Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour
Explore the mystery and grandeur of the Inca world at Machu Picchu
3,800 m / 12,467 ft
2 to 5 stars
Small group
Daily departures
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
Three days in Cusco? That’s plenty of time to experience the best of it. On this tour, you’ll explore everything from the cobblestone streets of the historic center to the famous Rainbow Mountain that everyone wants to see in person. It’s not just about checking off tourist spots it’s about truly feeling why the Incas chose this place for their empire.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Hotel / City Tour / Cusco
Reception at the hotel and in the afternoon we begin the tour. We visit Qorikancha (the ancient temple once covered in gold), Sacsayhuamán with its massive stones, and the sites of Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Return to the hotel around 6 pm.
Hotel - Cusco / Ollantaytambo / Machu Picchu / Cusco
Early departure (4–5 am). We take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then a train to Aguas Calientes. From there, we take a bus up to the citadel and enjoy a guided tour through its main areas. Return by train and arrival in Cusco at night.
Cusco / Rainbow Mountain / Cusco
Departure at 4 am heading south. Breakfast on the way and a 5–6 km hike to the mountain (the altitude can be felt, but you go at your own pace). At the top, you’ll see the colorful stripes and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Lunch and return to Cusco around 5–6 pm.
Travel Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Cusco + City Tour + Qoricancha + Sacsayhuaman + Tambomachay
- We will pick you up from your hotel in the afternoon to begin a tour of the most emblematic places in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
- We will visit the Temple of the Sun, or Qoricancha, a jewel that combines Inca and colonial architecture, reflecting the encounter of two cultures.
- We will continue to the impressive sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay, where you will be able to feel the sacred energy that still lives in these ancestral places.
- At the end of the tour, we will leave you near the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), an ideal place to enjoy a traditional dinner or simply walk through its history-filled streets.
- Return to the hotel to rest and get ready for the great experience of the following day.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 02: Cusco + Ollantaytambo + Aguas Calientes + Machu Picchu + Ollantaytambo + Cusco
- Very early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the trip to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
- During the journey, you will enjoy the majestic landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and traditional villages.
- Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), you will board the ecological bus that ascends along a winding road to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel.
- There, you will begin your guided visit through the most important sectors of the sanctuary, where you will learn about its history, architecture, and the deep spiritual significance of this sacred place.
- At the end of the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or simply absorb the unique energy of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
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- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 03: Cusco + Rainbow Mountain Hike + Cusco
- We will depart very early heading south of Cusco to begin this unique adventure in the Andes.
- Along the way, we will enjoy a local breakfast before starting the hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), located at more than 5,000 m a.s.l.
- The ascent is done at your own pace, surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas, and views of imposing snow-capped peaks.
- Once at the summit, you will witness an impressive view where the natural colored stripes create a truly unique spectacle.
- After the visit, we will walk back to the starting point, enjoy a comforting lunch, and then begin the return journey to Cusco in the afternoon.
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This concludes three unforgettable days of connection with Andean nature, history, and spirituality.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch in the town of Cusipata.
INCLUDED - NOT INCLUDED - DETAILS
Included
- 2 nights in a hotel in Cusco
- Imperial Cusco City Tour
- Machu Picchu Tour
- Rainbow Mountain Tour
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (It is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance).
- Round-trip tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Ecological bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Entrance tickets to all attractions on the City Tour and Rainbow Mountain.
- Pickup and transfers: Airport – Cusco – Airport
- Tourist transport: Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- 02 breakfasts included.
- 01 lunch included.
- 24/7 assistance in Spanish and English
- Professional guides for all activities
- Bilingual service upon prior request
- Personalized concierge service to assist you every step of the way
No Included
- Domestic and international flights
- Horses for the Rainbow Mountain tour (S/. 90 soles round trip)
- ATVs for Rainbow Mountain (On request / to be quoted)
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, and additional activities
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional travel insurance that covers cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
- Personal gear and any other items not specified
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff
What to bring?
- Personal documents: Valid passport or ID (mandatory for all mentioned tours).
- Hat or cap and sunglasses: To protect yourself from solar radiation.
- Small backpack: To carry water, snacks, sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection: Essential at high altitude and personal items during excursions.
- Cash in soles: For purchases in local communities, tips or souvenirs.
About trains to Machu Picchu
El servicio turístico más económico de PeruRail. Ofrece asientos cómodos, ventanas amplias y un ambiente inspirado en la cultura incaica, ideal para el viajero que busca una opción práctica.
Servicio con ventanas panorámicas en paredes y techo, permitiendo apreciar completamente el paisaje. Incluye snacks y bebida de cortesía, a veces con show de danza y desfile de moda.
Un tren exclusivo y sofisticado que añade un **coche observatorio** con balcón y show en vivo a la experiencia panorámica del Vistadome. Ofrece vistas inigualables.
El servicio turístico más económico de Inca Rail. Ofrece un viaje sencillo y auténtico con asientos cómodos y un servicio atento, celebrando el placer de descubrir.
Destaca por sus ventanas panorámicas más altas y anchas. Incluye un vagón observatorio al aire libre y sistema de entretenimiento a bordo, ideal para vistas de 360 grados.
Un servicio de lujo que ofrece la máxima comodidad y exclusividad. Disfruta de amplios asientos, música en vivo y una conexión con las auténticas expresiones culturales del Perú.
Recommendations for your trip
Health recommendations
- Inform the agency and your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems, high blood pressure, are pregnant, or have any other chronic condition before doing strenuous activities or traveling to high altitudes.
- We recommend preventing altitude sickness by following the agency’s guidance (prior acclimatization, good hydration, and avoiding strenuous activities and alcohol consumption during the first few days).
- Bring enough personal medication for the entire trip (your regular treatments and, if necessary, your medical prescription).
- Some destinations may have abrupt climate changes between day and night; we recommend bringing light clothing for the daytime and adequate warm layers for early morning and nighttime.
- Avoid heavy meals and drink coca or muña tea to help your body adapt.
Travel rules and recommendations
- Respect local regulations and always follow your guide’s instructions and the established routes for the safety of the entire group.
- During the trip, we recommend keeping your belongings in sight at all times and avoiding displaying large sums of money or high-value items.
- In any risky situation or emergency, contact our team or the local emergency numbers immediately.
Tour Prices for Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain
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CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU TOUR – 3 DAYS Price Per Person - Minimum 2 people |
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GROUP SERVICE (Without Hotel)
Tours + Entrances + Transfers
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Guide
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US$ 439.00 |
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GROUP SERVICE
Tours + Entrances + Transfers + ⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Guide
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US$ 539.00 |
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TOURIST SERVICE
Tours + Entrances + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Guide
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US$ 569.00 |
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PREMIUM SERVICE
Tours + Entrances + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco
Vistadome Standard Train - Private Service
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US$ 899.00 |
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LUXURY SERVICE
Tours + Entrances + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco
Vistadome Observatory Train - Private Service
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REQUEST A QUOTE |
Special Rates
- 1 person: Personalized quote
- Groups of 3+ people: Group discount
- Minors: Special discount
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