Tour Description

Embark on a comprehensive 4-day journey through the heart of the Inca Empire. This meticulously designed itinerary takes you from the historic cobblestone streets of Cusco and the colossal stones of Sacsayhuaman to the lush majesty of the Sacred Valley. Experience the ultimate spiritual connection at the citadel of Machu Picchu and challenge your limits by reaching the summit of the world-famous Rainbow Mountain at over 5,000 meters. A perfect blend of archaeological discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion.

Duration

04 D / 03 N

Difficulty

Moderate to Demanding (on Day 4)

Max Altitude

5,389 msnm (Rainbow Mountain)

Group Size

Maximum 15 people

Places

Cusco City (Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman), Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Inca Bridge, and Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain).

Tour Type

Cultural / Archaeological / Adventure / Nature

Traveler Recommendations

Climates of the route: Highlands (Rainbow Mountain) - 4°C - 17°C / Cusco 10°C-18°C

Altitudes: 3500 mt. (Cusco) / 1400 mt/ 5,389 mt. (Rainbow Mountain)

Hiking difficulty: moderate in Cusco / demanding in Rainbow Mountain (Cusco).

Transportation systems used: car and train

Photo Opportunity: Excellent.

Traditional souvenir opportunity: excellent.

Local gastronomy opportunity: excellent.

Currency in use: Sol (national currency) and dollars in tourist places.

Detailed Itinerary

01 DAY 01: SACSAYHUAMAN-PUKAPUKARA-TAMBOMACHAY- KORICANCHA.
Reception and transfer from the airport to hotel, welcome coca tea. CITY TOUR: It is one of the main tourist circuits of Cusco city; along the way you will see: The Koricancha or Temple of the Sun: is the most impressive example of how the Inca and Hispanic cultures merged. Sacsayhuaman: Religious and enigmatic place, it is impressive for its enormous carved stones, some of which are 9 meters or 30 feet high and weigh more than 350 tons. Q`enqo: Religious ceremonial center which stands out for its underground labyrinth. We must mention that the word 'Qenqo' in the Quechua language (the language of the Incas) means 'Labyrinth' and on the outside there is a semicircular amphitheater with trapezoidal niches and a monolith that simulates being a puma which measures approximately is six meters. Pukapukara: It means “red fortress”, because the limestone stones with which it is built have acquired the reddish color of the terrain, very abundant in iron. It is alleged that it had the function of guarding Tambomachay and at the same time the function of a “tambo” that is, a shelter. Tambomachay: It is an archaeological site that was intended to worship water, it is made up of a set of finely carved walls, as well as waterfalls. START TIME: 13:00HRS DURATION: 05 HRS APPROX.
02 DAY 02: SACRED VALLEY TOUR-OLLANTAYTAMBO
We will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30 a.m. and will travel in our tourist transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first visit of our tour will be Pisac Archaeological Park and then we will visit the typical native market of Pisac town where we will have the opportunity to appreciate the different forms of commerce and crafts. Afterwards our next stop will be Urubamba town for that we need to move over 40 min to get place where we will have our lunch. In the afternoon we will visit Ollantaytambo, built during the Inca era as a fortified area that includes a temple, platforms and an urban sector where at the end we will go to our hotel.
03 DAY 03: OLLANTAYTAMBO- AGUAS CALIENTES- MACHUPICCHU –PUENTE INCA- CUSCO
At the morning we are leaving from Ollantaytambo town to Aguas Calientes and will begin our ascent by car towards to citadel of Machu Picchu at time previously agreed with the Guide, Next, we will go through the access control post to register and get in to archaeological complex to begin the guided tour by the main spaces of this impressive wonder. We will take a short walk towards the Inca bridge, a place of impressive geography and human challenge to nature. After the visit, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch and in the afternoon, they will board the train that will bring them back to Ollantaytambo where Our vehicle is waiting for you to return to the city of Cusco.
04 DAY 04: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FULL DAY
The tour to Rainbow Mountain in Cusco is an unforgettable experience. which we will start at 4:00 a.m. Being the perfect time to travel by car for approximately two hours to south way until reach the district of Cusipata in the province of Quispicanchi, where we can have breakfast. After breakfast we will continue for 10 min. to the first base control, of the peasant community of TINTINCO AND PAUCARPATA, from there we continue our trip to the second base control of the peasant community of CHILLIHUANI. From there, we will begin a 1 hour and 40 min. walk to the Vinicunca mountain, one of the most beautiful in the Cusco region. Upon reaching the summit you will be able to enjoy an incredible view and a range of colors that goes from green to red, giving it the name “mountain of seven colors” we will live an exciting experience at an altitude of 5,389 meters above sea level. We will end this day at approximately 04:00 p.m. with arrival at your hotel in the city of Cusco.

What's Included

  • Transportation: Airport transfers, tourist transport for all tours, and round-trip train tickets.
  • Guidance: Professional bilingual guides (English/Spanish).
  • Meals: Daily breakfast (at hotels/tours) and specific lunches in the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.
  • Entrance Fees: Machu Picchu citadel and Rainbow Mountain.
  • Support: First aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Not Included

  • Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): Required for City Tour and Sacred Valley ruins.
  • Entrance to Koricancha: Paid directly at the temple.
  • Dinner: Not included (evening meals in Cusco or Ollantaytambo).
  • Tips: For guides, drivers, and porters.
  • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for high-altitude trekking.

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is this tour suitable for people with no mountain hiking experience?
Days 1, 2, and 3 are moderate and accessible to most travelers. However, Day 4 (Rainbow Mountain) is physically demanding due to the extreme altitude (5,389 m.a.s.l.). We recommend using Day 1 and 2 to acclimate and considering the use of trekking poles or renting a horse for the final hike.
02 What documents do I need to carry during the 4 days?
You must carry your original physical passport at all times, especially for the train boarding and the entrance to Machu Picchu. Student IDs (if applicable for discounts) must also be original and valid.
03 Does the tour include all entrance fees?
The package typically includes the entrance to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. However, you will need the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for the archaeological sites on Day 1 and Day 2, and specific tickets for Koricancha. Please verify if these are pre-purchased or if you need cash to buy them on-site.
04 What happens if I feel ill due to the altitude?
Our staff is trained in altitude management. We provide welcome coca tea upon arrival, and our guides carry emergency oxygen and first aid kits. We recommend drinking plenty of water, eating light meals, and resting well during the first night.
05 Is the Inca Bridge hike difficult?
The walk to the Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu is relatively short (about 20–30 minutes) and follows a flat but narrow stone path. It offers spectacular views, but it is not recommended for people with a severe fear of heights (vertigo).