In the heart of the Peruvian Andes lies the city of Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire. Cusco is a beautiful city that is the perfect mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. Travel by train through the breathtaking Sacred Valley to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu before journeying to the strange but wonderful Rainbow Mountain. On this tour to the Cusco region experience a Cusco city tour, the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu and to finish the magical Rainbow Mountain, all on this fabulous 3 Day – Machu Picchu Tour Package Peru, with all the best Cusco has to offer.

Highlights

• The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu
• Travel with the best tour Company in Cusco
• Educated, Knowledgeable Guides
• The Colorful Rainbow Mountain
• Small groups of up to 8 people

Itinerary

Day 1. Cusco City Tour

Arrive at the airport in Cusco and be transferred to your hotel by our representative. They will give you a short briefing to explain the days ahead. It is recommended to get a few hours rest at your hotel and try to acclimatize if you have arrived from sea level. Have some lunch before starting a Cusco City tour inclulding the surrounding ruins. On the tour you will visit Santo Domingo Church and see the Inca foundations that once were the Inca Palace of Qoricancha, which was the main temple in Cusco during Inca times. Travel just outside of Cusco to visit the sites of Sacsayhuaman, a grand Inca fortress, also the ruins of Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay.

The guide will give you a tour of all the ruins where you will learn the history of each site. Later travel back to Cusco and to your hotel.

• 3* Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina or Novotel
• Meals: Not Included.

Day 2. Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Today we visit the site that everyone comes to Peru to visit, Machu Picchu. Pick up will be at 4am. Drive out of Cusco into the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo. (If you are staying in Ollantaytambo we will pick you up at 530am). Here you will catch the Expedition Train at 610am, on leaving the station you will enter the narrow Vilcanota River canyon. The canyon walls are steep on either side of the train and are covered with lush tropical jungle. See the Inca terraces across the river.

Your guide will be waiting when you arrive into Aguas Calientes station. Buy a quick snack before taking the bus up to the gates of Machu Picchu. After entering the ruin your guide will give you a comphrensive tour of 2 hours which will include some of the most important parts of the citadel, learn how Machu Picchu is divided into 3 important sectors, agricultural, residential and religious. This mystical site is like nothing you will ever see anywhere else in the world. Take you time to enjoy.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. 

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 3:20pm, 4:22pm, 4:43pm or 6:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at the hotel by between 7:00pm to 10pm depending on your return train schedule. 

• 3* Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina or Novotel
• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel

***IMPORTANT:

• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is US$67

Day 3. Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Cusco

Pick up early at 4am from you hotel, travel south of Cusco to begin our Rainbow Mountain adventure. Drive for 3 hours till the trailhead at Llacto. While traveling pass farming Inca terraces, villages and high Andean peak.

You will have breakfast with the alpacas and llama before traveling to the start of the Rainbow Mountain. On the start of the trek follow a lovely stream with spectacular views of the glaciers and Ausangate Mountain. Have the chance to interact with the locals, the guide will explain the traditional clothing that the locals use and teach you some basic words to greet the people.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is 1.5 hours. When you reach the summit admire the beauty and explore the area. Spend around 30 minutes at the top. If you feel energetic hike to the Red Valley, this will add another 45 minutes to your hike but the views are wonderful and worth the effort.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch prepared by our cook.

We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 6:00pm.

• Meals included: Hot breakfast & lunch

What is Included?

• Pick up at your hotel
• Tours of Cusco, Machu Picchu
• Rainbow Mountain trek
• Entrance tickets to the Inca Cities and all archeological sites
• Private transportation for all tours
• Round trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
• Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cusco
• Meals as indicated on the itinerary
• Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
• Professional guide fluent in English & Spanish
• Hot meals at Rainbow Mountain – breakfast and lunch

Not Included

• Meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional)Entrance of Huayna Picchu – $75 USD
• Upgrades train/hotel – For Vistadome train add $67 USD per person
• Tips for your guide.

Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.