Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

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Trip Length
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Activity Type
Physical Level
Easy
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

This two-day tour combines visits to two of Cusco’s most well-known destinations: the historical site of Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain. The itinerary is structured for efficiency, allowing visitors with limited time to experience both locations. The first day is dedicated to visiting the Inca citadel, while the second day involves a high-altitude hike.

The tour begins on day one with an early morning train journey to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, a short bus ride takes you up to the site for a guided walking tour. After spending a few hours at the location, you will travel back to Cusco by train that same evening.

Day two focuses on the trip to the Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca. This day also requires a very early start, with a drive from Cusco into the Vilcanota Valley. The main activity is a hike of approximately three hours to reach the viewpoint of the multi-colored mountain. Following the visit, the tour concludes with the return drive to Cusco.

Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days See What each day looks like!

Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
  • Day 2: Cusco – Pitumarca – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Cusco

Trip Details

  • Starting Altitude – 3,400m / 11,152ft (Cusco City)
  • Highest Altitude – Approx. 5,200m / 17,060ft (Rainbow Mountain on Day 2)
  • Total Walking Distance – Approx. 11 km / 7 miles
  • Overall Difficulty – Moderate to Difficult (Day 1 is moderate; Day 2 is difficult due to high altitude)
  • Sites to Visit: Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Pitumarca, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
  • Acclimatization: 1-2 days of acclimatization in Cusco is recommended.

Highlights

  • A complete guided tour of the Machu Picchu historical site.
  • A train journey through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.
  • A high-altitude hike to the colorful Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
  • Views of the Andean landscape in the Vilcanota Valley.
  • An efficient 2-day schedule covering two major regional attractions.

Itinerary

DAY 1CUSCO/AGUAS CALIENTES/MACHUPICCHU/CUSCO

We pick you up from your hotel very early in the morning to travel towards Ollantaytambo village, where there is a 2-hour train service to Aguas Calientes village. Arriving at Machu Picchu train station where the guide waits for you with your names displayed. Then we board a bus to Machu Picchu sanctuary. On the trip, we ascend 400 m/1,312 ft. by a zigzag route for 30 minutes and finally arrive at the Machu Picchu sanctuary.

The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is known as the lost city of the Incas and was the last refuge of the Inca Empire. We visit and explore all the Incan places that are part of this site. The walking tour takes 3 hours, enough time to understand why the Incas decided to build Machu Picchu at this location. In the afternoon, board the train back to Cusco.

Please note that you need to be at the train station at least 30 minutes before the departure time of your train service. During the train service, waiters provide some aperitifs on board and drinks. When you get to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station, a transfer service will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Cusco city.

We leave Cusco very early in the morning from your Hotel, adjusting to its altitude by traveling through the Vilcanota Valley, small villages, a colonial church, Pitumarca village, and the small Inca site MACHUPITUMARCA with its small canyon. A short drive from here takes us to Q´ESIUNO, where we are met by Quechua-speaking Inca descendants. After a short break and energy breakfast, our trip continues with a 3-hour hike up toward VINICUNCA THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN. We set off to explore the area. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. From here, we return to Q´ESIUNO for our lunch spot, then return to Cusco.

Included

DAY 1: IN MACHUPICCHU

Includes

  • Private & personalized tours: Your group will have its own guide.
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features: The tour is focused on the historical aspects of the site.
  • Private tourist transport: Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the train station.
  • English speaking tour guide: A professional guide will lead your tour in Machu Picchu.
  • Comprehensive guided sightseeing: A 3-hour walking tour of the Machu Picchu site.
  • Machu Picchu Ticket: Your entrance fee to the sanctuary is included.
  • All pick-ups: We handle all transfers, from your hotel and back.
  • Modern Inca motor coach: Refers to the bus service used.
  • Two train tickets Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu: Round-trip tourist train tickets (Expedition service or similar).
  • Two bus tickets Machu Picchu (up & down): Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance.
  • All local taxes: All applicable sales taxes are included.

DAY 2 TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Includes:

  • Transfers from /to: hotel in Cusco: Round-trip transport is included.
  • Expert Mountaineering tour guide: A guide experienced in high-altitude treks will lead you.
  • Cooker: A cook will prepare your meals on-site.
  • Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch & 2 snacks: These meals are provided on Day 2.
  • Private transportation: Your group will have its own vehicle.
  • Horses per person (in Rainbow mountain): A horse is provided for part of the journey if needed.
  • Horsemen: Local handlers will manage the horses.
  • Dining tent / Cooking tent: Tents are set up for meal preparation and service.
  • Water: Drinking water will be provided during the excursion.
  • Spoken languages: Guides speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese

Not Included

DAY 1: IN MACHUPICCHU

Not Included

  • Meals where not stated: No meals are included on Day 1. You must purchase your own lunch and snacks.
  • Excess baggage charges: The train has luggage restrictions; check with the operator for limits.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or snacks: These are not included.
  • Laundry: This service is not available.
  • Phone calls/Radio calls or messages: Communication costs are not included.
  • Insurance of any kind: We strongly recommend you purchase your own travel insurance.
  • Tips: Tipping your guide and driver is optional but appreciated.

DAY 2 TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Does Not Include:

  • Flights to and from Peru / Cusco: Airfare is not included.
  • Tipping staff: Tips for the guide, driver, and cook are voluntary.

Pricing

Semi-Private Tour

$340 USD per person for two or more people.

With this option, you’ll join an existing group of up to 16 people for your travel between Cusco and the train station, as well as for the Rainbow Mountain tour. Your 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu will be private due to different routes and entry times. This tour has daily departures all year.


Private Tour

This tour is exclusive to your group of friends or family and can be booked on any day of the year. The price per person is based on the size of your group:

  • 1 person: $760 USD
  • 2-3 people: $515 USD per person
  • 4-5 people: $400 USD per person
  • 6-7 people: $375 USD per person
  • 8 or more people: $340 USD per person

Optional Add-ons

Enhance your tour by adding these extra services:

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $70 USD per person. This is an incredible mountain behind the Machu Picchu citadel. The climb takes about 45 minutes, but you must book this ticket 3 to 4 months in advance, as availability is limited.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD per person. This mountain is located south of the citadel. The climb takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but you must book this ticket 2 to 3 months in advance due to limited availability.
  • Vistadome Panoramic Train: $75 USD per person. This superior-class train has large windows for enjoying the scenery and offers onboard dances and fashion shows.
  • Buffet Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant: $43 USD per person. Located at the main entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Buffet Lunch at El Mapi Restaurant: $23 USD per person. Located in Machu Picchu village.

Discounts

We offer a $20 USD discount to students ages 9-17 and university students under 25 with a valid student ID. A discount is also available for travelers from Andean Community countries (Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru).

Children under 8 receive a $110 USD discount. Children under 3 do not pay but are not guaranteed a seat on the train or buses.

What to bring

DAY 1: IN MACHUPICCHU

What to Bring with You

  • Original passport: This is mandatory to enter Machu Picchu and must match the name on your ticket. An ISIC card is needed if you booked with a student discount.
  • Travel insurance: A copy of your insurance policy is recommended.
  • Comfortable day backpack: A small pack to carry your personal belongings for the day.
  • Lighter trekking boots: Comfortable, worn-in shoes with good grip are sufficient.
  • Reusable water bottle: Plastic bottles are forbidden. Bring a metal or reusable plastic bottle.
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho: Weather in Machu Picchu can change quickly.
  • Warm jacket: It can be cool in the morning and evening.
  • T-shirts/Comfortable trousers/Sun hat: Wear layers for comfort and a hat for sun protection.
  • Windbreaker: A light jacket to protect against wind.
  • Sun protection cream: Use SPF 45 or higher.
  • Personal medication: Bring any medication you require.
  • Camera with extra batteries: There are no charging points at the site.

PERSONAL CLOTHING

  • Long sleeved shirts: For sun protection and layering.
  • Walking pants: Comfortable and durable hiking pants.
  • Polar or thermal clothing: Essential base layers for warmth at high altitude.
  • Sweater and Warm jacket: A fleece or mid-layer plus a warm, insulated outer jacket.
  • Hiking boots: Waterproof boots with good ankle support are necessary.
  • Waterproof pants and jacket: To protect against rain or snow.
  • Cotton pants: To change into after the trek for comfort.
  • Wool gloves: Insulated gloves are crucial for the cold.
  • Scarf: Or a neck gaiter to protect from cold and wind.
  • Hat or cap for the sun: And a warm winter hat (beanie) for the cold.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

  • Memory Cards: Bring extra to ensure you have enough space for photos.
  • Toiletries and first aid: Include personal medications and blister treatment.
  • Binoculars: To see details of the landscape.
  • Sunglasses: High UV protection is needed for high altitudes.
  • Sunscreen: High SPF is essential.
  • Lip balm: With SPF to protect from sun and wind.
  • Hiking poles: Recommended to assist with balance and reduce knee strain.
  • Pocket knife: A multi-tool can be useful.
  • Bottle or canteen: To carry your water during the hike.
  • Plastic bag: To separate dirty clothes or protect electronics.
  • Small backpack: To carry your daily essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.

Travel Guide

Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain

 

When to Visit The best time for this tour is during the dry season, from April to October. This period offers a higher chance of clear skies for both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

Recommendations

  • Book this tour several months in advance. Machu Picchu entrance tickets sell out quickly.
  • Pack for a wide range of temperatures, from warm and humid in Aguas Calientes to freezing at Rainbow Mountain.
  • Carry your original passport with you at all times, as it’s needed for entry to Machu Picchu.

Climate The climate varies greatly between the two sites. Machu Picchu is in a sub-tropical cloud forest, so it can be warm, humid, and rainy. Rainbow Mountain is in the high Andes, with a cold, alpine climate. Expect temperatures near or below freezing, especially with wind chill.

Local People On the way to Rainbow Mountain, the route passes through areas with Quechua-speaking communities that maintain traditional lifestyles. Please be respectful if taking photos. In Aguas Calientes and Cusco, you will find people accustomed to tourism.

How to Prepare for the Tour For Day 2, good cardiovascular fitness is important. Being accustomed to walking or hiking will make the experience more manageable. For Day 1, no special physical preparation is needed beyond being well-rested for the long day.

Recommended Age The tour is open to most ages, but participants must be prepared for the physical demands. The Rainbow Mountain hike is not recommended for young children or adults with heart or respiratory problems due to the extreme altitude.

How to Acclimatize Acclimatization is crucial for the Rainbow Mountain portion of the tour. Spend at least 1-2 full days in Cusco (3,400m) before your tour starts. During this time, avoid heavy exertion, drink plenty of water and coca tea, and eat light meals. This will help your body adjust and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

FAQS

Is this tour physically demanding? Yes. Day 1 involves a very long day of travel with an early start. Day 2 includes a hike at a very high altitude (around 5,200 meters), which is physically strenuous and requires a good level of fitness.

Do I need to acclimatize for this tour? Yes, acclimatization is very important. It is recommended to spend at least one to two full days in Cusco to adjust to the altitude before the tour, especially for the Rainbow Mountain hike on Day 2.

What is the highest altitude on this tour? The highest point is the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint on Day 2, at approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet).

Are meals included? No meals are included on Day 1 (Machu Picchu). On Day 2 (Rainbow Mountain), breakfast and lunch are included.

What kind of clothes should I wear? For Machu Picchu, wear comfortable layers: a t-shirt, a warm jacket, and a rain jacket. For Rainbow Mountain, wear warm winter layers: thermal clothing, fleece, an insulated jacket, gloves, and a warm hat.

Is a horse available for the Rainbow Mountain hike? Yes, the itinerary states that a horse is included per person for the Rainbow Mountain portion. This can help cover a significant part of the uphill trail, but you will still need to walk the final section to the viewpoint.

Do I need to bring my original passport? Yes, you must bring your original passport. A physical copy is required to enter Machu Picchu and must match the details on your entrance ticket.

What happens if there is bad weather? Tours operate in most weather conditions. The guide will make decisions based on safety. At Rainbow Mountain, visibility can be affected by fog or snow.

How much walking is involved? Day 1 includes a 3-hour walking tour within the Machu Picchu site. Day 2 involves a hike that takes approximately 3 hours to go uphill to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, plus the return hike.

Is this tour suitable for children? The Machu Picchu portion is suitable for most ages. The Rainbow Mountain hike is very strenuous due to the extreme altitude and is not recommended for young children or anyone with health conditions that could be affected by high altitude.

WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?

Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.

Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.

Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.

SMALL GROUPS

To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.

We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person models, but we only house 2 people in each, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks to keep the interior clean.
  • OUR FOAM MATS: These are included to insulate and separate you from the cold ground.
  • AIR MATTRESSES: These can be rented for $20 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent serves as a communal gathering place for meals. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and chat with your fellow trekkers.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining tent includes proper tables and chairs, and its design with two doors on opposite sides allows it to adapt to the day’s weather conditions.
  • DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided to you during the briefing the night before the trek begins.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir t-shirts, and a biochemical portable toilet are all provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.

Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!

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