Peru’s Wonders in 5 Days Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain: A Dual Expedition into Peruvian Splendo
Embark on an exclusive 5-day journey into the heart of Peru, where ancient history and natural wonders converge. This private tour unveils the mystical grandeur of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Begin in the storied city of Cusco, once the capital of the Incan Empire, where cobbled streets and centuries-old ruins await. Explore the Sacred Valley, a lush region brimming with Incan history and vibrant Andean culture. Your adventure culminates with a breathtaking climb to the Rainbow Mountain, a geological marvel celebrated for its vivid, multicolored vistas. Throughout your journey, enjoy personalized experiences, sustainable travel practices, and immersive cultural encounters. This carefully curated expedition promises safety, authenticity, and an unforgettable connection to Peru’s rich heritage.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu’s Majesty: Stand in awe at Machu Picchu, a World Heritage site, marveling at its ancient Incan architecture set against an awe-inspiring Andean backdrop.
- Cusco’s Incan Legacy: Explore Cusco, the historic heart of the Incan Empire, where you’ll traverse ancient streets, discover Incan ruins, and absorb rich cultural traditions.
- Sacred Valley’s Rich Tapestry: Journey through the Sacred Valley, a haven of Incan history, lush landscapes, and vibrant markets showcasing traditional Andean crafts and textiles.
- Rainbow Mountain’s Colorful Ascent: Embark on an exhilarating trek to Rainbow Mountain, witnessing its striking multicolored layers, a testament to Peru’s stunning natural beauty.
- Personalized Exploration: Enjoy a bespoke experience tailored to your interests, ensuring a personalized and memorable journey through Peru’s most iconic landscapes..
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 – Adventure Begins: Cusco Arrival & Colorful Walking Tour
Your journey starts with an arrival in Cusco, the heart of the Incan Empire. Immerse in a vibrant walking tour, exploring historic streets, local markets, and experiencing the rich culture of this ancient city.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley: Discover the Vibrant Andean Village and Enigmatic Moray:
Journey to the Sacred Valley, a picturesque landscape filled with traditional villages and the mysterious Moray terraces. Explore this cultural and historical haven, a testament to Incan ingenuity.
Day 3 – Embark on a Machu Picchu Odyssey
Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel. Marvel at the architectural mastery and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site nestled amidst majestic Andean peaks.
Day 4 – Discover Nature’s Masterpiece: Trek to Rainbow Mountain:
Ascend to Rainbow Mountain, a breathtaking natural phenomenon known for its colorful mineral-rich layers. This trek offers spectacular views and an unforgettable adventure in Peru’s rugged landscape.
Day 5 – Farewell to Cusco: Your Departure Day Adventure
Conclude your Peruvian adventure with a heartfelt farewell to Cusco. Reflect on your extraordinary experiences as you prepare for your onward journey, carrying memories of a lifetime.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Superior Tourist | US$ 1363 | US$ 218 |
First Class | US$ 1509 | US$ 405 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Comfortable Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable stay for 4 nights in Cusco and Aguas Calientes hotels, with breakfast included.
- No Hidden Costs: Your journey comes without surprise expenses—every admission fee for Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu is included.
- Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking local guides will lead your tours.
- Hassle-Free Transfers: We provide all necessary transfers, including airport, train station, bus station transfers, and hotel pickups and drop-offs.
- Efficient Train Travel: Journey smoothly with a train ticket for the Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco route (Vistadome train).
- Culinary Delights: Savor mouthwatering meals as per your itinerary, with special dietary options available upon request.
- Convenient Ground Transportation: Enjoy reliable ground transportation services for the duration of your adventure.
- Round-the-Clock Support: Our local staff is available 24/7 to provide you with any necessary assistance.
Not Included
- Flights: Both domestic and international flights are not covered. For flight arrangements, please consult a travel agency if needed.
- Visa and Insurance: Procedures related to visas, travel insurance, and any pre- or post-tour accommodation are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages and laundry are not covered.
- Gratuities: Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff are not included in the price.
- Language Guidance: If you require guidance in a language other than English (e.g., German, French), please inquire with your travel agent.
- Additional Items: Costs related to items that are not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary description are not included.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are also not covered.
Trip code: MACOPT05-PVT
Day 1: Adventure Begins: Cusco Arrival & Colorful Walking Tour
- Welcome to Cusco: From the moment your plane touches down in Cusco, the magic of your journey comes alive. Our dedicated Sun Gate Tours team ensures a warm welcome at the airport. It provides a comfortable and efficient transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- No need to worry about navigating a foreign airport—our team is here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience right from the start.
- Private Transport: Step into the comfort of our private transportation, designed to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
- After settling in, you have the day to acclimate to the high altitude. Take it easy and soak in the wonders of this charming city.
- Colorful San Pedro Market: At 14:30, our expert guide will pick you up for an unforgettable walking tour. We will start at the vibrant San Pedro market, an authentic slice of Cusquean life. Here, you’ll witness the daily rhythms of the city, far from the usual tourist spots. Stroll through narrow aisles brimming with vivid fabrics, savor the aroma of local cuisine, and peruse shaman stalls with intriguing wares.
- Qorikancha – Temple of Gold: Our journey continues to Qorikancha, where the Santo Domingo convent stands atop the remnants of an ancient temple that once gleamed entirely in gold. Explore the fascinating history of this site, where past and present collide.
- Unearth Inca Majesty: Prepare for a voyage to Sacsayhuaman. This awe-inspiring Inca architectural masterpiece boasts breathtaking megalithic ruins perched majestically atop a hill overlooking Cusco.
- Cusco Unveiled: As you reach the hill’s summit, be prepared for awe-inspiring panoramic views of Cusco. This city harmoniously bridges the ancient and the contemporary.
- The tour will end around 18:00.
- Stay the Night at the Cusco Hotel.
- Meals: None.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Adventure – Andean Village Life and the Wonders of Moray
- Experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley with this exclusive, private tour, ensuring a memorable and immersive journey.
- Start the Journey: Begin your adventure with a 09:00 hotel pickup as we head towards the captivating Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the charming town of Chinchero, a historic Incan outpost with a traditional church dating back to the late 1400s.
- Andean Hospitality: The highlight of the day is visiting an authentic Andean Quechua village just 15 minutes from Chinchero. Be greeted with warmth, traditional Andean music, and a sip of muña tea. Join the locals in their daily activities and savor a delectable meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Discover the region’s agricultural treasures and ancient tools still in use.
- Weaving Wonders: Witness the artistry of skilled weavers employing age-old techniques. A weaving demonstration showcases the transformation of alpaca and sheep wool into intricate fabrics. Explore the vibrant world of natural dyes and appreciate the time and effort invested in each tapestry, from spinning to weaving.
- Local Food Festival: Imagine being part of a culinary tradition dating back to the Incas. Experience a unique opportunity to cook Pachamanca, the legendary dish of the Incas, in a hand-built stone oven under the expert guidance of the locals. Savor native flavors with fresh ingredients from the area: pork, chicken, lamb, guinea pig, and a selection of Andean tubers. This is more than just a simple dish; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community.
- Moray’s Agricultural Marvel: Continue your adventure with a visit to the awe-inspiring Moray archaeological site. Encounter vast circular and semicircular agricultural terraces that served as experimental fields for the Incas to nurture over 3,000 plant varieties, including potatoes and corn.
- Conclude the Tour: Head to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome followed by a seamless transfer to your hotel.
- Train Schedule: Ollantaytambo (19:04) – Aguas Calientes (20:45)
- Stay the Night at Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3: Majestic Machu Picchu Adventure: A Day of Discovery
- Experience the magic and majesty of Machu Picchu with this exclusive, private tour, designed to provide a deep and immersive connection to the heart of the Inca Empire.
- Fuel up with a hearty hotel breakfast as you prepare to embark on a journey to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu archaeological site. At 08:00, hop on a bus that will whisk you away to this mountaintop fortress, standing proudly at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level. It’s no wonder that Machu Picchu earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1983 and was crowned one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
- Guided Exploration: At around 09:30, your expert guide will lead you on a captivating tour through the astounding ruins and ancient streets of Machu Picchu. Wander through town squares, climb intricately carved stone stairways, and feel the spiritual essence of this remarkable place, regarded as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. The guided tour will immerse you in Machu Picchu’s history and magic, lasting approximately two hours.
- Return to Aguas Calientes: After your enriching tour, from 12:30 to 13:30, you’ll board a bus for a scenic journey back to Aguas Calientes.
- Delightful Lunch: From 13:30 to 15:00, savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, enjoying flavors that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.
- Finally, you’ll board the train to return to Cusco, reflecting on the wonders you’ve encountered during your unforgettable Machu Picchu adventure.
- Train Schedule: Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:05)
- Stay the Night at the Cusco Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4: Trek to Rainbow Mountain – Discover Nature’s Masterpiece
- Experience the vibrant and breathtaking landscape of Rainbow Mountain with this exclusive, private trek, offering an unforgettable adventure into nature’s masterpiece.
- A Day of Natural Marvels: Kickstart your day with a satisfying hotel breakfast, followed by a 07:00 pickup from your hotel. Embark on a 3-hour journey to the trailhead, passing by the charming Cusipata along the way. Be enchanted by alpaca and llama herds and catch a glimpse of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap incredible photos and immerse yourself in the region’s rural beauty.
- The Ascent Begins: The day’s highlight is the hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, standing at an impressive 5,030 meters (16,498 feet). In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll reach the iconic red hill, where you’ll feast your eyes on the vividly colored rock formations that give this natural wonder its name. Turquoise, orange, brown, and red sedimentary rock strata paint a mesmerizing landscape before you.
- Panoramic Moments: Take a well-deserved break at the peak and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views. Typically, this pause lasts for 45 minutes, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the awe-inspiring beauty of Rainbow Mountain.
- Descent and Lunch: After basking in the beauty of the Andean vistas, begin your descent back to the trailhead. Enjoy a lunch before commencing your return journey to Cusco.
- Return to Cusco: Our 2-hour drive will take us back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Anticipate an approximate arrival time of 18:00, marking the end of a remarkable day filled with natural wonders.
- Trekking Details: The estimated walking distance for the day is approximately 6 km (3.73 miles), with a walking time of 2 to 3 hours.
- Stay the Night at the Cusco Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 5: Farewell to Cusco: Your Departure Day Adventure
- Seamless Departure: Make the most of your final day with a leisurely morning after a hearty breakfast. Then, we’ll ensure a smooth, stress-free transfer to the airport for your journey back home, with a convenient layover in Lima.
- Effortless Departure: Say farewell to Cusco in style and comfort as we handle all the details for your transfer.
- Lima Layover: While heading home, take advantage of a brief stop in Lima, a city known for its rich culture and culinary delights.
- Leave Cusco with cherished memories, and trust us to make your departure a breeze.
- Meals: Breakfast.