Tour Details
Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour: This is one of our most popular tour packages for travelers with limited time in Peru. This 2-days and 1-night package includes a visit to the Rainbow Mountain and the Inca city of Machu Picchu. These destinations are the most requested and outstanding in Cusco that you can’t miss.
What’s included?
- ✅ Breakfast and lunch for the Rainbow Mountain tour.
- ✅ Hotel pick-up.
- ✅ Transfer by vehicle to the train station.
- ✅ Train ticket to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- ✅ Reception at the Aguas Calientes train station.
- ✅ Ticket and transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- ✅ Entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- ✅ Guided visit in Machu Picchu.
- ✅ Bus up and down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- ✅ Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- ✅ Transfer by vehicle from the train station to the hotel.
- ✅ Assistance.
- ✅ One night in a hotel in Cusco.
- ✅ Entrance to Rainbow Mountain.
What’s not included?
- ⛔ Meals not mentioned.
- ⛔ Horses.
Important Recommendations
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.- ➡️ Bring a backpack for your trip to Machu Picchu with personal items.
- ➡️ Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- ➡️ For Machu Picchu, bring insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat in the dry season (May – November).
- ➡️ Warm clothing.
- ➡️ Small backpack with personal items.
- ➡️ Camera to capture the best moments of the trip.
- ➡️ Some cash for purchases.
- ➡️ Bottled water each day.
- ➡️ Sunscreen and a cap for the sun.
- ➡️ Gloves and a scarf for the cold.
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or coordinated meeting point in the historic center.
Tour itinerary: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco.
Important: This 2-day tour combines the cultural and archaeological experience of Machu Picchu with the adventure of reaching Rainbow Mountain, including train and bus transportation, entrances, and professional guiding.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Pick-up from your hotel at 05:00 a.m. and transfer by minibus to Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our staff will welcome you and guide you to the bus station heading to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Meet your professional guide for a tour of approximately 2 and a half hours through the most important points: the Guardian’s House viewpoint, urban area, temples, and plazas. Free time for photos and personal exploration. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, optional lunch, and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Transfer by bus to the city of Cusco. Maximum altitude: 2,430 masl (Machu Picchu).Day 2: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Pick-up from your hotel at 04:30 a.m. and drive of approximately 2 and a half hours to the community of Chillwani – Cusipata to enjoy an energizing breakfast. Start of the uphill hike of around 1 and a half hours to the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m.a.s.l. / 16,502 ft). Along the way you can observe camelids such as llamas and alpacas and Andean birds, as well as the majestic multicolored landscape. Time at the summit to enjoy the view and take photographs, while the guide shares the history and geology of the place. Return to Chillwani for lunch and drive back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m..Maximum altitude: 5,030 masl (Rainbow Mountain).
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.
Practical Information
Tour Data
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- Walking distance: Day 1 in Machu Picchu (cultural walk approx. 3 km) and Day 2 at Rainbow Mountain (high-altitude hike approx. 7 km round trip)
- Maximum altitude: 5,200 meters (Rainbow Mountain)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – includes cultural visits and a high-altitude hike; good physical condition and prior acclimatization recommended
- Minimum age: From 12 years old
- Maximum group: 16 people
What to Bring
- Original ID or passport (mandatory for entry to Machu Picchu)
- Light clothing for day 1 and thermal layers for day 2
- Windbreaker or rain jacket
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent for Machu Picchu
- Gloves, scarf, and beanie for Rainbow Mountain
- Reusable water bottle (maximum 600 ml in Machu Picchu, no restriction at Rainbow Mountain)
- Water-resistant trekking footwear with good grip
- Energy snacks (allowed outside archaeological areas)
- Cash (soles) for purchases and additional expenses
- Camera or phone with rain protection
- Small daypack
Health Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimatize, especially due to the altitude of Rainbow Mountain
- Stay well hydrated and eat light meals
- Walk at a moderate pace and take breaks when necessary
- Use sunscreen even on cold or cloudy days
- Not recommended for people with heart or respiratory problems without medical authorization
- Respect conservation rules at Machu Picchu and follow the guide’s instructions at all times
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need?
The 2-Day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour is of moderate to challenging difficulty. It includes cultural visits in Machu Picchu and a high-altitude hike on the second day to Rainbow Mountain. Good physical condition, prior acclimatization, and no severe heart or respiratory issues are recommended.
What is the best time to go?
It can be done all year round. The dry season (May–September) offers better conditions for the Rainbow Mountain hike and clear skies in Machu Picchu. In the rainy season (December–March) the landscape is greener, but the trail can be slippery and extra caution is required.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, train and bus tickets, as well as entrance to Rainbow Mountain have limited availability. We recommend booking 3–4 weeks in advance, and longer in high season (June–August).
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour is not canceled due to rain. It is advisable to bring a rain poncho or windbreaker/rain jacket and protect personal items with waterproof covers or dry bags. On Rainbow Mountain, rain can make the trail more demanding.
Are the tickets included?
Yes, the package includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, train and bus transportation, and the entrance to Rainbow Mountain. Optional access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain must be reserved and paid separately, subject to availability.
Can I rent equipment?
For the Rainbow Mountain hike, trekking poles (with rubber tips) can be rented in Cusco or at the starting point. There is also the option to rent horses on site for those who need them, with direct payment to local community members.
What about my luggage?
It is recommended to carry only a small backpack with what you need each day (water, sunscreen, camera, warm layers, etc.). Main luggage can remain at your hotel in Cusco or in storage at the accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Are there water, bathrooms, and signal on the route?
In Aguas Calientes and at the Machu Picchu entrance there are restrooms (additional cost). At Rainbow Mountain there are rustic toilets near the start of the trail. Inside Machu Picchu there are no bathrooms. Bring water in a reusable bottle (max. 600 ml in Machu Picchu, no restriction at Rainbow Mountain). Cell signal is limited in both areas.