5 days / 4 nights
Daily Tour
15 people
English
Discover the best of Peruvian heritage with our comprehensive 5-day program combining Cusco’s colonial architecture, the breathtaking Sacred Valley, iconic Machu Picchu, and the stunning Rainbow Mountain—all with a relaxed schedule. Unlike traditional tours with 3:00 am wake-ups, this program features a comfortable 7:30–8:00 am departure to Rainbow Mountain, allowing you to enjoy the mountain with fewer crowds and better light for photography.
Arrival in Cusco and transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Free time in the morning to rest and acclimatize.
Afternoon City Tour visiting the Cathedral, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the nearby Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
Overnight in Cusco.
Morning pickup from your hotel to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Visit viewpoints of the valley and an Andean market (for example, Pisac or similar, depending on your design).
Continue to an archaeological site in the valley (such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo) with a guided visit.
In the afternoon, board the train from the Sacred Valley (usually Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Arrival in Aguas Calientes, short walk to your hotel, and briefing for the Machu Picchu visit next day.
Early breakfast at the hotel and bus up to Machu Picchu.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu (about 2–3 hours) visiting the most important sectors of the citadel.
Free time to explore on your own (according to the entry schedule and regulations).
Bus down to Aguas Calientes and time for lunch (not included unless you want to add it).
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco between 7:30 and 8:00 am, so you can enjoy a relaxed morning instead of a 3:00 am start.
Travel for about 2 hours in our private group transport to a local restaurant where you will stop to use the bathrooms, order your lunch, and get ready for the hike.
Then continue by road to the trailhead at around 4,600 m (15,092 ft), where your hike to Rainbow Mountain begins. You can walk or hire a horse if you prefer.
As you ascend, you will enjoy impressive views of the surrounding Andes and a stunning glacier in the distance.
Reach the main viewpoint at approximately 5,030 m (16,503 ft), where you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360° panorama of Rainbow Mountain and the high Andes.
Spend about 30–40 minutes at the top to take photos and relax while your guide serves you a comforting hot coca tea.
One of the highlights of this schedule is that you usually arrive when the mountain is almost empty, after the big early-morning groups have already left, so you can enjoy a quieter experience and better photos.
After the hike, return to the vehicle and drive to a nice restaurant in Cusipata with vegetarian options available for a well-deserved meal.
Finally, return to Cusco and drop off at your hotel around 7:00 pm.
Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco.
At the scheduled time, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departing flight.
This 5-day itinerary combines the three most iconic Peruvian experiences—Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain—in a single journey. The key differentiator is the Rainbow Mountain day: traditional tours depart at 3:00–4:00 am, but our schedule features a comfortable 7:30–8:00 am start. This means you can sleep normally, enjoy a proper breakfast, and arrive at the mountain when most early-morning groups have already descended, offering a more peaceful experience, better light, and superior photography opportunities. Accommodation is in carefully selected 3* superior and 4* hotels for comfort and safety. All transportation, guides, meals (where specified), and entrance fees are included, allowing you to focus on adventure without worrying about logistics.
The Cusco City Tour and Machu Picchu visits are moderate, with some walking and stairs but suitable for most fitness levels. The Rainbow Mountain hike is the most physically demanding day: it involves a 1.5–2 hour uphill trek at high altitude (starting at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft and reaching 5,030 m / 16,503 ft). Moderate fitness is required, but the pace is leisurely, and horses are available for those preferring not to walk the entire route.
Yes. Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), and Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,030 m (16,503 ft). Spending Day 1 in Cusco allows initial acclimatization. The descent to the Sacred Valley on Day 2 provides relief, and the return to Cusco before the Rainbow Mountain day (Day 4) helps your body adjust. Most travelers acclimatize well with this schedule, though drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and resting help prevent altitude symptoms.
Yes, we depart at 7:30–8:00 am from your Cusco hotel. This is the standard schedule for our Rainbow Mountain program, providing you with a relaxed morning and a quieter mountain experience compared to typical 3:00 am tours.
Horse rental is available for most or all of the Rainbow Mountain hike. Additionally, a guide can accompany you at a slower pace. If you prefer to skip Rainbow Mountain entirely, we can adjust the itinerary to include additional time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or other Peruvian destinations.
Our local restaurant partners accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice (24–48 hours). Inform us when booking, and we'll ensure your meals meet your requirements.
Not Recommended For: Travelers with serious cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or severe respiratory issues. Pregnant travelers should consult their physician before undertaking high-altitude activities. Individuals with serious back or knee problems may find the trekking challenging; horse rental or itinerary modification is recommended.
Altitude: This tour covers significant elevation changes. Cusco sits at 3,400 m (11,150 ft), the Sacred Valley at approximately 2,800–3,000 m (9,200–10,000 ft), Machu Picchu at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), and Rainbow Mountain at 5,030 m (16,503 ft). On Day 1 in Cusco, allow time to rest and acclimatize before exploring archaeological sites. The descent to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on Days 2–3 provides relief, before returning to altitude on Day 4 for Rainbow Mountain. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals on the first day, and inform your guide of any altitude-related discomfort. Coca tea is provided at hotels and during the Rainbow Mountain hike to help with acclimatization.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and high-altitude activities.
Member Since 2020
Leave a review