Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu and Rainbow Mountain

Embark on an Amazing 3-Day Adventure: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain

Day 1: Inca Trail from Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu

Your adventure begins early at 4:00 am, when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. You will be comfortably transferred to the train station in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where your Inca Trail journey truly begins. As we board the train heading to Km 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail, you will be captivated by the views along the Vilcanota River, with the lush green valleys of the Andes stretching on both sides.

After disembarking at Km 104, we cross a bridge over the Urubamba River and head to the Inca site of Chachabamba, an ancient agricultural and ceremonial center featuring impressive water channels and fountains. After a brief guided tour, we begin our ascent to Wiñay Wayna, which takes about 3.5 hours. This site is one of the most stunning on the Inca Trail, with agricultural terraces, a religious sector, and urban structures.

Once we have explored Wiñay Wayna, we will enjoy a packed lunch amidst stunning valley views. Then, we will continue hiking for another hour to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the moment you've been waiting for. As you cross the gate, Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its splendor. This first glimpse of the Inca citadel from the Sun Gate is truly unforgettable.

After admiring the views, we will descend for another 40 minutes to Machu Picchu. Although we won't explore the citadel today, you'll have a chance to catch a glimpse before boarding the bus for a 30-minute ride to Aguas Calientes. The afternoon is yours to explore this charming town, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

• Fun Fact: Wiñay Wayna means "forever young" in Quechua, reflecting the energy and vitality of this ancient site.

Total Distance: 13 km (8.08 miles), Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, Elevation Gain: 600 m

Overnight: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Day 2: Guided Visit to Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

After breakfast, the magic of Machu Picchu awaits you. Between 6:30 am and 7:00 am, we will board a bus for the short journey back to the Inca citadel. Once inside, your professional guide will take you on an in-depth exploration of Machu Picchu, sharing insights about the history, traditions, and mysteries surrounding this architectural masterpiece. You will visit key areas such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Royal Tomb.

• Legend: Some believe that Machu Picchu was a sacred retreat for Inca nobility, and that the stones themselves contain spiritual energy, felt only by those who walk through its sacred spaces.

After the guided visit, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and have some free time to explore the town or shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. You will arrive at your hotel by 6:00 pm, giving you time to relax after this exciting day.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 3: Hiking Excursion to Rainbow Mountain

Today we will rise early again, as your guide will pick you up between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. After a 1.5-hour drive, we will stop in Cusipata for breakfast, where you can recharge for the day's hike. We will continue for another hour to the beginning of the Rainbow Mountain trail at Fulawasipata.

Your hike begins at the base of the Ausangate Mountain Range, one of the most sacred peaks in Andean cosmology. As you gradually ascend, you will be surrounded by the spectacular landscape of the Andes, with the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in sight.

• Myth: Local legends say that the vibrant stripes of Rainbow Mountain were painted by the gods to reflect the diversity and richness of the land.

After approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of hiking, you will reach the highest point, where you will have time to rest and enjoy the views. The summit offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and the unique mineral deposits of Vinicunca, which create the mountain's famous rainbow appearance.

Once we have soaked in the beauty of the landscape, we will begin our descent, which takes about one hour. After returning to the starting point, we will head back to Cusipata for a well-deserved lunch before the final leg of the journey back to Cusco. You will arrive at your hotel around 4:00 pm, or if you have a night flight, we can drop you off at the airport for any flight departing after 6:00 pm.

Overnight: Cusco (optional return to Cusco Airport)

This 3-day tour is the perfect combination of history, adventure, and stunning landscapes. From walking the ancient Inca Trail to witnessing the majesty of Machu Picchu and admiring the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, you will experience the best of Peru's natural and cultural wonders.

Complete 3-Day Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain Tour Itinerary

This 3-day tour offers the perfect blend of historical exploration and outdoor adventure, taking you from the Inca Trail to the stunning colors of Rainbow Mountain. Here's what your journey will look like:

Day 1: Inca Trail Hike from Km 104 - Wiñay Wayna to Sun Gate and Machu Picchu

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up: At 4:00 am, we'll take you to the Ollantaytambo train station.
• Train to Km 104: Enjoy the scenic ride along the Vilcanota River.
• Chachabamba Inca Site: Explore this lesser-known archaeological site at the start of your hike.
• Hike to Wiñay Wayna: A 5-hour trek through the Andes to reach the agricultural terraces of Wiñay Wayna.
• Lunch at Wiñay Wayna: Enjoy a boxed lunch while admiring the ruins.
• Hike to Sun Gate: Another hour of hiking brings you to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you'll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu.
• Arrival in Aguas Calientes: After descending into the citadel, board a bus for a 30-minute ride to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and explore.

Why it's special?
This day offers the thrill of hiking the Inca Trail, with the unforgettable experience of entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The hike is filled with archaeological discoveries and stunning Andean landscapes.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up: Between 6:30 am and 7:00 am.
• Bus to Machu Picchu: A 30-minute ride to the Inca citadel.
• Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Explore the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, and more with a professional guide.
• Return to Aguas Calientes: Free time for lunch (not included) and exploring the town.
• Train to Ollantaytambo: Board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where your private transport will take you to Cusco.

Why it's unforgettable?
A full-day visit to Machu Picchu lets you fully appreciate the grandeur of this New Wonder of the World. The guided tour brings the ancient citadel's history to life, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Day 3: Hike Rainbow Mountain - Peru's Natural Wonder

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up: Between 4:30 am and 5:00 am, we'll start the drive to Cusipata.
• Breakfast in Cusipata: Fuel up for the hike with a hearty breakfast.
• Start the hike: Reach the Rainbow Mountain trailhead at Fulawasipata and start the 5-hour ascent.
• Summit of Rainbow Mountain: Enjoy panoramic views of the colorful mountain and surrounding valleys.
• Lunch in Cusipata: After descending, enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back.
• Return to Cusco: Arrive at your hotel by 4:00 pm, or we can drop you off at the airport for an evening flight.

Why it's an adventure?
The hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is a stunning natural experience, where you'll witness the vibrant, multi-colored layers of the mountain—one of Peru's most unique geological wonders.

This 3-day itinerary combines the history of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with the natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain, offering a complete adventure that highlights the best of Peru.

Includes / Does not Include

Includes:

• Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service)
• 2 Night hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double room)
• Box Lunch on Day 1 + Lunch on Day 3
• One day Inca Trail hike
• Machupicchu guided tour
• Rainbow Mountain hiking tour
• Roundtrip train tickets (at your selected train class) Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Bus tickets (Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes)
• Admission tickets to Inca trail and Rainbow Mountain
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 3-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
• 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)

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