8-Day Peru - Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley,
Machu Picchu, & the Short Inca Trail
Overview
This privately-guided tour will take you through local Incan architectural sites in and around the City of Cusco, and then through the landscapes and Incan sites in the Sacred Valley. Later you'll hop the train to Aguas Calientes, hopping off partway to start your hiking adventure along the short Inca Trail, ending at the world-renowned Machu Picchu! Spend a day exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. You'll then head to beautiful Rainbow Mountain, where you will hike this stunning scenic trail in the Andes. Your private guide will be with you every step of the way, handling all the details and teaching you about the history and cultures of each location you visit! Explore Amazing Peru!
| Itinerary in Brief: | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Cusco |
| Day 2 | Cusco City Tour |
| Day 3 | Sacred Valley Tour |
| Day 4 | Short Inca Trail (day hike) |
| Day 5 | Machu Picchu Tour |
| Day 6 | Rainbow Mountain Hike (day hike) |
| Day 7 | Depart Cusco |
Detailed Daily Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco
Upon Arrival, you will be picked up at the Cusco airport and taken to our Cusco hotel.
You will have an orientation with your guide after settling in.
Accommodation: Local Cusco Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: - / - / -
Day 2: Cusco city tour
On this day, you’ll have a city tour of Cusco. You’ll begin with a guided walking tour of Cusco’s Colonial Cathedral and Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).
Afterwards, you will be transferred with your guide to the Incan architectural sites of Saqsayhuaman & Qenqo, followed by a visit to the Incan ceremonial sites of Pukapukara & Tambomachay
Accommodation: Local Cusco Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: B / - / - (meals can be included upon request)
Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour
Early morning departure for the Sacred Valley! Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and villages as you wind your way to the Inca architectural complex of Pisaq. Here, your guide will walk you through the site and provide an oral history of Pisaq.
Afterwards, you will meander towards the Incan site of Ollantaytambo! Here, you will explore the site and local market.
Accommodation: Local Sacred Valley Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: B / - / - (meals can be included upon request)
Day 4: Short Inca Trail (day hike)
Early morning departure for the Peru Rail in Ollantaytambo.
You will take the rail and, partway up to Aguas Calientes, you will hop off at the short Inca Trail trailhead. From here, you will start your day hike along the Inca Trail, soaking in the amazing views from the top of the Andes and visiting architectural sites along the way!
The hike culminates at the Sun Gate, where you come over the mountain to spectacular views down to Machu Picchu! You finish the hike going down to Macchu Pichu, and catching a bus down to Aguas Calientes.
Hike: ~7 miles, ~1600ft elevation gain
Accommodation: Local Aguas Calientes Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: B / L / - (meals can be included upon request)
Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour
Early morning departure on one of the first buses to up to Machu Picchu! Your guide will walk you through this renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will imagine life at the top of the world in this city in the clouds! Breathtaking views are around every corner!
After your tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you will jump back on the Peru Rail to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will be transferred back to Cusco.
Accommodation: Local Cusco Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: B / - / - (meals can be included upon request)
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Hike (day hike)
Early morning departure for the Rainbow Mountain trailhead, where you will hike to the beautiful site of Rainbow Mountain!
Hike: ~5.4 miles, ~2200ft elevation gain
Return to Cusco.
Accommodation: Local Cusco Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: B / L / - (meals can be included upon request)
Day 7: Salt Mines & Sacred Valley
Early morning departure for a scenic tour through Sacred Valley, a visit to the local salt mines, and a local weaving village visit.
Accommodation: Local Cusco Hotel (3* or better)
Meals included: B / - / - (meals can be included upon request)
Day 8: Depart Cusco
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco for your return flight home!
Tour End.
Meals included: B / - / -
Pricing & Inclusions
Cost Of This Tour
Costs are based on number of travelers in your group, time of year, accommodation and meals preferences, and availability. Please contact your Terra Forma Adventure Planner for quotes.
Inclusions/Exclusions:
Tour Includes:
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Bilingual private guide during the entire tour
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Spanish speaking driver (limited English) is possible
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All meals and accommodations listed
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All ground transportation and private driver
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Entrance fees for included activities
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National Park entrance permits
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Activities listed
Not included:
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Anything not listed above as included
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International flights
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Alcoholic beverages, beverages with certain meals may be additional
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Any additional or optional activities
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Travel & Medical insurance (required)
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Gratuities
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Personal expenses