Inca Trail to Rainbow Mountain Holiday

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Midscale

On this tour, you not only have the opportunity to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu, but you'll also get to experience the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain. The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu features impressive Inca ruins, stunning mountain vistas, lush subtropical flora, and remarkable ecological diversity. The “Ancient Inca Road” winds through Machu Picchu National Park and leads you through the Sun Gate, offering unforgettable views of Machu Picchu! You'll traverse cloud forests before entering subtropical vegetation. This trek is designed for those with limited travel time who still want to experience a portion of the Historic Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. On the final day, you'll hike to Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru's most popular attractions due to its vibrant sandstone mountains.

Private service is available for $100 USD more per person.

Hiking and Trekking

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Visit the Rainbow Mountain

Hike to Rainbow Mountain, renowned for its strikingly colorful sandstone formations

Machu Picchu Sunrise

Behold the history and beauty of this iconic location

Diverse Ecological Landscapes

As you trek, you'll pass through cloud forests and lush subtropical vegetation

Route details

We start this exciting day early; the guide will pick you up at 5:30am. When you arrive at the train station, you will receive a lunchbox to add to your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included). Your hotel can provide a picnic breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast.

Get off the train at the famous Km104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half is a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. You will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

Meals included: Box lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: 3* Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate.
You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 2650 m.s.n.m.

Accommodation

Comfort

Midscale

Hotel

2 nights

Hotel single supplement: 3* – $40 USD

PRICES:
$577 USD per person without hotels
$647 USD per person with 2 nights 3* hotels
$752 USD per person with 2 nights 4* hotels

Hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

briefing at our office with your guide;
professional guide for three days;
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo;
Inca Trail permits;
entrance to Machu Picchu;
2 nights hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom, wifi and breakfast (This applies if you are paying the price which include hotels);
meals a indicated on the itinerary;
bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu -Aguas Calientes;
personal assistance;
Rainbow mountain trek with all entrances and meals included.

Extras

flights;
hotel optional upgrades tp 4* or 5* hotels;
Huayna Picchu Tickets: $75 USD per person;
upgrade to Vistadome: $67 USD per person (Return only Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Cusco);
tips for your guide.

Huayna Picchu Mountain is a optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

Group size

From 2 to 8 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights

It's important to know

What you have to take with you for the Trek ?

In your daypack for the Trail, you should have:

Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Toilet paper
Jacket if cold season
Waterproof gloves – rainy season
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Wool hat if cold season
Rain gear – rainy season
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
Rain poncho
Camera
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Valuables

In your duffel that will be sent by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:

A change of clothes for visiting Machu Picchu the next day
Personal toiletries
Personal medications
Battery chargers

THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trail your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.

University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is no. Once the tickets for the Inca Trail have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.

In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you bring a warm jacket for early morning and rain poncho in case of a rain shower.

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

The Trail does not include extra porter. You will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek.