Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain tour
Discover the best of the best in 7 days!
5,036 m / 16,522 ft
2 to 5 stars
Small group
Daily departures
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
This 7-day tour combines the three must-see destinations in Cusco: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake. You will travel through the Sacred Valley, visit traditional markets such as Pisac, and explore the main Inca archaeological sites with specialized guides at each destination.
The train journey to Machu Picchu goes through the Sacred Valley, following the course of the Urubamba River. You will arrive in Aguas Calientes, the base town at the foot of Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains that rise above 2,000 meters in height.
The visit to Machu Picchu includes a private guide for two and a half hours. In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the Pisac market, known for its handmade textiles and local products, where you’ll be able to interact with local artisans.
The hikes to Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m) and Humantay Lake (4,200 m) are scheduled for days 4 and 6, after you have completed the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu circuit. This sequence allows you to gradually acclimatize to the altitude before undertaking the more demanding hikes.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Welcome in Cusco / Qoricancha / Sacsayhuamán / Qenqo / Pukapukara / Tambomachay
Welcome in Cusco and in the afternoon the city tour in Cusco.
Cusco / Taray Viewpoint / Pisac / Salt Mines / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes
We will take the Sacred Valley tour and in the afternoon we will travel by train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
This day we will visit the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, and in the afternoon we will return to Cusco.
Cusco / Mollepata / Soraypampa / Humantay Lake / Soraypampa / Mollepata / Cusco
This day we will have our first hiking tour in the mountains, for which we will already be better acclimatized.
Cusco / Moray / Maras Salt Mines / Chinchero / Cusco
As a break, we will have the half-day tour to Maras Salt Mines and Moray.
Cusco / Cusipata / Phulawasipata / Rainbow Mountain / Phulawasipata / Cusipata / Cusco
And to finish in style, we will have the hiking tour to Rainbow Mountain, which will be the challenge of your vacation in Cusco.
Free Day in Cusco / Transfer to the Airport
You will have a free day in Cusco to explore the city at your own pace and, at the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 01: Airport Arrival + City Tour + Qoricancha + Sacsayhuaman + Tambomachay
- At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from the airport with a warm welcome and take you to your hotel in private transport.
- In the afternoon, around 1:00 p.m., we will head to the Qoricancha temple, where we will delve into part of the history of the Incas.
- Then we will continue to Saqsayhuamán, one of the archaeological sites known for its impressive megalithic constructions.
- After visiting this place, we will head to Puka Pukara, known for the reddish color of its constructions.
- Our last stop will be Tambomachay, a temple dedicated to Sacred Water.
- Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco around 6:30 p.m.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 02: Cusco + Sacred Valley with Connection to Machu Picchu + Pisac + Ollantaytambo
- Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco.
- We start by picking you up from your hotel at approximately 7:30 a.m. We will head towards the Sacred Valley, making a first stop at the Taray Viewpoint to admire the panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
- Then, we will continue our journey to Pisac, where we will be amazed by the grandeur of its agricultural terraces.
- Continuing with our tour, we will go to Urubamba, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
- After lunch, we will head to Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca fortress known for its monumental terraces, temples, and ceremonial water fountains.
- At the end of the visit in Ollantaytambo, we will take you to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey lasts 1h30m and follows the canyon of the Urubamba River.
- Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our staff will be waiting for you at the station to accompany you to your hotel, where you will spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
- Our guide will visit you at the hotel to give you the briefing for the Machu Picchu tour the following day.
- Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 03: Visit to Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco
- Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- After breakfast, together with our guide you will head to the Eco Bus station. A short 30-minute bus ride will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
- Inside the Inca citadel, we will begin a guided tour of approximately 2h30m with an expert private guide.
- After exploring Machu Picchu, we will return to the town of Machu Picchu by Eco Bus. There, you will have enough time to enjoy a delicious lunch (at your own expense).
- At the scheduled time, you must go to the station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a tourist bus to the city of Cusco, where we will drop you off at the door of your hotel.
- Ending this day with many wonderful memories.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 04: Cusco + Hike to Humantay Lake
- Around 4:30 a.m. we will depart from Cusco towards the town of Mollepata on a journey of approximately 2 hours, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast. Then we will continue by transport to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the hike.
- The hike to Humantay Lake lasts approximately 1h30m to 2 hours, along trails surrounded by the imposing Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
- Upon reaching the top (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), we will be rewarded with the spectacular view of Humantay Lake, famous for the intense turquoise color of its waters that contrast with the eternal snow of the mountain. Here we will have time to relax, take photos, and connect with the mystical energy of the place.
- After this unique moment, we will begin the descent back to Soraypampa along the same path. Then we will return to Mollepata to enjoy a comforting lunch before beginning the trip back to the city of Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.
- Meals: Breakfast and semi-buffet lunch.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 05: Cusco + Chinchero + Maras Salt Mines and Moray
- Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco.
- On this day, as a way to rest, we will take a half-day tour and pick you up from your hotel around 8:00 a.m.
- First, we will visit one of the textile centers, where they will show us how these fabrics are made, still using traditional methods.
- Then, we will head to the Maras Salt Mines, where we will find more than 3,000 salt ponds belonging to local residents. Here you can also buy this salt in small quantities and taste it.
- Our last stop will be Moray, known for its incredible circular terraces, which remain an enigma to this day.
- Finally, at approximately 2:00 p.m., we will return to the city of Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 06: Cusco + Hike to Rainbow Mountain
- This day we start early, at approximately 4:30 a.m., picking you up from your hotel in Cusco to head by tourist transport to the town of Cusipata, on a journey of about 2 hours.
- Upon arrival, we will enjoy a buffet breakfast that will give us the energy needed for the hike.
- We will continue the journey until we reach the starting point of the hike, where we will begin the walk to Rainbow Mountain. The route takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, gradually ascending until we surpass 5,000 m / 16,404 ft.
- Upon reaching the summit, your reward awaits: the views of the Mountain of 7 Colors (also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain), with its mineral stripes in shades of red, yellow, green, and turquoise. You will have time to take in the scenery, take photos, and explore the viewpoint.
- After the visit, we will begin the descent to return to Cusipata, where a comforting lunch will be waiting for us.
- Finally, we will start the return trip to Cusco, arriving at around 4:30 p.m.
- Meals: Breakfast and semi-buffet lunch.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
Day 07: Free Day in Cusco + Transfer to the Airport
- Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco.
- After having enjoyed your trip these days, you will have a free morning in Cusco to relax and also explore the city on your own or take an optional tour.
- Meanwhile, we will be attentive to your flight schedule in order to transfer you and give you a warm farewell, thus ending our services.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco.
Includes - Not Included - Details
Included?
Accommodation with breakfast included
- 5 nights in a hotel in Cusco
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
Guided tours and activities (Spanish/English)
- Cusco Imperial City Tour + transfers
- Classic Sacred Valley Tour
- Machu Picchu Tour | Private Service
- Humantay Lagoon Hike
- Excursion to Maras Salt Mines and Moray
- Rainbow Mountain Hike
Transportation and entrance fees included
- Entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu (It is recommended to book well in advance).
- Round-trip tourist train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip ecological bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Tourist transportation: Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned attractions (City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon).
Private transfers
- Pick-up and transfer: Airport – Hotel – Airport.
Meals included
- 06 breakfasts included.
- 03 lunches included.
Not included
Flights:
- Domestic and international flights.
Personal expenses:
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, and additional activities.
Meals not specified:
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional travel insurance covering cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
Personal equipment:
- Personal equipment and any other unspecified items.
Services not specified:
- ATVs to Rainbow Mountain (extra cost).
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff.
- Travel insurance not included
What to bring?
- Personal documents: Valid passport or ID (required for all mentioned tours).
- Hat or cap and sunglasses: To protect you from solar radiation.
- Small backpack: To carry water, snacks, sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection (essential at high altitude), and personal items during the excursions.
- Cash in soles: For purchases in local communities, tips, or souvenirs.
About trains to Machu Picchu
PeruRail’s most economical tourist service. It offers comfortable seats, large windows, and an atmosphere inspired by Inca culture, ideal for travelers seeking a practical option.
Service with panoramic windows on walls and ceiling, allowing you to fully appreciate the landscape. Includes complimentary snacks and drinks, sometimes with dance shows and fashion parades.
An exclusive and sophisticated train that adds an **observatory car** with balcony and live show to the Vistadome panoramic experience. Offers unparalleled views.
Inca Rail’s most economical tourist service. Offers a simple and authentic journey with comfortable seats and attentive service, celebrating the pleasure of discovery.
Features taller and wider panoramic windows. Includes an open-air observatory car and onboard entertainment system, ideal for 360-degree views.
A luxury service offering maximum comfort and exclusivity. Enjoy spacious seating, live music, and a connection with authentic Peruvian cultural expressions.
Recommendations for your trip
Health recommendations
- Inform the agency and your doctor if you have heart, respiratory, high blood pressure issues, pregnancy, or any other chronic condition before doing demanding activities or high-altitude tours.
- It is recommended to prevent altitude sickness by following the agency’s guidance (prior acclimatization, good hydration, avoiding intense physical effort and alcohol consumption during the first days).
- Bring enough personal medication for the entire trip (regular treatments and, if necessary, a medical prescription).
- Some destinations may have sudden weather changes between day and night; we recommend bringing light clothing for the day and warm clothes for early morning and night.
- Avoid heavy meals and drink coca or muña tea to help your body adapt.
Travel rules and recommendations
- Respect local regulations and always follow the guide’s instructions and the established routes to ensure the safety of the whole group.
- During the trip, we recommend keeping your belongings in sight at all times and avoiding displaying large amounts of cash or high-value items.
- In any risk or emergency situation, immediately contact our team or the local emergency numbers of the destination.
TRAVEL PRICES
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MACHU PICCHU, RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR 7 DAYS Price Per Person - Minimum 2 people |
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GROUP SERVICE (Without Hotel)
Tours + Entrance Tickets + Transfers
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Service
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US$ 569.00 |
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GROUP SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Tickets + Transfers + ⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Service
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US$ 729.00 |
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TOURIST SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Tickets + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Voyager or Expedition Train - Shared Service
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US$ 809.00 |
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PREMIUM SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Tickets + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Vistadome Standard Train - Private Service
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US$ 1169.00 |
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LUXURY SERVICE
Tours + Entrance Tickets + Transfers + ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels
In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
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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