This INCA EXPEDITIONS itinerary offers a perfect blend of ancient Inca heritage and outdoor adventure in just 4 days. Begin your journey in the histor...
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This INCA EXPEDITIONS itinerary offers a perfect blend of ancient Inca heritage and outdoor adventure in just 4 days. Begin your journey in the historic city of Cusco, exploring its rich history as the heart of the Inca Empire. Travel through the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac’s extensive archaeological ruins, the intriguing sites of Moray and Maras, and Ollantaytambo before reaching Machu Picchu. Witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu and return to Cusco on the same day. The trek up Rainbow Mountain promises a unique experience, contrasting sharply with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu’s climate. Conclude your tour back in Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After a brief orientation, the morning is yours to relax and acclimate. In the afternoon, we’ll delve into Cusco’s vibrant blend of Andean and Spanish cultures. Begin with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, built over the Koricancha, the former main temple of the Sun God. We’ll continue to the remarkable archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, known for its impressive Inca military architecture. The tour also includes the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay, located northeast of the city. We’ll return to your Cusco hotel by early evening.
Accommodation:
Meals: Not Included
Our day starts at 7:30am with a pickup from your Cusco hotel in our private van. We head towards the Sacred Valley, beginning with Pisac. We’ll stop at the Taray Mirador for panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional agricultural communities. Next, we explore the Pisac archaeological site, featuring an extensive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs and impressive mountain terraces. After about 2 hours at Pisac, we visit the vibrant Pisac market for around 20 minutes before proceeding to Urubamba for lunch (not included).
Next, we visit Moray, known as the “Greenhouse of the Incas,” a fascinating site of concentric terraces carved into a large bowl, which may have been used for agricultural experimentation. Continuing to Maras, we observe the pre-Inca salt pans or “salineras,” which have been used for salt extraction for centuries. We then travel to Ollantaytambo, exploring the well-preserved Inca village and ruins, including the Sun Temple and its formidable terraces. After dinner, board your train to Aguas Calientes, departing at 7:04pm and arriving at 8:45pm.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner
The day you’ve anticipated has arrived! After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to experience the sunrise. The guide will lead a two-hour tour of the citadel, showcasing its three main sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
After soaking in the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure, you might have time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the local museum or hot springs.
Take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55pm or 3:20pm, enjoying views of the Urubamba River and the steep canyon walls, including Wiñay Wayna. At Ollantaytambo, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your Cusco hotel, arriving by around 7:00pm.
Accommodation:
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
IMPORTANT: For those who have booked the extra hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain, please note that this portion of the tour does not include a guide.
You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times (2:55pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm) at an additional cost of $67 USD. Early train departures can be arranged upon request at the time of booking.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:00am for our Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. After a 3-hour drive through the South Valley, we reach the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). Enjoy the scenic views of Inca terraces, traditional villages, and high Andean peaks along the way.
At the trailhead, we’ll start our hike along a stream, with views of Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. Engage with local people, learn about their Quechua culture and traditional attire. Your guide will teach you a few Quechua words if you ask!
After a 1.5-hour hike, we arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,020m / 16,466 ft). Spend approximately 30 minutes taking in the unique landscape. There’s also an optional hike to the top of the Red Valley, adding about 45 minutes to your return trip.
We’ll hike back to the trailhead in about an hour and enjoy a lunch prepared by our cook.
We’ll then drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00pm.
Meals Included: Hot breakfast & lunch
Included:
Not Included:
Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within the Machu Picchu Citadel and does not include a guide. This climb is usually undertaken on your own after your Machu Picchu tour. If you prefer a guided trek for Huayna Picchu, please request this in advance. An additional cost will apply for this guided tour.
Prices:
This tour can be scheduled for any date as long as there is a minimum of 2 participants.
Private Service: Available for an additional $200 USD per person.
Note: All entrance fees are included, and our tours operate in small groups averaging 4 to 5 people, with a maximum of 8.
Discounts:
Extras:
What to Bring:
These items will help ensure you are well-prepared for your adventure!
Important Info
Welcome to Cusco: Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS sign at the arrival terminal exit. The tour can be scheduled on any date that suits you.
The Briefing: A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office, located at Calle Punacchupan 196, office 201 (second floor)
Luggage Storage: You can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Cusco Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package.
How to Book the Tour:
Balance Payment: To avoid high credit card fees, you may pay the balance in cash at our Cusco office (in USD or Peruvian soles) or online via VISA or PAYPAL with a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL payments, use our email address incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
Student Discounts:
Changing Departure Dates: Once tickets are purchased, the government does not allow changes, and tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Canceling the tour will result in the loss of the deposit.
Original Passport Requirement: Bring your original passport with you. It must match the details used for booking. If your passport is renewed or your name changes, send us the old passport information to secure your permit and update the details for a fee of $25 per person. Bring both old and new passports if you do not wish to pay this fee.
Weather: Weather can be unpredictable. We recommend packing a warm jacket for early mornings and a rain poncho for potential showers.
Hotel Drop-Off: We will drop you off at your hotel after the tour. If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there as well. If you stay in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.
Altitude Sickness
When traveling to high altitudes, acclimatization is key. Spending a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trek can help your body adjust. Regular exercise before your trip can also be beneficial.
Recommended Remedies:
Additional Tips: You can also book the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour during your acclimatization period. Check out our Day Tours on our homepage.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. While tipping practices may vary by country, it is an important part of the tourism industry in many places, including with Inca Expeditions. Feel free to tip based on the quality and length of your tour. Remember, it should reflect your experience and is given at your discretion.
Sustainability
Inca Expeditions is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. We adhere to universal principles of protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and religion. Our staff are trained to understand and respect local places and people, ensuring our tours have a positive impact.
Why Choose Inca Expeditions?
Inca Expeditions is a family-run travel agency and local tour operator based in Cusco, committed to providing authentic trekking experiences. As a fully Cusqueñian company, we have no external shareholders and bring years of personal trekking experience to our services.
Our Mission: We are dedicated to crafting small, personalized tours and treks managed exclusively by local professionals who offer exceptional, tailored service. Our goal is to deliver high-quality experiences while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Responsible & Sustainable Practices: We take pride in our ethical approach, ensuring fair compensation for our staff and supporting their professional and personal well-being. Our team is integral to our success, and we believe in treating them like family.
Trusted and Recommended: Inca Expeditions is known for its reliability and honesty in creating memorable adventures in Peru. Our positive reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor, as well as recommendations from Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet, and various blogs, attest to our reputation.
Small Groups
We emphasize personalized service by limiting our group sizes to a maximum of 8 participants. This approach differentiates us from other operators who may handle larger groups.
Top Tour Guides
Our guides are highly professional, fluent in English, and passionate about Inca history and culture. They are committed to ongoing learning and provide accurate and engaging insights into Inca and Andean culture. Our guides hold degrees in fields such as Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology and are known for their friendliness and expertise.
Service Projects
Inca Expeditions is dedicated to giving back to the communities we traverse during our treks. We employ and support local people, ensuring our approach benefits the communities we work with. We strive to enrich the lives of our highland employees and their families through our holistic and supportive practices.
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