Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain: Adventure in Cusco’s Treasures

Short Itinerary

Day 1: City Tour in Cusco

• Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
• Time to acclimate.
• Guided visit to Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Taray viewpoint, Pisaq, and the artisan market.
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
• Visit Ollantaytambo.
• Train to Aguas Calientes.
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 3: Full-Day Machu Picchu

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Bus to Machu Picchu and a 2-hour guided tour.
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• Train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain

• Early departure to Cusipata and breakfast.
• Approximately 1-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain.
• Time for photos and enjoying the scenery.
• Lunch in Cusipata.
• Return to Cusco and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: End of the Journey

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Free day for non-structured activities.
• Transfer to the airport at the scheduled time.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: City Tour in Cusco

• Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, Llasac Travel staff will be waiting to comfortably transfer you to your hotel in the city. After check-in, you’ll have some hours to rest and acclimate to the altitude. In the afternoon, we will begin the City Tour in Cusco, organized by Llasac Travel, with private transportation to the city center.
• Our first visit will be to Cusco Cathedral, located in the Main Square, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour to learn about its rich history and architecture. Next, we will walk to Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, where Inca and Spanish cultures merge.
• After visiting Qoricancha, we will head to the outskirts of the city. The first stop will be at Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Site, where our Llasac Travel guide will explain the significance of its impressive walls. Then, we will visit Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial site.
• To conclude the tour, we will visit Pucapucara and Tambomachay, where you’ll learn more about the Inca civilization and its history. After the tour, we will return to Cusco in Llasac Travel’s transportation, and once in the city, we will take you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest before the upcoming adventures.

Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes

• Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, organized by Llasac Travel. Our transportation will pick you up at your hotel. If your hotel is outside the city center, we recommend coordinating an additional transfer with Llasac Travel.
• Our first stop will be at the Taray viewpoint, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and take memorable photos. We will continue to the Pisaq Archaeological Site, guided by our Llasac Travel expert, who will provide historical details. After exploring Pisaq, we’ll visit the artisan market, where you can purchase unique souvenirs.
• Next, we will head to Urubamba to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant selected by Llasac Travel. After lunch, we will proceed to Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive archaeological center with our guide.
• At the end of the tour in Ollantaytambo, we will head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes train station, Llasac Travel staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
• At the hotel, you’ll have a meeting with your Llasac Travel guide to review the details of your Machu Picchu visit the next day. You’ll spend the night in Aguas Calientes, with all arrangements made by Llasac Travel to prepare for the exciting Machu Picchu experience.

Day 3: Full-Day Machu Picchu

• Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, organized by Llasac Travel. Next, the Llasac Travel team will take you to the Aguas Calientes bus station, where you’ll board the bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
• Upon arrival, you’ll enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and begin a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. During this time, a professional Llasac Travel guide will share the fascinating history and secrets of this iconic site.
• After exploring Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch organized by Llasac Travel to recharge after the visit.
• After lunch, we will head to the Aguas Calientes train station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, Llasac Travel’s private transportation will take us back to Cusco.
• Once in Cusco, Llasac Travel will return you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest after a day full of adventures and discoveries in Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Full-Day Rainbow Mountain

• Today, we will leave the hotel without breakfast, as the tour will start very early, fully organized by Llasac Travel. We will board our private transportation and head towards Cusipata, south of Cusco. The journey to Cusipata will take approximately 2 hours.
• Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast to prepare for the hike. After breakfast, we will board the transport again and continue for another hour to the starting point of the hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
• The hike will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the group’s pace. Upon reaching our destination, we will admire the impressive 7-colored mountain, where we’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the landscape.
• After enjoying the views, we’ll start our return journey at the appropriate time. We’ll return to Cusipata, where a delicious lunch will be waiting, organized by Llasac Travel. After lunch, we’ll return to Cusco.
• Upon arrival in Cusco, Llasac Travel will take you back to your hotel, where you can rest after a day full of natural beauty and adventure.

Day 5: End of the Journey

• Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, organized by Llasac Travel. You’ll have the day free for non-structured activities, allowing you to explore Cusco at your own pace or relax before your departure.
• At the scheduled time, the Llasac Travel team will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the airport, ensuring a comfortable and punctual transfer. Llasac Travel will bid you farewell, thanking you for choosing this experience and looking forward to hosting you again for future adventures.

Includes

• Tourist transportation for all excursions, provided by Llasac Travel to ensure your comfort throughout the trip.
• Professional guide for all excursions, guaranteed by Llasac Travel, to provide an enriching experience with detailed information at each site.
• Entrance tickets to all attractions, managed by Llasac Travel, ensuring smooth access to each tourist site.
• Cusco Tourist Ticket, facilitated by Llasac Travel, allowing you to explore the main attractions and archaeological sites of the region.
• Tourist train tickets to Machu Picchu, reserved by Llasac Travel, for a comfortable and stress-free journey to this iconic destination.
• Ongoing assistance from Llasac Travel staff, available for any inquiries or needs during your trip.

Does Not Include

• International flights, which must be independently managed by the client.
• Domestic flights, not included in the Llasac Travel package unless previously agreed upon.
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, which will be the client’s responsibility outside the meals included by Llasac Travel.
• Tips or additional expenses, which are not part of the package and will be at the traveler’s discretion.

Recommendations

• Appropriate clothing and footwear: Due to the region’s variable weather, bring comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, especially for Rainbow Mountain. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket for the morning and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
• Sun protection: At high altitudes, solar radiation is stronger, so carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.
• Stay hydrated: Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated during excursions. Altitude can lead to faster dehydration.
• Altitude medication: If you’re sensitive to altitude, consult your doctor beforehand and bring altitude sickness medication, especially for Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu visits.
• Passport and important documents: Make sure to carry your original passport, as it is required for entry to archaeological sites like Machu Picchu and for train transportation.
• Local currency: The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). It’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, although credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist establishments.
• Free time: If you have free time in Cusco, take the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace, visiting San Pedro Market, the Plaza de Armas, or local museums.
• Travel insurance: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and unforeseen events. While we have a prepared team for any situation, it’s always better to be covered.