From Cusco: Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour

Exploring the captivating landscapes of Peru doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The "From Cusco: Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Tour" offers an efficient and immersive way to experience two of the country’s most iconic destinations. With guided visits, convenient transportation, and carefully curated inclusions, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. But what exactly can travelers expect on this journey? Let’s dive in and uncover the details.

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Key Points

2-day tour from Cusco visits Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, with round-trip transportation, train tickets, guided visits, and select meals included.
Day 1 focuses on exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu with a comprehensive guided tour.
Day 2 involves a guided hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, with a buffet lunch and scenic drive back to Cusco.
Tour is priced from $445 per person and offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Group size is limited to 18 people, with tours available in both English and Spanish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 2-day tour from Cusco allows travelers to experience the iconic Machu Picchu and the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

Priced from $445 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, train tickets, guided visits, and select meals.

Priced from $445 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, train tickets, guided visits, and select meals.

Participants can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The group size is limited to 18 people, with tours offered in English and Spanish.

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu, take in the scenic vistas of Rainbow Mountain, and enjoy free time to discover the local area.

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Day 1: Machu Picchu Experience

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in the Historic Center of Cusco.

You’ll take a bus transfer to Ollantaytambo, then board a train to Aguas Calientes.

Once there, a representative will meet you at the train station and escort you on a bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance.

Set out on a guided exploration of Machu Picchu for approximately 3 hours, learning about its scenic vistas and historical insights.
Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes, followed by free time to further explore the area.
Catch the return train to Ollantaytambo, then board a bus back to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 PM.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Guided exploration of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 3 hours, providing visitors with in-depth insights into the ancient Inca citadel’s scenic vistas and rich history.

With an expert guide leading the way, guests will discover the significance of iconic structures like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Main Plaza.

The guide’s commentary brings the site’s past to life, offering a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu’s role as a religious, administrative, and astronomical center for the Inca Empire.

This guided tour ensures a comprehensive and enriching experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aguas Calientes and Return to Cusco

After the guided exploration of Machu Picchu, visitors journey back to Aguas Calientes, where they can enjoy a leisurely lunch.

The return trip to Cusco includes:

Train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, arriving around 8:30 PM
Opportunity to explore Aguas Calientes and its local markets during free time
Scenic views of the Andes mountains during the journey
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, making the transportation seamless.

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Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Adventure

On the second day, guests are picked up early from their hotel in Cusco for the bus journey to Tintinco.

There, they’ll enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike to the Rainbow Mountain entry point. The guide provides insights into the mountain’s formation during the trek.

At the summit, travelers have free time to explore and take photos of the stunning, multicolored landscape.

After, they return to Tintinco for a delicious buffet lunch in a picturesque restaurant.

The relaxing journey back to Cusco completes the adventure, with drop-off near the main square in the early evening.

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Breakfast and Hike to Rainbow Mountain

After an early pickup from their Cusco hotel, guests travel by bus to Tintinco, where they enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning the hike to the Rainbow Mountain entry point.

The guided hike provides insights into the mountain’s unique geological formation. The journey offers:

Scenic vistas of the Andean landscape
Opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions
Challenges of the high-altitude trek
Rewarding views upon reaching the Rainbow Mountain summit
Free time to take photos and explore the area

Following the hike, guests return to Tintinco for a delicious buffet lunch in a picturesque restaurant before the relaxing journey back to Cusco.

Exploring Rainbow Mountain

Upon reaching the Rainbow Mountain, visitors are awestruck by the vibrant hues of the mountain’s striped layers.

The guided hike provides insights into the geological formation of this natural wonder. Visitors can explore the mountain’s peaks, take in the panoramic vistas, and capture stunning photographs of the multicolored landscape.

After the hike, a well-deserved buffet lunch is served in a picturesque restaurant, allowing travelers to refuel and reflect on the morning’s adventure.

The journey back to Cusco is a relaxing one, with the early evening arrival ensuring ample time to unwind after an eventful day.

Return to Cusco

With the Rainbow Mountain adventure complete, the tour group now sets off on the relaxing journey back to Cusco.

The return trip includes:

A scenic drive through the Andes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

A scenic drive through the Andes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
A stop for a buffet lunch at a picturesque restaurant in Tintinco, allowing the group to refuel and enjoy the local cuisine.
Comfortable transportation, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free ride back to Cusco.
Arriving in Cusco in the early evening, providing ample time for participants to explore the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife.
Convenient hotel drop-off, ensuring a seamless end to the two-day adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gratuities for the Guide and Driver Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include gratuities for the guide and driver. Participants are expected to tip them at their own discretion based on the quality of service provided during the 2-day tour.

What Level of Fitness Is Required to Complete the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain requires a moderate level of fitness. It’s a strenuous uphill trek, but the guide’s pace allows most participants to complete it. Those with some hiking experience will find the hike manageable.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking, and the operator will make the necessary arrangements to cater to those needs.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Train Tickets to a Higher Class?

Yes, travelers can upgrade their train tickets to a higher class, such as the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, for an additional fee. This provides more comfort and amenities during the journey to and from Machu Picchu.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Destinations in the Sacred Valley?

The tour can be extended to include additional destinations in the sacred valley, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray. Travelers can inquire about customizing the itinerary to fit their interests and preferences.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Cusco offers an unrivaled opportunity to experience two of Peru’s most breathtaking destinations. Travelers will explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, capturing stunning photos and seeing the country’s rich cultural heritage. With round-trip transportation, guided visits, and select meals included, this tour provides a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: