Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6-day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour Accommodation for 5 nights in 3-star hotels (double occupancy rooms) Some meals: Buffet lunch on Day 2, breakfast and box lunch on Day 4 Ground transportation Airport transfers Entrance fees Train and bus tickets Machu Picchu admission ticket A caving/spelunking experience (equipment provided) Not included: Flights Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Personal expenses Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour is suitable for people with a reasonably good level of fitness. Most days involve light to moderate activity such as walking tours, sightseeing, and short explorations at altitude. The caving/spelunking experience is also manageable, with about an hour inside the cave using provided equipment. The most physically demanding part is the Rainbow Mountain hike, which takes around 1.5 hours uphill, reaching over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) in altitude. The high altitude makes this day more challenging, even though the distance itself is not long. As long as you’re comfortable being active for a few hours a day and prepared for altitude, you’ll be good to go. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Machu Picchu hiking tours here!

What do I need to bring?

Personal gear: Backpack Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Quick-dry towel Battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking) Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Extra snacks Cash Camera — optional (but recommended) Clothing: Hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) Dry-wicking t-shirts Hiking pants Undergarments Hiking socks Fleece jacket Warm down jacket Rain jacket and pants Sun hat Wool hat Headlamp Waterproof gloves Waterproof jacket/rain poncho High quality sunglasses Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8 :1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants . A Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Adjusting to the altitude

The city of Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level so you may feel slightly ill or dizzy due to altitude sickness, known as “soroche”. A few tips on dos and don’ts for acclimatizing in Peru: Do not eat heavy food the day before traveling to Cusco. Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of water the days before your trip and during your stay in Cusco. Once you arrive at your hotel, lie down a few minutes before going out to explore the city. Once you are ready to go out and explore the city, try not to become agitated climbing stairs or walking fast. The best thing is to enjoy every corner of Cusco with calm and respect.

Is a single occupancy room available?

A single occupancy room is not available on this Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour is Cusco . To get there, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) . From there, you’ll be transported to the hotel in Cusco (included in the price). You will meet your guide at the hotel in Cusco on Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

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CUSCO | PERU

Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Caving: Hiking Adventure in Peru

6 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,200 ()

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Six days, one rule: we’re not doing Peru halfway. We start in Cusco, taking it slow while the altitude does its thing and the city pulls us into its Inca-meets-Spanish rhythm. Then we drop into the Sacred Valley, where terraces stack like amphitheaters and every turn feels cinematic. Machu Picchu? We don’t rush it, we earn it. And just when you think you’ve seen the headline acts, we flip the script. We go underground into caves, cross a handwoven bridge that’s been rebuilt for centuries, and climb to Rainbow Mountain where the earth shows off a little. Come for the icons, stay for everything you didn’t see coming!

Roland

Adventure Highlights

Bucket list, but better: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, all the heavy hitters done properly
From caves to cloud cities: Go spelunking into hidden caves, cross an Inca bridge, then stand above the Andes at 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
Easy logistics: Lodging, transfers, permits, and expert guides are in place, we just show up and get after it

Duration

6 days

Season

April through November

Group size

Up to 18 people

Accommodation

Comfort: 3-star hotels

The adventure, day by day

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This 6-day adventure is how we experience Peru beyond the obvious. We move through Cusco and the Sacred Valley at a pace that lets it sink in, then arrive at Machu Picchu ready to actually appreciate what we’re looking at. Along the way, we mix in moments most trips skip. We explore hidden caves, cross a centuries-old handwoven bridge, and hike high into the Andes to Rainbow Mountain. With transport, guiding, and key logistics taken care of, we’re here for the good stuff. Big days, bigger views, and stories that don’t sound made up when we tell them later.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and city exploration

Upon arrival in Cusco city, we’ll settle in with a private transfer to our hotel, giving us time to adjust to the altitude before heading out to explore. With our guide, we walk through the historic heart of the city, starting at Plaza de Armas and continuing to Qoricancha, the former Inca Temple of the Sun. We then wander the cobbled streets of San Blas, known for its artisan vibe and views over the city, soaking in the mix of Inca and colonial history along the way.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco

Day 2: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes

We head out early into the Sacred Valley, stopping first at Mirador de Taray for sweeping views before exploring the terraces and ancient sites of Pisac. Along the way, we meet local artisans and get a glimpse into traditional crafts. After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, we continue to Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive Inca ruins, including the Temple of the Sun. In the afternoon, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we settle in for the night.

Meals: Buffet lunch
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 3: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

We take an early bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to experience the site at its best. With our guide, we explore the ancient citadel and its key landmarks, diving into the history and meaning behind this iconic place. After the guided tour, we head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where our transfer awaits to take us back to Cusco.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco

Day 4: Qeswachaka Bridge and Carañahui Cave

We leave Cusco early and drive south, passing high-altitude landscapes and Pomacanchis Lake before reaching the Qeswachaka Bridge, the last remaining Inca rope bridge still rebuilt by hand each year. After taking it all in, we continue to the entrance of Carañahui Cave, gear up, and spend about an hour exploring its underground galleries filled with stalactites and stalagmites. In the afternoon, we head to Cusipata for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusipata

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain hike

After breakfast, we drive to the trailhead and begin our hike toward Rainbow Mountain, climbing gradually through wide-open Andean landscapes dotted with llamas and alpacas. The ascent takes around 1.5 hours, reaching over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) in altitude, and at the top, we’re rewarded with the surreal colors of Vinicunca, set against the backdrop of Ausangate. After taking it all in, we descend back to the trailhead, return to Cusipata for lunch (at your own expense), and continue back to Cusco for the night.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco

Day 6: Departure from Cusco

Depending on your flight schedule, the guides will arrange a transfer from the hotel to the airport, marking the end of our time in Peru.

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Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Caving: Hiking Adventure in Peru

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Roland

Roland is a trekking guide & a tour leader in Peru for over 15 years now. He gained plenty of experience leading trips and expeditions throughout South America, and his favorite hike remains the Waqrapukara Hike! He has also founded the travel magazine Revista Viajes. Roland is the perfect guide for your South American adventures—apart from getting an authentic experience, Roland also focuses on helping local communities.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Carmen T

I always wanted to go to a mountain of colors, and I think it was the best choice, since I contacted them they gave me all the necessary information. The guide Kevin helped me on the walk, we went very slowly. When we arrived it was all beautiful. We stayed a long time. When we return we have local food for lunch. It was a great experience. I recommend this tour after knowing Machu Picchu

Emma Fenning

When I was in Peru, Rolend was the lead tour guide and he was the absolute best! Along with him, Juan Carlos led us on some tours with our driver Jimmy, and both were also fantastic. Very knowledgeable, and energetic about the tours and activities. These three made my trip amazing. The absolute best!

Evelyn Pacheco Ticona

The best Agency to visit Cusco and MachuPicchu, 100% recommended!

Show all reviews

Carmen T

Emma Fenning

Evelyn Pacheco Ticona

The best Agency to visit Cusco and MachuPicchu, 100% recommended!

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6-day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour
  - Accommodation for 5 nights in 3-star hotels (double occupancy rooms)
  - Some meals: Buffet lunch on Day 2, breakfast and box lunch on Day 4
  - Ground transportation
  - Airport transfers
  - Entrance fees
  - Train and bus tickets
  - Machu Picchu admission ticket
  - A caving/spelunking experience (equipment provided)
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  - Personal expenses
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
This Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour is suitable for people with a reasonably good level of fitness. Most days involve light to moderate activity such as walking tours, sightseeing, and short explorations at altitude. The caving/spelunking experience is also manageable, with about an hour inside the cave using provided equipment.

The most physically demanding part is the Rainbow Mountain hike, which takes around 1.5 hours uphill, reaching over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) in altitude. The high altitude makes this day more challenging, even though the distance itself is not long. As long as you’re comfortable being active for a few hours a day and prepared for altitude, you’ll be good to go.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Machu Picchu hiking tours here!
Personal gear:
- - Backpack
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Quick-dry towel
  - Battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking)
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Extra snacks
  - Cash
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Clothing:
- - Hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  - Dry-wicking t-shirts
  - Hiking pants
  - Undergarments
  - Hiking socks
  - Fleece jacket
  - Warm down jacket
  - Rain jacket and pants
  - Sun hat
  - Wool hat
  - Headlamp
  - Waterproof gloves
  - Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  - High quality sunglasses
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.
A Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The city of Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level so you may feel slightly ill or dizzy due to altitude sickness, known as “soroche”.

A few tips on dos and don’ts for acclimatizing in Peru:
- - Do not eat heavy food the day before traveling to Cusco.
  - Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of water the days before your trip and during your stay in Cusco.
  - Once you arrive at your hotel, lie down a few minutes before going out to explore the city.
  - Once you are ready to go out and explore the city, try not to become agitated climbing stairs or walking fast. The best thing is to enjoy every corner of Cusco with calm and respect.
A single occupancy room is not available on this Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour.
The starting point of your Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour is Cusco. To get there, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). From there, you’ll be transported to the hotel in Cusco (included in the price).

You will meet your guide at the hotel in Cusco on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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