Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain

Your adventure kicks off at 7:30 am when your guide collects you from your Cusco hotel in a private van. We head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning with a stop at the Mirador of Taray for expansive views of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming communities. Witness how agriculture has remained relatively unchanged for over 500 years. We proceed to the archaeological site of Pisac to explore its impressive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs, intricate farming terraces carved into the mountainside, Inca tunnels, and the significant religious sector of this citadel. We’ll spend around 2 hours here before heading to the vibrant Pisac market for a brief 20-minute visit, followed by a drive to Urubamba for lunch (not included).

Next, we visit the intriguing site of Moray, also known as the “Greenhouse of the Incas.” This deep basin, with its terraced levels, was ingeniously constructed by the Incas to experiment with varying microclimates and optimize crop growing conditions.

We then continue to the colonial town of Maras, overlooking the pre-Inca salt mines, or “salineras” in Spanish. Generations have utilized these salt pans since before Inca times. A hot spring at the valley’s top releases a salty stream diverted into pans for evaporation. This site is among the few in the world where naturally pink salt can be found!

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this well-preserved Inca village and its imposing ruins, guided by our expert. Visit the impressive Sun Temple atop the terraces and learn about its significance during the early Spanish conquest. Overnight accommodation is provided in Ollantaytambo, preparing you for the Inca Trail the following day.

2 Accommodation:* Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
3 Accommodation:* Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
Meals: Dinner

An exciting day begins early; your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am. At the train station, you’ll receive a lunchbox for your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10 am, and you’ll enjoy over an hour of scenic views and breakfast (not included). You can arrange a picnic breakfast with the hotel or prepare your own.

Disembark at Km104, where your trek starts at 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level. After crossing the Urubamba River via a picturesque footbridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the nearby Inca site. The initial climb is gentle for the first hour and a half, with several viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River. Be prepared for various microclimates, including the possibility of rain. The next segment is a steeper climb, rewarded with a stunning waterfall!

After crossing the bridge below the waterfall, take time for photos before continuing to the spectacular Wiñay Wayna at 2,600 meters (8,500 feet). These ruins are partially obscured by dense jungle. Trekking through lush sub-tropical jungle, your guide will provide insights into the ruins and local flora and fauna. After a brief 5-minute walk to your lunch spot, enjoy a flat walk to the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu! The walk to the Sun Gate includes some steep stairs carved into bedrock. Once there, savor the panoramic view of Machu Picchu and take photos. The final 60-minute descent offers additional photo opportunities and views of important Inca sites along the way.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you’ll have time to capture more photos from the viewing platforms (Guard House) and enjoy the site in the afternoon light. Afterward, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner, and explore the charming town, visit the hot springs, or simply relax after a thrilling day.

Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, box lunch, dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Distance: 12 kms (7.5 miles)
Time: Approximately 6 hours
3 Accommodations:* Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
4 Accommodation:* El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
Difficulty: Moderate

Leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station for direct transfer to Aguas Calientes.

This is the much-anticipated day! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. This spectacular sight is not to be missed! A two-hour guided tour will cover many significant areas of Machu Picchu Citadel.

Once you’ve taken in the stunning views, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you might have the chance for some last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the picturesque Urubamba River. The train journey offers views of beautiful whitewater sections and, if lucky, glimpses of Wiñay Wayna on the canyon wall. At Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you to transport you back to your Cusco hotel in a private vehicle, arriving by approximately 7:00 pm.

Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
Difficulty: Easy
3 Accommodation:* Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
4 Accommodation:* Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Private Collection

For those who have booked an extra hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain in advance, please note this will be a self-guided tour.

IMPORTANT:

• Upgrades to the Vistadome Train are available for the same departure times (2:55 pm or 3:20 pm) at $67 USD.
• Early trains can be arranged upon request and must be done at the time of booking.
• The 2-day Inca Trail will follow circuit #3; additional circuits require purchasing a separate entrance to Machu Picchu for $55 USD (Circuit #2).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike is subject to availability and should be requested at the time of booking.

We will collect you from your hotel at 4:00 am to embark on an incredible Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. Our journey begins with a 3-hour drive through the South Valley, leading us to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 meters / 15,216 feet). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Inca farming terraces, traditional villages, picturesque valleys, and towering Andean peaks.

As we approach the trailhead, you’ll be greeted by herds of alpacas and llamas around your breakfast spot. After reaching Llacto, our hike begins alongside a charming stream. You’ll be treated to views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. Engage with local people who uphold traditional Quechua culture. Discover the significance of their traditional clothing and the different hats worn by the men. Feel free to ask your guide to teach you some Quechua words!

After a hike of about 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,020 meters / 16,466 feet). Here, you’ll have time to appreciate the stunning colors of the mountain and explore the area. Spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit, capturing photos or simply soaking in the view. There’s an optional 45-minute hike to the top of the Red Valley for a different perspective.

Following this, we will retrace our steps back to the trailhead, which takes about an hour. A delicious lunch prepared by our cook will be waiting for you.

We’ll then drive back to Cusco for approximately 3 hours, arriving at your Cusco hotel around 6:00 pm.

Meals included: Hot breakfast & lunch
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging