The 3-day tour encompassing the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain is ideal for those who crave a blend of ancient Inca heritage and th...
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The 3-day tour encompassing the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain is ideal for those who crave a blend of ancient Inca heritage and thrilling outdoor experiences. In the Sacred Valley, you’ll explore the extensive ruins at Pisac, the intriguing sites at Moray and Maras, and then head to Ollantaytambo en route to Machu Picchu. Rise early to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu and take part in an enlightening guided tour. The ascent to Rainbow Mountain will offer a striking contrast to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu’s climates. The tour concludes in Cusco.
Our journey begins at 7:30 am when your guide collects you from your Cusco hotel in a private van. We head to the Sacred Valley, starting with Pisac. Our first stop is the Mirador of Taray, which offers sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming communities. Observe how agriculture in the Sacred Valley has remained relatively unchanged over the past five centuries. Next, we visit the archaeological site of Pisac, known for its impressive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs. Here, we can marvel at the meticulously crafted farming terraces carved into the mountainside, explore the Inca tunnel, and the religious precinct of this significant citadel. We will spend approximately 2 hours exploring the Inca city before proceeding to the vibrant Pisac market for a brief 20-minute visit. Then, we drive to Urubamba for lunch (not included).
Our next destination is the archaeological site of Moray, famously known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas.” This deep, bowl-shaped structure features multiple levels of terraces, ingeniously designed by the Incas. Each terrace exhibits distinct microclimates based on its depth within the bowl, believed to have been used for testing optimal crop conditions and hybridization experiments.
Continuing to the colonial town of Maras, we will view the pre-Inca salt “mines,” known as salineras. These salt pans, inherited through generations, have been utilized for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the valley’s summit provides a heavily saline stream, which is channeled into the salt pans to evaporate and yield salt. This location is one of the rare places globally where naturally pink salt is found!
Lastly, we travel to Ollantaytambo, where we explore the ancient Inca village and its extensive ruins with our guide. We will visit the grand architecture of the Sun Temple atop the impressive terraces and learn about its significance during the early Spanish conquest. After dinner, you will board a train to Aguas Calientes, arriving at 8:45 pm. The train departs at 7:04 pm.
3 Accommodations:* Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
4 Accommodations:* El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
Meals: Dinner
This is the highlight of your trip! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. This extraordinary sight is not to be missed! Your guide will lead a tour lasting about two hours, covering the essential parts of the Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about the division of Machu Picchu into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
Post-tour, those who booked extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain in advance can enjoy these views independently. Once you’ve absorbed the stunning vistas of Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may have time for shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will return you to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the scenic Urubamba River. The canyon near Aguas Calientes is narrow, with the river showcasing beautiful sections of whitewater. From the train, you can also catch glimpses of Wiñay Wayna on the steep canyon wall! At Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the train station exit and transport you back to your Cusco hotel in our private vehicle, with an expected arrival time of 7:00 pm.
3 Accommodation:* Qoricancha Waman or Mataq Wasin Hotel
4 Accommodation:* Costa del Sol Ramada, and Casa Andina
Meal included: Breakfast
For those who booked extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain in advance, please note this tour does not include a guide. The hike is typically done independently after the Machu Picchu Citadel tour. If you wish for a guided hike, please request in advance for an additional cost.
IMPORTANT:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am to start our spectacular Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. After a 3-hour drive through the South Valley, we will arrive at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Inca farming terraces, traditional villages, valleys, and high Andean peaks.
In the early morning, herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast spot will add to the charm. Upon reaching the trailhead, we begin our hike along a picturesque stream. As you ascend, you’ll see the majestic Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. Engage with local people who uphold traditional Quechua culture, learn about their traditional attire, and the significance of the various hats worn by men. Ask your guide to teach you some Quechua phrases!
After a 1.5-hour hike, we reach Rainbow Mountain. Here, you’ll have time to admire its unique beauty, take photos, or simply enjoy the view. We will spend around 30 minutes at the summit. An optional hike to the top of the Red Valley adds about 45 minutes to your return journey.
Following this, we trek back to the trailhead, which takes about 1 hour. We will then enjoy lunch prepared by our cook.
We will drive back to Cusco for a 3-hour journey, dropping you off at your Cusco hotel around 6:30 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Note: The hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain within the Machu Picchu Citadel is optional and typically done without a guide. If a guided hike is preferred, please request in advance, and an additional fee will apply.
PRICES
The Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package is available on any date that suits you, provided we have at least 2 participants.
***Private service is available for an additional $100 USD per person.
***All entrance fees are included, and we operate our tours in small groups, typically averaging 5 participants with a maximum of 8.
DISCOUNTS
EXTRAS
Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within the Machu Picchu Citadel and does not include a guide. This climb is usually done independently after your tour of Machu Picchu. If you wish to have a guided hike, please request it in advance. An additional fee applies for this guided tour.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE MACHU PICCHU & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
WHY CHOOSE INCAS EXPEDITIONS?
INCA EXPEDITIONS is a family-run travel agency and local tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in trekking. As a 100% Cusqueñian company without external shareholders, our goal is to offer small, personalized tours and treks operated exclusively by local professionals who provide HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We pride ourselves on being a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We treat our staff as part of our extended family, ensuring they receive fair salaries and support. We are proud of our team, who are integral to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences.
INCA EXPEDITIONS understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator for your adventure in Peru. Check our reviews and certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR, as well as recommendations from Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet, and various blogs, including: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized experience, INCA EXPEDITIONS limits group sizes to a maximum of 8 participants. This sets us apart from other companies that operate with larger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We take great pride in our guides! They are highly professional, fluent in English, and possess deep knowledge and passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development, conducting research to provide accurate and recognized insights into Inca and Andean culture. They are enthusiastic, well-educated, and hold degrees in fields such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
INCA EXPEDITIONS believes in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we regularly engage in service projects and employ local staff.
We are proud to support these communities by providing employment and contributing to their well-being. Our holistic approach benefits both our highland employees and their families, enhancing our connection to the local culture.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please review the following details carefully to address any questions about our services and the Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package.
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)
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package, depending on what is most convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
You will need to provide the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT):
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. There are several ATMs in the historical center for withdrawing money. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL, but a 5.5% service fee will apply. For PAYPAL payments, log in to your account and use our email address incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once tickets are purchased, changes are not permitted, and tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
*** If you cancel your Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package, the deposit is non-refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE MACHU PICCHU & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR PACKAGE?
Yes, you must bring your original passport, and it must match the passport number used for booking your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, and other reservations.
If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us your old passport information to secure your permit. We can update it with your new passport number or name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We need copies of both your old and new passports to process the change. Retain a copy of your old passport before updating it.
If you prefer not to pay this fee, you must bring both your old and new passports to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but will need to present both passports to access Machu Picchu or board the train.
TIPPING
While not obligatory, tips are appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. Though tipping might not be customary in your country, it is important to the individuals who assist you during the tour. It encourages excellent service and is a common practice in the tourism industry across many INCA EXPEDITIONS destinations. You may tip as much as you deem appropriate based on the quality and duration of your tour.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator, adhering to universal tourism principles: environmental protection and support for local communities while respecting their culture and religion. All our staff are trained to understand and respect local places and people.
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At Incas Expeditions, we are a passionate Peru travel agency committed to offering authentic, budget-friendly adventures for backpackers and explorers. We create unforgettable journeys through Peru’s culture, nature, and history
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