Description of Cusco the Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 4 Day Tour
Take a breathtaking 4 Day adventure through Peru’s iconic landscapes, first travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas seeing ancient ruins and colorful local markets. Walk the short Inca Trail to the majestic Machu Picchu, have a tour with your expert guide and feel the site alive. On the last day wake up early and travel through the Andes to the stunning Rainbow Moutain, where colorful mineral layers paint a surreal scene. This tour gives a great mix of culture, history and beauty all within the heart of the Andes.
Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain 4 Days at a Glance
Discover the Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain in 4 Days, travel through pinturesque towns, see colorful handcraft markets and archaelogical sites in the Sacred Valley, connecting with the ancient Inca Trail to Machupicchu, explore the enigmatic Machu Picchu citadel on a comprenhensive tour with your guide. The last day of our trip will end with a visit to the Rainbow Mountain, you will learn insights of why its vibrant colors. The perfect trip for those who have limited time, the most important destinations in Peru in one trip.
Day 1: Pisaq – Maras – Moray – Ollantaytambo.
Full day Journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will start with a hotel pick up at 7:30 am. Discover timeless Inca sites, colorful markets, and stunning mountain scenery. Explore the ancient Inca remain atop the hill “Pisaq”, then we drive towards the agricultural laboratory of Moray followed by a visit to the Salt Mines in Maras where locals still produce salt for consumption, end your full day of adventure with a visit to the great Ollantaytambo fortress, learn its history and how important it was for the Incas.
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Undoubtely, one of the most exciting days, a 6 Hour hike on the Short Inca Trail, you will pass by interesting archaeological sites that are very well preserved, an ancient trail that lead us towards Machu Picchu, entering the park through the Sun Gate as our ancestors did. Arrive in Machupicchu in the afternoon when the park is with fewer crowds. Spend the night at a comfortable hotel.
Day 3: Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas” – Cusco.
Guided tour in the Legendary park ok Machu Picchu. We start our day with an early pick up, then we take a bus towards Machu Picchu, arrive to the park when the first rays are hitting Machupicchu, unveil the secrets that its ancient walls hides. This tour will take three hours, after our visit you will drive back to Aguas Calientes, have some time for lunch and train to Ollantaytambo, finally you will be driven back to Cusco by car. Arrive at your hotel by 7:30 pm
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
Full day experience to the Rainbow Mountain. Pick up at 4:00 am for a 3 hour ride to the trail head, then we have a scenic hike towards the Rainbow Mountain, its vibrant colors make of this destination a not to be missed spot on any travel itinerary. See local life, herds of llamas and alpacas gracing freely. After our visit we walk down to the same spot where we started the hike and back to the city of Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pisaq – Maras – Moray – Ollantaytambo.
After your breakfast. We will pick you up from your Hotel at 7:15 am to drive towards the Sacred Valley. We make a short stop at “El mirador de Taray”, you will learn about the agriculture in the Sacred Valley, the we head to Pisaq. You will start your guided tour visiting the archeological sited above. At the archeological center, there are Andean terraces, religious buildings, ceremonial sites and an interesting cementery with more than 2000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. We will have enough time to explore the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, and we keed driving to Urubamba for our Lunch.
Our next stop is the fascinating site of Moray also known as “the womb of the mother earth” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the great architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day
Accomodation:
- 2*: Tunupa Lodge or similar
- 3*: Pakaritampu hotel or similar
Meals:
- Lunch
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Sun Gate – Aguas Calientes
Pick up at 5:30 am from your hotel in Ollantaytambo. Our train leave at 6:10 am. You will be given your respective box lunch. We will get off the train at km104, we will start our hike from this point. We pass through the Archaelogical site of Chachabamba (located at 2250 m.s.n.m.) likewise you will be guided around the complex.
Our hike turns to be up hill till we reach Wiñay Wayna agricultural center and the most impressive complex before Machu Picchu. While the trip you will be able to appreciate the beautiful views of the Urubamba River as well as the different types of orchids. Then we will take a short break to take our box lunch. Then will be a gradual up and down by 1 hour to Inti Punku (Sungate).
Afterwards, we descend to Machu Picchu, we will amaze this wonderful Inca Site from the watchtower “Guardhouse” and get a charming postcard picture. Afterwards we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. We will leave you at the hotel take a nap, then enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner.
Accomodation:
- 3*: Tara Hotel, Gringo Bills or Ferre
- 4*: Hatun Inti Boutique, Tierra Viva Machupicchu or El Mapi
Meals:
- Breakfast (Hotel), Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas” – Cusco.
We wake up really early around 5 am to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, the most famous inca site in Peru. An early breakfast will be supplied by your hotel. The bus ride up to Machu Picchu lasts about 25 minutes. Please remember to have your passport with you, you will need it to enter Machu Picchu. The sanctuary opens at 6:00 am, allowing us time to see the wonderful sunrise over the Inca Citadel. You guided tour will last approximately 2 hours visiting the main sites such as: the enclosures, the main plaza, Sacred Fountains, the Condor and Royal Temples, the agricultural, and urban sector, where the important Incas lived. Hear the legends and stories of the ancient times and the life of the people who inhabited Machu Picchu. Feel the Inca spirit as you pass through the site, discover the mystery of the Sacred Stone. Take in the surroundings as the Andes hug the sight in all their majestic beauty.
After exploring you can climb either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be purchased in advance). When you are ready take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and have lunch. Later take the train through the valley to Ollantaytambo. Trains are in afternoon at 2:55 pm, 4:22 or 4:43 pm. Outside the train station our driver will be holding a sign so look for your name or the Wayna Trekkers logo. The drive back to Cusco will take around 2 hours, the perfect time to rest or enjoy the scenery.
Accomodation:
- 3*: Hacienda Cusco Plaza, Rumi Punku or Maytaq Wasin
- 4*: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Novotel or Casa Andina Premium
Meals:
- Breakfast (Hotel)
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
And early start with your trip beginning around 4:00 AM from your hotel reception. Drive 3½ hours through the Andes to the trailhead. Stop along the way for a wonderful filling hearty breakfast before arriving at Llaqto our trailhead, located at 4600m/14300ft.
Make sure you are dressed warmly for the cold morning weather, which is colder than Cusco. Start the hike with a 1½ hour walk to reach the highest point. There will be the opportunity to rent horses if you want to make your journey easier. While hiking, you see the spectacular surrounding environment, pass 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 treasured photos. From the top of Rainbow Mountain, enjoy gorgeous views of the highest mountain in Cusco, Ausangate. With your guide discuss highlights of Inca history. 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 and then drive back to Cusco for around 3 1/2 hours, we expect to arrive by 5:00 pm.
Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
What does the 4-day tour in Cusco include?
Included
- Pick-up & drop off at your hotel
- Private shuttle for Wayna Trekkers travelers.
- English speaking licensed guide.
- Tourist train (expedition) ticket from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes & Vice versa.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Entrance ticket for all Inca sites, Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain
- Machu Picchu guided tour.
- Round trip bus ticket From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes & Vice versa.
- Taxes.
- Three nights hotel during the tour (It depends on what price you chose)
- 2 Meals during the Rainbow Mountain tour.
- Red Valley visit.
- 24/7 support
Not Included
- Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD extra. Must be booked and confirmed in advance (Ideally, at time of booking), because permits are selling out quickly.
- Upgrade train: Vistadome train – $60 USD per person. (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
- Meals
- Tips
- Travel insurance.
- Water
EXTRAS
- Single room at hotel – $40 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD (One way)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Private services – $200 USD
Cost of the Cusco 4 Day Tour : Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Prices:
| Accommodation | Cost Per Person |
| without hotels | $749 USD Per person |
| 3* hotels (2 night of 3* and 1 night of 2*) | $879 USD Per person |
| 4* hotels (2 nights of 4* and 1 night of 3*) | $1039 USD Per person |
Private services:
$200 USD extra per person
Discounts:
- $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:
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes $100 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD pp (Return only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD pp (Book in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 USD pp (Book in advance)
- Private Services – 200 USD pp
Packing List for the Cusco 4 Day Tour : Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter. If you require, we can supply a duffel bag. Your duffel bag will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas calientes. If you prefer you can carry all your needs in your backpack, please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
In your daypack, or on the first day’s hike you will need:
- Original Passport (the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- 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
- Valuables
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
In your duffel, you should pack
- A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
- Face cleanser, moisturizers & after sun cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Battery chargers
READ THE FOLLOWING LINES. HAVING THIS INFORMATION IN MIND WILL HELP YOU HAVING A COOLER EXPERIENCE
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 Credit card Companies or Payment Gateways.
