Cusco and Rainbow Mountain

4 day/3 night

Enjoy wonderful scenery and magical views of snow-capped peaks with a soft, full day trek to the Rainbow Mountain or to the gorgeous Humantay Lagoon, together with the impressive architectural monuments developed by the culture that dominated more than a hundred different ethnic groups at its greatest. A complete experience for those looking for nature together with an astonishing cultural legacy.

Overwiew

  • DAY 1 Arrival in Cusco. Tour of the city and nearby archaeological sites
  • DAY 2 Trek to Rainbow Mountain or trek to Humantay Lagoon
  • DAY 3 Machu Picchu. Visit the World Heritage Site
  • DAY 4 Departure
  • Optional: additional day for visiting the Sacred Valley

Included

  • Round trip arrival and departure transfers
  • Accommodation
  • Buffet breakfast
  • Excursion to the Rainbow Mountain. Optional: Humantay Lagoon
  • Lunch during the trek
  • Machu Picchu excursion with transfers, train and bus tickets
  • Entrances and one-day pass to Machu Picchu
  • Professional guides

Not included

  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, bar, laundry, medical expenses, etc.
  • Second entrance/bus to Machu Picchu.
  • Air tickets

Day 1 Cusco

Upon arrival to Cusco in the morning, transfer to your hotel.

The afternoon tour will lead you to discover the captivating city and the impressive nearby archaeological sites. Start visiting the Koricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece with beautiful wood carvings and places of worship. Head uphill to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress built with huge stones showcasing the exceptional work performed by the Incas, and continue on to the archaeological complex of Kenko with its zigzagging structures. Following this ancient route of the empire, get to the “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara, presumed to be a military post, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay with its sophisticated canal system.

Day 2 Rainbow Mountain or Hike to Humantay Lagoon

Rainbow Mountain

Very early in the morning, land departure to the South route of Cusco. After one-and-a -half hour, make a stop for breakfast and continue on to the starting point of your adventure. See typical colonial towns, pass through herds of alpacas and llamas en route. Challenge yourself upwards with an altitude of 5020masl/16470fasl at the highest point and enjoy an exciting trek to Vinincunca Mountain, also known as Rainbow Mountain, which shows striking geological features. Its colors were formed by sedimentary mineral layers that have been exposed by erosion. While walking every step closer to the summit for almost two hours, admire outstanding views of a wild environment. Once at the summit, time to enjoy this beautiful spectacle of the nature. Descend and take the transportation. After lunch, return to Cusco having the opportunity to meet native people. Late afternoon arrival to your hotel.

 Humantay Lagoon 

An adventure short trek perfect for nature lovers. Early morning pick-up for a two-hour bus transfer to Mollepata, entering in the Salkantay route. Breakfast and continue on for one more hour to Soraypampa. Wonderful views of the snowy Salkantay and Humantay peaks at this point. Start a slow 1.30 hour hike up to Humantay Lagoon (13,800fasl) and enjoy impressive paradise in the mountains. The turquoise waters of the lagoon stands in the middle of majestic mountains showing the astonishing beauty of the Andes. Descend to Mollepata for a light lunch and take the transportation back to Cusco and your hotel.

Day 3 Machu Picchu

An unforgettable experience. Transfer to the station and depart on a scenic train ride to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu town (former Aguas Calientes), you will be driven to the citadel nestled in a location that can only be described as magnificent. Overseeing a deep canyon of the Urubamba River, fine stone carved stairways will take you to ceremonial shrines, the Sun Dial, agricultural terraces, squares and the urban areas. With a history dating back to the 15th century, this enigmatic site where the energy can be felt all around has not revealed yet the mysteries behind its construction. After the guided tour, free time to explore this wonder. Afternoon return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Day 4 Cusco

Transfer to the airport to board your flight to the next destination.

Optional: You may add one day to visit the Sacred Valley:

Full day overland excursion to the gorgeous Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the colorful market at Pisac, where you can interact with the artisans and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and continue on to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town with narrow cobbled stone streets and place of a great complex of buildings at its upper part, with an impressive ceremonial center used for water worship. Ollantaytambo, an example of Inca urban planning that is still alive today, is undoubtedly one of the master works of the Incas. On the way back to Cusco, make a stop at the picturesque village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and its colonial church.