Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 3 Days

Type Service:

Group/Private

Max Altitude:

4200 m.s.n.m

Difficulty:

Challenging

Group Size:

Up to 8 people

Information

In the heart of the Peruvian Andes lies the city of Cusco, that was once the heart of the Inca Empire. Cusco is a beautiful city that is the perfect mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. On this tour to the Cusco region, experience the wonderful Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu and to finish the magical Rainbow Mountain, all on this fabulous 3-day adventure with all the best Cusco has to offer.

Highlights

  • Train through the Sacred Valley
  • 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, Pisac, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes

This morning pick up will be around 730am from you hotel reception. Begin by traveling to the Sacred Valley with a stop at the Mirador of Taray. See the spectacular views of the valley and river below. Further on tour the archeological site of Pisac located on the hill above the town. The Inca site has a impressive cemetery and is said that there are 2000 tombs. See the terracing built into the side of the mountains. Spend 2 hours at the site as there is lots to see here.

Travel down to the town where you will find a colorful market, the perfect place for all your souvenir shopping, before driving further into the valley to the town of Urubamba where you will stop for lunch. (Not included).

Our next stop is Moray, also known as the Greenhouse of the Inca. Here find carved round ground terraces. Scientists believe that they were used by the Inca to research different crops at different temperatures. They also say that the Inca brought soil from different parts of Peru to Moray to experiement with different crops.

Continue on our journey to the Maras Salt Mines. Here you will look down on thousands of salt pans than have been worked since before Inca times. How this works is a hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a stream of heavy salted water into the pans and evaportes in the sun, leaving the naturally pink salt, this is one of the only places in the world where you can find this naturally pink salt.

The last stop on our Sacred Valley adventure is Ollantaytambo, with your guide explore the Inca village and the massive Inca Ruins. Tour the terracing and the Sun Temple at the top and learn what happened here with the Spanish during the conquest. Have dinner at Ollantaytambo before taking the train at 704pm train to Aguas Calientes which will arrive at 845pm. Transfer to the hotel and stay the night.

  • 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
  • 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior
  • Meals: Breakfast at your hotel and Dinner.

Day 2. Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco

The day you have been waiting for, Machu Picchu. Have a early breakfast at your hotel and then catch the bus to see the sunrise. This is recommended as this will live in your memory forever. Your guide will give an informative guided tour of the Inca citadel. Spend as much time at each important site as you need to take photos and learn about Machu Picchu.

When you have finished with Machu Picchu, the bus will take you back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). You may have some time for shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 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, your 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 your hotel by 7:00pm.

  • 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:

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up to Huayna Picchu Mountain, this tour is without a guide.

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.

Day 3. Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Cusco

An early start today your guide will pick you up at 430am from your hotel reception, to begin our Rainbow Mountain adventure. Drive through the South Valley for 3 hours to the start of the trail at Llacto. On the journey pass terraces, villages and Andean peaks.

Have breakfast with herds of alpacas and llamas before starting your trek to Rainbow mountain. Follow a lovely stream with great views of Ausangate Mountain and spectacular glaciers. Interact with the local people and learn from your guide about the traditional clothing they use. Your guide will teach you some words in Quechua the local language.

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.

Later hike back down the way we came. When you arrive at the trailhead. 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 hotelarriving around 6:00pm.

  • Meals included: Hot breakfast & lunch

What is Included for Machu Picchu Peru Tour?

  • Pick up at your hotel
  • Tours of Sacred Valley, 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 Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Cusco (This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels
  • 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. 

Tours

"In the heart of the Inca city of Cusco you will find SAM Apartments. The perfect place to stay for your family and friends while in Cusco. When you open the door to your new home in Cusco, you will feel the warmth of the apartment. "