Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and trekking to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain are must-do experiences for any visitor to Peru. This 2-day, 1-night tour promises an unforgettable journey, providing hassle-free logistics and the opportunity to witness Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time traveler, this tour offers a chance to learn about the rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes that have captivated visitors for generations. Curious to learn more about what this incredible tour has in store?
Key Points
- This 2-day, 1-night tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, transportation, train tickets, and guided tours of both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
- The tour is priced from $644.00 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with the option to reserve without upfront payment.
- On the first day, the tour includes a 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, followed by free time to explore the iconic Inca citadel.
- On the second day, the tour includes a 2-hour hike to the multicolored Rainbow Mountain, with opportunities to spot local fauna and take photographs.
- The tour includes comprehensive services for both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, such as roundtrip transportation, professional guides, and essential hiking gear.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain is a 2-day, 1-night experience that costs from $644.00 per person.
The tour to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain is a 2-day, 1-night experience that costs from $644.00 per person.
It includes hotel pickup in Cusco, transportation, train tickets, and guided tours of both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
The tour provides the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
The total duration is 12 hours, with live tour guides available in Spanish and English.
Additional costs like meals not mentioned, travel insurance, and horse rental for Rainbow Mountain aren’t included in the package price.
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Day 1: Machu Picchu Experience
On the first day, the tour picks up participants at 3:30 am from their hotels in the historic center of Cusco.
After the 2-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo train station, they board a 2-hour train to Aguas Calientes.
From there, a 30-minute bus ride takes them to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
A 2.5-hour guided tour explores the iconic Inca citadel, allowing time to appreciate the landscape and take photographs.
Lunch is enjoyed in Aguas Calientes before the return journey by train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco, arriving around the evening.
Transportation and Logistics
After the Machu Picchu experience on the first day, the tour’s transportation and logistics come into focus. The journey continues with a 2-hour train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a 2-hour bus ride to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 PM.
On the second day, the tour departs Cusco between 4:30-5:00 AM for the Rainbow Mountain excursion. Travelers are transported to Tintinco for a buffet breakfast before the 1.5-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
After the 2-hour hike, the group returns to Tintinco for lunch before the journey back to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 PM. Transfers and transportation are included throughout.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Although the tour begins with an early 3:30 AM hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center, travelers then embark on a 2-hour bus ride to the Ollantaytambo train station.
From there, a 2-hour train journey takes them to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. A 30-minute bus ride up the mountain brings them to the entrance, where a 2.5-hour guided tour awaits.
Visitors explore the iconic ruins, marvel at the landscape, and capture photos during the free time. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, the return journey retraces the route back to Cusco.
More Great Tours NearbyFree Time and Lunch
With the guided tour of Machu Picchu complete, visitors now have free time to appreciate the stunning landscape and take photographs. This is an excellent opportunity to capture the iconic ruins from different angles and soak in the serene atmosphere.
| Activity | Location |
| — | — |
| Free Time | Machu Picchu |
| Lunch | Aguas Calientes |
| Photography | Machu Picchu |
| Exploring | Machu Picchu |
After the tour, visitors will enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the charming town of Aguas Calientes before making their way back to Cusco.
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Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Adventure
The second day of the tour begins with an early pick-up from the hotel in the historic center of Cusco, typically between 4:30 and 5:00 am.
The journey takes the group to Tintinco in Cusipata for a buffet breakfast before proceeding to the parking lot near Rainbow Mountain. After a 1.5-hour drive, the group embarks on a 2-hour hike to reach the stunning, multicolored mountain.
Along the way, they may spot local fauna like alpacas, vicuñas, and llamas. Once at the top, visitors can freely explore the landscape and capture breathtaking photos.
The descent back to the parking lot is followed by lunch in Tintinco before the return to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 pm.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain
After a 1.5-hour drive from Tintinco in Cusipata, where the group enjoyed a buffet breakfast, they arrive at the parking lot near Rainbow Mountain. From there, it’s a 2-hour hike to reach the stunning multicolored mountain. Along the way, hikers can spot local wildlife like alpacas, vicuñas, and llamas. At the summit, they’ll have plenty of time to take photos and explore the unique landscape. The hike back down is equally rewarding, offering panoramic views of the Andes. A well-deserved lunch in Tintinco awaits before the return to Cusco.
| Hike Details | Duration |
| — | — |
| Drive to Trailhead | 1.5 hours |
| Hike to Summit | 2 hours |
| Explore Summit | Free Time |
| Hike Back Down | 2 hours |
Inclusions and Important Information
This tour includes a comprehensive set of services and features to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.
For the Machu Picchu portion, the package covers hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, train tickets, and a guided tour with entrance fees.
For Rainbow Mountain, it includes roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, buffet meals, and essential hiking gear.
However, additional expenses such as travel insurance and horse rental aren’t included.
It’s important to bring your passport or ID, cash, and avoid prohibited items like alcohol.
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum or maximum group size. Group sizes can vary, but are typically small to provide a personalized experience. Travelers should inquire about the current group size when booking the tour.
Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Package?
There are some additional costs beyond the tour package, such as meals not mentioned, personal expenses, travel insurance, and optional horse rental for the Rainbow Mountain excursion. These are not included in the tour price.
Can We Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours offer more personalized experiences and flexibility, but they may cost more than the standard group tour package.
Is There an Option to Stay Overnight in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, there’s an option to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. The tour includes a 2-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have the chance to spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
Can We Extend Our Stay at Machu Picchu Beyond the Scheduled Time?
No, the scheduled 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu is not extendable. Guests are free to explore the site independently after the tour, but the return transportation to Cusco is fixed according to the itinerary.
The Sum Up
This 2-day, 1-night tour to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Peru’s stunning natural and cultural wonders. Travelers will marvel at the iconic Inca citadel, then trek to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, all while enjoying seamless transportation and logistics. Though meals and travel insurance are additional costs, this adventure provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.
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