Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain: 2 Days

Details of the experience

Duration:

2 days / 1 night.

Difficulty:

Moderate to demanding.

Maximum Altitude:

16,503 ft / 5,030 m (Rainbow Mountain).

Max Group:

16 people

Transport:

Tourist transportation + train + bus to Machu Picchu.

Tickets:

Incluye entradas.

Itinerary

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 meet you and direct you to the bus station for the ride up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You will meet your professional guide for a tour of approximately 2.5 hours through the most important sites: the Guardian’s House viewpoint, the urban sector, temples, and plazas. Enjoy free time for photos and personal exploration. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, optional lunch, and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, bus transfer back to Cusco city.

Maximum Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu).

Pick-up from your hotel at 04:30 a.m. for an approximately 2.5-hour journey to the community of Chillwani – Cusipata to enjoy an energizing breakfast. Start of the uphill hike, lasting about 1.5 hours, toward the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,030 m / 16,502 ft). Along the way, you can observe South American camelids like llamas and alpacas, as well as Andean birds and the majestic multicolored landscape. Time at the summit to appreciate the view and take photographs while the guide shares the history and geology of the area. Return to Chillwani for lunch and then head back to Cusco city, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Includes

Breakfast and lunch for the Rainbow Mountain tour.
Hotel pick-up.
Transfer 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 ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Bus up and down between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer from the train station back to your hotel.
Personalized assistance.
One night of accommodation in Cusco.
Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.

Does not include

Not Included

Meals not mentioned.
Horse rentals (available during the Rainbow Mountain hike).

Recommendations

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimate to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.

Packing Checklist

For Machu Picchu: A backpack for personal items, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat (especially during the dry season, May – November).
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
For the Cold: Warm clothing, gloves, and a scarf (essential for the early morning and high altitudes).
Essentials: A small daypack for personal items, mineral water for each day, and a camera to capture the best moments of your trip.
Finances: Some cash (Peruvian Soles) for snacks, souvenirs, or horse rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes both land and rail transportation, the bus up and down to Machu Picchu, entrance tickets for both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, breakfast and lunch on the second day, and professional guiding throughout the entire journey.

The tour has a moderate to demanding difficulty level, as it combines cultural sightseeing with a high-mountain trek. Therefore, it is recommended for people in good physical condition with some previous experience at high altitudes.

The highest altitude is reached at Rainbow Mountain, at approximately 5,030 meters (16,502 ft) above sea level. For this reason, proper acclimatization before the tour is essential to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Yes, it is highly recommended to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the start of the tour to adapt to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness (locally known as soroche). This is especially important due to the physically demanding hike to Rainbow Mountain.

The tour concludes on the second day with the return to the city of Cusco at approximately 5:00 p.m., depending on weather conditions and road traffic.