Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu

The 3-day Rainbow Mountain Machu Picchu tour promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration in Cusco. The Rainbow Mountain, now a premier destination in Cusco, offers a breathtaking display of colors amidst the Ausangate mountains. This sacred and enigmatic site is situated in the southern region of Cusco.

After immersing yourself in the vibrant hues of the Cusco color mountain, the journey continues with a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu. Along the way, marvel at the picturesque farmlands of the Sacred Valley and the meandering Vilcanota River. Take in the diverse flora as you travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu, creating a truly captivating experience.

Anticipation builds as the day approaches to explore Machu Picchu. On the final day, wake up early for a guided tour through the significant circuits 2 of Machu Picchu.

Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu stand as the most sought-after attractions in Cusco, captivating the dreams of many travelers. However, due to limited availability, it is essential to seize the opportunity to discover these iconic sites in Cusco.

Overview:

Sustainable Tourism: At Inca Trail Machu, we are deeply committed to promoting and practicing sustainable tourism. Our approach is eco-friendly, and we actively support local communities.
Physical Activity: 3-Moderate to Difficult – Certain sections involve elevated terrain.
Service Level: All-Inclusive & High-Quality Service
Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour Operator: Operating since 2007, Inca Trail Machu has been a reliable and experienced provider of the Inca Trail experience.
Permits: Our packages include Machu Picchu entrance tickets circuit 1 or 2, and Rainbow Mountain tickets. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu, kindly make a request in advance (Not included).
Inca Trail Machu Staff: Your journey is guided by a professional tour guide throughout the hike. Additionally, an Inca Trail Machu representative will visit you at your hotel to provide a comprehensive briefing about the trail.
Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable night in a hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
Meals: Delight in 1 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and a snack bag provided during the Machu Picchu tour.
Transportation: Benefit from private vehicle transportation, along with 1 train ride and 1 tourist transportation for the Rainbow Mountain experience.

Highlights of the Rainbow Mountain Machu Picchu:

• 2-day Machu Picchu tour, traversing the cloud forest towards the lost city of the Incas.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty and diverse flora during the train ride.
• Observe the majestic Vilcanota River as it flows.
• Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Explore the enigmatic site of Machu Picchu through circuit 1 or 2.
• Embark on a hike to Rainbow Mountain and marvel at the vibrantly colored peaks of Cusco.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Rainbow Mountain Cusco

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Cusipata, located southeast of Cusco, Peru. Following breakfast, you will resume the bus journey to the trailhead. The hike commences at the base of the snow-topped Mt. Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region. As you ascend, you will encounter two distinct breeds of South American camelids, Alpacas, and Llamas, freely roaming and grazing 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 on top of the mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ausangate snow-topped mountain and distant high peaks. Subsequently, you will backtrack to the bus and drive back to Cusipata for lunch.

On the return journey to Cusco, you will pass three bridges built during different times – Inca, colonial, and republican. Finally, you will arrive back in Cusco late in the afternoon.

Day 02: Cusco – Aguas Calientes

Your Machu Picchu tour begins with our transfer picking you up from your hotel and taking you to the railway station (either Poroy, a 30-minute drive from Cusco, or Ollantaytambo, which is 1 hour and 40 minutes away). Board the train for a scenic journey lasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering spectacular views of ever-changing landscapes, lush fields, and colorful villages nestled at the foothills of the Andes. The highlight of the journey is the breathtaking scenery of mountains and the magnificent Urubamba River winding through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Finally, you arrive in Aguas Calientes, a town situated just below Machu Picchu. Our representative welcomes you at the railway station and accompanies you to your hotel.

You won’t be touring Machu Picchu on the first day. Take the time to settle into your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to explore. You can visit the thermal baths (hot springs) and the charming surroundings of Aguas Calientes or engage in additional activities in Machupicchu town, such as the Mandor Waterfall walk tour, Rock Carving, and others.

Day 03: Machu Picchu – Cusco

On the third day of the 3 day Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu tour,, we wake up early and are transferred to the bus station. Board a shuttle bus that takes you up to the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, following a zigzag path for about 25 minutes.

Once in Machu Picchu, your tour guide will introduce you to the most important attractions of this ancient Incan site, including its main square, the Sun Temple, Intiwatana (Sun Clock), the Royal Rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Royal Incas Cemetery. This guided tour takes about 2 and a half hours, and afterward, you have the option to climb Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain) to capture some amazing panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. Don’t forget your camera and enjoy the visit to “One of the New 7 Wonders of the World”!

After exploring the site, take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included in the package) in one of the many lovely restaurants offering traditional Andean as well as international cuisine. Following lunch, you can visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes or the Museum of the Site (neither entrance included in the package).

In the afternoon, we take a train back to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), where our driver will be waiting in front of the railway station to transfer you to Cusco. Our driver will drop you off at your hotel or Airbnb, marking the end of the 3-day Machu Picchu tour.