Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
“Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain are sights I will never forget!”
Immerse yourself in the archeological and cultural wonders of the Incas. This 5-day tour to Machu Picchu allows you to enjoy breathtaking scenery and magnificent views of the ancient sights of the Incas!
This tour includes Incan capital of Cusco, the lush green Sacred Valley and, one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. At the end of this Peru trip, you will hike to Rainbow Mountain. This reputedly spectacular rock formation a few hours from Cusco will be an unforgettable sight to see. The guide will explain the geological history of Rainbow Mountain as you approach its beauty.
- NDiscover the ancient ruins of Inca near Machu Picchu and Cusco.
- NRoam the Pisac market, and discover the beautiful sights and rich history.
- NEnjoy sights and a tour of the incredible Machu Picchu and all its main attractions.
- NA tour of Rainbow Mountain, spectacular rock formation.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL CUSCO - CUSCO WALKING TOUR
Cusco Airport Transfer.
Arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free to rest in order to avoid ill effects due to the high altitude.
Pick up from the hotel at 14:30pm – walking tour will begin at Colorful San Pedro market.
There’s probably no better market to experience Cusqueñan life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how local residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide will explain the history of this market as you wander through the narrow streets filled with colorful fabrics, meals, shaman stalls, and more.
After we visit Cusco’s main square, a busy and vibrant space that marks the colonial center of the city; which features wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens. After, we will head to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: according to a legend, this temple was entirely gold plated which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here! – The tour will end around 18:00pm.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: None
Suggested flight schedule — Lima (09:30am) – Cusco (10:50am)
DAY 2 - TOUR SACRED VALLEY - PISAC AND OLLANTAYTAMBO
Breakfast at hotel – pick up from your hotel at 07:30am.
We will embark on a journey back in time to the Incan’s Sacred Valley beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The ancient Incan archeological site and city is located on the top of a mountain. There you will have the chance to firsthand witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors. Afterwards, you will go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market where you can buy intricate, beautifully crafted locally hand-made products.
After this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of a mountain. Note: unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design including outstanding stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress and administrative and urban center.
Stop in Ollantaytambo from where we catch the train to Aguas Calientes, upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Expedition train — Ollantaytambo (19:04pm) – Aguas Calientes (20:45pm)
DAY 3 - TOUR of Machu Picchu
Breakfast at the hotel; around 06:00am you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an archeological site (2,430m/7,972ft) that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the hilltop citadel deserved every bit of its fame.
Around 07:30am the guided tour begins, the guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. The guided tour takes around two hours.
From 10:00am to 12:00pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own.
From 12:30pm to 13:30pm take bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30pm to 15:00pm take lunch on you own.
Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Poroy station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Expedition train — Aguas Calientes (15:20pm) – Cusco (19:05pm). Note about train tickets: We will attempt to book tickets on this train, but if there are timetable changes or trains are fully booked, we may need to book an alternative service.
DAY 4 - hike to rainbow mountain
Pick up from hotel at 04:00am and transfer to head of the trail, will take around 3 hours.
Stop at the town of Cusipata; then we headed towards the beginning of the walk Phullawasipata (4626m/15,177ft). On the way we will provide you Breakfast (at the hotel you may not have option to get breakfast).
The day begins with a hiking route that follows a small stream. This portion of the hike is a true treat because you will have opportunities to see herds of alpacas and llamas. Get your camera ready because this route provides consistent views of Ausangate Mountain. In addition, you will hike through isolated villages and interact with local residents.
The hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,030m/16,498ft) will take around two hours. Path is bracketed by uphill terrain with some flat terrain in the middle portion. You will have a chance to enjoy some snacks and take a break to soak up panoramic views once the top is reached. The break typically lasts 45 minutes. After the amazing view of the landscapes on the top, it is time to go back down. The hike back down to the trailhead should take between one hour and a half.
Our van will be waiting for us when we return. We will have lunch before we head to Cusco. We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is between 17:00 pm. Estimated walking distance: 8 km (4.97 miles) – Estimated walking time: 4 hours.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 - Departure from Cusco
Breakfast at hotel; at the scheduled time our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Suggested flight schedule — Cusco (10:40am) – Lima (12:05pm)
Have a great 5-day tour with Andean Journeys!
Including
- N4 night(s) in hotel(s) in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
- NMeals: as mentioned in the itinerary
- NEntrance fees in Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
- NEnglish speaking guides.
- NAll transfers: airport, train or bus station transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off.
- NTrain ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- NAll ground transportation.
- N24-hour support by our local staff.
Excluding
- KInternational and domestic flights (in case you request them, please ask your travel agent).
- KVISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation.
- KOther expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
- KTips for guides, drivers and other staff.
- KAnything not specified in the itinerary description.
- KEntrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Premium travel
with tourist hotels- * Prices per person in US dollars.
- * Additional charge for single travelers: $150
- * Prices are based on 2 to 3 people traveling together.
Deluxe travel
with tourist superior hotels- * Prices per person in US dollars.
- * Additional charge for single travelers: $220
- * Prices are based on 2 to 3 people traveling together.
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