Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour 5 Days from Cusco
About this experience
Discover the best of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour 5D/4N from Cusco. We will explore ancient temples, plazas, and colonial architecture in the heart of the city. We will learn about Inca history and visit impressive ruins during the traditional City Tour. Each moment will connect us with Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.
We will journey through the Sacred Valley, visiting Moray, Maras, and local markets. We will experience breathtaking landscapes, Andean traditions, and the ingenious agricultural terraces of the Incas. Our guided tours will allow us to interact with local communities and understand their customs. Every stop will immerse us in history and nature.
We will take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu, exploring the legendary Lost City of the Incas. We will have a guided tour of temples, plazas, and terraces, learning about architecture and spirituality. Later, we will hike the famous Montaña de Siete Colores, enjoying panoramic views of the Andes. This journey will combine adventure, history, and natural beauty in a single trip.
Our Cusco Tour Packages will ensure a seamless experience with expert local guides. We will enjoy comfortable accommodations, local cuisine, and curated activities. Every detail will enhance our connection to the region’s culture and landscapes. These Vacation Packages to Cusco will create unforgettable memories in Peru.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco – City Tour
We will be picked up from the airport according to our flight schedule. We will transfer to our selected hotel in Cusco.
Our City Tour will start with a visit to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where the Incas offered precious metals. We will continue to Sacsayhuaman, the ceremonial fortress two kilometers from Cusco, and learn about its role in the Inti Raymi festival.
Next, we will explore Qenqo, a semicircular archaeological site used for ceremonial purposes, followed by Puca Pucara, the Red Fortress with strategic military significance. Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, known as the Inca Baths, famous for its sacred water channels.
We will return to Cusco in the late afternoon and enjoy our evening at leisure.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: 15 km (including sightseeing)
- Maximum altitude: 3,700 meters above sea level (Sacsayhuaman)
- Minimum altitude: 3,400 meters above sea level (Cusco city)
- Route: Airport – Hotel – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuaman – Qenqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay – Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Day 2:
Sacred Valley – Moray & Maras – Connection to Machu Picchu
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Moray & Maras – Connection to Machu Picchu
We will depart our hotel between 06:00 to 06:30 AM for the Sacred Valley tour. The first stop is Chinchero, famous for its rainbow-colored terraces, traditional weaving, and colonial church.
Next, we will explore Moray, with circular terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experiments. Afterward, we will visit Maras, home to over 3,000 salt pans forming a stunning pre-Inca landscape.
We will enjoy lunch in Urubamba at a local restaurant, then proceed to Ollantaytambo, exploring its fortress and terraces. From Ollantaytambo, we will take the scenic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where a hotel host will welcome us.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: ~80 km (Cusco to Sacred Valley)
- Maximum altitude: 3,762 meters above sea level (Moray)
- Minimum altitude: 2,800 meters above sea level (Urubamba)
- Route: Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3:
Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Day 3: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
We will wake early and take the bus to Machu Picchu, located at 2,400 meters above sea level and enjoy a guided tour of two hours, exploring the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Main Plaza, and residential areas.
After the tour, we will have free time to explore Aguas Calientes, visit hot springs, or photograph local scenery. Around 1:00 PM, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by bus back to Cusco. We will arrive around 10:00 PM at Plaza San Francisco.
Day 3 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: ~130 km (round-trip train + bus)
- Maximum altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level (Machu Picchu)
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level (Aguas Calientes)
- Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Day 4:
Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) Adventure
Day 4: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) Adventure
We will depart our hotel at 03:00 AM and drive to Chirihuani for an Andean breakfast. From Fulawasi, we will begin a 1.5-hour uphill hike to the Red Valley, leading to Vinicunca.
We will explore the mountain, admire the colorful stripes formed by mineral deposits, and capture panoramic photos. Our expert guide will explain the history, geology, and cultural significance of the site. After descending, we will enjoy lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: ~12 km / 7.5 mi (hiking)
- Maximum altitude: 5,200 meters above sea level (Vinicunca)
- Minimum altitude: 3,900 meters above sea level (Fulawasi trailhead)
- Route: Cusco – Chirihuani – Fulawasi – Vinicunca – Cusipata – Cusco
- Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
Day 5:
Transfer to Airport
Day 5: Transfer to Airport
We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time in Cusco. At the scheduled hour, we will transfer to the airport. Depending on the flight, we may connect to Lima or other destinations.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: ~15 km (hotel to airport)
- Maximum altitude: 3,400 meters above sea level (Cusco city)
- Minimum altitude: 3,400 meters above sea level (airport)
- Route: Hotel – Cusco Airport
- Difficulty: Easy
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- Transfers:
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers.:
- Local transportation for all tours in Cusco and Sacred Valley.:
- Tours & Excursions:
- City Tour in Cusco.:
- Sacred Valley Tour including Maras and Moray.:
- Machu Picchu guided tour (approx. 2 hours).:
- Rainbow Mountain (Montaña 7 Colores) excursion.:
- Entrances:
- Entry to Machu Picchu.:
- Entry to Maras.:
- Entry to all archaeological parks visited.:
- Entry to Montaña 7 Colores.:
- Machu Picchu Specific:
- Tourist train Voyager round-trip (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).:
- Bus transfers to/from Machu Picchu.:
- Guided tour at Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours).:
- Meals:
- Lunch in Sacred Valley.:
- Breakfast and lunch at Montaña 7 Colores.:
- Other Services:
- Permanent assistance during tours.:
- First aid kits and emergency support.:
- Trekking poles and blankets provided.:
What's not included
- Domestic or international flights.
- Meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation costs (unless specified in the pricing table).
Recommendations
Before booking
- Book at least 48 hours in advance; earlier reservations secure better train and Machu Picchu entry times.
- Minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
- Send photos of your official documents after booking.
- Machu Picchu and train schedules are subject to availability and possible changes.
- Carry original passports or personal ID documents used for the reservation (no copies accepted).
Before traveling
- Bring a lightweight backpack or bag of about 20 liters per person.
- Wear clothing suitable for the season, including rain poncho and windbreaker.
- Carry sun protection, insect repellent, and a hat or cap.
- Bring extra cash in Peruvian soles, preferably in small denominations, for souvenirs, snacks, and other personal expenses.
Policies
These policies apply to the Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 5D/4N tour, which includes City Tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu visit, Rainbow Mountain, tourist transportation, and airport transfers.
Cancellations:
- Cancellations up to 5 business days before the tour date: 50% penalty of the total package cost + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations less than 5 business days before the tour: 100% penalty of the total package cost
Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train, and bus tickets are non-refundable, as they are purchased in advance under third-party provider policies.
All promotional or seasonal rates are non-refundable.
External Situations (Force Majeure): In cases of strikes, natural disasters, or health emergencies that prevent the operation of the tour, we will offer options to reschedule the travel date or modify the itinerary, subject to availability.
If the service cannot be operated under any circumstance, a 25% administrative fee will apply.
Refunds: Approved refunds will be processed within approximately 7 to 45 business days, depending on the case and provider response times.
Refunds will be issued via bank transfer or cash.
Payments made via PayPal or international transfers may be subject to additional financial platform fees. These must be covered by the customer.
Cancellation Requests: All cancellation requests must be sent via email to:
info@machupicchutours.com
Please include the reason for cancellation and attach any relevant documentation.
All cancellations and modifications are subject to evaluation and service availability.
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about this tour
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about this tour
1 How do we reach Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?
We will travel 140 km southeast to Pitumarca, then continue by trail to Pampachiri to start the hike.
2 How long is the hike to Vinicunca?
We will hike approximately 4 hours from Pampa Chiri to Machuraccay, then reach Vinicunca at 5,033 meters above sea level.
3 Can we rent horses for the Vinicunca hike?
Yes, local villagers offer horse rentals for part of the trail for those needing assistance.
4 How many days do we need to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu?
We can explore the highlights in 5 days, but extra days allow visits to Humantay Lake and Montaña de Colores.
5 What is the best day to visit Machu Picchu?
We should visit Machu Picchu Monday through Friday to avoid large weekend crowds.
6 How physically challenging are these tours?
We will face moderate to high-altitude hikes and should prepare for trails above 5,000 meters above sea level.
7 What should we bring for these tours?
We will carry layered clothing, rain gear, trekking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat or cap.
8 Are guided tours included for Machu Picchu?
Yes, we will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of main sites like the Temple of the Sun, terraces, and Intihuatana.
9 How can we prevent altitude sickness during the trip?
We will acclimatize gradually, drink plenty of water, and follow the guide’s advice to minimize discomfort.
10 What is the cancellation policy?
For cancellations 30 days or less before travel, we lose 100% of the tour cost. Cancellations 31 days or more may receive partial refunds; we should consult the agent for details.
11 Can children or elderly travelers join these tours?
Yes, we may join if in good health, but high-altitude hikes require moderate fitness and stamina.
12 Is transportation provided for these tours?
Yes, we will use private transport from Cusco to Pitumarca, Ollantaytambo, or other starting points for each tour.
13 How long is the total trip to Vinicunca from Cusco?
We will spend approximately 12–14 hours including transport, hiking, and rest stops for meals and photos.
14 Can we combine Machu Picchu and Vinicunca in one trip?
Yes, we will organize itineraries to include both, but each requires a full day for a comfortable experience.
15 Are meals included during the tours?
Yes, we will enjoy breakfast and lunch on most full-day hikes. Snacks and hydration are recommended.
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