Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour

The Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour brings together two of Peru’s most important destinations into one complete 6-day journey. This itinerary takes you through the heart of the Inca world—exploring the imperial city and its main temples such as Sacsayhuamán and Qoricancha, before venturing into the landscapes and archaeological structures of the Sacred Valley.

Along the way, you will discover the terraces of Moray and the salt pools of Maras Salt Mines, culminating in a guided visit to Machu Picchu. The journey concludes once everyone is acclimitized, with a hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,080 m / 16,667 ft), where the views reward your effort to reach the highest point of the trip.

The tour includes accommodations in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, all transfers, entrance tickets to archaeological sites, and professional bilingual guides—ensuring a smooth, enriching, and worry-free experience from start to finish. 

DAY 1: Arrival in Cusco and City Tour

​​Upon arrival at the airport or bus terminal, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. In the afternoon, around 1:00 p.m. (or earlier), you will begin a guided city tour exploring the history of the former Inca capital.

Your visit starts at the Cusco Cathedral, followed by the Qoricancha, once the most important and sacred temple of the Inca Empire. You will then head to the upper part of the city to explore the main archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

You will return to the Historic Center at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel in private transportation
• Overnight hotel accommodation in Cusco
• Entrance tickets to the Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay
• Tourist bus transfers
• Group guided service with a professional guide in English and Spanish
• Pre-tour briefing

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals.
• Other services not mentioned in the program.

DAY 2: Sacred Valley Of The Incas – Aguas Calientes

On this day, we will enjoy a full-day excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 a.m. and begin our journey toward the town of Pisac (2,972 m / 9,751 ft). Here, you will visit the Pisac Archaeological Center, located about 45 minutes from Cusco, where terraces and ancient structures are built into the mountainsides.

After exploring the archaeological site, we will visit the Pisac Market, one of the most renowned in the Sacred Valley and across South America. You will have time to look at a wide variety of local products, including alpaca textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.

At midday, we continue to Urubamba (2,871 m / 9,419 ft), where you will enjoy a lunch featuring regional cuisine and local ingredients. In the afternoon, we visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), one of the best-preserved complexes of the Inca Empire. This historic site was the setting of a significant battle between the Incas and the Spanish in 1536 and still maintains its original urban layout. Your guide will bring its history and architecture to life exploring this town.

At the end of the visits, your guide will escort you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will board the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). The scenic journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, our assistant will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

INCLUDES:

• Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
• Group transportation to all mentioned sites.
• Group guided service with a professional guide in English and Spanish.
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
• Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
• Overnight hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

NOT INCLUDED:

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

DAY 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu

At day break and early in the morning, you will head to the bus station in Aguas Calientes to begin your ascent to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes, winding its way up through the cloud forest scenery.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead you on a complete tour of the citadel, sharing insights into its history, architecture, and the significance it held within the Inca Empire. You will explore the main temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces, all surrounded by impressive natural landscapes.

In the afternoon, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our team will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Overnight hotel accommodation in Cusco.
• Round-trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Group guided service with a professional guide in English and Spanish.
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals.
• Other services not mentioned.

DAY 4: Maras And Moray

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:30 a.m. to begin our journey of the day. You will depart by vehicle toward the archaeological center of Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), located 38 km from Cusco. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of agricultural fields.

At Moray, you will take part in a guided tour of this unique archaeological site, known for its circular stepped terraces in the shape of an amphitheatre that functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory. The deepest terrace reaches approximately 80 meters in diameter, and the temperature differences between levels allowed the Incas to recreate up to 20 distinct microclimates.

You will then continue to the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), composed of around 3,000 salt ponds. These pools produce between 50 and 80 kilograms of salt per season, fed by an underground spring and naturally evaporated by the sun to form crystallized salt. You will also have the opportunity to purchase the famous pink salt on-site.

On the return journey to Cusco, you will stop in Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,342 ft) to visit a traditional textile center, where you will observe the process of working with alpaca and Andean Camelid fibers and learn about the rich weaving traditions of the Andes.

INCLUDES:

• Entrance tickets to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Archaeological Center.
• Professional bilingual group guide (English and Spanish).
• Group transportation, round trip.
• Overnight in Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

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

DAY 5: Rainbow Mountain Hike

Once acclimitized and ready we take the journey to the highest point of the itinerary. Departure on this day is at approximately 4:00 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin the journey by vehicle to the district of Cusipata – Paucarpata, where you will enjoy breakfast. Afterward, you will continue for approximately one more hour through grass planes and valleys to the starting point of the hike.

The hike lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering views of Andean landscapes, snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and herds of llamas and alpacas along the way. Upon reaching the viewpoint of Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain (5,080 m / 16,667 ft), your guide will explain the geography, ecosystem, and the origin of its characteristic mineral colors. You will have ample time at the high view point to take in the scenery and capture photographs. 

Afterward, you will descend back to the checkpoint and return to Cusipata for lunch. The excursion concludes with transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Overnight hotel accommodation in Cusco.
• Assistance throughout the tour.
• Round-trip transportation from Cusco to the starting point.
• Group guided service with a professional guide in English and Spanish.
• Breakfast and lunch in Cusipata.
• Community entrance fee.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Tips.
• Other services not mentioned.

DAY 6: Hotel — Airport

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer from your hotel to the airport to board your return flight.

INCLUDES:

• Transfer from your hotel to the airport in private transportation.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare.
• Other services not mentioned.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• In Pisac, you can try local empanadas and purchase local handicrafts.
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes in advance.
• Machu Picchu has many stairs; wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
• Bring a small backpack with a camera, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and water.
• The train allows a maximum of 5 kg of luggage per person.
• Visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• For Rainbow Mountain, bring a rain poncho.
• Bring snacks and water for long journeys.
• Carry cash in US dollars and Peruvian soles.

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)

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..

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