Cusco Vacation Package – Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain (8 Days)
We have designed this eight-day package tour to offer you a delightful combination of stunning landscapes, from the Andes to the cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and the best of the region’s attractions on your trip to Peru, South America.
Cusco Vacation Package or Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain package is one of our exclusive travel packages.
We have designed this eight-day package tour to offer you a delightful combination of stunning landscapes, from the Andes to the cloud forests, ancient Inca ruins, and the best of the region’s attractions on your trip to Peru, South America.
Cusco Peru Vacation Package begins with a guided tour of the city of Cusco where you will be visiting the prominent Inca ruins. You will then have a guided tour of the Sacred Valley.
You will then embark on a hike on the emblematic Short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The trail is a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. It is dotted with some of the prominent Inca ruins.
You will be having a day dedicated to a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site, Machu Picchu. On this guided tour you will be visiting some of the prominent parts of the Inca citadel, including the main square or Plaza de Armas, remains of Inca royal quarters, ceremonial sites, and more.
Cusco Peru Vacation Package culminates with a full trek to the iconic Rainbow Mountains of Peru, Vinicunca Mountain.
We highly recommend that you book your Cusco Peru Vacation Package during the dry season, between March and November. You will have clear skies which will give you plenty of photo opportunities.
Why Machu Picchu Tours?
We are a fully locally owned tour operator and a licensed Inca Trail operator based in Cusco. Our guides are passionate about the history and culture of Peru. They have years of experience in hiking to Machu Picchu.
This is a high-altitude experience. Although our tour guides will be carrying oxygen tanks and coca leaves, It is highly recommended to spend 3-4 days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
Day 1: Cusco Hotel Transfer
Our representative will be meeting you at Cusco Airport on arrival and will be transferring you to your hotel in Cusco.
Cusco nestles at (11,151 ft / 3399 meters above sea level). It is imperative that you spend the first day of your Cusco Peru Vacation Package resting and enjoying the city while acclimatizing to the altitude.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 2: Cusco City Tour
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. The half-day tour starts with a visit to the Cathedral of Cusco. This was a Royal palace of Incas. On Spanish conquest, they took it down and built the cathedral.
We will continue the City Tour at Qorikancha. This was the most prominent and Sacred Site of worship for the Incas. Legends say that once the courtyard of the temple was full of statues made entirely of gold.
The Spanish rulers demolished the temple after conquering Cusco and built the temple retaining its basement.
Once you have had your fill of these two iconic sites within the city of Cusco, we will be driving you to the outskirts of the city. Here we will begin the tour at Sacsayhuaman. It is a massive fortress built entirely of massive stones each weighing over a ton. It is still a mystery how the Incas transported these stones here.
Our next stop will be in Q’enqo. This site was used for scarification and mummification of corpses.
We will then visit Tambomachay. This was more like a spa to the political elites of the Incas. There are a series of canals through which water from the nearby Timpuc river flows. Even today you will be able to see the water flowing through these canals.
We will then visit Puca Pucara. In Quechua, it means red rock. It gets its name after the color of the rock at sunset. This was the watch tower of the Incan military.
Ending the tour, we will be driving you back to Cusco city. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo, a block away from Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Sacred Valley tour and overnight in Ollantaytambo town
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport, we will be driving you to Pisac. Here we will begin the tour by visiting the traditional market. This is an ideal place to buy souvenirs.
We will then drive to Urubamba. This is often referred to as the heart of the Sacred Valley due to its centric location. Here we will be stopping in a local restaurant for a buffet lunch.
After lunch, we will be driving you to Ollantaytambo. Here we will begin the tour by admiring the beauty and architecture of the village. We will then be visiting the archaeological complex.
Our local expert will be sharing some detailed stories about the prominence of the complex. It depicts the Inca mythology.
We will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room in Ollantaytambo for the night.
Check out our Sacred Valley Guide
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Short Inca Trail Hike
Your epic 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience begins at 0730 AM, with a morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
We will be boarding the tourist train for an hour and a half ride to the trailhead, Km 104. The trailhead gets its name after its distance from Cusco on the way to Machu Picchu.
The train ride offers relishing views of the Andean highland villages tucked amidst the snowcapped peaks as it snakes along the course of the Urubamba river.
Once in Km 104, the authorities will be verifying your original passport against the permit. Make sure to carry your original passport.
Chachabamba
Our Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu begins with a visit to Chachabamba. It is an Inca ruin at 2150m/7053ft.
It is a notable site, the Incas used the stone altar here to worship their two prominent nature entities, Inti (Sun) and Apus (Mountain Peaks). Locals in the region often visit here to offer their gratitude as their ancestors did.
Our local expert will be giving you detailed information on your guided visit to the archeological complex of Chachabamba.
Wiñay Wayna
After soaking in history, we will begin with a gradual uphill hike to the most prominent site on the 2 Day Inca Trail hike, Wiñay Wayna. In Quechua, the name Wiñay Wayna signifies “forever young”. It is perched on a hilltop at 2650m/8694ft. Above sea level.
The archaeological complex features stunning Inca farming terraces. When Machu Picchu was inhabited, farmers here could not produce enough crops to feed everyone. They cultivated most crops in Wiñay Wayna to meet the growing demands then.
After an immersive tour of the complex, we will be stopping at the campsite here to unbox our lunch.
Sungate or Intipunku
After lunch, we will continue with an hour’s hike to Sun gate. You will get a panoramic view of Machu Picchu citadel from here. You will have plenty of time here to soak in the views and get an insight into the Incan history and Andean traditions with our local expert.
Once you have had your fill, we will begin with a gradual 45-minute descent to the exit of Machu Picchu citadel. We will be taking the 25 minutes bus ride down the hill to Aguas Calientes town.
We will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room in Aguas Calientes for the night. Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town, as it is locally known as gets its name after the hot springs here.
You can spend the evening taking a refreshing dip in the natural thermal waters here or simply saunter through the cobble-stoned streets rimmed with stalls selling souvenirs.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Box Lunch
Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour - Cusco
Early in the morning, we will be boarding the tourist bus for a thirty minutes ride up the hill to visit Machu Picchu.
The tour guide will be meeting you at the entrance of the citadel and will assist you in clearing the security control to enter the citadel. Please note that you will have to show your entrance ticket and original passport that you have used at the time of booking.
We will then give you a detailed two hours guided tour. During the tour, we will take you to the most important temples and enclosures. We will be visiting the remains of royal quarters, Inca ceremonial sites, sundial clocks, and more.
After the tour, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu on your own.
If you have booked to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, our guide will direct you to the respective trail head.
Please note that if you intend to hike to any of these peaks, we strongly recommend that you book well in advance. Just like the Inca Trail, you will need a permit to hike these peaks. Also, access is limited to 200 people a day.
Due to its overgrowing popularity, permits are sold out 5-6 months in advance. So do let us know at the time of booking.
After the full-day trip to Machu Picchu, you will be taking a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here you will board the vistadome train to Ollantaytambo train station. Here, our representative will be meeting you and will drive you back to Cusco. We will arrive in Cusco City at around 7:00 p.m.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6: Free day in Cusco
Cusco has plenty to offer! Whether it be adventure, culture, trekking or shopping! So take advantage of today to explore more about this beautiful city. We recommend a tour of the iconic, San Pedro Market.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain Trek
At 0500 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will then embark on a two hours bus ride through the South Valley of Cusco. Along the way, we will be stopping for breakfast.
From the starting point of the trek, it normally takes about two hours to reach the summit.
Apu Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain Peru nestles at 5100 meters above sea level (16732 feet). The hike up offers enhancing views of the beautiful landscapes.
You will also hike through Peruvian highland farms where you will get to see many llamas and Alpacas. You will get acquainted with the Andean way of life.
If you are not feeling keen on hiking, you can rent a horse. At the base camp, there are locals with their horses, you can negotiate a price and ride on one to the top.
From the summit of Apu Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, you will get a closer look at the Sacred Ausangate Peak. This is the tallest and the most sacred Andean peak.
Once you have had your fill of the Rainbow Mountains, you will start the descent to the car park. We will be driving to Ccolca for lunch.
After lunch, we will be driving you back to Cusco. We will be reaching between 0400 and 0500 PM.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
- Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8: Cusco Airport drop off
We will be picking you up from the hotel and will be transferring you to the airport.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
Depends on your flights arrival time
Price Includes
- An experienced & profesional Tour Leader
- 7 nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Cusco
- Breakfast every day, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Hot beverages like Coca tea or coffee
- Guided tour of all mentioned sites
- Sacred Valley, City tour ,Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain entrances fees
- Modern air-conditioned coach, mini coach or van
- Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Transportation – round trip train Tickets and bus to Cusco
Price Excludes
- Visa, Passport fees
- Flights
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (must be booked in advance based on availability)
- Travel insurance
- Walking sticks USD 8
- Tips for your crew (Optional)
- Any Private Expenses
Packing list
- Camera fully charged & extra batteries (batteries drain quicker in the cold)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Umbrella
- Entrance Fees
Cusco Vacation Package at a glance
- First Day: Pick up from airport to hotel
- Second Day: Cusco City tour (half day)
- Third Day: Sacred Valley tour and Overnight in Ollantaytambo town
- Fourth Day: Short Inca Trail Hike
- Fifth Day: Machu Picchu Tour & back to Cusco
- Sixth Day: Free day in Cusco
- Seventh Day: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
- Eighth Day: Transfer Out
Frequently asked questions about the Cusco, Peru vacation package
What does the Cusco Peru vacation package include?
This 8 day package combines guided tours of Cusco city, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, and a hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
What is the difficulty level of the trek and the recommended age?
The trek has a moderate difficulty level and is suitable for individuals over 16 years old.
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition to take this tour?
Yes, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as the trek includes walking at high altitudes.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
What is the best time to travel?
The dry season, from March to November, is ideal for this tour due to clear skies and better trekking conditions.
From:
$
- Affordable prices
- Expert guides
- Transport included
- Comfortable accommodation
- Unique cultural experience
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