Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountain Tour
The first destination will be the Cusco Cathedral Church, an architectural jewel full of history and valuable art pieces. Subsequently, we will visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), an Inca sanctuary dedicated to their deities, where we will appreciate the amazing skill in stonework carried out by the Incas.
We will continue our itinerary towards the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, famous for its imposing stone walls meticulously assembled. Then, we will explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, an enigmatic ceremonial center, Puka Pukara, an ancient surveillance fortification, and finally, Tambomachay, known for its sophisticated water systems and ceremonial function.
In the morning, we will experience the most anticipated moment: the visit to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. We will tour its temples, terraces and sacred precincts while marveling at the greatness of the Inca civilization.
On day 4 we will visit Maras and Moray where you will discover two unmissable Inca wonders. You will be amazed by the Maras Salt Mines with their thousands of stepped white pools where salt is still extracted in traditional ways. In Moray, you will be fascinated by the perfect concentric rings that functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory to experiment with different microclimates. Both sites will allow you to closely appreciate the ingenuity and ancestral Andean wisdom in a spectacular landscape setting.
“On day 5, we will embark on a fascinating expedition to the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. This extraordinary natural phenomenon will surprise us with its impressive multicolored stripes that adorn its slopes, the result of the complex mineral composition of the terrain. The hike will take us through dreamlike Andean landscapes until we reach a privileged viewpoint at over 16,400 feet above sea level, from where we will contemplate this unique geological spectacle in the world while surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.”
Finally on day 6 we will transfer you to the airport with Machu Picchu Wayna
Highlights
DAY 1: Cusco – City and surroundings
Airport reception and transfer to hotel.
City tour from 1:30 p.m.: Cusco Cathedral, Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Return to Cusco and free evening.
DAY 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
Visit to Pisac: archaeological site and artisan market.
Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
Tour of Ollantaytambo.
Train to Aguas Calientes, hotel check-in and free evening.
DAY 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Guided tour: agricultural zone, temples, plazas and hydraulic systems.
Option to climb Huayna Picchu.
Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
DAY 4: Moray and Maras Salt Mines
Visit to Moray (Inca agricultural laboratory).
Tour of the Maras Salt Mines.
Stop in Chinchero to learn about the textile process.
Alternative option: Rainbow Mountain Tour (additional cost).
DAY 5: Seven Colors Mountain
Early departure to Cusipata (breakfast included).
1h20min hike to Vinicunca (16,667 ft above sea level).
Panoramic view and cultural explanation.
Return with lunch in Cusipata and back to Cusco.
DAY 6: Airport transfer
Transfer from hotel to airport for return flight.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – CITY AND SURROUNDINGS
Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be received at the airport and transferred to your hotel to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., we will begin a tour of the imperial city and its surroundings.
The first stop will be at the Cathedral of Cusco, a jewel of colonial architecture with impressive wooden carved altars and paintings from the Cusco School. Then, we will head to Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, where we appreciate the amazing stonework of the Incas.
We will board our transport to visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive fortress built with enormous stone blocks. We will continue to Qenqo, an ancient Inca ceremonial center, and then visit Puka Pukara, known as the "red fortress," which served as a control post. Finally, we explore Tambomachay, an archaeological site with aqueducts and water fountains known as the "Inca Baths."
At the end of the tour, we will return to Cusco, where you can enjoy a free evening to explore the city.
DAY 2: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY - AGUAS CALIENTES
In the morning, we will depart for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be in Pisac, where we will visit its archaeological site and its artisan market, a perfect place to buy souvenirs made by local inhabitants.
At noon, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, surrounded by beautiful Andean landscape.
In the afternoon, we will explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an archaeological site with impressive terraces and Inca structures. After the tour, we will head to the train station to board our transport to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we will settle in the hotel and have free time to stroll through its streets, visit the hot springs, or dine at one of its restaurants.
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Early in the morning, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu, where we can enjoy the sunrise at the Inca citadel.
We will conduct a guided tour of the most important sectors, including the agricultural zone, the sacred temples, the ceremonial plazas, and the hydraulic systems of the Incas. For those seeking an even more challenging experience, there is the option to ascend Huayna Picchu Mountain, from where you have a spectacular view of the citadel and the surrounding valley.
After the visit, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, we will board our transport to Cusco, where we will spend the night.
DAY 4: MORAY AND SALT FLATS OF MARAS
At 7:30 a.m., we will leave Cusco to visit the incredible archaeological complex of Moray, considered an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory. Its circular terraces served to experiment with crops and adapt products to different microclimates.
Then, we will continue to the Salt Flats of Maras, a set of more than 3,000 salt pools formed by an underground spring. This salt, famous for its mineral properties, has been used from the Inca era to the present day.
On the way back to Cusco, we will make a brief stop in Chinchero, where we will learn about the alpaca and sheep wool weaving process, an ancestral tradition of the local inhabitants.
Note: This day, if you wish, you can choose to change the visit to Maras and Moray for a tour to the Seven Colors Mountain for an additional cost.
DAY 5: EXCURSION TO THE SEVEN COLORS MOUNTAIN
Very early in the morning, we will head by transport to the district of Cusipata, where we will have breakfast before continuing to the starting point of the hike.
The hike to the Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca) lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, through an impressive Andean landscape with snow-capped peaks and local fauna, including llamas and alpacas.
Upon reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint (16,667 ft above sea level), we will enjoy a spectacular view and learn about the geological formation of the mountain and its significance to Andean culture.
After taking photographs and exploring the place, we will descend to return to Cusipata, where we will have lunch before returning to Cusco.
DAY 6: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Cusco airport to take your return flight.
What does it include?
Includes:
- Transfers to and from the airport.
- Accommodation in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance tickets to the mentioned tourist sites.
- Transportation in tourist buses and trains.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley and
- Breakfast and buffet lunch at Seven Colors Mountain.
Does not include:
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Services not specified in the program.
We recommend bringing:
- In Pisac, don't forget to try the empanadas and buy unique handicrafts.
- In Urubamba, enjoy the buffet lunch and try the giant corn from the Sacred Valley.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early at the train station to avoid inconveniences.
- Use comfortable and non-slip footwear to explore Machu Picchu and the Seven Colors Mountain.
- Bring a small backpack with water, sunscreen, hat, repellent and camera.
- On the train you can only carry 7 kg of luggage, organize your suitcase with essentials.
- Enjoy the hot springs of Aguas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu.
- Bring a rain poncho for the hike to the Seven Colors Mountain.
- Stay hydrated and bring light snacks for the journey.
