This travel package is available for all travelers who are lovers of Inca history and the astonishing beauty of nature. Apart from enjoying the most important archaeological sites in Cusco, you will have the opportunity to visit a fantastic place such as RAINBOW MOUNTAIN, where you can experience feeling like you’re on top of the world at 5,036 meters above sea level.
The tour begins with the pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. On the way to Ollantaytambo, we will visit spectacular and fantastic places.
Our first stop will be Chinchero, where the village has preserved its artisanal traditions (textile weaving).
During the Inca era, Chinchero was the summer palace of the Incas. After the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro conquered Chinchero, he destroyed the archaeological site and built a church on top of it. Next, we visit Maras, internationally known for its salt ponds, which our ancestors used to extract salt.
Our next stop will be Moray, an agricultural laboratory where we will observe the mastery with which the Incas worked. The Incas used these circular terraces with varying temperatures to test the growing conditions of crops.
We will then stop in Urubamba for our buffet lunch.
Finally, we visit Ollantaytambo, a charming town that was the administrative capital of the Incas, which will amaze us with the location of its constructions.
After the guided tour, we head to the train station bound for Aguascalientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
The journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguascalientes takes approximately two hours.
In Machu Picchu Pueblo, our representative will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel.
That evening, our local guide will meet with you and inform you of your itinerary for the next day.
Our adventure will begin at the designated time by our guide. We will pick you up from your hotel and travel by bus (CONSETTUR) to the main entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel, the Wonder of the World, for nearly 30 minutes.
Once inside the citadel, we will embark on the most significant visit of your life. You will receive a comprehensive two-hour guided tour from our site guide, providing you with the best historical information and undoubtedly cover-worthy photographs. During this tour, you will visit the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, Aclla Wasi, the Temple of the Condor, and the Water Fountains. After completing our tour, we return to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
At the appointed time, you will board the train at the Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) station to return to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, we will board the private bus from Inca Rail or Peru Rail to return to the city of Cusco.
Machu Picchu 360 begins your adventure to Rainbow Mountain early in the morning. We depart from Cusco at 4:00 a.m. to ensure we enjoy the sunrise. The journey to the trailhead takes approximately 3 hours, with a breakfast break along the way.
We arrive in Cusipata around 6:00 a.m. Here, we enjoy a delicious breakfast before returning to our transport and reaching the starting point of the hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain by 7:30 a.m. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. The trail offers panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes and local wildlife, including llamas and alpacas.
By 9:30 a.m., we reach the summit of Vinicunca, located at a high altitude. You will have approximately an hour to explore, take photographs, and marvel at the beauty of the colorful mountain. The views of the surrounding mountain range and the Red Valley are unforgettable.
We begin our descent at 10:30 a.m., taking a different path to enjoy new landscapes. The return hike takes about 1.5 hours. Upon returning to the base, we board our transport back to Cusipata, where a hearty lunch awaits around 1:00 p.m. This is a time to share experiences and enjoy local cuisine.
After lunch, we start our journey back to Cusco at 2:00 p.m. The return trip offers an opportunity to rest and reflect on the day’s adventure. We expect to arrive back in Cusco around 4:30 p.m.
The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season from May to October. Is when you have clearer skies and less rainfall, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
The hikes range from moderate to challenging, especially the Rainbow Mountain trek because of the high altitude and steep sections. Good physical condition is recommendable.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. It’s advisable to spend a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting the tour. Stay hydrated, eat light meals, and consider medication after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Bring personal items, comfortable clothing for 2-3 days, toiletries, and any medications you need. Hotels usually provide the basic amenities.
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommendable to have travel insurance covering high-altitude activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.
Yes, but please inform Machu Picchu 360 Tour Operator in advance about any dietary needs or restrictions so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Group sizes can vary, but tour operators typically aim for small groups to provide a personalized experience. Check with your specific operator for details.
It’s best to book several months in advance, especially during the high season, as permits for Machu Picchu and accommodations can sell out quickly.
Not included are meals not specified, personal expenses, tips for guides and staff, and optional activities or upgrades like the Huayna Picchu hike or Vistadome train. Also, flights to and from Cusco are not included.
This 4-day tour was the highlight of my trip to South America. Each day was filled with new wonders, from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and the natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain. The tour was well-organized, with seamless transfers, comfortable hotels, and delicious local cuisine. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure that combines nature and culture.
