Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours

Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain

4 Days / 3 Nights from US $ 0.00
Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
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Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
PREV
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Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
PREV
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Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
PREV
NEXT
Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
PREV
NEXT
Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain
PREV
NEXT

Sacred Valley Tour, Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain

Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Physical Level
Easy
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Trip Style
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Max Altitude
Incas Expeditions Machu Picchu Tours
Group Size

journey beginning in the Sacred Valley. Your adventure starts with exploring the extensive archaeological sites in Pisac, then moves on to the intriguing ruins at Moray and Maras, and concludes at Ollantaytambo. On the final day, trek the last segment of the Inca Trail up to the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna. Rise early the next morning to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco on the same day. The trek to Rainbow Mountain will offer a unique and striking contrast to the landscapes of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Maras + Ollantaytambo)

Your adventure kicks off at 7:30 am when your guide collects you from your Cusco hotel in a private van. We head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning with a stop at the Mirador of Taray for expansive views of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming communities. Witness how agriculture has remained relatively unchanged for over 500 years. We proceed to the archaeological site of Pisac to explore its impressive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs, intricate farming terraces carved into the mountainside, Inca tunnels, and the significant religious sector of this citadel. We’ll spend around 2 hours here before heading to the vibrant Pisac market for a brief 20-minute visit, followed by a drive to Urubamba for lunch (not included).

Next, we visit the intriguing site of Moray, also known as the “Greenhouse of the Incas.” This deep basin, with its terraced levels, was ingeniously constructed by the Incas to experiment with varying microclimates and optimize crop growing conditions.

We then continue to the colonial town of Maras, overlooking the pre-Inca salt mines, or “salineras” in Spanish. Generations have utilized these salt pans since before Inca times. A hot spring at the valley’s top releases a salty stream diverted into pans for evaporation. This site is among the few in the world where naturally pink salt can be found!

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this well-preserved Inca village and its imposing ruins, guided by our expert. Visit the impressive Sun Temple atop the terraces and learn about its significance during the early Spanish conquest. Overnight accommodation is provided in Ollantaytambo, preparing you for the Inca Trail the following day.

2 Accommodation:* Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
3 Accommodation:* Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
Meals: Dinner

An exciting day begins early; your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 am. At the train station, you’ll receive a lunchbox for your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10 am, and you’ll enjoy over an hour of scenic views and breakfast (not included). You can arrange a picnic breakfast with the hotel or prepare your own.

Disembark at Km104, where your trek starts at 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level. After crossing the Urubamba River via a picturesque footbridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the nearby Inca site. The initial climb is gentle for the first hour and a half, with several viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River. Be prepared for various microclimates, including the possibility of rain. The next segment is a steeper climb, rewarded with a stunning waterfall!

After crossing the bridge below the waterfall, take time for photos before continuing to the spectacular Wiñay Wayna at 2,600 meters (8,500 feet). These ruins are partially obscured by dense jungle. Trekking through lush sub-tropical jungle, your guide will provide insights into the ruins and local flora and fauna. After a brief 5-minute walk to your lunch spot, enjoy a flat walk to the Sun Gate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu! The walk to the Sun Gate includes some steep stairs carved into bedrock. Once there, savor the panoramic view of Machu Picchu and take photos. The final 60-minute descent offers additional photo opportunities and views of important Inca sites along the way.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you’ll have time to capture more photos from the viewing platforms (Guard House) and enjoy the site in the afternoon light. Afterward, take the bus to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner, and explore the charming town, visit the hot springs, or simply relax after a thrilling day.

Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, box lunch, dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Distance: 12 kms (7.5 miles)
Time: Approximately 6 hours
3 Accommodations:* Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
4 Accommodation:* El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
Difficulty: Moderate

Leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station for direct transfer to Aguas Calientes.

This is the much-anticipated day! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. This spectacular sight is not to be missed! A two-hour guided tour will cover many significant areas of Machu Picchu Citadel.

Once you’ve taken in the stunning views, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you might have the chance for some last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at either 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, following the picturesque Urubamba River. The train journey offers views of beautiful whitewater sections and, if lucky, glimpses of Wiñay Wayna on the canyon wall. At Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you to transport you back to your Cusco hotel in a private vehicle, arriving by approximately 7:00 pm.

Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
Difficulty: Easy
3 Accommodation:* Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
4 Accommodation:* Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Private Collection

For those who have booked an extra hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain in advance, please note this will be a self-guided tour.

IMPORTANT:

  • Upgrades to the Vistadome Train are available for the same departure times (2:55 pm or 3:20 pm) at $67 USD.
  • Early trains can be arranged upon request and must be done at the time of booking.
  • The 2-day Inca Trail will follow circuit #3; additional circuits require purchasing a separate entrance to Machu Picchu for $55 USD (Circuit #2).
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike is subject to availability and should be requested at the time of booking.

We will collect you from your hotel at 4:00 am to embark on an incredible Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. Our journey begins with a 3-hour drive through the South Valley, leading us to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 meters / 15,216 feet). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Inca farming terraces, traditional villages, picturesque valleys, and towering Andean peaks.

As we approach the trailhead, you’ll be greeted by herds of alpacas and llamas around your breakfast spot. After reaching Llacto, our hike begins alongside a charming stream. You’ll be treated to views of Ausangate Mountain and its glaciers. Engage with local people who uphold traditional Quechua culture. Discover the significance of their traditional clothing and the different hats worn by the men. Feel free to ask your guide to teach you some Quechua words!

After a hike of about 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,020 meters / 16,466 feet). Here, you’ll have time to appreciate the stunning colors of the mountain and explore the area. Spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit, capturing photos or simply soaking in the view. There’s an optional 45-minute hike to the top of the Red Valley for a different perspective.

Following this, we will retrace our steps back to the trailhead, which takes about an hour. A delicious lunch prepared by our cook will be waiting for you.

We’ll then drive back to Cusco for approximately 3 hours, arriving at your Cusco hotel around 6:00 pm.

Meals included: Hot breakfast & lunch
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Inclusions

Included:

  • Sacred Valley Tour
  • 2-Day Inca Trail
  • 1-Day Rainbow Mountain Hike
  • Entrance fees to Inca cities and archaeological sites
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Three nights of hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom, and breakfast (only if you choose the package with hotels)
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • 2 hot meals at Rainbow Mountain
  • 3 Bus tickets: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Personal assistance

Not Included:

  • Hotel upgrades (optional)
  • Huayna Picchu Tickets: $75 USD per person
  • Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $67 USD per person (only return from Aguas Calientes to Poroy at 4:43 pm)
  • Tips for your guide

Note: The Huayna Picchu Mountain trek within Machu Picchu Citadel does not include a guide. It is usually done independently after your Machu Picchu tour. If you prefer a guided extra hike, please request it in advance. An additional cost applies for the guided tour.

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE:

  • Transfer from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
  • SMALL GROUPS: Up to 8 hikers
  • EARLY TRAIN: For return travel from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

What to Bring

For Your Daypack on the Inca Trail:

  • Original Passport (must match the booking passport)
  • Good daypack (smaller is better)
  • Water storage: 2-3 litre reusable bottles (avoid disposable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Fleece liner (if cold season)
  • Gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Wool hat (in cold season)
  • Rain jacket
  • Snacks (e.g., chocolate bars, cereal bars, dried fruit)
  • Rain poncho
  • Camera
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips
  • Valuables

For the Duffel Bag (to be sent to Aguas Calientes):

  • Change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next morning
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medications
  • Battery chargers

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
  • ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
    • The name of the university
    • The student’s name and photo
    • A valid expiration date
  • ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

  • The traveler is older than 25
  • The ID is expired
  • The ID does not have an expiration date
  • ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

PRICES:

  • Best Price for Sacred Valley + Short Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain:
    • $727 USD per person without hotels (Hotels must be booked independently)
    • $837 USD per person with 3 nights at 3* hotels (2 nights at 3* and 1 night at 2*)
    • $1,022 USD per person with 3 nights at 4* hotels (2 nights at 4* and 1 night at 3*)

Additional Information:

  • The 2-day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package is generally available, except in February when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. Join our group for the best deals!
  • Private service is available for an additional $250 USD per person.
  • All entrance fees are included, and we operate our tours in small groups, averaging 5 people with a maximum of 8.

 

 

DISCOUNTS

  • Ages 18 to 25: $30 USD discount. Please provide a copy of your student card at the time of booking, including the university name, student name, photo, and expiration date, for government approval.
  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD discount. Send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD discount. Send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
  • Hotel Upgrade in Ollantaytambo: $55 USD to 3* (4* not available in Ollantaytambo)
  • Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: $67 USD per person
  • Single Supplement for Hotels: $40 USD for 3* hotels and $60 USD for 4* hotels (depends on hotel selection)

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain trek within Machu Picchu Citadel does not include a guide. It is usually done independently after your Machu Picchu tour. If you want a guided trek, please request it in advance. An additional cost will apply for the guided tour.

Aditional information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

WELCOME TO CUSCO

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS sign at the arrival terminal. This service is available on any date that suits you.

THE BRIEFING

A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office, located at Calle Punacchupan 196, office 201 (second floor)

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or at your hotel during the trek.

HOW TO BOOK

To book your 2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek Package, complete our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or here BOOK NOW.

Please provide the following information for each participant:

  • Full name (as per passport)
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • Nationality

A deposit of $211 USD per person is required to purchase the Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, and train ticket. You can make the deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL icons on our homepage or booking page, or use the payment method of your choice: VISA or PAYPAL.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. ATMs are available in the historical center. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL, though a 5.5% service fee applies. For PAYPAL payments, log into your account and use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.

 

CHANGE OF DEPARTURE DATE

Unfortunately, once Inca Trail permits have been purchased, changes to the departure date are not permitted. The government does not allow any changes, and tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your 2-Day Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is not refundable.

ORIGINAL PASSPORT REQUIREMENT

Yes, you must bring your original passport, which should match the passport number provided when booking your Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, train ticket, and other reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu, and the train company will verify it before boarding.

If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us the details of your old passport to secure your permit. We can update your permit with your new passport number or name for a $25 fee per person. You must provide a copy of both old and new passports. If you prefer not to pay the fee, bring both passports with you to Peru; you’ll need to show both to enter Machu Picchu and board the train. They enforce this strictly.

TIPPING

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. It is a common practice in the tourism industry and motivates excellent service. Tip based on your satisfaction with the services provided, considering the quality and length of your tour.

SUSTAINABILITY

INCA EXPEDITIONS is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. We protect the environment, support local communities, and respect their culture and religion. Our staff is trained to understand and respect the local places and people.

Incas Expeditions

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