Pueblito Encantado in Colca Canyon.
How Big is my Group Going to be?
We specialize in small groups because that way our clients receive personalized service—especially when you encounter many things on tours, such as Incan sites, flora, and fauna—and your guide spends plenty of time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history. We limit our trek groups to up to 8 people, but we almost always end up with 2 to 5 guests.
How Do I Get Water on the Tours?
We will have water available in the car we use for the tours. We recommend you bring Nalgene water bottles or camel bags so that we generate less waste. You may encounter locals selling bottled water along the way, but not everyone is responsible—many people litter, which is unfortunate. We need to take care of our home and nature; that is why we recommend you refill your bottles whenever possible. Thank you for being part of our green home. (Please note: hotels in Peru don’t have stations to fill your water bottles.)
Can I Pay the Rest of the Balance on a Credit Card or Does it Have to be in Cash?
We collect the balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees. Of course, you can use PayPal or a credit card, but you will need to pay fees that are usually over 5%.
On the day of your briefing, when your guide meets you, one of our representatives will also be there to collect the rest of the balance for your trek.
Peruvian Currency
The Peruvian Sol is the currency of Peru, and it usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 Nuevo Sol to 1 US Dollar.
Language
Spanish is the national language of Peru, and about 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (the language of the Incas). Our guides are fluent in both Spanish and English.
Why Peru By Locals
- Peru By Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours and we cater to your interests when we plan your tour.
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members who have decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff in Peru By Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protecting our environment.
- We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and school equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of needy ones.
- Our trips are designed carefully to your needs and we create diverse, unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes free, worry-free trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru Small Group Specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, or like history or photography for all ages, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as couples, or with family. At Peru By Locals, we don’t tolerate racism, religions, sex, etc.
Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 4 to 8 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Price
Best Seller
Landscape, Faces of Peru, Stargazing , Flight of the Condors & Workshop 7 Days | Peru by Locals
Join our 7-Day Photo Machu Picchu Tour, a landscape adventure featuring Rainbow Mountain and the Flight of The Condor. Be prepared for some of Peru's most breathtaking and recognizable scenery. Cusco offers a diverse range of landscapes, local natives in traditional costumes, and examples of old and Hispanic architecture such as Machu Picchu. Both the famous Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes Hike provide beautiful settings to capture stunning moments. Early in the morning, the less-explored Red Valley will also be part of our day hike—offering a unique perspective rarely experienced by others. Machu Picchu is an absolute must on this photo tour.
Product Brand: Peru by Locals
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 1540
Product In Stock: InStock
5
GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important. We usually run tours with 2 to 8 people per group and we open any tour dates with at least 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences, so you can take full advantage of your valuable time.
Accommodations
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To ensure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date will likely not be changed later.
- This is a great option to meet other travelers and hang out during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as the private service.
- If for any reason one of you or others can’t continue the tour, the tour will go as planned from beginning to end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service can start from 1 person to any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels.
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To ensure your booking with us, we will require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding balance will be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing this option
- We cater this tour to your needs with flexibility.
- Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
- This is a great option to spend time with your parents, family, and friends or travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.
