Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain 3 Days
Overview
The 3 day Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour is perfect for those who want both the ancient Inca history and outdoor adventure! In the Sacred Valley visit the extensive archeological area in Pisac, the fascinating sites at Moray and Maras, then Ollantaytambo, on your way to Machu Picchu. Get up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu, do an informative guided tour. The hike up Rainbow Mountain will be unlike anything you have ever seen and is certainly quite different from the climate of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu! End this tour in Cusco.
Map - Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain 3 Days FULL ITINERARY
We start at 7:30am, when the guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us to Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. See how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch (NOT Included).
Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. After some time for dinner, you will take your train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in your hotel. The train departs at 7:04pm and arrives at 8:45pm.
- 3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
- 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
- Meals: Dinner
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
- 3* Accommodation: Qoricancha Waman or Mataq Wasin Hotel
- 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, and Casa Andina
- Meal included: Breakfast
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up to Huayna Picchu Mountain, this tour is without a guide.
***IMPORTANT:
- Hiking up to the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge is not possible anymore due to new regulations.
- Return Expedition Train time depends on availability and how much in advance you have booked.
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am to begin our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley, ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.
The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!
After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination the Rainbow Mountain. After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.
At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will prepare by our cook.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6:30pm.
- Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Inclusions
PERU TOURING INCLUDED
- Pick up at your hotel
- Tours of Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain trek
- Entrances to the Inca Cities and all Archeological Sites
- Private transportation for all tours
- Round Trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Cusco (This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels)
- Meals as indicated on itinerary
- Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
- Professional English & Spanish speaking guide
- 2 hot meals at Rainbow Mountain – breakfast and lunch
PERU TOURING NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary
- Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional)
- Entrance of Wayna Picchu –$75 USD
- Upgrades train/hotel – For Vistadome train add $67 USD per person
- Tips for your guide
WHAT TO BRING
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- A change of clothing for the second day
- Comfortable walking shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or insulated jacket
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat for the sun
- Extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
Prices
The Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people!
PRICES:
- $567 USD per person without hotel
- $687 USD per person with 2 nights 3* hotels
- $857 USD per person with 2 nights 4* hotels
***Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required for booking & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Climb: $75 USD. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking. the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $67 USD
- Upgrade Hotel – 4* or 5* hotel
- Hotel single supplement: $40 USD 3*
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Reviews Peru Touring
MoniGAbad2024-05-10Excellent tour and amazing experience! Overall this was an excellent tour and amazing experience! The operation is well organized and each staff member took very good care of us at each point along the way of the day trip. Our Machu Picchu guide Roy was warm and personable! He was also very knowledgeable and passionate about the historical and cultural significance of Machu Picchu. As he guided us through various areas of the site, we also had a little time to snap pictures and take in the beauty around us. Roy even showed us how to get really unique and spectacular shots! Seeing Machu Picchu was the highlight of our trip to Cusco!
Adrian L2024-05-08A great experience It was a great experience the place itself but it was even more enjoyable with Miguel’s explanation and knowledge of the place. Look for Miguel Angel Caunalla as your guide, best experience ever
Martin G2024-05-06Machu Pichu Machu Pichu was amazing and our tour guide Miguel made it even more memorable with his wealth of experience and knowledge. Thank you Miguel.
nico2024-05-06Inca Treasure I was very pleased with my experience on the trip to Machu Picchu! The guide, Roy, was exceptional, demonstrated a deep knowledge and passion for the history of the place, as well as being clearly proud of his culture. This greatly enriched the experience, making each explanation even more captivating. The place itself is truly stunning. The landscape is breathtaking and the feeling of being in such a historically significant location is indescribable. It feels like with every step, you are immersed in a scene from a photo or movie, transporting you to another time. The trip is worth every moment and every effort to visit. It is an experience that provides a unique connection with history and nature, leaving a deep mark on those who have the opportunity to experience it. I recommend this trip to anyone wanting an enriching and memorable experience! - The three musketeers
Jennifer G2024-05-06Amazing tour! The tour was amazing. Miguel did such an amazing job guiding us and was super patient. He took great pictures, knew all the angles, and made sure there wasn’t people in our shot. He was also very knowledgeable and explained everything very well.
Ana G2024-05-04Excellent Experience w/ Roy. Roy was a super great host, made my solo trip to Machu Pitchu fun. Very professional and on top of it, gave clear concise directions and explanations of the site as well. Our group was of #9 people and it felt just right. I was really happy with the trip.
Seaside6728112024-05-04A wonderful day Very well organized tour. Precise in times and directions. Our guide, Roy, was impeccable, very knowledgeable, helpful, attentive to every detail or need. It was a wonderful and unforgettable day 🥰 Tour with Roy, highly recommended!
David P2024-05-04Great Experience The tour to Machu Picchu was amazing! Roy did a great job as a guide, he‘s very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of time to take cool photos.
Amante II P2024-05-03Our guide Roy made our trip to Machu Picchu extra special as he was very knowledgeable about the history of the place Roy was the perfect guide and a very accommodating, punctual, informative, knowledgeable and good photographer. Highly recommended to my friends.
Jakub O2024-05-03great experience We really enjoyed this experience. Things were well organised and everything from the organiser was on time. The guide Roy exceeded our expectations, was extremely attentive and had an awesome angle and narration. The place itself is beyond imagination and its simply breathtaking. We are glad that we chosen this operator. We highly recommend them, would use again!
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