Inca Journey – Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour 2026
Inca Journey – Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain Tour 2026
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Distance: 164 km / 101 miles
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Duration: 4 days 3 nights
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Depart: From Cusco or the Sacred Valley
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Destination: Machu Picchu & Vinicunca
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Considered: Moderate
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Type: Adventure – Cultural – Hiking
Tour Gallery
Tour Plan
DAY 1: CUSCO
Briefing at 3:00pm.
- Optional Activities: Cusco: Pick up Airport - USD17. Cusco: Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological. sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN130. Cusco: Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN70. Cusco: Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN25. Cusco: Coricancha Temple entrance fee - PEN15. Cusco: Cooking Class - USD45. Cusco: Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20. Cusco: Inca Museum - PEN10. Cusco: Machu Picchu Museum & Botanical Garden - PEN20.
- Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.
Important Information: Cusco is located at 3’350 masl (11’000 fts) you should be acclimatized at least 2 days. As this tour doesn't involve much time in Cusco, this will also give you a chance to choose some of the optional places available. The closer places to Cusco for stay and acclimatized are on the Sacred Valley at 2’800 masl (9’186 fts)
Please ask for our Tailor made tours for our Hotel offers on the Sacred Valley.
DAY 2 - SHORT INCA TRAIL: CUSCO (3’350 MASL) - KM104 (2’170MASL)
We will pick you up from your hotel in the early morning and take you to the train station. Your fully-guided hike will begin at Km 104 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad.
During this beautiful short trek, you will experience spectacular high forest scenery dominated by snow-capped peaks, and there will be plenty of time to visit the picturesque Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. You will have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, or Intipunku, high above the Inca city.
Forty minutes later, we will arrive at Machu Picchu, from where we will continue the descent to the small town of Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night).
- Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU (2’400 MASL) - CUSCO (3’350 MASL)
Today will be devoted to your guided tour of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas rediscovered in 1911. Our experienced and knowledgeable guide will escort you as you visit the site’s temples and palaces and explore its residential and agricultural areas.
Other options on this second day of short inca trail include scaling the mountain known as Huayna Picchu or visiting Machu Picchu Mountain, before the return trip to Cusco by train.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night).
- Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch.
DAY 4: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and set off in our private vehicle, heading southeast in the direction of Puno. After a journey of around 3 hours and thirty minutes, taking us through the typical high Andes scenery of the Cusco region, we will arrive at our first viewing point, with its fine vista of the rainbow-colored mountain peak.
From here, the brief ascent on foot to view the rainbow mountain more closely is not a difficult walk. The ascent is gradual, along a good trail through pastureland, with spectacular views of Mount Ausangate and other mountains of the Andes.
However, the altitude may affect some walkers, during the gradual climb from 4787 m / 15,705 feet to 4891 m / 16,046 feet.
- Accommodation: Hotel (1 night).
- Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch.
What's Included
- Meals, unless expressly states
- Professionally guided tour
- Hotel 3 Nights.
- Meals 3 Breakfast and 3 Lunches.
- Transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike and back to your hotel.
- Inca Trail permit and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Round trip train tickets in Expedition service from Ollantaytambo and back to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
- Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on the first day, and round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for the second day.
- Expert tour guide fluent in English. Our guides are equipped and trained to practice First-Aid and administer oxygen if needed.
- On the SECOND day, we will provide you with a box lunch and then we will have dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes. The next day, your breakfast will be included at the hotel.
- Rainbow mountain entrance ticket
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to guide and driver
- Flight tickets.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Trekking poles (can be rented from us).
- Tips.
- Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes (optional).
Travel Info
Additional Information
- Perfect for: Everyone who wants to experience this world-famous inca trail to machupicchu, but does not have the time to hike the 4 days inca trail or prefers not to camp. Especially good for older couples, people who don’t want to hike a lot or families with little children and Travelers looking for a short, challenging hike in a remote area of Cusco Province to visit a one of a kind mountain.
- Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
- Level: Moderate, depending on fitness level
- Limited spaces: Yes. To protect the historic trail to machupicchu, the number of people allowed to hike the 2 days inca trail each day is limited to 250. For this reason, you should reserve your spot as soon as possible. During the high tourist season from April to September, permits can sell out 5-7 months in advance.
- Acclimatization: Please allow a minimum of 2 days in Cusco before your hike begins. It is not necessary if you are coming from places 2,000 m or 7,000 ft. high.
Huayna Picchu:: If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, there is an additional fee of $75 USD per person for us to buy your entrance ticket. Spaces are limited, for information about this hike, please contact us.
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes:: After 4-day inca trail, some people prefer to spend the 4th night in Aguas Calientes instead of returning to Cusco right away. This can give you more time to enjoy the ruins of Machu Picchu, relax in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, and in general not have to worry about the time. This option is also good for those who want to climb Huayna Picchu but want to have some time to rest after the inca trail hike, so you can return to Machu Picchu the next day to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. Please contact us for more information about options and prices.
Vistadome Train: Our price includes a return train ticket in the Expedition train, however, if you would like to upgrade to the Vistadome train the price is an additional $50 USD per person.
What to bring:
- Original passport.
- Backpack to carry the most important.
- Trekking poles (or you can rent a pair from us 10USD).
- Trekking shoes or light hiking boots, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
- Bathing suit (if you would like to enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
- Camera and extra batteries.
- Rain jacket and plastic poncho (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March).
- Comfortable hiking clothes.
- Bug repellent.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Cap for the sun.
- Toilet paper.
- 1 liter of water per person minimum.
Information
- Destination: Peru
- Style: Group Tour
- Theme: Excursions & Trekking
- Code: IJM
- Physical level: Standard
- Recommended Age: Min 15
- Group size: Min 2, Max 8
Why would you like to choose this Inca Journey to Machu Picchu 4 days tour?
- Perfect for everyone who wants to experience this world-famous hike, but does not have the time to hike the classic inca trail or prefers not to camp. Especially good for older couples, people who want not hike a lot or families with little children.
- Limited Spaces, to protect the historic trail, the number of people allowed to hike the 2-Day Inca Trail each day is limited to 250. For this reason, you should reserve your spot as soon as possible. During the high tourist season from April to September, permits can sell out 5-7 months in advance.
- Acclimatization, you have to allow a minimum of 2 days in Cusco before your hike begins. It is not necessary if you are coming from places 2,000 m or 7,000 ft. high.
Is this Machu Picchu tour package exactly for me?
- For those who prefer to experience a shorter trek before visiting the Inca city of Machu Picchu, this is the perfect option!
- There is no official restriction on the age limit for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or other treks in Peru.
- As a responsible trekking and hiking company we recommend that children under 9 years of age should not hike Inca Trail. 12 years is a better age to do the Inca Trail. Also, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
- If you want to explore the peruvian mountains with plenty of time to enjoy and photograph the spectacular scenery of the Valley and surrounding peaks this is for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q: What is the Inca Journey Tour?
A: The Inca Journey Tour is an immersive adventure taking you through the historic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Q: What is included in the tour package?
A: Our package includes guided tours, transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Q: What fitness level is required for the Inca Journey Tour?
A: The tour involves moderate trekking, so participants should be in good physical condition. Regular physical activity prior to the journey is recommended.
Q: Do I need to acclimatize before the tour?
A: Acclimatization is essential due to the high altitudes involved. Arriving a few days early in Cusco is recommended to adjust to the elevation.
Q: What is the best time to take the Inca Journey Tour?
A: The ideal time is during the dry season, from April to September, when weather conditions are favorable for trekking and enjoying the panoramic views.
Q: How can I book the Inca Journey Tour?
A: Booking can be done through our website or by contacting our customer service. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
