5-Day Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour
Journey Through Time: Discover Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain
Embark on an “Inca Wonders” tour, a 5-day escapade into Peru’s heart, where ancient history and natural marvels await. Your adventure begins in Cusco, the once-thriving capital of the Inca Empire, offering a unique glimpse into Inca ruins and the city’s rich culture. Venture into the lush Sacred Valley, exploring the vibrant Pisac market and soaking in the enchanting sights and sounds. The highlight of your journey is the majestic Machu Picchu, where you’ll experience the grandeur of this World Wonder through a comprehensive tour, revealing its historical and archaeological significance. Conclude this unforgettable journey with a trek to Rainbow Mountain, an awe-inspiring geological wonder, known for its vividly colored mineral layers and breathtaking landscapes. This small-group tour is designed to be sustainable, safe, and purposeful, enriching your travel experience while positively impacting local communities and the environment.
Highlights
- Cusco’s Inca Heritage: Immerse in the ancient history of Cusco, the once-glorious capital of the Inca Empire, rich in archaeological sites and vibrant culture.
- Sacred Valley Exploration: Discover the lush Sacred Valley, home to the colorful Pisac market, offering a unique blend of Incan history and local Peruvian life.
- Machu Picchu Grandeur: Experience the splendor of Machu Picchu, a World Wonder, with a comprehensive tour showcasing its astounding architecture and historical significance.
- Rainbow Mountain Trek: Embark on a journey to Rainbow Mountain, a stunning geological marvel known for its vivid colors and dramatic Andean landscapes.
- Cultural Immersion in Peru: Engage in an authentic, sustainable travel experience, connecting deeply with Peru’s cultural heritage and contributing to the well-being of local communities.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – Exploring the Inca Capital
Arrive in Cusco, the heart of the former Inca Empire. Embark on a colorful walking tour of Cusco, visiting key historical sites and soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Adventure – Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Depart for a full-day tour to the Sacred Valley. Explore the traditional market and ruins in Pisac, followed by a visit to the impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.
Day 3: Majestic Machu Picchu – Lost City of the Incas
Journey to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient sanctuary, unraveling its mysteries and marveling at its architectural ingenuity.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Trek – A Vibrant Natural Wonder
Embark on an early hike to Rainbow Mountain, known for its unique mineralogical composition and stunning multicolored vistas. Experience the natural beauty and challenge of this high-altitude trek.
Day 5: Farewell to Cusco – Departure Day
Spend your final morning in Cusco at leisure, exploring local markets or simply relaxing. Transfer to Cusco airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable Peruvian journey.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 819 | US$ 120 |
Tourist | US$ 891 | US$ 138 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1013 | US$ 227 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 12 — group tour; join other travelers at each destination (If you want a private tour just for you, ask your travel agent).
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 3 nights in Cusco and Aguas Calientes hotel with breakfast included.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Trip code: MURM5D01-SIC
Day 1 – Arrival at Cusco & Colorful Cusco Walking Tour
- Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- The rest of the day is free for relaxation to minimize the adverse effects of the high altitude and explore this wonderful city.
- Hotel pickup at 14:30. The walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide explains this market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
- After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
- Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s convent sits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
- The tour ends around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: None
Day 2 – Tour to the Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30 am. We embark on a journey to the Inca’s Sacred Valley, beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old Incan archaeological site is on the summit of a mountain. There have the chance to witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
- Afterward, go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market to buy intricate, hand-crafted products.
- Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- We next go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub perched on a mountain. Unlike other little villages, this one has retained its original Incan architecture, with magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
- Following the tour, we go to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00 am. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Return to Cusco: Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4 – Hike Colorful Rainbow Mountain
- Breakfast at Hotel. Pick up at 04:00 from the hotel and a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. Stop at Cusipata; afterward, we continued towards Phullawasipata (4626m/15,177ft).
- Enjoy the ride as we pass alpaca and llama herds. Bring a camera since we will be seeing Ausangate Mountain. Also, take a stroll through rural areas and meet the residents.
- The hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,030m/16,498ft) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Upon reaching the red hill, we will have breathtaking views of the distinctively colored rock formation that gives Rainbow Mountain its name: turquoise, orange, brown, and red sedimentary rock strata. Once we reach the peak, we will have a chance to eat and take in the panoramic views. Typically, the break lasts 45 minutes.
- It is time to descend after soaking in the beautiful vistas.
- Returning to the trailhead should take lunch before traveling to Cusco.
- We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop off at the Cusco hotel.
- The approximate arrival time is between 16:30.
- The estimated walking distance is 6 km (3.73 miles). Estimated walking time, 2 to 3 hours.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Departure from Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; Our representative will meet in the hotel lobby at the specified hour and help with the departure—airport transfer.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.