Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour

Embark on this unforgettable 5-day, 4-night journey through the heart of the Andes, where history, culture, and amazing landscapes come together. Discover the wonders of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the spectacular Rainbow Mountain.

Your experience begins in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Here, you will walk through centuries of history as you visit the Cusco Cathedral and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, two iconic landmarks where you will be able to witness the contrast of Inca and Colonial times architecture.

The journey continues into the Sacred Valley, a land of fertile valleys, traditional villages, and impressive archaeological sites. Explore the ruins of Pisac, famous for its terraces and panoramic views, and Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town crowned by its monumental fortress and stone temples.

The highlight of your journey awaits at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This legendary citadel offers a great experience diving deep into the brilliance of Inca engineering. You will find yourself surrounded by great mountain sceneries and an atmosphere that feels truly timeless.

To conclude this adventure, you will travel to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Famous for its vivid mineral layers painted in shades of red, gold, turquoise, and green, this natural wonder is one of Peru’s most famous landscapes. From the high point of this place, take in sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, a perfect and unforgettable finale to your Andean adventure.

INCLUDED:

• Private airport–hotel–airport transfers
• 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco with breakfast
• 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
• Pre-tour briefing
• Entrance tickets to the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay
• Entrance tickets to Pisac and Ollantaytambo
• Entrance to Rainbow Mountain, including breakfast and buffet lunch
• Return transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco
• Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Round-trip bus tickets: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2, subject to availability), including the classic Machu Picchu photo opportunity
• All transfers in tourist-class transportation
• Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish)

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare.
• Tips.
• Meals not mentioned.
• Huayna Picchu entrance ticket.
• Other services not mentioned.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Bring your passport or valid identification document.
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure time and present your ticket and identification.
• Carry cash in Peruvian soles and U.S. dollars, as many establishments in Aguas Calientes do not accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available in Cusco.
• Pack a small backpack with essentials: camera, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
• Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, as there are many steps at Machu Picchu.
• Bring snacks and bottled water, as prices inside the sanctuary are higher.
• Consider visiting and enjoying the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Train luggage allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger.
• During high season, visitor numbers increase, and you may need to wait in line to board the bus to Machu Picchu.

DAY 1: Cusco City & Surroundings

Upon your arrival at Cusco Airport, our team will wait for you at the airport to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in, and time to rest. Later, we will begin the city tour of Cusco and its nearby Inca archaeological sites. Pick-up from your hotel is scheduled shortly before 1:00 p.m.

Our first stop will be Cusco Cathedral, renowned for its beautifully carved wooden details, ornate altars, and remarkable paintings created by artists of the Cuscquenian School of art, an art period in which indigenous people were taught the European techniques of painting and sculpting.

Then, we will walk through the streets of Cusco’s Historic Center to reach Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This important religious site was dedicated to the deities of the Sun, Moon, Stars, Rainbow, Thunder, and Lightning. Here, you will admire the extraordinary precision of Inca stonework, with stones so perfectly cut and fitted that not even a sheet of paper can pass between them. Despite the earthquakes, these walls have remained remarkably solid and well preserved.

Next, we will visit Sacsayhuamán, located approximately 3 km from Cusco. From its esplanade, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city. This impressive archaeological complex was constructed with massive limestone blocks weighing between 25 and 130 tons arranged in three overlapping zigzag terraces. Sacsayhuamán was the setting for important ceremonies such as Warachikuy and Inti Raymi (The Honoring Celebration of the Sun).

We will continue to Qenqo, meaning “labyrinth” in Quechua. Situated about one kilometer from Sacsayhuamán, this limestone site features carved rock formations and underground passages believed to have been used for astronomical observation, religious ceremonies, and mummification rituals. Our next stop is Pukapukara, which means “Red Fortress” in our native indigenous language: Quechua. This site functioned as a strategic military outpost, controlling and monitoring access to the imperial city of Cusco and serving as a territorial checkpoint.

Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, an Inca temple dedicated to water, located approximately 9 km from Cusco. It is distinguished by its finely engineered water channels and continuously beautiful flowing fountains. After this we will conclude this day’s tour with our transfer back to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

INCLUDED:

• Private airport transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel.
• One night of hotel accommodation in Cusco.
• Entrance fees to Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
• Tourist transportation.
• Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish).
• Pre-tour assistance prior to your arrival in Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals.
• Other services not mentioned.

DAY 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

Pick-up from your hotel is scheduled at approximately 7:00 a.m. We will begin a one-hour drive to Pisac.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Pisac Archaeological Center, located on the upper part of the town. Here, you will observe how local farmers continue to apply Inca agricultural techniques, cultivating crops on mountain terraces that have been there for centuries.

Afterward, we will visit the Pisac artisan market. At midday, we will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine and ingredients at a restaurant located in the Urubamba Valley. We will then continue to Ollantaytambo, situated 76 km from the city of Cusco. At this impressive archaeological site, you will see massive carved stone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons. These stones were transported up the mountain and are believed to have been used for astronomical purposes.

Ollantaytambo is located at the convergence of three valleys, marking the transition toward the high jungle region. The town of Ollantaytambo has been recognized as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” in the world. It is often described as a town suspended in time, due to its well-preserved Inca-colonial architecture and its remarkable hydraulic engineering system, which channels water through stone canals running along its streets.

From Ollantaytambo, we will transfer to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Along the way, you will enjoy views of lush vegetation and the Vilcanota River. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town, stroll through its streets, shop for handicrafts, or dine at one of the local restaurants.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

INCLUDED:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Entrance tickets to the Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites.
• Group transfers to all mentioned locations.
• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).
• Buffet lunch.
• One night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Dinner.
• Tips.
• Other services not mentioned in the program.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there will be many steps to climb.
• Bring a small backpack with your camera, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a water bottle.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to try the traditional empanadas and purchase local handicrafts in Pisac.
• Be sure to taste the famous corn of the Sacred Valley in Urubamba.

DAY 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

On this day, we will visit Machu Picchu. The day begins early, with a bus ride of approximately 25 minutes to reach the Inca citadel.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, we will follow Circuit 2 (subject to availability), which includes the opportunity to take the classic panoramic photograph of the citadel. We will explore both the agricultural and urban sectors, composed of temples, terraces, stairways, pathways, aqueducts, and other significant structures.

You will also admire the surrounding lush green mountains and the Urubamba River as it flows toward the high jungle. The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately two and a half hours, during which our guide will provide detailed information and answer all your questions.

After the visit, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our transportation service will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.

INCLUDED:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Pre-tour briefing and assistance.
• One night of hotel accommodation in Cusco.
• Round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2, subject to availability), including access to the classic panoramic viewpoint.
• Guided service at Machu Picchu.
• Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish).
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunch.
• Dinner.
• Other services not mentioned in the program.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Book in advance to secure availability.
• Bring your passport or identification document (required for entry).
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Be prepared to climb many steps at Machu Picchu; wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes.
• Carry a small backpack with a camera, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• Take time to visit and enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Train luggage allowance is limited to 5 kg per passenger.
• During high season, visitor numbers increase significantly. In some cases, you may need to wait in line to board the bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

DAY 4: Hike To Rainbow Mountain:

On this day we will visit one of Cusco’s most spectacular natural attractions, Rainbow Mountain, also known as VINIKUNKA (“Necklace of Stones”), declared a Unique Natural Treasure of the World. It is located at an altitude of 5,100 meters above sea level (17,060 ft), comparable to the elevation of the Everest Base Camp! The mountain lies approximately 100 km southeast of Cusco. If you are looking for information about the Rainbow Mountain tour price, below you will find a detailed description of what our experience includes:

This tour begins very early in the morning with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. We will then travel by vehicle for about two hours southbound to the district of Cusipata – Paucarpata, in the province of Quispicanchi, where we will enjoy breakfast.

After a short break, we will continue with a 20-minute drive to the first checkpoint managed by the local communities of TINTINICO and PAUCARPATA. From there, we will travel another 25 minutes to reach the second checkpoint of the CHILLIHUANI community. At this point, we will begin a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes toward the mountain ranges of the Red Valley, the gateway to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Along the hike, you will have the opportunity to admire the distinctive flora and fauna of the Andes, with the possibility of seeing packs of llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

Upon reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint (5,100 m.a.s.l.), our guide will provide an engaging explanation about the mountain’s topography, ecosystem, and unique coloration. Rainbow Mountain is a natural wonder formed by the oxidation of various minerals that compose its geological formations. Its slopes and peaks display stunning shades of red, purple, green, pink, and yellow, creating a breathtaking spectrum of colors. We will also enjoy views of the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain range, which rises up to 6,385 meters above sea level and is the fifth highest mountain in Peru. From this viewpoint, you will have time to take memorable photographs and admire the extraordinary landscape.

Afterward, we will return along the same trail to the starting point, where our transportation will be waiting to take us to enjoy a delicious Andean lunch. Following lunch, we will begin our return journey back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m.

HIKING LEVEL

The difficulty level of the Rainbow Mountain hike is classified from Level 1 to Level 4:

• Level 1: Easy, mostly flat terrain with minimal difficulty.
• Level 2: Combination of flat terrain and gentle slopes.
• Level 3: Less flat terrain with steeper inclines.
• Level 4: Steep and rugged terrain.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-tour information briefing.
• Breakfast and buffet lunch at a restaurant in Cusipata.
• Round-trip transportation from Cusco to the hiking starting point.
• Entrance tickets to Rainbow Mountain.
• Trekking poles.
• Assistance throughout the tour.
• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).
• Tourist transportation equipped with oxygen.
• One night of hotel accommodation in Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Horse rental.
• Tips.
• Other services not mentioned.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Comfortable casual and outdoor clothing
• Plenty of layers for both cold and warm temperatures (chilly mornings and nights, warmer during the day)
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking and hiking
• Sun hat for protection at high altitude
• Sunglasses
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen (essential due to strong Andean sun)
• Rain jacket (weather in the Andes can change quickly in any season)
• Personal hygiene items
• Phone/laptop chargers and travel adapters
• Small daypack (for daily excursions and hikes)
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks / energy bars (especially for early departures and hikes)
• Lip balm & moisturizer (the dry, high-altitude air can be harsh)
• Portable power bank (very useful during long days)
• Swimsuit (some hotels have spas or hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Warm accessories (gloves, scarf, beanie – especially for early mornings)

OPTIONAL: On this day, the itinerary can be changed to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Archaeological Center tour.

DAY 5: Hotel Transfer - Airport

On the final day of the tour, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your 5-day, 4-night journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain.

INCLUDED:

• Private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the airport.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare.
• Other services not mentioned.

IMPORTANT:

• TRAINS: Our service includes the EXPEDITION or VOYAGER Train for the round trip; you can upgrade to the VISTADOME Train category for an additional USD 40 per person, only for the return trip.
• HOTELS: You can choose packages based on the type of Hotel, you can also opt for Hotels that are not listed in our offer, before confirming you must inform us of the hotel you prefer and we will add it to the package.
• If you wish to upgrade to the VISTADOME OBSERVATORY Train, there is a fee of USD 60 per leg/segment.
• PRIVATE: Consult with one of our advisors if you want any of the services in private.

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

1. Payment by credit card VISA or MASTERCARD through our system www.cuscoperu.com/payment the system charges an additional 5% (SSL secure system and foreign bank transfer fees).
2. Sending the advance via Western Union coordinating with our sales representative and sending the request to info@cuscoperu.com, then you must send us the MTCN code of your deposit.
3. Payment via deposit to our company's account at BBVA Banco Continental Cuenta Corriente: Account Code. Interbank: (CCI) 011 201 000100028495 18 - CUSCOPERU.COM Tour Operator SRL - SWIFT CODE: BCONPEPL - you must add U$89.00 which is the charge that our bank makes to our account for international transfer and administrative expenses, you should also consult your bank about the additional amount that you will be charged.
4. Payment by credit card VISA - MASTERCARD with the PAYPAL system generating the payment order that we would send you from CuscoPeru.com e-commerce If you accept this option you will have a 7% surcharge.