- 7 Days & 6 Nigths
- Up to 12
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MACHU PICCHU & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 5 DAYS
The Astounding Adventure of World Wonders & Inca Architecture Explore the Peruvian highlands’ living history and breathtaking scenery in this incredible experience. You’ll begin in the Imperial City and discover what made Cusco the cent…
Duration
5 Days & 4 Nigths
Group Size
Up to 12
Distance
4.7 mi / 7.6 km
Difficulty
Difficulty
Departures
Daily departures
Ideal For
For Everyone
THE EXPERIENCE
MACHU PICCHU & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 5 DAYS
MACHU PICCHU TOURS · Cusco, Peru
The Astounding Adventure of World Wonders & Inca Architecture
Explore the Peruvian highlands’ living history and breathtaking scenery in this incredible experience. You’ll begin in the Imperial City and discover what made Cusco the center of the Inca Empire! Then, you’ll head to the Sacred Valley to visit the giant agricultural laboratory of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
Once you reach Ollantaytambo, you’ll take the train to the legendary city of Machu Picchu, one of the grandest and most enthralling sites in Latin America and the whole world, for a privately guided tour. Your adventure doesn’t end there. After, you’ll discover the incredible Rainbow Mountain and be in awe of its natural beauty.
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Welcome to Cusco - Half-Day City Tour of Cusco
Get to Know the Most Important Sites in Cusco
Start with a friendly welcome at the airport by a representative of Salkantay Trekking. We’ll take you directly to your accommodation, so you’ll have enough time to rest this morning as you acclimate to the high altitude of enchanting Cusco.
After lunch, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to explore Cusco on an afternoon City Tour. The tour begins in the fascinating Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun, probably the most important Inca site. While you marvel at the exquisite architecture of the place, our guide will share a bit of Inca history to help you better understand the Inca culture.
We’ll continue to the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) to visit the Cathedral, which holds approximately 300 paintings from the famous “Escuela cusqueña.” The Plaza de Armas is also a wonderful place to sit, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, and watch the world go by.
Next, you’ll visit the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman in northern Cusco, known for having been built with giant heavy rocks. Ancient Inca architects cut and polished these giant rocks to build zig-zag walls spanning hundreds of meters. Despite only a small portion of the original remains, the colossal dimensions of Sacsayhuaman continue to inspire and surprise visitors.
We’ll then head to Qenqo. This temple has manmade tunnels, one of which forms an amphitheater. The original purpose of the amphitheater has been lost over time, but most experts agree that the area was used to worship the sun, moon, and stars.
To round off the trip, you’ll visit Puca Pucara, a site the Incas used as a military fort, and the beautiful Tambomachay, an Inca archaeological site boasting aqueducts and channels with two water fountains.
At the end of the day, we’ll take you to the door of your hotel to enjoy a relaxing night. You’ll have time to get a spot for dinner before heading to bed for another exciting day tomorrow.
DAY FACTS
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
Day 02: Cusco | Chinchero - Moray - Maras Salt Mines - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Explore the Best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today, you’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel before we take you to the beautiful town of Chinchero on your way to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll stop for a first visit to a local craft center, famous for its weaving techniques, and at the church that holds an incredible religious history.
Next is the impressive archaeological site of Moray, consisting of a series of giant circular terraces and a complex irrigation system. Moray is known as the world’s largest agricultural laboratory, used to experiment and cultivate food and grains that only grow in tropical climates. It’s also a great place to feel the unique energy of the Andes.
After that, we’ll continue to the salt mines in Maras, a set of more than 3,000 small white pools from which salt is extracted. These small pools are filled with water, which then evaporates, producing the salt that locals collect and package to sell in different regional markets. This salt has a pink hue and is well known for its healing properties and delicious flavor. It’s also a great gift and perfect for cooking.
Then, we’ll continue to Urubamba to enjoy a Peruvian buffet lunch of different traditional dishes, many of which are cultivated in these valley fields. It’ll then be time to drive our transport to Ollantaytambo and board the train that’ll take us to Aguas Calientes, the town before Machu Picchu.
Once you reach Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into a nice hotel to cool off before dinner. You can also take some of your free time to just wander and explore a bit. You’ll need to go to bed early as tomorrow you’ll visit the magical Inca city of Machu Picchu.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 3,762 m / 12,342 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Day 03: Aguas Calientes | Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Discover the Hidden Secrets of the Magical Mystical Machu Picchu
After a well-deserved night’s rest, you’ll be up early for the most wanted day: Today, you’ll explore the streets of the iconic and renowned Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Our day begins at dawn to ensure we beat the large crowds so you can enjoy the site in peace. We’ll board a bus that’ll take around 25 minutes to get to the entrance of the Inca city, and we’ll enter just before the sun begins to paint this impressive place with a golden hue.
Take some time to soak up the vibes and impressive view of one of the 7 Wonders of the World and feel how its powerful energy vibrates. You’ll spend approximately two hours with our guide exploring the most crucial nooks, houses, and alleys. The observatories will allow you to imagine how this Inca city was hundreds of years ago and when it was discovered after being hidden for centuries.
Depending on your time and if you have an extra entry ticket, you can hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains to get spectacular panoramic views of the entire complex.
Then, you’ll take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have the afternoon free to have lunch at a restaurant of your choice and walk around the rest of this pretty town. Your train will leave for Ollantaytambo at sunset, but don’t forget to be at the station 30 minutes earlier than the departure time! From Ollantaytambo, we’ll take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu
- MACHU PICCHU CITADEL ELEVATION: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- OPTIONAL MOUNTAINS: Moderate to Challenging
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3-4 hours)
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)
- HUCHUY PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,497 m / 8,192 ft (1.5 hours)
Day 04: Cusco | Llacto - Rainbow Mountain - Llacto - Cusco
Hike to the Mountain of Seven Colors: Vinicunca Your final adventure begins at 4:00 a.m. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and travel for 3 hours towards the Southern Valley. The starting point of our walk is at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft, but you should be used to the altitude by now. Along the way, we’ll observe picturesque Andean towns, agricultural platforms from the Inca period, fertile valleys, and beautiful rolling mountains. Even at this early hour in the morning, the herds of llamas and alpacas will entertain you while you enjoy breakfast to give you the boost you need to get started.
We’ll continue our journey until we reach the hike’s starting point. From there, we’ll head down a meandering path in the Andean mountains, following a pretty stream. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive view of the Ausangate glacier (6,372 m / 20.905 ft), the tallest in the Cusco region.
Take a few minutes to understand why this mountain is important to the Andean people. This whole region is home to many people and small communities, and you’ll have the opportunity to see them. You’ll be amazed to see the traditional clothing they use that they make themselves, thanks to the practice of textile art inherited from their ancestors.
By keeping these traditions alive, ancient culture is preserved. Your guide will teach you about the meaning of some clothes and, if you want, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua—the language of the Incas and local communities. After an hour and a half of walking, we’ll reach Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16.732 ft).
While you’re at the top, take some time to admire the unique beauty of this impressive natural formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural spectacle that can only be seen in Peru and China. There, we’ll take a break between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and your knowledgeable guide will explain the theories regarding the origin of this mountain that appears as though it’s been taken from a colorful dream.
Take memorable photographs or simply immerse yourself in the landscape that boasts the splendor of the great mountain Ausangate in the distance. If you want to stay longer, inform your guide. You’ll have time to enjoy the surroundings and recover your energy for the hike back down.
It’ll take 45 minutes and an hour to get back where we started. Then, we’ll go to by car to enjoy our welldeserved lunch. Then our transport will take you back to the city of Cusco. We’ll drop you off at the door of your hotel in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening as you please.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 7 km / 4.35 mi
- WALKING TIME: 2-3 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 5,100 m / 16.732 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
Day 05: Cusco - Cusco’s Airport (or Bus Station)
Say Goodbye to Imperial Cusco
Today, you’ll wake up, have breakfast, and pack your bags, as it’s time to say goodbye to the imperial city of Cusco for now. We’ll organize a time to collect you and take you to the airport or bus station to continue your vacation or return home.
This isn’t a forever farewell, and we’re sure you’ll be longing to come back to relive all the special moments, learn more about the ancient city and cultures, and try out more of the excellent restaurants and their delicious cuisine. So, it’s not goodbye, but rather see you soon!
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Boleto Turistico or Cusco Tourist Ticket
This ticket is required to access many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including archaeological sites and museums.
- Day 1: Entry ticket to Catedral de Cusco
- Day 1: Entry ticket to Qorikancha
- Day 2: Entry ticket to Salineras de Maras
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 offers the most complete and popular route through the citadel, making it the most requested. Although included in this experience, availability is limited, so we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance.
If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will arrange Circuit 3-B, which explores the lower area of the citadel, including the urban sector and key ceremonial sites. If this is also sold out, Circuit 1-B will be arranged, covering mainly the upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard viewpoint.
Entry to the Rainbow Mountain
Entrance to the red valley viewpoint
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
The evening before each trip, you’ll have an orientation meeting with your guide. For multi-day tours, this meeting is typically held at 5:00 p.m. in our office or, depending on the itinerary, at your hotel. For day tours, you will receive a detailed WhatsApp call with important information about what to pack, your pick-up time, and to confirm your hotel address.
Day 1: City Tour Half Day
Day 2-3: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Machu Picchu
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain trek
Day 5: Transfer to the Airport
Experienced Tour Guide
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Trekking Poles (Day 4
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have specialized first aid training and attend mandatory training sessions every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit and oxygen to handle basic emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If needed, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your tour.
Accommodation
Hotel in Cusco (Days 1, 3, and 4)
3 Nights in a hotel in Cusco.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
You will spend one night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. Accommodation is in double, twin, and triple rooms.
Meals
3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco, Buffet Lunch in the Sacred Valley, and Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch in the Rainbow Mountain Trek.
Snacks and water (Day 4)
Before starting your hike, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. In addition, you’ll receive a bottle of water.
One cloth snack bag per person
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks—perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout your trek!
Transportation
Pickups and Transfers
- Day 1: Meet and greet at Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, we’ll pick you up from your hotel for the City Tour in Cusco.
- Day 2: Pick up from your hotel and transport for the Sacred Valley Tour: Chinchero, Maras Moray, and Salt Mines. Then, you’ll be transported to Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 4: Pick up from your hotel and transport to the Rainbow Mountain hike. Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 5: Private transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Airport or Bus Station.
Train Tickets
- Day 2: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (PeruRail Expedition Service).
- Day 3: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail Vistadome Service).
Round-Trip Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Day 3)
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Meals not indicated
- Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Day 3: Lunch and Dinner
- Day 4: Dinner
Personal Hiking Clothes and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is usual on any excursion to Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our team, something extra is always welcome.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern,
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for the journey.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all your questions about traveling with Salkantay Trekking. Please read the following information carefully – it will also help you with any questions about our services.
Briefing or Informative Meeting
On the first day, you’ll meet the Salkantay Trekking staff, who will provide a detailed briefing on your itinerary. During this time, we will also answer any last questions you may have before your adventure.
Tour Balance Payment
The tour has to be paid in full at most 2 days before your departure. Otherwise, your reservation will not be confirmed.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay the tour balance (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATMs located in the historical center. We also accept payments by CARD or PAYPAL online, but please note this is subject to a 5% fee (charged by Niubiz and PayPal). We do not accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as payment methods.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, you can store your main luggage for free at our office (arrange it with us on the briefing day or by email).
You can also safely keep any equipment you won’t need for the tour in your hotel. Almost every hotel offers this service. Please do not leave valuable items in your bags; put them in the hotel safe and ask for an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt). For extra peace of mind, place items like credit cards inside a sealed and signed envelope.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different people with varying physical conditions and ages. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you acknowledge that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
In some cases, a group may want to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are usually common in Peru, which may interrupt some of our tours. Roads and train tracks can be blocked or taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
In case of changes or cancellations, our operations department will coordinate everything with you. Your safety is our highest priority, and we will make our decisions to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave a place or a transport. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing List
Recommended items for a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
- Valid Passport
- Extra money (recommended soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)aa
- Sunblock: factor 70 or more
- Insect repellent
- Personal Care Products
- CLOTHING
- Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Light footwear or sandals
- Trekking pants (*)
- Trekking socks
- Shorts
- Waterproof gaiter
- Long sleeve t-shirts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Sun hat to protect neck and face
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Flashlight
Pricing
Rates and important commercial information for this tour.
Starting From
US$ 800
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel information for Inja Expeditions guests.
Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.
For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.
Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.
Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.
Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.
For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.
Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.
A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.
Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.
On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.
Why you'll love it
Tour Highlights
Explore Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire, and discover what made this city so special.
Tour the most significant sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and be astounded by Inca architecture.
Ride along one of the most beautiful railways in the world and observe how the scenery changes from the mountainous Andes to the thick jungle.
Discover the secrets of the mystical Machu Picchu, one of the World’s Seven Wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stare in awe at the incredible natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain and its fascinating array of colors.
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