Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain 3 days

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:

• Hiking to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is no longer permitted due to new regulations.
• Return Expedition Train times depend on availability and advance booking.
• Upgrading to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times (2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm) costs $67 USD.
• Early trains can be arranged by request at the time of booking.

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