Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain

4-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu Adventure Tour

Explore Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain in an unforgettable adventure. Discover Inca history, breathtaking landscapes, and Peru’s most iconic wonders.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and City Tour

Then upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our Machupicchu Latin America representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.

As we drive through the city, we’ll go over the itinerary and answer any questions you may have about the tour, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the days ahead.

Cusco City Tour (Begins at 1:00 pm)

Still at 1:00 pm, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and start exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

The tour begins at the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll visit the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, a World Heritage-listed landmark filled with history and art.

Afterward, we’ll stroll down an Inca-built street leading to Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where the blending of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture reflects a rich cultural clash.

Next, we’ll drive just outside the city to explore four stunning Inca archaeological sites:

• Sacsayhuaman: A massive fortress with enormous monoliths, some weighing up to 200 tons.
• Qenqo: An ancient ceremonial site with carved stone altars.
• Puca Pucara: A strategic Inca military checkpoint.
• Tambomachay: Known for its fascinating water fountains, believed to be sacred Inca baths.

After soaking in the ancient wonders, we’ll return to your Cusco hotel for the night.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 2: Chinchero, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, our expert guide will pick you up, and we’ll head out to explore the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Chinchero, where you’ll visit the Royal House of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, with its original Inca walls, and meet local women practicing traditional weaving.

Moray and Salineras

The next stop, we’ll head to the Moray archaeological site, where concentric circular terraces served as an advanced Incan agricultural research center.

Your guide will explain how the Incas experimented with different micro-climates to enhance crop production.

From there, we will drive to the nearby Salineras de Maras (Salt Mines), where over 3,000 salt wells have been used since Inca times to extract salt by evaporating saltwater in artisanal methods.

Ollantaytambo Citadel and Train Ride

And after a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, we’ll visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll see extraordinary stonework, including the rock formation that represents the Inca god Wiracocha. Finally, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying breathtaking scenery as we follow the Vilcanota River.

Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, our representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu pueblo)

Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Cusco

After an early breakfast, our guide will meet you at your hotel between 6:30 am and 7:00 am. We’ll board the bus for a short ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu. As you enter the ancient citadel, you’ll immediately feel the energy of this mystical place, once a sacred Incan city hidden high in the Andes.

Machu Picchu Tour Highlights

Moreover with your expert guide, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as:

• The Temple of the Sun
• Intihuatana (The Sun Dial)
• The Temple of the Three Windows

As you explore these structures, your guide will explain the deep spiritual and historical significance of Machu Picchu, unveiling stories of Inca rulers and ancient civilizations.

After your tour, you’ll have some free time to wander and take photos of this majestic site.

After descending back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then transfer you by private transport to your hotel in Cusco, arriving by evening.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour (B, L)

Then our final adventure begins early, between 4:30 am and 5:00 am, when our guide will pick you up from your hotel for an unforgettable journey to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).

Hiking Rainbow Mountain

We’ll drive for 1.5 hours to Cusipata village, where you’ll enjoy a warm breakfast before continuing for an hour to the trailhead at Fulawasipata.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes about 1.5 hours and is a gradual ascent along the Ausangate Mountain range, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and vibrant valleys.

Once we reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the multi-colored mineral layers that give this mountain its famous stripes.

After enjoying the breathtaking landscape and taking photos, we’ll hike back down and drive to Cusipata for a traditional lunch.

By 4:00 pm, we’ll return you to your Cusco hotel, or if you have an evening flight, we can drop you off at the Cusco airport.

Note: If you’d like to spend an extra night in Cusco, we can arrange an additional stay for an extra cost.

Why This 4-Day Tour is Unmissable?

• Visit iconic sites like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, guided by expert locals.
• Explore the best of Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes, with seamless logistics.
• Enjoy a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, experiencing Inca history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Peruvian culture.

Besides this 4-day itinerary is designed to give you an immersive, stress-free experience, combining the very best of Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

Complete 4-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain Tour Itinerary

This 4-day tour is the perfect combination of cultural immersion and adventure, offering you a chance to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

Quick Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco + City Tour

• Airport pick-up: Private transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel.
• Cusco city tour: Start at Plaza de Armas, visit the Cathedral of Cusco, stroll to Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), and tour the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
• Free evening: Time to relax and acclimate to the altitude.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour + Aguas Calientes

• Hotel pick-up: Early morning pick-up for your Sacred Valley tour.
• Chinchero: Explore the town and visit the Tupac Inca Yupanqui Royal House.
• Moray: Visit the famous agricultural terraces used by the Incas.
• Salineras (Salt Mines): Discover the 3,000 salt wells that have been in use since Inca times.
• Urubamba: Buffet lunch stop (not included).
• Ollantaytambo: Explore the Ollantaytambo Inca fortress, including the Temple of Wiracocha.
• Train ride: Board the train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying views of the Vilcanota River.
• Free evening: Relax in Aguas Calientes.

Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour

• Hotel pick-up: Early morning transfer to Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu tour: Explore iconic sites like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Three Windows with your expert guide.
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes: Free time for lunch (not included) and souvenir shopping.
• Return to Cusco: Train ride back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your Cusco hotel.

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour

• Hotel pick-up: Early morning transfer to the trailhead of Rainbow Mountain.
• Breakfast stop: Enjoy breakfast at Cusipata village before starting the hike.
• Hike to Rainbow Mountain: A 1.5-hour hike to the summit, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Ausangate range and the colorful stripes of the mountain.
• Return to Cusco: After lunch in Cusipata, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, or drop you off at the airport for evening flights.

Why This Tour is Special?

• Expert guides provide deep insights into the history and significance of each site.
• Seamless logistics ensure a stress-free journey, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
• Includes a combination of cultural landmarks like Machu Picchu and adventurous hikes like Rainbow Mountain.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive, action-packed journey through the heart of the Inca Empire, perfect for those looking to experience both cultural and natural wonders in Peru.

Includes / Does not Include

Includes:

• Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service)
• 3 Night hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double – Single – Triple rooms)
• Cusco city tour including Sacsayhuaman
• Moray Chinchero Salt mines and Ollantaytambo guided tour
• Machupicchu guided tour
• Rainbow Mountain hike
• Roundtrip train tickets (at your selected train class) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes)
• All admission tickets including Machupicchu
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 2-day program
• 1 Bottle of Water
• Airport pick up (up to request)

Does not Include:

• International and domestic air tickets
• Waynapicchu admission ticket US$ 65, it must be requested at the time of your booking and will be provided if available
• One-way Vistadome train upgrade US$ 55
• Saddle a horse during the rainbow mountain (120 Peruvian sol cash)
• Meals (Lunch, Dinner)
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended)
• Additional and personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, snacks)
• Gratuity (optional)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS