Cusco + Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain 4D/3N
4 days
Group up to 8 people
5.020 m.s.n.m
Challenging
Discover the perfect combination of Inca history, breathtaking landscapes, and high-altitude adventure on this unforgettable 4-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour. Explore the fascinating streets and archaeological treasures of Cusco, journey through the spectacular Sacred Valley, visit the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu, and finish your adventure with an incredible hike to the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
This carefully designed itinerary combines cultural exploration, scenic train rides, traditional Andean villages, and unforgettable mountain landscapes, making it the ideal experience for travelers looking to discover Peru’s most iconic destinations in just four days.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Cusco, one of our representatives will welcome you at the airport and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize before beginning your first excursion.
In the afternoon, discover the historic heart of the former Inca capital on a guided city tour. Visit the remarkable Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), later transformed into the Santo Domingo Convent during the Spanish colonial era.
Continue to the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, famous for its enormous stone walls and panoramic views over Cusco. Afterwards, explore the nearby archaeological complexes of Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay, each showcasing the extraordinary engineering and ceremonial traditions of the Inca civilization.
After the tour, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
- 3★ Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha, Maytaq Wasin or similar
- 4★ Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Premium, Novotel or similar
- Meals: Not Included
After breakfast, depart Cusco for an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Your first stop is the breathtaking Taray Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the Urubamba Valley and its centuries-old agricultural landscapes.
Continue to the archaeological complex of Pisac, home to impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, ancient neighborhoods, and one of the largest Inca cemeteries in South America. Afterwards, browse the colorful artisan market before continuing to Urubamba for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, visit the extraordinary circular terraces of Moray, believed to have served as an agricultural experimentation center where the Incas developed crops under different microclimates.
Next, explore the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds continue producing natural pink salt using traditional techniques that date back to pre-Inca times.
The day’s final destination is Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Peru. Discover its impressive fortress, ceremonial temples, and original Inca streets before boarding your evening train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.
- 3★ Accommodation: Ferre Machu Picchu Hotel or similar
- 4★ Accommodation: El Mapi, Tierra Viva Superior or similar
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Wake up early for one of the highlights of your journey—visiting the legendary Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, board one of the first shuttle buses to the citadel to enjoy the magical morning atmosphere. Your professional guide will lead a comprehensive tour through the archaeological sanctuary, explaining its fascinating history, architecture, religious significance, and the daily life of the Inca civilization.
Following the guided visit, you’ll have free time to admire the spectacular scenery, capture unforgettable photographs, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Guests who reserved the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain hike in advance may complete it independently after the guided tour.
Return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes before boarding the comfortable Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- 3★ Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha, Maytaq Wasin or similar
- 4★ Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Premium, Novotel or similar
- Meals: Breakfast
Important Information
- Huayna Picchu entrance must be reserved in advance and is subject to availability.
- Optional upgrade to the panoramic Vistadome Train is available for an additional USD $67 per person.
- Early train departures can be arranged upon request during the booking process.
Your final adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel before driving through the beautiful South Valley toward the trailhead at Llacto.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, begin your hike through traditional Andean landscapes, passing grazing alpacas, llamas, and local Quechua communities that continue preserving their ancestral customs.
As you ascend, enjoy magnificent views of the imposing Ausangate Mountain, Peru’s highest sacred peak, before reaching the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level.
Take plenty of time to admire the spectacular mineral-colored slopes, capture unforgettable photographs, and appreciate one of Peru’s most iconic natural attractions.
Those wishing for an additional adventure may choose the optional hike to the nearby Red Valley, offering equally stunning panoramic landscapes.
After descending back to the trailhead, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before returning by private transportation to Cusco, arriving in the early evening.
- Meals: Hot Breakfast & Lunch
Included
- Airport pickup and hotel transfer.
- Guided Cusco City Tour.
- Full Sacred Valley excursion.
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Rainbow Mountain full-day excursion.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and all archaeological sites included in the itinerary.
- Private transportation throughout the tour.
- Round-trip Expedition Train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast (when booking the package that includes hotels).
- Meals specified in the itinerary.
- Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish).
- Hot breakfast and lunch during the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
Not Included
- Meals not specifically mentioned.
- Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance (USD $75 per person).
- Vistadome train upgrade (USD $67 per person).
- Hotel upgrades.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and staff.
Optional Extras
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit.
- Vistadome Train upgrade.
- Hotel upgrades.
- Additional guided hike to Huayna Picchu (upon request).
Recommendations
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Cusco Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange Auki Cusco Explorers board at the exit from the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Cusco Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
FIRST, to book yourCusco Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Cusco Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour Package, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE TOUR?
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you bring a warm jacket for early morning and rain poncho in case of a rain shower.
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TOUR?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Auki Cusco Explorers destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
Packing list
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required for Machu Picchu entry).
Clothing
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm fleece or insulated jacket.
- Change of clothes.
- Hat and sunglasses.
Daypack Essentials
- Small backpack (large luggage is not permitted on trains or inside Machu Picchu).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Camera or smartphone with extra battery.
- Basic toiletries.
- Personal medications.
- Snacks for the excursions.
- Extra cash for meals, souvenirs, and optional activities.
🔒 Secure payment · Flexible cancellation
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- Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings
- Personalized Small Group Tour
- Great Value for Money
- Unique, Customized Itineraries
- Best Local Certified Guides.
You need assistance?
- Inquire Now
- +51 906 725 270
Join Auki Cusco Explorers for an Unforgettable
Travel Experience In Peru
Why Travel with Auki cusco Explorers?
- Superior Service
- Inca Trail Specialists
- 100% value for money
- Small Groups with a maximum of 8 people
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Sustainable Travel
- Years of Professional Inca Trail Experience
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