Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day adventure through the heart of Peru, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. This journey offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature as you traverse rugged mountain trails, interact with local communities, and marvel at spectacular vistas. Every step of your trek is supported by professional guides and a dedicated team, ensuring both safety and comfort while immersing you in the rich Andean heritage.
Experience the magic of the Peruvian highlands as you explore iconic sites, from the mystical Rainbow Mountain to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. With a well-structured itinerary that balances challenging hikes and moments of relaxation, you’ll have ample time to savor the region’s unique flavors, traditions, and natural beauty. This adventure is thoughtfully designed to cater to various hiking abilities while promising an enriching and memorable journey.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Cusco– Pukutuni School – Pucaccocha
- Day 2: Pucaccocha – Condor pass – Alpaca pass – Sororni Lake
- Day 3: Soroni Lake – Rainbow Mountain – Kayrawiri – drive to Ollantaytambo and train to Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Machu Picchu & return to Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pukutuni School – Pucaccocha
The Rainbow Mountain Trek team from Travels to Machu Picchu will pick you up in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. You’ll enjoy a scenic three-hour drive to the trailhead at Pukutuni School. Upon arrival, indulge in a hearty breakfast and meet your locally based support crew—chef, porters, and horsemen.
After breakfast, embark on a three-hour hike to the village of Upis, nestled at the base of Ausangate Mountain. Here you’ll savor a freshly prepared Andean lunch. Refueled, tackle a 1.5-hour uphill trek to Vicuña Pass (4,850 m), pausing to soak in sweeping vistas of valleys, waterfalls, glacier peaks and grazing vicuñas.
The final leg of Day 1 is a three-hour walk to your evening camp at Pucaccocha, following crystal streams and alpine meadows. Your chef and porters will have dinner ready and tents pitched—just relax under the Andean sky and enjoy the tranquility.
Day 2: Pucaccocha – Condor Pass – Alpaca Pass – Sororni Lake
Rise early for a nutritious breakfast prepared by your Travels to Machu Picchu chef. Then ascend for two hours to Condor Pass (4,900 m), with magical views of Ausangate’s snow-draped peaks, sapphire lagoons, and the chance to spot llamas and alpacas grazing along the ridges.
Enjoy a gradual two-hour descent to your lunch spot, where a hot meal awaits. Post-lunch, undertake a shorter climb—about one hour—to Alpaca Pass (4,950 m), offering partial glimpses of Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant strata. A one-hour downhill brings you to the shores of Sororni Lake, your campsite for the night. Here, unwind and marvel at the Andean constellations.
Day 3: Sororni Lake – Rainbow Mountain – Drive to Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes
Spending the night by Sororni Lake means you’ll be among the first to reach Rainbow Mountain. After a warm breakfast and hot drinks from your team, set out on a two-hour uphill hike to the mountain’s base. Along the trail, observe herds of wild vicuñas against a backdrop of multi-hued slopes.
Upon arrival, enjoy unobstructed views before crowds arrive. Your guide will explain the mineral composition responsible for each color band. When you’re ready, descend for one hour back to the trailhead. Here you’ll say goodbye to your trekking team and continue with your dedicated Rainbow Mountain Trek guide.
From the trail’s end, it’s a four-hour drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have dinner in the old Inca town. At 7:00 p.m., board the train to Aguas Calientes, arriving in time for a hot shower and a restful night in a local hotel.
Day 4: Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Day 4 is dedicated to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Begin with breakfast in Aguas Calientes, then catch one of the first buses (starting around 5:30 a.m.) to the citadel. Your hotel will hold your belongings, so you only carry a day pack.
It’s a 30-minute bus ride to the site. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to Machu Picchu’s main sectors, first leading you to the optimal sunrise viewpoint for spectacular photos. Then enjoy a 2.5-hour walking tour that delves into Inca history, architecture, and culture.
After the guided segment, participants have free time to explore the ruins on their own or embark on an optional Huayna Picchu hike (advance booking required; sells out quickly; single-entry fee applies). Your guide will point out the trailhead and provide tips for the roughly two-hour round-trip climb.
We recommend departing Machu Picchu at least two hours before your scheduled train back to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will confirm train times in advance. The return train journey takes about two hours. In Ollantaytambo, the Travels to Machu Picchu staff will meet you at the station exit and drive you back to Cusco—a roughly two-hour ride—arriving in the early evening.
You also have the option to hike Machu Picchu Mountain instead of Huayna Picchu. This alternative is more challenging and requires a minimum three-hour round-trip effort (additional cost applies).
Inclusions
Included
- Professional Guides
- Briefing
- Porters & Horsemen
- Emergency Horse
- Transportation
- Equipment
- Food
- Water
- First Aid
- Extras
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag: $20
- Inflatable Air Mattress: $15
- Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
Before You Go
Data about Peru
Peru is a country of great cultural and geographic diversity, located on the western coast of South America. The official language is Spanish, spoken by the majority of the population.
Peru’s official currency is the sol (PEN), which is accepted throughout the country. Additionally, there are many currency exchange houses in the main cities and tourist areas, where travelers can exchange currencies such as the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, among others.
Peru is world-renowned for its rich cultural heritage, spanning from ancient Andean civilizations like the Incas to the Spanish influence that left its mark on the country’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Its economy is one of the most dynamic in Latin America, and Peruvian fashion, influenced by its textile traditions, has gained international recognition, especially for its alpaca and innovative designs using natural and sustainable materials.
The climate in Peru varies greatly by region: the coast has a desert climate, the Andean areas are cold, while the Amazon rainforest enjoys a warm and humid climate year-round. Each region has its own charm and is an invitation to explore not only the landscapes but also the cuisine, history, and traditions that make this country a unique destination.
Arriving in Cusco
The Cusco airport is exclusively equipped for domestic flights. Therefore, all international travelers must land in Lima and go through Customs. Although your flight to Cusco may be operated by the same airline and on the same day, you will need to collect your luggage in Lima and recheck it for the flight to Cusco.
Flying is the quickest and most comfortable option to reach Cusco, with several airlines operating this route. While LAN is usually the most expensive, it offers many alternatives and schedules to fit your planning.
Weather in Cusco
The weather in Cusco is primarily temperate and dry, with a rainy season from November to March. During the dry season, from April to October, daytime temperatures are more pleasant, but nights can be cold due to the altitude. Daytime temperatures typically range between 15°C and 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C or below.
Altitude
When booking a trip to Cusco, it is natural to have concerns about altitude sickness. Cusco’s altitude means that the air contains less oxygen, which forces your body to work harder to obtain the necessary oxygen.
It is recommended that you spend at least two days in Cusco before starting any treks in the Andes to allow your body to acclimate. Cusco is a fascinating city, full of activities, so you won’t be bored during your acclimatization period.
Altitude sickness can initially present with symptoms similar to those of a cold or hangover. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, sleep problems, and difficulty breathing during exercise. If symptoms worsen, it is important to contact our office so that we can assist you and arrange for a medical consultation.
Generally, the symptoms are mild, so it is recommended to take things slowly to allow your body to adjust. Stay well hydrated by drinking water or coca tea, which has been used for centuries to prevent the effects of altitude sickness. Coca leaves contain alkaloids that help oxygen circulate in the blood. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee, as they dehydrate the body. It is also important to avoid smoking and taking sleeping pills, as these hinder oxygen absorption.
Remember that the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even the fittest individuals can experience altitude sickness if they rush too much. Go slowly and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
Your doctor may recommend medications such as acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness, which you should begin taking two days before reaching high altitude.
Group Tours
Group tours may include people with varying hiking abilities and ages. When joining one of these tours, be prepared for the group’s pace to vary, as some participants may move faster or slower than you. Everyone can walk at their own pace, and the guide will work to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience. The groups may request some modifications to the itinerary, and the guide will make the best decisions to ensure everyone’s comfort.
Strikes and Protests
Unfortunately, strikes are common in Peru and can disrupt tour itineraries. Protests may block roads or halt trains. In the event that these issues arise, we will ensure that your itinerary continues as planned, even if this means departing earlier than expected. If it becomes necessary to cancel any tour, our operations team will contact you to coordinate the best possible solutions. The safety of our clients is always our priority.
Lost Items
You are responsible for your belongings throughout the journey. We recommend that you pay attention to where you leave your items and make sure to collect everything from our vans, camps, or restaurants. Do not leave your belongings unattended, as it is possible that other travelers may pick them up without knowing who they belong to.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an affordable and highly recommended option. Although trips are planned months in advance, there is always the possibility of unforeseen events.
Adventure travel carries a higher risk, so having adequate insurance will protect your investment. If you wish, we can help you contact an insurance agent who can advise you on the proper coverage.
First Aid
Every guide from Travels to Machu Picchu has been trained in first aid by medical professionals. We conduct annual training sessions to stay updated and prepared for any emergency. During the tour, each guide carries a first aid kit with basic medications, such as those for traveler’s diarrhea, as well as oxygen.
If you ever feel that you cannot continue the trek, our guides will know the safest and quickest way to get you to a place where you can receive medical attention. We will never leave you alone; there will always be a team member who will accompany you until you are in the hands of a doctor. If necessary, we will ensure that you can visit Machu Picchu at a later time and rejoin your group.
Environmental Impact
At Travels to Machu Picchu, we are committed to respecting the environment. We use biodegradable soap and take care of transporting all our trash back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to take care of the trails and collect any waste they may find from other groups. Additionally, we use eco-friendly portable toilets, which allow us to pack up waste and leave no trace in the natural surroundings. We believe in the importance of practicing responsible and sustainable tourism.
Packing List
Recommendations
- Waterproof Hiking Boots: Sturdy, broken-in boots with ankle support to navigate rocky, uneven trails.
- Layered Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece mid-layer, and a breathable, waterproof shell for changing weather.
- Insulated Jacket: A lightweight, packable jacket to keep you warm during morning starts and evening chills.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen to shield you from intense Andean UV rays.
- Rain Gear: A compact poncho or waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry during sudden mountain showers.
- Trekking Poles: Adjustable poles to improve balance and reduce strain on knees during ascents and descents.
- Hydration System: A refillable water bottle or hydration bladder to carry at least 2 liters of water each day.
- High-Energy Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars, or dried fruit for quick refueling between meals.
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for early starts, campsite navigation, and any unexpected delays.
- Camera or Smartphone: Extra memory cards and batteries to capture every stunning vista.
- First-Aid Kit: Basic supplies, including blister care, pain relievers, and personal medications.
- Ticket Vouchers: Printed and digital copies of your entrance tickets and train vouchers—no need to carry extra cash for these, as they are arranged for you.
- Local Currency Cash: Small bills for souvenirs, tips, or any personal expenses along the way.
Price
Join us on this unforgettable 4-day adventure along Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate and Machu Picchu for USD 750 per person. This price includes everything you need for a seamless and memorable experience: transportation, professional guides, permits, food, and more.
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of two participants. Gather your friends or family and embark on this incredible journey together!
Enquire Now
Thank you for considering Travels to Machu Picchu for your next adventure in Peru. To provide you with a tailored experience, we invite you to fill out our short form. One of our travel advisors will provide you with all the information you need to enjoy an unforgettable journey.
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