Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain Tour

DAY 1: CUSCO  CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival to the cosmopolitan capital Cusco you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a short briefing then given the morning to acclimatize.  In the afternoon at 1pm, we will introduce you to the Imperial Cusco City.  Cusco’s history lives in its streets, squares, valleys and towns. You’ll find stunning destinations and examples of fine engineering by Inca stonemasons and living examples of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing our journey we visit the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace, the main worship center of the Sun God. Our discoveries continue at the unmatched and mesmirizing archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its military Inca architecture which dominates the city. Finally we  are introduced to the contrasts of the indigenous ancients Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay sites, located in the north east of the city. We then head back to your hotel in Cusco by early evening.

• Hotel in Cusco: Best Western  or Maytaq Wasin 3***

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Salt mines + Ollantaytambo)

We will pick you up at your hotel at 7;30am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac.  We drive first to the Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary which has a variety of Peruvian animals including a Peruvian Puma, and the great Condor, the national bird of Peru,  and then you are off to the mirador of Taray to enjoy a classic view of the Urubamba valley with crops dressing the mountains like a carpet. Onward, we drive to the archaeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. There we can admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and  the religious area of this important citadel. Here we will spend more than 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then we head back to the colourful market of Pisac, spend some time visiting it and then drive on to Urumbamba for lunch (not included)

With timeless charm we visit the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas” an evolutionary bowl of ecological difference. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are, and so they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops.

Expanding on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, ascending our hike downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine. Thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for human and animal consumption. Finally we drive to Ollantaytambo, to explore the age old and bustling Inca village and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide.  Here we spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.

• Hotel in Ollantaytambo: Tunupa lodge, Isky Hotel  depending on availability
• Meals:  Breakfast

DAY 3: CUSCO – 104 kms – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead we pick you up from your hotel by 5:30am, and drive you to the train station for the 6:05am train. A 1.5 hour free flowing train ride to 104 kms (2,100m/6,927ft) takes us to the beginning of our trek, where we cruise past the first checkpoint with ease. Afterwards we initiate a moderate climb for three hours to the chiselled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana. (2,650m/8747ft). As we view out with an open mind and heart, we embrace the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon, the ethnic wonder of ancient Inca sites, and we make our connection into the traditional four day Inca Trail. After being at one with this beautiful sight, we continue onward towards the Sun Gate (2,730mts/9,007ft). Following the ancient remote footpath we grasp onto our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic monumentality. As we move closer to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, you will feel her energetic vibrations of this spiritual capital. After time to take photos, we take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in our hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast hotel, Box Lunch & Dinner.
• Accommodation: La Cabaña Hotel 3*
• Difficulty: Moderate.

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Bursting with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the first bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, you can wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom, as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or you can stay still and find the peace within as you sit in the pure delight of the moment.  Finally, climb Huayna Picchu to appreciate the beauty and magnificense of Machu Picchu and the valleys below.

If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own you can (not included in the price):

• Climb Huayna Picchu – appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. (additional fee)
• Climb Machu Picchu Mountain – appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. (additional fee)
• You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. ( No additional fee)
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fee)

When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the Expedition train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station, where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel.

• Hotel in Cusco: Best Western or Maytaq Wasin 3***
• Meals:  Breakfast

Day 5: Cusco – Pitumarka – Qesiuno – Rainbow Mt – Quesiuno – Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure.  We set out on our drive through the South Valley, ending up at the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3 hours.  Along the way there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, valleys and rocky mountains.

Once we reach the train-head, we start off on our hike following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by the herds of alpacas and llamas. Continually you’ll have views of the Ausangate Mountain as we hike through different villages and interact with the local people who are still keeping the culture alive,

After a total hike of  4 – 5 hours, we finally reach our destination….the Rainbow Mountains (5,020m /16,466ft). After being awed by their beauty, you’ll have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just  soak up the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 2-3 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return.

We will embark on the 3 hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving between 8.00 and 9.00pm.

• Hotel in Cusco: Best Western or Maytaq Wasin 3***
• Meals:  Breakfast

Day 6: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

After having breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Cusco city then in the afternoon we will drop off at the airport to take your plane back to Lima.

• Meals: Breakfast