Peru · Hiking

5-Day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour with Rainbow Mountain

5 Days Round trip from Cusco Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Embark on scenic hikes to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake
02 Discover the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu and its diverse architecture
03 Marvel at the pre-Inca salt mines and the unique 'Greenhouses of the Incas'
04 Delve into the vibrant culture of Pisac through its bustling market and traditional crafts

Discover the Sacred Valley tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills north of Cusco. Explore a region long home to attractive colonial towns, isolated weaving villages, handicraft markets, and lofty 10th- and 11th-century Inca citadels of Urubamba. Visit remarkable sites such as Sacsayhuamán, the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake on this 5-day tour.

Discover the Sacred Valley tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills north of Cusco.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ausangate, Salcantay, Urubamba, Písac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Cusco Arrival and City Tour

Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. Take the remainder of the morning to acclimatize.
Visit the Koricancha Inca Temple.
Proceed to see the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship centre of the Sun God.
Continue to the unmatched and mesmerizing archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán and its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city.
Explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay, located in the north-east of the city. Return to your hotel in Cusco by early evening.

Day 02

Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo

Pick-up from the hotel at 07:00. Navigate through the hairpin bends and stop at the classic viewpoint of the Urubamba Valley, with crops dressing the mountains like a carpet.
Explore the colourful market of Pisac. Enjoy free time to interact with the local artisans or purchase their handmade souvenirs.
Enjoy the great and unique ancient tombs, terraces, watchtowers, and religious areas in the Inca Fortress.
Continue to the village of Urubamba for lunch.
Visit the archaeological site of Moray, also known as 'The Greenhouses of the Incas', which is an evolutionary bowl of ecological difference.
Continue to the colonial town of Maras. Descend on a hike to the pre-Inca salt mine, where thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction.
See the hot spring at the top of the valley, which discharges a small stream of heavily salt-laden water. This water is then diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt used for human and animal consumption.
Drive to Ollantaytambo to explore the Inca village and the massive Inca ruins.
Take a train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night at the hotel there.

Day 03

Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco

Take the first bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Visit the Citadel of the Incas and explore the ruins and the diverse main streets. Wander around the town squares of the world's spiritual centre of esoteric wisdom. Climb the intricately carved stone stairways.
If you wish to indulge in any of the following activities on your own, you can do so (not included in the price):
- Climb Huayna Picchu - appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. (additional fee)
- Climb Machu Picchu Mountain - appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. (additional fee)
- You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. (No additional fee)
Descend to Aguas Calientes and have a leisurely lunch.
Take the train to Cusco, stopping at Ollantaytambo Station. Board the private van back to Cusco for an overnight stay.

Day 04

Rainbow Mountain Hike from Cusco

Pick-up from the hotel at 04:00. Drive through the south valley, ending at the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m).
Enjoy the amazing views en route of farming Inca terraces, valleys, and rocky mountains.
Begin your hike and witness herds of alpacas and llamas. You will also get a view of Ausangate Mountain.
Hike through different villages and interact with the locals there.
Reach Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m) after a 2-3 hour hike. Explore the area and soak in the surrounding beauty and serenity.
Hike back down (2 hours). Embark on a 3-hour drive back to Cusco and get transferred to your hotel.

Day 05

Humantay Lake Hike and Scenic Return

Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 05:30 and drive to the trailhead of Soraypampa, located in the lush valley of the Apurímac River. Enjoy breakfast prepared by our professional chef.
Hike along a path as you gain altitude. Reach a tiny village and then continue your ascent.
Conquer the last hill and gaze down on a turquoise lake below, surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier.
See the Salkantay Mountains, one of Peru's most sacred mountain ranges, in your surroundings. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 19,412 feet, is also within view.
Reach the shore of Humantay Lake and relax. Enjoy snacks and the views.
Descend to Soraypampa and take the van to Mollepata.
Have a hot lunch while enjoying panoramic views of the snowy peaks. Drive back to Cusco and get transferred to your hotel.