The Perfect 5-Day Machu Picchu Tour including Rainbow Mountain
Take an unforgettable 5-day journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, exploring the ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the truly remarkable Rainbow Mountain. Starting the city of Cusco explore the ancient streets and discover the fabulous mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. Travel to the spectacularly beautiful Sacred Valley of the Inca before heading by train to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Our last amazing destination is the Rainbow Mountain, where the layers of colorful mineral deposits paint the landscape in colorful hues. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Peru a once in a lifetime experience.
5 Day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour at a Glance
Explore the heart of Cusco on this complete journey, Discover Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain, all in one incredible 5-day tour. Start your trip visiting iconic Inca sites in the cradle of the inca empire “Cusco”, followed by a visit to the great Sacred Valley of the Incas and its stunning natural mountain scenery, you will learn about customs, history and more on each inca site and colorful towns you will pass by, such as Pisaq, Moray, the Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo. Discover Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world on a complete tour. Our final destination will be the incredible Rainbow Mountain and all its natural surroundings to reach the summit. This is the perfect journey to Cusco, that blends, history, culture and stunning natural scenery.
Day 1. Arrival in Cusco – Best of the City.
Visit the imperial city of Cusco and its most important spots, pick up in the morning by 10 am, you will start with a visit of the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful squares in South America, we will walk you through its ancient narrow streets. We will learn insights of Cusco history and see the most beautiful Inca Temple “Qoricancha”, later we drive towards San Pedro Market, where traditions, colors, flavors and aromas are fused. Finally, you will be driven to the outskirts of Cusco and visit the great fortress of Saqsayhuaman that sits above the imperial city.
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Day 2. Complete Sacred Valley Tour
At 7 am you guide will show up at your hotel lobby, today we have a full day tour, we drive first to the town of Pisaq, we have a comprenhensive tour of the archaelogical remain atop the hill, then have a chance to see the colorful local market. Our next place will be the circular terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. In the afternoon you will be driven to the massive Inca site of Ollantaytambo. After a full day of adventure, we will ride a train toward Aguas Calientes, here we spend the night and prepare for the next day adventure.
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Day 3. Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas”
Visit of the 7th wonder of the world and the most impresive day of your journey. On this glorious day, you will unvail all secred behinf its ancient walls, we start early from your hotel to ride one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, we have a 3 hour tor. visiting the most important enclosures, later you will bus back to Aguas Calientes for luch followed by a free time to explore this small town, then we train back to Ollantaytambo, and then bus back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 7:30 pm
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Day 4. Rainbow Mountain Tour
Full day of adventure. Pick up at 4 am to drive for around 3 hours to the trailhead, travel through the south of the city, impressive Andean scenery with locals and their herds of alpacas grazing freely, arrive to the Rainbow Mountain at 5100 mt / 16 732 ft, learn important information from your guide, and amaze this natural wonder that makes of your journey a once in a life time experience. After some time at the top, you will walk the same way towards the trailhead and return to Cusco. We arrive by 5 pm.
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Day 5. Depart Cusco – Thank you
It is time to say good bye, we pick you up at your hotel and we drive for 30 mins to the airport.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Cusco – Best of the City
Upon your arrival into Cusco, be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Our tour starts at 1 pm.
Starting with a walking tour, we first visit the Plaza the Armas – Cusco’s town square. On the tour we will find ourselves surrounded by the Inca walls, searching for the seven snakes of Siete Culebras, admiring the famous 12-angled stone of Hatunrumiyoc, and seeing the shape of the puma at Inca Roca.
Our next stop is Qorikancha – the Temple of the Sun, showcasing exquisite architecture. Considered the most sacred temple in Cusco in ancient ages, it was dedicated to the supreme Inca deity – The Sun God. Continuing on to the vibrant San Pedro Market, see its vibrant colors and activity and also is an insight into the life of the locals.
Lastly, we drive to one of the most impressive sites in Cusco, Sacsayhuaman. Here explore, the Royal House of the Sun, and one of the greatest stone monuments in Incan architecture. Take in the spectacular views of Cusco before returning to Cusco and your hotel.
Accommodation:
- 3* Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Plaza Regocijo, Maytaq Wasin Hotel or Rumi Punku
- 4* Hotel: Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Premium or Novotel Hotels
Meals
- None
Day 2. Complete Sacred Valley Tour
This morning pick up from your hotel lobby will be at 07:00 am in Cusco for your Sacred Valley tour. Travel through the Sacred Valley to Pisac. Today we visit the 4 main sites in the Sacred Valley, the Pisac Archeological site, Pisac Market, the Salt mines in Maras, and Moray. First, visit the archaeological site of Pisac. Here you will have a guided tour for around 1 hour, visiting the agriculture terraces, the cemetery, the temple of the sun all while enjoy the valley views below. Travel down to the market in Pisac town, enjoy the wonderful explosion of color and maybe pick up some souvenirs. After visiting Pisac we will continue to Urubamba and around midday we will stop at a restaurant in Urubamba.
Next is the site of Moray, a magnificent series of terrace circles set into the ground that was once used by the Incas for experimentation with crops. See the salt mines which have been in use since Pre-Inca times. Water from an underground stream is channeled through pools where it evaporates and leaves behind pure salt crystals. The views are amazing with thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley. Our final destination is Ollantaytambo where we will explore the ruins. Marvel at the Inca site and the views, before dinner, later taking the train to Aguas Calientes at 07:04 pm. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes we go to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation:
- 3* Hotel: Tara Hotel, Gringo Bills or Ferre
- 4* Hotel: Hatun Inti Boutique, Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or El Mapi
Meals
- Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch
Day 3. Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas”
Get ready for a magical day, visit Machu Picchu. Wake up early and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over the ruins.
Our guide will come to your hotel to pick you up then you will go to the bus station. The bus takes 30 minutes to get to Machu Picchu. Once at the entrance, show our Passport and Machu Picchu ticket and walk to the “guardhouse” enjoy the views of this powerful monument, then your guide will be give a short introduction of the history of Machu Picchu. Enter the site and our guide will spend around 2 hours unfolding the secrets of Machu Picchu. Tour all the important areas of Machu Picchu, see the residential area, the Royal Tombs, hear the legends of the Temples of the Condor and the Sun. Discover the sacred stone. Spend some time in the plaza where your guide will give you all the historical information. Discover this mystical site while enjoy the magnificent landscapes that surround Machu Picchu.
Afterward, you can hike Huayna Picchu Mountain if you have signed up for this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $70 per person).
Finally, return to Aguas Calientes by bus, choose the restaurant of your preference for your lunch, if you have time, you can buy some souvenirs for your family, then take a train back to Ollantaytambo at around 2:55, 3:20 or 4:43 (depending on availability). When you get off the train in Ollantaytambo our driver will pick you up and drive you back to Cusco, finally, we will transfer you back to your hotel by 07:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Accommodation:
- 3* Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Plaza Regocijo, Maytaq Wasin Hotel or Rumi Punku
- 4* Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Casa Andina Premium or Novotel
Meals
- Breakfast (Hotel)
Day 4. Rainbow Mountain Tour
Your trip starts from your hotel early when your guide and driver will arrive at 4:00 am, drive 3½ hours to the trailhead on the way we will stop for a hearty breakfast. Llaqto our trailhead is located at 4600m/14300ft.
Be sure to be equipped with warm clothes for the cold morning. Here will be colder than Cusco. We will hike up about 1½ hour to reach the summit. Have the opportunity to rent horses to make your journey easier. While hiking, appreciate the spectacular natural environment, see South American Camelids, and other species in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival, be mesmerized by the outstanding views. We will give you a bit of time to explore on your own, walk around and capture those memorable photos. From viewpoint, enjoy the gorgeous views of the highest mountain in Cusco which is the fifth in Perú “Ausangate”. The quietness of being next to the highest mountain in Cusco “Ausangate” is simply magical.
After marveling at the views, we’ll hike down for 1 hour, enjoy lunch and then drive back to Cusco for around 3 1/2 hours, we expect to arrive by 5:00 pm.
Accommodation:
- 3* Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Plaza Regocijo, Maytaq Wasin Hotel or Rumi Punku
- 4* Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Casa Andina Premium or Novotel
Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5. Depart Cusco – Thank you
Enjoy your remaining time in our City, buy some souvenirs for your family, at an agreed time we will arrange for your transfer to the airport.
You can extend your trip by one extra day and choose from additional activities such as immersing yourself in local culture, cooking classes, and experiencing local meals made with your own hands. or simply explore more of the cradle of the Inca civilization. (ask our experts)
Meals
- Breakfast (Hotel)
What does the 5 Day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour Include?
It includes
- Hotel Pick-up & drop off.
- Transportation.
- English-speaking guide (Professional)
- Tourist train (expedition) ticket from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes & Vice versa.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Entrance ticket for the Sacred Valley (General/Full Ticket)
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu (two hours)
- Round trip bus ticket From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes & Vice versa.
- 18% tax.
- Meals as indicated on the Itinerary
- Hotels (depending on the cost you chose)
Not Included
- Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, each at $70 USD. Must be booked and confirmed in advance (Ideally, at the time of booking),
- Upgrade train: Vistadome train – $60 USD per person. (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Meals
- Tips
- Travel insurance.
- Horse for Rainbow Mountain
- Meals (see itinerary)
Add-on’s and extras
- Single Room Supplement per night– $ 40 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes at 3* Hotel $ 90 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Private Services – $200 USD each
- Horse for Rainbow Mountain – S/100 PEN, local currency or 30 USD
- Hotel upgrade to 4* or 5*, ask your travel expert.
Best Price for The 5 Day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour
Group Services
| Accommodation | Cost Per Person |
| without hotels | $820 USD Per person |
| 3* hotels | $999 USD Per person |
| 4* Hotels | $1250 USD Per person |
***For groups of 4+ travelers, $20 USD discount each. (Applies for the group service only)
Private services:
$200 Extra USD Per Person
Student Discount
- $30 USD off per person. Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17 years old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- $40 USD off per person. For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add On’s:
- Single Room Supplement per night– $ 40 USD at 3* Hotel
- Single Room Supplement per night– $ 100 USD at 4* Hotel
- Extra night at 3* Hotel $ 100 USD and 200 usd per night at 4* hotel (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Private Services – $200 extra USD each
- Horse for Rainbow Mountain – S/100 PEN, local currency or 30 USD
Packing List For The Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour.
- Original Passport (the same you used at the booking time)
- Small backpack
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Polar or sweater for early mornings and evenings
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
- Face cleanser, moisturizers & after sun cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Extra Bateries
***Your luggage can be stored at our office at no cots during the tour.
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service, ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal, your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air, it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your trip, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trip talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
Some people change hotels after trips; therefore, we offer a free secure luggage store while touring with us. Please advise at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa, but you have to pay 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
