The Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco is a 3 day trip to the wonders of Peru. Experience the magic of visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, and the natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain, part of the Ausangate mountain range. This trip effortlessly combines stunning natural scenery with rich cultural exploration in the heart of Cusco.
Start your adventure early with the 2-day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco, embarking on a scenic drive and train ride to the Inca citadel. Travel through the picturesque farmlands of the Sacred Valley and along the winding Vilcanota River, enjoying the diverse flora along the way. Explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour, with access depending on the ticket you reserve.
Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain, a natural spectacle nestled in the Ausangate Mountains that displays a breathtaking array of colors.
Responsible Travel: At Inca Trail Machu, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices. Our approach is eco-friendly, and we actively support local communities.
Physical Activity: Moderate to Difficult – Certain sections involve elevated terrain.
Service Level: All-Inclusive & Confort
Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Inca Trail Machu Staff: The tour is guided during the trips, a representative is available in Cusco for assistance during the tour.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 night).
Meals: 2x breakfast, 1x Lunch, and a snack bag provided during the Machu Picchu tour.
Transportation: Van, train
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with our transfer service picking you up at your hotel and taking you to the train station - either Ollantaytambo, located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cusco. Once aboard, you'll enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 45 minute train ride through breathtaking landscapes, green fields, and vibrant villages nestled in the foothills of the Andes. The highlight of the journey is the awe-inspiring views of the mountains and the majestic Urubamba River winding through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the city at the foot of Machu Picchu, our representative will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel.
You won't visit Machu Picchu on the first day, so you'll have time to settle into your hotel and explore at your own pace. You can visit the local hot springs, enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Aguas Calientes, or participate in other activities such as hiking to the Mandor waterfall, rock carving, and more.
On the second day of your Machu Picchu adventure, get up early and transfer to the bus station. You'll board a zigzagging shuttle that will take you to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu in about 25 minutes.
Upon arrival, depending on the Machu Picchu Circuit you have booked, if you have booked Circuit 2, our guide will take you through the most important parts of this ancient Inca wonder. Highlights include the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana (the Sun Clock, subject to availability), the Royal Rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Royal Inca Cemetery. This comprehensive tour takes approximately 2.5 hours. Afterwards, you have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views (it is very important to book this at the same time as your tour reservation, as it is an additional cost). Be sure to bring your camera to capture this unforgettable experience at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After the tour, you will take the shuttle back to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the city's many delightful restaurants offering both traditional Andean and international cuisine (lunch not included in the package). You may also choose to visit the local hot springs or explore the Machu Picchu Museum (entrance fees not included).
In the afternoon you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or Airbnb, completing your 2-day Machu Picchu tour.
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Cusipata, located southeast of Cusco, Peru. After breakfast, the bus will take you to the trailhead. The hike begins at the base of Mt. Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region, adorned with snow-capped peaks. Along the way you will see two different breeds of South American camelids, alpacas and llamas, roaming and grazing freely on the high plains and steep slopes.
Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, take a moment to rest and admire the vibrant mineral colors that adorn the mountaintop. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Ausangate and distant high peaks. Return to the bus and drive back to Cusipata for lunch.
On the way back to Cusco you will pass three historic bridges - Inca, Colonial and Republican. You will arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon.
